So TDS2 never worked out for me at all 😔 let’s hope TDS3 goes much better~ hoping before the end of 2024 to have seen EXO, Dream, and WayV in concert I hope that’s. Not too much to hope for 😣

“I love you.” (Joji)

Anon Request: Joji with a childhood best friend who he's in love with but she has a boyfriend. The only thing that's stopped him is the fear of rejection.

Joji’s POV

I sat at the edge of the front porch steps chewing on my fingernails, a nervous habit I tried to quit multiple times but had no success in doing so. I couldn’t sit still, I couldn’t think…I could barely bring myself to eat this morning. I don’t really wanna do this, right? I thought to myself. No, I can’t. This back and forth battle between my brain and my heart was starting to make more sick to my stomach than I already was. If I leave right now, she’d never know I was here…now’s my chance to just forget this and go home. She hasn’t even responded to my text yet. I thought about going for a walk since the weather was meant for one. Not a cute little small walk, but one of those long hikes that take your mind off of something that by the time you notice you’re lost, you no longer are thinking about why you started walking in the first place.

I exhaled heavily and stood up with my back towards the door and the stairs. I took one step forward and began to walk away from the apartment complex slower than I thought I would, almost as if I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t make it very far until I heard a soft voice from behind me, “Joji?”

My heart came to a halt as I froze in place. Turning around quickly, I tried to wipe the worried look I had on my face and replaced it with a toothy smile, “Y/N! Hey…” I beamed.

“I’m sorry I didn’t read your message right away.” she heaved as I made my way over to her, “I was driving and there was a shit ton of traffic, but I had a feeling you were gonna be here so I came as fast as I could.”

I took ahold of her large duffel bag as she walked up the steps to the door and unlocked it in a rush. I held the door for her to walk in ahead of me and I shuffled into the foyer quickly behind her while the heavy door shut behind us. 

“How are you?” she asked smiling at me as we entered the elevator.

“Um…” I cleared my throat, “Pretty good…can’t really complain.”

I avoided her gaze and looked either at my feet or straight ahead, awkwardly.

“You sure?” she questioned, hugging herself due to the sudden coldness in the elevator.

“Yeah.” I chuckled, “I’m great.”

We reached her floor with a sudden jolt followed by a loud dinging sound. Y/N was brief to get out of the elevator, squeezing through the doors before they even had a chance to fully open. I trailed behind her light steps as she swayed flawlessly down the hall as she jingled her keys. We finally reached the end of the hall and were face to face with her door. Entering her large apartment, I set the duffel bag down on the couch as I shut the door behind me. 

“Thank you for carrying my bag.” she giggled, “I found it kinda heavy.”

“Yeah, it is a little heavy.” I admitted.

“Yeah, I stayed over at Kevin’s for a few days.” she spoke from the kitchen, as she was getting us some water, “His parents were in town and since he lives nearly on the other side of the city, he somehow convinced me to stay for a few days so I didn’t have to constantly go back and forth.”

The sick feeling washed over me again. Kevin. I looked at the picture she had of her with him on nearly side table, polaroids she posted of the two of them on her walls, pictures of them on her TV stand. I sat on the couch and tilted my head back, licking my dry lips as I shut my eyes tightly, I felt the room spinning.

“Here you go.” she practically whispered.

I jumped at the sound of her soft voice. I opened my eyes to see her holding a glass of water in front of my face. I lightly grabbed the glass and mumbled a quiet ‘thank you’. I took slow, small sips and placed the glass on the coffee table in front of me once the glass was half empty. Y/N sat next to me on the couch, her back against the armrest as she sat with her legs crossed, cradling her glass of water with the palms of her hands in between her crossed legs.

“Hey,” she searched for my gaze, “What’s going on? I know you said you were good, but you can’t really lie to me. You’re my best friend, I know you.”

For the first time in a little over two weeks, I looked into her eyes and took her features all in. She was fresh faced dressed in her cuffed overalls, her messy hair reminding me of the first time I had ever met her:

We were eight; I had just moved into the small suburban area that became my new home from Japan. I sat on my front steps squinting at the sunlight, trying to take in my new surroundings. Without noticing the frisbee that was being thrown at me to my right due to the sudden blindness of the sun, I was hit on the side of the head by the flying disk.

“Im sorry!” she shouted from the lawn next to mine, her small feet whisking through the uncut grass as she made her way over to me.

“Ow…” I mumbled as I picked up the frisbee that crash-landed next to my foot.

“Hi…I’m sorry…I wanted to be nosy and make it go over there but it hit you…I’m sorry.” she admitted, blushing from the embarrassment as she pointed to an area on my front lawn.

“It’s okay.” I said as I handed her the frisbee once she was stood in front of me.

She was beautiful, dressed in cuffed overalls and tennis shoes. She slightly squinted as she looked at me, her hand shielding her eyes.

“I’m Y/N.” she introduced herself, “We’re neighbors, I live right there. I’ve never seen you around before.” she pointed to the house right next to mine “…Do you wanna come over and play? I have an older brother so he’s probably into the cool stuff that boys are into.”

“Uh…okay…I have to ask my mom first, though.” I said confused, I wasn’t used to people being so open and friendly.

“Okay!” she smiled, “I’ll wait here.”

I opened my front door and prepared myself to go in before she asked, “Wait! What’s your name?”

“George.” I answered.

“Okay, nice to meet you George.” she smiled.

By the time we were sixteen we were inseparable. Movie nights were nearly every night, I used to hear our moms talk about us growing up and getting married and complain when we wouldn’t “give in” and date each other. At eighteen, newly graduated from high school, we decided to go on a road trip since we wanted to leave the dumbass suburb we were in. We made it a little over forty-five minutes out of town and the car broke down in the middle of the highway. I pulled off to the side of the road, not being able to see with the smoke coming from the from of the car. I looked over at her in the passenger seat and she looked at me wide eyed before clenching her lips together and bursting into a fit of laughs.

“I know I should not be laughing right now but I think we’re cursed.” she giggled, “We’re meant to be in the suburbs. This would happen to us.”

I let my head hit the headrest and laughed along with her. After a few minutes, I tried to get a hold of AAA but I had no service, and neither did Y/N, so we weren’t able to come into contact with anyone for the time being.

“We are literally being assfucked right now.” she groaned as she got out of the car and slamming the door behind her, “Come on, Joji.”

“We’re walking it?” I asked her.

“Well, duh.” she smiled, “We’ll be fine. I know where we are and once we get service, we can call our parents and tell them what happened. And we can get ahold of AAA.”

I got out of the car and followed her lead, staying as far away from the road as possible.

“How long are we walking for?” I asked.

“About an hour and a half, give or take.” she sighed as she kicked a couple of rocks out of her, “Depends on how fast we walk, slowpoke.” she joked, looking at me and smiling.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized.

“For what?” she laughed, “It’s just not our time to leave town yet, I guess. Plus, we’re getting a daily dose of exercise. We’ll be fine.” she shrugged it off.

An hour into our walk, the air smelled of rain and I felt a drop of water hit my forehead, “Shit.” I whispered.

“What’s up?” she questioned, looking over at me.

“It’s gonna rain.” I said before the drops became frequent and heavier.

Y/N grabbed my hand once she heard thunder roaring and we ran the rest of the way home through, what seemed to be, some sort of tropical storm. We reached my front steps and stood there panting for a couple of minutes before she burst out laughing once again. I looked over at her like she was crazy, but I saw her rose-colored glass view: shit like this would happen to us. She was drenched in water, her hair sticking to her face and her clothes dripping water. She took her shoes off as I unlocked the door, we bumped into each other, thinking we would fit through the doorframe together as we tried to get through.

We both took a step back, but we were still close enough that our fingertips slightly touched. I looked at her wet face and I moved strands of her damp hair out of the way and behind her ear, my heart felt like it was skipping beats as I felt a fluttering feeling in my stomach. She looked into my eyes, and without even realizing until the last minute, I noticed myself slowly moving in, our noses almost touching. Suddenly I took another step back and stuttered after I cleared my throat, “You-you can go on ahead first.”

What if she didn’t kiss me back? Or what if she stopped me? I can’t ruin our friendship due to my selfishness.. 

The fire in the fireplace was blazing slowly as Y/N and I sat in front of the warm flame huddled under a large fuzzy blanket together. I had lent her some clothes to change into so she didn’t have to sit in her wet clothes or get sick from being in her wet clothes too long. With her eyes glued to the fire and her small hands clutching some of the blanket, I looked at her somewhat frizzy hair, the strands glowing from the firelight. Her lashes were curled perfectly without the need of mascara, her eyes shining underneath them. She turned her head to look at me.

I swallowed hard, not knowing what to do. I had gone years without telling her I was in love with her for the sake of our friendship, yet here I was staring at her like it was the only thing keeping me alive. My eyes went from her mouth, back to her eyes. Again, I noticed myself getting closer to her like an absolute idiot. I shot up to my feet quickly, “I’m gonna go make tea.” I blurted out as I ran to the kitchen leaving her with the rest of the blanket.

“George?” her voice broke me out of my thoughts, “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know…” I breathed out.

“Is it that new girl you’re seeing?” she asked, confused.

“No. I stopped seeing her two months ago.” I answered, “I need to tell you something…and you don’t need to say anything or respond to it, but it’s been bothering me and I won’t stop hating myself until I let you know.”

She’s happy with Kevin, he makes her happy and that should be enough for me to see her content, and I know she will never feel the same and it frightens me to think that way but for the sake of preserving my mind, I need to tell her.

“Wh-“ she stopped herself, “Joji? What’s going on.”

I buried my face in my hands and rubbed my tired eyes before I turned my body to face her. Y/N had worry in her eyes, she seemed scared, and I knew that she would go from worried to disappointed if I told her.

“The last thing I ever want to do in this world is lose you.” I began, “You’re happy, and you have no idea how thrilled it makes me knowing that you have someone in your life that cares for you, but Y/N…I…I’m in love with you.”

As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I wanted to give my soul just to get them back. Y/N outstretched her arm to put her glass on the coffee table but she missed by a centimeter and the glass shattered on the hardwood floor. She looked like she was going to be sick.

“What?” she whispered, ignoring the mess on the floor.

“I have been in love with you…for years.” I whispered in a breathy voice. The lump in my throat returned and the feeling of nausea washed over me, but somehow I was feeling a weight being lifted off of my chest, “I thought that seeing other girls would take my mind off of me thinking like this but it did nothing…they’re not you. They’re not who I want to see first thing in the morning, they’re not who I want to spend days talking to…I can’t eat, I can’t sleep because my thoughts are keeping me awake and it’s not your fault…it’s mine for feeling this way but I can’t help falling more in love with you every time I see you. I search for you in every girl I meet and I fail to realize they’re not you, nor will they ever be you. I spent years hiding it from you, scared that you would reject me but I’m losing my mind keeping it a secret. I try to distance myself from you in hopes that I won’t love you anymore for the sake of our friendship but it doesn’t fucking work. Nothing works. What fucks me up more is that you’re happy with someone else, and I’m beyond happy for you, and I feel like I shouldn’t tell you because you’re happy and I don’t want to ruin our friendship, but I can’t…I can’t just keep this to myself anymore. I didn’t choose to fall in love with you, Y/N, it just happened.”

I felt a single tear slide down my face and I quickly wiped it with the back of my hand and sniffled as I got up off of the couch. I looked down at Y/N and she was stuck staring at the spot that I had just gotten up from, she had tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry.” I apologized softly.

“I…I just need some time.” she whispered, wiping her face with her hands.

I took it as my cue to leave. I drove home while my mind and heart battled each other, part of me regretted telling her but the other half felt relieved…but at what cost knowing that I lost my best friend.

Y/N’s POV (one month later)

I knocked on the newly painted front door with shaky hands, immediately mentally cursing myself at what I was doing. I tugged on the hem of my oversized jacket as I examined the eggshell colored door, I missed the light periwinkle color the Millers had before on their door. The paint before was beyond chipped from Joji and I peeling the paint off as kids, and what sucked more was that they discontinued the color at Home Depot so they had to settle for this somewhat crappy color. I heard shuffling footsteps approach the door, it was too late to run back next door now. I took a deep breath as I heard the doorknob twist. The door slowly opened and I was met with George’s mother, “Hi, Mrs.Miller.” I nervously smiled.

“He’s upstairs in his room.” she smiled warmly as she took me in for a tight hug.

“How’s he doing?” I asked in a low voice as I shut the door behind me, shoving my hands into my jacket pockets.

“Better…sort of. He doesn’t leave the room unless no one’s home or if we’re asleep. I’ll hear the door sometimes in the middle of the night but that’s about it.” she informed as she lead me to the stairs with her hand on my back.

She told me she was going next door to talk with my mother and I just gave her a slight smile and a nod. Going up the stairs made me want to throw up, the thought of seeing Joji after so long made me nervous and extremely embarrassed. I hadn’t called him or texted him in a month. I was angry, hurt, and confused. Why wouldn’t he tell me how he felt? We told each other everything, no matter how bad it was, but for the same reason I didn’t tell him how I felt. I was hurt for him as well…how could I have not known? If anything, I thought he didn’t like me. I tried making moves on him before and I felt like he’d rejected me on several occasions, or maybe if we had just communicated things without fear, we’d probably be okay, but it’s easier said than done. I’ve always loved Joji…but I thought it would never happen, and so I moved on.or tried to… I broke up with Kevin the week after George came to visit me. I had love for Kevin but I wasn’t in love with him, we would have arguments nearly everyday and he just wasn’t George. I didn’t know what to do…I was contemplating on calling Joji and I didn’t, I was scared and I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to be alone and have time to myself so I could think. So I went to the only place where I knew I would be left alone and away from everyone for some time: my parent’s house. Little did I know, Joji was next door doing the exact same thing.

I reached the top step and made my way down the hall cautiously. I felt like the hallway stretched out for miles as I walked towards Joji’s door. My breathing quickened, my heart nearly falling out of my chest as I finally stood in front of his door. I held my breath as I knocked. There was no answer. I sighed and placed my hand on the doorknob and entered his room. He was sat on his bed looking out his window with a notebook next to him. The walls were decorated the same: posters of artists, pictures of us and his family members, a couple post-it notes still lingered on the walls told me that they haven’t lost their stick. His room hadn’t changed one bit.

“Hey.” I said, trying to catch his attention as I tenderly closed the door behind me.

He turned around quickly, his eyes looking into mine. That’s when I felt it all over again: the butterflies. His hair was wet and I could smell his shampoo from across the room. He wore a gray long-sleeved shirt and a pair of sweats with some fuzzy mismatched socks to complete his ‘homebody’ look.

“I see you’re still a mama’s boy.” I lightly chuckled as I sat down in his comfy desk chair, “I can’t really blame you, I went home to my mom too.”

“Yeah…I know you did.” he said quietly, as he began moving to the edge of the bed, slowly, so that he sat across from me, “I could hear you crying most nights from my window.”

“Yeah…” I sighed in embarrassment, “I was doing some digging the other day while I was cleaning my old room…and I found some stuff.”

I reached into my jacket pockets, not taking my eyes off of his face. I was happy to see him well rested, but the ashtray full of cigarette butts told me he was stressed out of his mind. He stared at the carpeted floor blankly as I searched my pockets.

“Do you remember this?” I asked coyly, retrieving a gold locket from my pocket,”You gave it to me on my eighteenth birthday once everyone left my party.”

“I drove hours for that thing.” he chuckled softly, “You told me you always wanted one but the good legit ones were impossible to find.”

“Do you remember what you put in it?” I asked.

“A picture of us from when we were ten.” he answered.

“I’m a complete dumbass.” I spoke in an unsteady voice as I pulled out a small note from the same pocket with shaking hands, “I couldn’t get the locket to open the other night…I like looking in it when I’m sad but I couldn’t get it open ‘cause it was stuck. It’s an antique so it’s normal for it to get stuck sometimes, and every time it gets stuck, I’d open it cautiously. Well, I tried opening it the other night, and I broke my nail, so I got angry at the damn thing and I threw it at the wall…the picture fell out…and so did this.” I held up the note and I read it, “‘I choose to love you in silence…For in silence I find no rejection, I choose to love you in loneliness…For in loneliness no one owns you but me, I choose to adore you from a distance…For distance will shield me from pain, I choose to kiss you in the wind…For the wind is gentler than my lips, I choose to hold you in my dreams…’“

“For in my dreams, you have no end.” he finished the poem.

“Rumi…” I said, shocked that he remembered my favorite poet from the one time I told him when we were sixteen.

“I didn’t want you to find it, but part of me wanted you to. So I hid it behind the one thing that meant the most to me, inside something that was special to you.” he explained, “It was the only way I felt safe and comfortable telling you how I felt…even if you never got a chance to read it. People say that some things are better left unsaid, and I believed them, but I went crazy when I thought about how I’d have to live with feeling this way forever and not having you know, I just didn’t think I’d lose you in the process…but I can’t lose what was never mine.”

I took a deep, hesitating breath before I spoke, “I fell in love with you when we were sixteen, and every time I ran to you crying about a boy breaking my heart or hurting my feelings was because they didn’t treat me like how you did…they didn’t make me laugh like you did, they didn’t take care of me like you did…they weren’t you, George. I thought about how there were times that I almost told you how I felt…but my fear stopped me. And I can’t begin to imagine how you felt, and I’m sorry for that. Being older now means looking back at all the times we shared when we were younger…and I know that there were times were I felt like you were going to kiss me but you didn’t…but I know now why you didn’t…”

Joji looked down at his hands before he looked back up at me.

“But I really wish you did.” I admitted, “I found love in places where it shouldn’t have thought to grow because I was upset with the thought of being in love with someone who I thought didn’t feel the same way…I know that feeling of being rejected or feeling like you’ll be rejected, George, that fear.” I wiped my tears with the sleeves of my jacket.

I got up from the chair and put it back under the desk before I decided to face him again. I was slightly alerted when I saw he was standing now in front of me. He pulled me in for a tight hug and I gladly hugged back. To feel his warmth, his presence, just to feel him hugging me again after not seeing him for a long time made everything feel right again. I buried my face in his chest, taking in his scent as he rested his chin on my head before he kissed my cheek and hid his face in my neck. We were stood there for what seemed to be hours embracing each other. I rubbed his back softly and I finally whispered, “I’m still in love with you…I never stopped.”

Joji pulled away from the hug and smiled at me, “I love you.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and stood on the tips of my toes so I would be able to reach his lips. I stared at his lips as I bit mine thinking about how I’d been waiting to kiss him for the longest time.

“Are you gonna kiss me or what?” he smirked nudging me gently.

“Shut up.” I laughed.

He dried my wet eyes lightly with the sleeves of his shirt, holding my face in his hands, he leaned in and kissed me softly. It felt right and more than anything I felt safe and home.

I Love You, Dummy - Part 1 [Yukimura x MC (Mai)]

First: 220 FOLLOWERS!!! OMG!!! YOU GUYS ROCK SO HARD!!! 

Second, somebody mentioned one day last week that there’s not enough Yuki content and I happen to agree. Since the rest of these fools still aren’t talking to me, I went back to this silliness. Yukimura is such an idiot and I adore him. Part 2 will be along shortly, will be full of more fluff, and may or may not be NSFW.

Title: I Love You, Dummy Pairing: Yukimura x MC (Mai) Rating: F (for Fluff) Warnings: Idiots in love. The dumbest angst ever angsted. Tooth-rotting sweetness. Description: Something is up with Yukimura. He’s been avoiding Mai for days. Kenshin spoils the surprise and romantic shenanigans ensue. People Who Need Tagging:  @choi-jiyu @nad-zeta -- hit me up if you want me to add you.

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

Whatever it was, it had been bothering him for days. From the minute we arrived at Kasugayama, it was like a switch had flipped and my adoringly-sweet-yet-m oderately-awkward boyfriend became a totally different person. I wondered if I’d inadvertently said or done something to upset him on the trip in, but I couldn’t think of a thing. And since we arrived, I’d barely even seen him.

He hadn’t mentioned it. Hadn’t said anything at all, as a matter of fact. It wasn’t like Yukimura to not speak at all. He always had something to say, even if it was just snark. But the fact that he’d not only not talked to me, but gone out of his way to avoid me told me something was definitely up…

…which was exactly why I was standing in the garden with Shingen, waiting for him to answer my question.

“He was so excited to come back to Kasugayama for the festival,” I added after explaining my dilemma to Yukimura’s surrogate father. “But since we got here, he’s been so…weird. I mean, he’s always an awkward idiot, but this goes way beyond that.”

“If there were a problem, surely Yuki would come to you first,” Shingen told me after several long, agonizing moments of pretending to ponder my question. I could see the lie in his eyes. Shingen knew something. I mean, he was only feudal Japan’s greatest master of information…second maybe to Mitsuhide…so I knew he knew what was going on. And he knew that I knew that he knew. I could see that too. I hadn’t spent the last year with these knuckleheads without learning how to read them the same way they did me.

“Okay,” I responded with a curt nod. “If you don’t want to tell me, fine.”

I turned and left, ignoring Shingen’s calls for me to come back. He might not be willing to help me, but I knew there was one person in Kasugayama who would.

***

“I would, but you know the saying—bros before—”

“I would not finish that statement if I were you, Sasuke. He may be your bro, but I am certainly not the other.” My moderately awesome ninja friend swallowed with an audible gulp and took two steps back from me. I didn’t blame him; if I looked anything like I felt, then I looked like I wanted to wring his neck. “This routine is starting to get old, you know. Yukimura hasn’t said a word to me in three days. He’s avoiding me since we got here. He didn’t come to bed last night until…well, I don’t know when, and he was gone again when I woke up. Shingen is being his usual, obnoxious self, and even you aren’t willing to tell me what’s going on even though despite your weak facial muscles, you have a terrible poker face!” I threw my hands up in the air and groaned. “If I wanted to be left in the dark with everyone I know plotting against me, I’d have just stayed in Azuchi!”

“Mai…”

“NO.” I held up a hand. “You’re not going to betray Yukimura’s confidence and I don’t want to hear anymore excuses. You tell that idiot that when he’s ready to apologize for being such a moron, he can come find me. I might still be here.”

My voice cracked on the last word right alongside my heart and for the second time that day, I stormed away from one of my friends, though this time I did it so nobody would see me cry.

***

If I’d thought for one second someone might find me hiding behind a sakura tree in the most remote, well-hidden corner of the garden, I wouldn’t have gone there to have my little pity party. And if I had thought someone would find me, I certainly wouldn’t have expected it to be who it was.

“This is why I find women so tiresome,” Kenshin said, scaring a shriek out of me. I’d been so absorbed in my own silliness and the absurd plot to steal a horse and ride back to Azuchi to be with the other half of my Sengoku family that I hadn’t even heard him approach. I wiped my face on my sleeve and looked up to find a hard scowl marring the ethereal beauty of his face. Those mismatched eyes, though… they were full of concern.

“Sorry to bother you, Kenshin,” I said through my sniffles. “I’ll just go.” I started to rise but he placed a cold hand on top of my head.

“Stay,” he said, his touch softening as he stroked my hair with almost brotherly affection. “You are clearly upset about something and came here to hide.”

“I did.”

He surprised me by sitting down beside me. I’d grown used to his weird mood swings even if I’d not grown entirely used to the man himself. Even in repose, Kenshin was still the most intimidating thing I’d ever seen. Disarmingly beautiful…but decidedly lethal. I knew full well he could take my head from my shoulders if the spirit moved him to and there wasn’t a thing I could do about it. I’d already be dead before I could even think to react.

“I assume the cause of your distress is your lover,” he said, raising one thin eyebrow at me. I nodded and hid my face in my sleeves so she couldn’t see just how much of a mess I was. “I am not surprised. Since the two of you arrived, he has been quite…obnoxious. More so than usual.”

“He’s avoiding me,” I said, my voice crackling like dry tinder from the torrents of tears. “We argue all the time. It’s kind of our thing. But even when we were supposed to be enemies, he never went out of his way to hide from me.”

“That boy is a fool,” Kenshin answered. His tone was harsher than usual and when I glanced up at him, I may as well have been staring down a pair of knives for all the sharpness in his gaze. “You would think, having been in Shingen’s service nearly his whole life, he’d have at least learned something about women.”

I snorted. “That’s pretty funny coming from you, you know.”

“I know a great deal about women,” Kenshin replied defensively, his lips pressed into a thin line to hide the smile teasing them. “I am no monk, Mai. However, I choose not to waste my time with frivolities.”

“Then why are you talking to me?”

“Because you were crying. Women should never cry.”

That time I did laugh. “Then if you know so much about us, tell me…why are women so emotional?”

“That, little one, is one of life’s great mysteries.” He smirked then turned his gaze away from me, looking out over the garden. He heaved a sigh, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. “If you must know, Yukimura wishes to marry you,” Kenshin said, and my heart stuttered to a shocked halt.

Say what now?

“But…”

“You didn’t know?” he asked, though he knew full well I didn’t know. “I would apologize for ruining that surprise, but I am not sorry in the slightest. I am weary of you moping about my castle and his frantic idiocy.”

“How did you find out?” I asked, hoping to wrap my mind around this. His initial statement rang through my mind again and again, but it seemed no more real than a daydream.

“I am actually surprised you didn’t know before now. That fool has interrogated every person in his path for three days seeking guidance in the matter. He sent letters weeks ago informing both Nobunaga and myself of his plan to ask for your hand during the festival. As it seems I inherited care of you in that alliance,” his nose wrinkled as he thought of the Alliance between Echigo and Azuchi and the resulting custody arrangement between himself and Nobunaga, “it was up to me to provide the blessing for this upcoming union.”

“So you’re saying Yukimura wrote to you and Nobunaga and asked permission?”

“Yes. Now that you have arrived, he and Sasuke have cobbled together some elaborate nonsense for the occasion that involves Shingen escorting you to the festival. I find this whole affair a waste of my ninja’s time.”

I laughed at that. “I do too. I don’t need anything elaborate. I thought Yukimura knew that.”

Kenshin shook his head. “The boy is daft. If I understand correctly, Sasuke has commissioned fireworks from the artisans in Oshu.”

My jaw fell slack. “Sasuke went to Masamune for fireworks? What on earth are they planning?”

Kenshin shrugged one shoulder as if he’d grown bored with the conversation. “How many people know?”

Kenshin chuckled. “It appears you are the only person in all of Japan that didn’t. I suspect you will have quite the audience this evening.”

Excitement replaced my shock. I’d never known Kenshin to lie. But one thing still didn’t make sense to me. Here I’d begun to think I’d done something to upset Yukimura, and that wasn’t the case at all. I’d wracked my brain for the memory of even the tiniest transgression, but there was nothing. And now this bombshell…

“But—but why is he avoiding me?”

Kenshin fixed me with a hard, impatient stare. “You already know the answer to that question. You, yourself have said more than once today that he is an idiot.”

“Because he is.”

“I agree.” Kenshin rose in a fluid, graceful motion, then took my hands and pulled me to my feet. I felt like a tromping elephant beside a gazelle as I rose. Even after I stood, Kenshin held onto my hands. “He intends to ask at the festival tonight.” Kenshin reached up an smoothed a lock of my hair back into place. “I suggest you pull yourself together and go get ready. I shall send the maids to assist you.”

Kenshin gave me one last, lingering look before turning away and leaving me alone in the garden with a head full of bubbles.

Yukimura wants to marry me…

***

Every bit of anxiety was washed away as I turned and ran back to our shared room. Our first “date” had been at a festival. My insides still fluttered when I remembered our first kiss under the fireworks. My heart skipped a beat at the memory of the fire in his eyes when he looked down at me, the way the bright colors in the sky reflected in his gaze. I remembered the feel of his hands on my waist and how I’d clung so desperately to him, not wanting to leave his side. I remembered the sweetness and innocence in that moment, before the world saw fit to try and tear us apart.

Yet we’d survived, we’d come through it all together. And now, a year after my return to this time and the man I’d fallen desperately in love with, we were on the cusp of this grand, new adventure. He was, in his own ridiculous way, trying to make this night special for me. And I…I wanted to do my part.

In all the excitement, I’d forgotten that I had something for him until that moment. Since I was now in on his secret and I knew he wasn’t going to come back before tonight, I dug through my bag until I found the two wrapped packages at the bottom. I set one off to the side and went to the desk with the other, prepared to write a letter to Yukimura when the door slid open and he appeared.

My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. His clothes were rumpled and his hair windblown, as if he’d just spent the last fifteen minutes either sparring with or running from Kenshin. Either was possible, except that I’d been with Kenshin until about five minutes ago. Whatever the reason for his huffing breath and disheveled state, it must have had something to do with his “surprise”.

“Oh, um…I’ll come back,” he stammered, breathless, and started to close the door.

“Yukimura, wait!” I shouted, rising with the package still clutched to my chest. He hesitated, panic flashing across his face, and I could see him consider just closing the door and running again. Now that I knew what was going on, his awkwardness was adorable. “I, um, have something for you. For tonight.”

Fear. Blind, bald fear flashed across his face. “Why?”

I closed the distance between us, noting how he stiffened as I neared. When I reached out and took his hand, he froze, the urge to bolt even more evident in his posture. Though when I tugged his hand, pulling him inside, he came willingly.

“Do I have to have a reason to give you a gift?”

“No, but…”

“But what?” I pushed. Yukimura began to sweat, tiny beads of perspiration appearing at his hairline. “You give me gifts all the time.”

“That’s different,” he replied, turning his hand to lace his fingers through mine.

“How so? It’s only fair that I do things for you once in awhile.” Before he could escape, I closed the distance between us and laid my head on his chest. Despite the weird gurgling noise he made in his chest, Yukimura’s arms went around me. My heartbeat jumped into high gear as I inhaled the scents of incense and woodsmoke lingering on his clothes. He was definitely up to something. “I made something for you,” I said against his chest. “Since our first official date was at a festival a lot like this one, I wanted to give you something to make it extra special.”

“Mai…”

Yukimura hooked a finger under my chin and tipped my head back to kiss me. His cheeks, ears, and nose glowed with embarrassment, which only made him more adorable. Though when his tongue swept between my parted lips to tangle with mine, all thoughts of sweetness evaporated. His arms tightened around my waist and the package I was holding thumped to the floor so that I could wrap my arms around his neck. He poured all of his love and affection into that kiss. His hands roamed over my sides and back, pulling me impossibly closer while I threaded my hands through his messy hair. It would take nothing at all to drag him across the room to our futon, but we both had plans now. Both had roles to play in tonight’s little drama.

When we parted, we did so breathless and clinging to each other for support. “Gods…I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I pressed my cheek to his chest and listened to his hammering heart.

“You said you had something for me?” he asked, his usual cheeky tone returning as his breathing slowed.

We sank to the floor together and I placed the package in his hands, watching with a mixture of excitement and nervousness as he unwrapped the bundle to reveal the haori I’d made for him.

“Mai…you…you made this?” he asked, his eyes going wide as he unfolded the garment and laid it out for inspection. His fingers traced over the black coin-crests embroidered into the shoulders of the deep, red garment—the Sanada family crest—and over the fine gold threads woven through the decorations along the neck.  “This is amazing…”

“I’m glad you like it. I thought you might want to wear it to the festival tonight.”

“You bet!” he chirped, then as if remembering the festival, his nervous energy returned. His shoulders tensed and the anxiety returned to his eyes. “But, uh, I have some stuff to—er—do before then. I’ll, um, be back in a little bit.” Yukimura leaned in like would kiss me again then thought better of it, placed a quick peck on my forehead, and all but ran from the room, nearly bowling over the two maids Kenshin sent to help me get ready.

“Silly boy,” I muttered, shaking my head as I rose from the floor and ushered the maids inside.

Part 15

(Rose and Eri sat on the beach, their hands laced with each other, they watched the waves crash onto the sand. Eri pushed up the sleeves of her light white hoodie she was wearing, and dug her toes into the sand, her black leggings were rolled up to her knees, Rose wore a similar outfit, a light red hoodie and blue leggings).

Eri: (Picks up a clump of sand and throws it towards the water). This is nice.

Rose: Yeah, its feels good outside too.

Eri: Hey, I had fun last night.

Rose: Yeah, so did I. Want to come spend the night again?

Eri: I can't, I have to work tomorrow, Isaka only let me have a few days off and I promised I'd come back tomorrow to get some stuff organized.

Rose: Okay, I understand. I go back to night shifts this weekend.

Eri: Maybe we can do Lunch friday?

Rose: Yeah, sure!

Eri: But, hey it's only noon, still early, we have the rest of today!

Rose: That's true! What do you want to do? you hungry?

Eri: Sure, lets go get a burger.

Rose: Yeah, I know a great Place, it's called "Blacows" it's about twenty minutes from here.

Eri: Sounds great! (Stands up, pulling Rose up with her, they grab their sandals and wipe their butts off, then they head up the beach to Rose's car).

(Misaki walked out of the bathroom towel drying his hair, he peeked on the couch, good, Usagi was still fast asleep, he quietly walked up to the the his bedroom, he loved that he moved into Usagi's bedroom, at some point they wanted to knock the wall down and expand into the extra bedroom so they'd have more space. Misaki, threw his towel on the floor, slipped on blue boxers, Black sweatpants, and a white tank top, and white pullover, he walked down out of the room down stairs and looked through the pile of take out menus, he really wasn't in the mood to cook, and they were running low on food that isn't junk. Misaki found a menu for Priya Japan, they hadn't had indian in a while, it sounded really good in fact, Misaki picked up the food, walked outside to the balcony, and leaned over the brick wall).

Priya: Priya's how can I help you?

Misaki: Yeah, I'd like to place an order for delivery?

Priya: Sure, what can I get for you?

Misaki: Can I get an order of chicken Tikka Masala, two orders of Palak Paneer, four orders of garlic nan, two orders of cheese nan, and two orders of basmati rice.

Priya: Is that all?

Misaki: That's it.

Priya: Okay, your total comes to nine thousand eight hundred yen.

Misaki: Okay thank you.

Priya: And can I have the address?

(Misaki gives the restaurant the address, hangs up, and puts his phone in the pocket of his hoodie, it's twelve-thirty, he hopes Usagi will be up in time to eat, but he also wants Usagi to get his rest, Usagi also need his nutrients. Misaki sighed he looked out into the city, it was a beautiful sunny day, tomorrow would be cloudy an awfully bad day to take a test, but at least it was a his last test on a thursday, and he was definitely prepared for this test, he loved psychology sometimes he regretted not going into that field. After this test he had friday and the rest of next week to relax before his graduation March twenty second, the only thing that would suck his figuring out what he and Usagi would do, it's not like they only had sex, but a lot of their relationship consisted of it, and until the day of his graduation, they needed to find something else to do. Maybe they could play cards, he recently learned a card game called "kings in the corner" It's like solitaire but multiplayer. Misaki heard the the door to the balcony open, he didn't turn but he waited for Usagi to come beside him).

Usagi: (Groggy voice). Hey, what are you doing out here?

Misaki: I was ordering lunch, You were still sleeping, I didn't want to wake you.

Usagi: (Pulls Misaki into a hug, gives him a kiss on his head), thank you Misaki, but you could've made the in the house.

Misaki: I know. (Turns to face Usagi, he puts his arms around Usagi's neck, smiling at him). Look, I just want you you to get your rest, speaking of which, tomorrow is my final test, are you going to be okay alone for a few hours?

Usagi: (Usagi put his arms around Misaki, pulling him closer to him). Misaki, I think I'll be okay on my own for a few hours, plus it's your last test, you have to take it and pass so you can graduate and we can go on a trip.

Misaki: What kind of trip?

Usagi: Well are you sure you don't want to go on your graduation trip with your friend?

Misaki: (He shook his head and looked up at Usagi), No I want to stay with you Usagi. So if you want to plan a trip for us after my graduation you can, just keep it in tokyo. I don't want to go far, maybe for our honeymoon.

Usagi: (Takes a hand off of Misaki's waist and holds up a finger) Wait a minute, you're saying that when we go on our honeymoon, I can pick the place and you won't yell at me about the expense?

Misaki: Yes Usagi.

Usagi: I'm going to need to get that in writing.

Misaki: Ugh, whatever.

Usagi: Um, but you can get mad at for our trip after you graduate because I already got the tickets, but I did keep it in Tokyo.

Misaki: Fine, but we need to go inside because i'm sure the food will be here any minute.

(Misaki grabbed Usagi's hand and the second they closed the back door, the bell rang, the food had arrived, they spread the food on the table.

Usagi: Oh, Indian smells amazing, we haven't had that in a while.

Misaki: Yeah, I was looking through the take out menus and had the same thought. (Looks up at Usagi) Why do we even have take out menus when everything is on our phone?

Usagi: Because, the ones we have here are from our favorites.

Misaki: (Laughs as he walks into the kitchen), Usagi there's like twenty, we don't have that many favorites. do we?

Usagi: Well of we have that many menus we have that many favorites.

Misaki: Okay Usagi, do you want something to drink.

Usagi: Wine.

Misaki: What kind?

Usagi: Red.

Misaki: Okay, (He grabbed some plates, a bottle of wine and two glasses).

Usagi: ( Takes plates from Misaki, distributes food on the plates while Misaki pours the wine, they sit down in their normal spots). This looks good Misaki.

Misaki: (Mouth full), It taste good.

Usagi: So, what's bugging you?

Misaki: (Shit, Usagi always knew when something was on his mind) How'd you know?

Usagi: Misaki, no matter how much you try you try to hide it, I can always tell when you're upset about something.

Misaki: Well, it's kinda a few things.

Usagi: Okay, (Takes a sip of wine) what are they?

Misaki: Well at some point we need to, um-

Usagi: Tell the public about us? Aikawa is working on setting up an interview unless you want to, it will be part of your job?

Misaki: No, she can do that. When is she planning on doing it?

Usagi: After graduation, before our trip. Is that okay?

Misaki: Yeah.

Usagi: Is that what the problem is?

Misaki: My problem is what will happen if we tell the public? What if people don't accept you, I mean you know how the ladies love you, Usagi you could lose a lot of fans, this could end your career.

Usagi:(Rolls his eyes) See this? (Holds his hand out with his engagement ring).

Miskai: Your engagement ring?

Usagi: Yeah, this bonds us Misaki, you knew that when you proposed. So that means when we come out to the public, whatever happens, happens. I've always told you, I don't care what happens as long as I have you.

Misaki: I know. I love you so much Usagi, everything will work itself out. (Places left hand on top of Usagi's left hand).

Usagi: Yes it will. So what's your other problem?

Misaki: Oh, it's really dumb.

Usagi: What is it?

Misaki: Well, tomorrow is my last test and after that i'm going to be around for a week and a few days, which usually isn't a problem, but since we can't have sex for a while we have to find something to occupy ourselves, like playing cards or something, so while i'm gone tomorrow, you need to figure that out. Make a list of stuff okay?

Usagi: Yeah, I was actually thinking about that too, but I was really hoping you would bring it up first so I wouldn't have to.

Misaki: Well thanks. Anything you want to talk about?

Usagi: Nope, I just think we should eat before this food gets cold.

Misaki: Agreed.

(Rose stood at Eri's apartment door, their hands laced together)>

Rose: Are you sure you can't stay at my house again tonight?

Eri: (Grins), I wish I could, but I have to work tomorrow.

Rose: I thought Akihiko had like four months off.

Eri: (Laughs) Yeah, well Akihiko isn't the only person I edit for, but he is the main one, plus I have four months of transcripts from him that I have to edit, if I get them out now, well that will be huge for the company and him and Misaki.

Rose: Oh, yeah well that's awesome, when can I see you again?

Eri: We can meet for lunch tomorrow?

Rose: Sure, yeah I start back at work again tomorrow, but I should be able to make lunch before my night shift.

Eri: Okay cool, i'll see you around noon?

Rose: Sure.( Smiles and softly kisses Eri on the lips) i'll see you tomorrow.

Eri: Okay.

(Rose kisses Eri one last time before walking off, Eri sighs and walks into her apartment, sit her turns on her hall light, slips her shoes off, she walks to her couch flipping on the telvelstions before flopping on her couch. It was two pm, the time of day when nothing good was on. Eri sighed and flipped on her side, she decied she needed a nap).

(Misaki sat on the opposite couch while Usagi laid stretched out on the other one, he typed away on his computer looking for property).

Misaki: (Sighs, glances at Usagi whose focused "Greys Anatomy, which he was currently binging again. He sighed louder hoping he would get Usagi's attention, but he still didn't. He loudly cleared his throat).

Usagi: Misaki, what's wrong?

Misaki: What if I was dying, and you just now noticed that I needed you?

Usagi: Well you aren't dying, you're on the computer, what are you doing anyway?

Misaki: That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about, I was thinking, have you ever thought about selling this place?

Usagi: It's crossed my mind a few times why?

Misaki: Well I was thinking (He gets up and sits on the edge of the coffee table taking Usagi's hand). I Want us to buy a house, a-a-and not just buy a house, I want us to buy some property and build a house, or at least design it and have people build it for us.

Usagi: (His blue purple eyes lit up, he gave Misaki a half smirk). You wanna buy land a build a house together?

Misaki: Well yeah. Why, is it dumb? it's dumb right? Look, nevermind, it's just I found this amazing property in Kanagawa and its sixty two acres, the going rate is one hundred twenty-eight thousand three hundred eighty-nine yen. It's huge Usagi, and it could be perfect for us.

Usagi: Really? (He sits up grinning at Misaki), what makes you think that?

Misaki: Us getting married, and I had a dream about us buying land and building a house, and I want us to have a family, plus I love this house, but it's not mine it's yours, I want us to have a house together, one that we can grow old together in.

Usagi: You've really given this a lot of thought haven't you?

Misaki: I have, Look we have until June before we really start work again, and Maybe we can look at the property on friday?

Usagi: And where does that leave us the rest of the week?

Misaki: Making design plans, on pintrest.

Usagi: Pinterest? Like that dreamboard app thing?

Misaki: Yeah.

Usagi: Okay, I'll call my realtor tomorrow and see if he can help us.

Misaki: Really?

Usagi: (He smiled running his hands up and down Misaki's thighs) I think us buying land and designing a house together is amazing, I mean we need people to help us clearly because we don't know how to do that.

Misaki: I know, I said that earlier.

Usagi: Let's start by looking at the house.

(Misaki grinned, and leaned forward kissing Usagi softly).

Misaki: I'm going to start making pinterest boards.

Usagi: Have fun with that, I'm going back to watching Greys.

Misaki: have fun that.

(In the early hours of the morning, before Misaki raced to get ready for school, Usagi pulled him close, kissing his head, running his fingers through his soft hair, this always relaxed him, and even though Misaki was extremely confident about this final test, he wanted to stay in Usagi's arms for as long as he could, especially since they couldn't have sex, it felt nice just to cuddle, their body heat filling each up).

Usagi: Misaki, are you sure you'll pass this test?

Misaki: Why are you doubting me, you know psychology is my favorite.

Usagi: Still, I just want to make sure you're prepared.

Misaki: (flips on his side to face Usagi), I am, why don't you believe me?

Usagi: I do, but sometimes overconfidence doesn't mean anything you could still fail.

Misaki: Why are you being mean to me?

Usagi: I just need you to pass so you can graduate and we can-

Misaki: Can what?

Usagi: Begin our lives together.

Misaki: Beautiful save, but I already know about the trip you're planning for us after I graduate because you told me.

Usagi: Oh yeah.

Misaki: What time is it?

Usagi: (Reaches behind him and raises his phone to check the time), six.

Misaki: (He groaned burying his head into Usagi's chest) I gotta get up. I have to shower, my test is a eight.

Usagi: So why aren't you moving?

Misaki: You're comfortable.

Usagi: Go shower Misaki, go to school, kill the test.

Misaki: What are you doing?

Usagi: Going back to bed. I Love you.

Misaki: I love you too.

(Usagi sits up up giving Misaki a small kiss before he walks into the bathroom).

(Usagi leaned back in his chair, his phone ringing, wating for the person on the other end to pick up).

Ren: Akihiko Usami, it's been awhile.

Usagi: Yeah, what thirty two years?

Ren: Yes sir, are you moving out?

Usagi: You didn't think I was just calling to check on your kids did you?

Ren: (Laughs) No sir, so what's making you move, you've lived in that space since you were sixteen.

Usagi: My fiance and I want a space, well he wants to build a space or a lot to build our dream house.

Ren: Wow, Akihiko getting married, that's something I never thought I'd hear.

Usagi: Yeah, well he found a place, can I send you the address, we want to look at it tomorrow.

Ren: I think I can work that out.

Usagi: Well thank you, and we might need some carpenters.

Ren: I have people to help build your house, and interior designers, anything you need to help you build your dream house, my company and I can help you.

Usagi: Thank you Ren I appreciate it.

Ren: Of course.

(As Usagi hung up, another call came through, it was Misaki, Usagi grinned, even though they've been together forever, his heart still raced and he got butterflies whenever Misaki's name came across his phone).

Usagi: Hey you.

Misaki: Hey Babe.

Usagi: How'd your test go?

Misaki: Great, it's being graded now.

Usagi: Ah, and how long will that take?

Misaki: Not sure, it's a small class so maybe twenty minutes at most? Enough about me, how was your morning?

Usagi: Well slow, I had enough time to talk with my realtor, we might be able to have a look at the property in the morning.

Misaki: Oh that's awesome!

Usagi: (Chuckles) I'm glad you're excited about it.

Misaki: I am, I'm really happy.

Usagi: Okay, well i'm on my way to come get you, we can grab lunch.

Misaki: Okay, i'll see you soon.

Usagi: Alright, I love you.

Misaki: Love you too.

Blocked Number

Part Three of the Calling Series

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: NSFW, 18+, Smut, Violence, including past domestic violence, stalker behavior

* * *

The phone tucked into the seat beside you vibrated. None of your colleagues noticed as they discussed the latest news over prime rib sandwiches and cobb salads. Pulling the device up enough to see the screen, you fought to keep your face neutral.  

A ‘Thinking of you’ text was followed a picture of Bucky’s wrist disappearing into the waistband of his generously tented sweatpants.

He knew your lunch today would be with work friends. You’d discussed it last night when he called. The team was on an assignment in Japan at the moment so it had to be close to two o’clock in the morning there. Bucky planned this. The shit.

Another buzz. You looked down. ‘You’d better respond, Doll.�� the message said. ‘Or I’ll have F.R.I.D.A.Y. override the silent feature on your phone.’ The small video attached showed just a close up him stroking himself.  

You shifted in your seat, thighs rubbing together. Damn him.

Holding your phone in your lap you sent back, ‘Asshole. You know I’m in public. I fucking miss you.'

‘I want to bury my face between your legs.’ Came the immediate response.  

‘You’re making me wet.’  

‘I’ll make you scream when I suck on that tasty cunt.’

“Y/N, is everything okay?” You jumped when Jackie drew your attention.  

You could feel your face redden. “Sorry. I, uh, I just got some classified information that I have to deal with. Would you excuse me for just a minute?”

The phone buzzed in your hand twice before you made it to the alcove by the bathrooms.

‘Tell me how wet you are.’

‘I need an answer, Dollface.’

You responded, ‘So excited I had to leave the table. Damn you.’  

A moment passed before another video clip came through. His metal hand was lubed up and glistening, cock pumping in his tight grip. You felt your panties flood. Damn that was gorgeous. You dared turn the volume up just enough to hear him moan your name. Fuck.

You leaned a little closer into the dark corner, tapping away at your phone. ‘So. Fucking. Hot. Just want to come all over you.’  

‘Tell me.’

A wicked smile crossed your face. ‘Can’t wait for you stretch me open and sink your cock in me. Will you be able to wait until we’re home or will you just fuck me in hanger as soon as you arrive?’

‘Hanger.’

‘Fuck, yes. Just press me against the wall and fuck me hard. Don’t care who hears. I want your cock in me. Make me scream.’

‘Yes. Need you. Dnt care wo seees. Your mine.’ His fingers lost dexterity.

Smiling, you imagined every move. ‘Yours. Fucking pound me. Want it so bad. Make me come all over you. Fuck yes. Come for me.’

Staring at the screen you could feel the slick between your legs. Damn.  

‘Damn, Doll. I think I need a bath towel to clean myself up.’

‘Lol. Happy to help, except now I’m dripping.’

‘Yum.’

‘You’re going to make up for this when you get back tomorrow.’ You smirked at the phone.

‘Without a doubt. I know I’ve got the best dame on the planet,’ came his reply. Mind blowing great sexual connection aside, you’d never been with a man who treated you with the respect and reverence that Bucky did. He showed it in actions and told you in his words. It may not be traditional, but it was damn special.

‘Can’t wait to see you.’

‘Go eat lunch and try to act like a good girl. Leave that pussy wet for me.’

‘Asshole.’

‘Miss you too’

* * *

Popping into a little bakery on the way back from a quick trip to pick out some new shoes, you decided to grab something to have on hand when Bucky got back. While you waited for the plum tarts to be boxed up your phone rang with an unfamiliar number.

“Dr. Y/L/N”

“You went back to your maiden name.”

The shopping bag hit the floor. Your eyes darted around. All the other patrons and the two people behind the counter looked curiously back at you. Bending over slowly to pick up the bag, you turned toward the wall.  

Taking a calming breath, trying to keep the panic from your voice, you finally responded. “How did you get this number? You’re not allowed to call me.”

“Oh, didn’t you hear. I’m out.”

Bile rose in your throat.

“What’s the matter? Haven’t you missed me?”

You hung up the phone. A hand touched your shoulder. You jumped, letting out a choked gasp. The kindly looking woman held both her hands up. “Sorry to startle you, dear. You alright?”

“Fine. Thank you.”

“Ma’am. Here’s your order.” The kid behind the counter handed the box to you.  

“Thanks.” You shuffled out of the way. Before leaving the you took the opportunity to block the unknown number from your phone. That voice need never be heard again. 

The walk back to the tower happened in record time.  Weaving between people, keeping a sharp eye out for a face burned into your memory, you just wanted to be in the safe confines of Bucky’s apartment.  

You were in the elevator, leaning back against the cool brushed steel wall, when your phone buzzed. The text message read, ‘It won’t be as easy as blocking a number. You should know better.’

“Fuck.” Tears burned your eyes, but you fought them back. No, he does not get to play these sick games. You blew by the empty common areas and straight to the apartment. Not pausing to put anything away, you pulled up both numbers and searched the area codes, one from Denver and one from Eugene. Great.

As the night went on, you received picture of the motel in Santa Cruz where you first slept together from a phone with a Phoenix area code. You blocked it. You got a text message as you brushed your teeth with the lyrics of the Guns N’ Roses song he’d sing whenever he’d get drunk. You blocked that number from Tulsa. As you were lying in bed, wearing Bucky’s shirt and holding his pillow to your chest, you receive the texted picture of an avocado green bathtub. Stomach roiling, remembering a tub like that covered in your blood from the beating.  Your fingers shook when you blocked the New York City number.

* * *

Bucky opened the door silently at a quarter to four, fully expecting you to be sound asleep. Instead, he caught you up in his arms as you flew over the back of the sofa. His duffel hit the floor and he laughed.  

“Hey, Doll.” He squeezed you tight. When you didn’t let go right away, he pushed you back. Cupping your face in his warm palm, blue eyes studied you carefully. “You okay?”

Nodding, you did your best to smile as you lied. “I just had a bad dream and couldn’t go back to sleep. I’m so happy you’re back.”

He stared a bit longer, doubt gnawing at his gut. He saw the fear in your face, knew there was something you didn’t want to say. But he didn’t talk about his nightmares either. So, he just kissed you slowly, thoroughly.  

You’d spent hours agonizing over what to tell Bucky. You didn’t want to talk about it, didn’t want to admit who you were back then. The thought of him looking at you as weak or stupid; it would be unbearable. That bastard just got off on scaring you. It was likely all a bluff anyway.

Still, sleep eluded you all night. So, when Bucky took you to bed, instinctively being attentive and gentle as he worshiped your body, releasing all your tension and finally wrapping you in the safe cocoon of his arm, you fell into a deep sleep.  

He watched you, wishing he knew what was wrong.  

A while later, just as his eyes began to drift close a buzz drew his attention. Your phone vibrated. He picked it up. From the lock screen he saw multiple call attempts from multiple different blocked numbers. Alarms went off in his head. What the hell?

He debated rolling you over and seeing if the facial recognition worked on your sleeping face, but he decided if there was a problem, he would rather have better resources. Looking at your sleeping face, Bucky just didn’t understand why you weren’t saying anything.

* * *

Having the day off, you slept in and Bucky got up to make you coffee. After pulling on your favorite tee shirt of his and a pair of boy shorts, you curled on the sofa with the remote. You left your phone in the bedroom, Bucky noticed. It wasn’t normal for you.

“Doll,” Bucky looked at his own phone. “Do you have anything important going on the first week of October?”

“I don’t know. Why?”  

He gave you a coy smile over his coffee mug. “Don’t be nosy. Could you be free if you needed to be or not?”

“Let me see.” You disappeared into the bedroom with a grin on your face. When you flipped your phone over seeing more attempts from the last blocked numbers, and a new texted photo. A 1998 4Runner, just like the one he crashed into your Honda. You blocked the number and put the phone screen down on the nightstand.

“Well?” Bucky asked from the door.

“Um.” You swallowed, realizing you never looked. “That week is great.” You plastered a smile on your face, “I’m going hop in the shower.”

He watched you go, face falling. Damn. The alarm bells in his head were increasing to full on klaxons. Throwing on jeans and a tee shirt, Bucky popped his head in the shower. “Y/N, I’m running down to clear my gear. It’s only going take a couple minutes. Do you want me to bring breakfast back here or do you want to go out?”

“Can we just hang out here?”

“Anything you want, Doll.” You kissed him, soaking his face. He only grinned. “I’ll be right back”

Bucky left, heading straight to Natasha’s door. “Barnes.”

“I need your help.”

“With?”

“I think someone is harassing Y/N. I need to see her phone records.” When her eyebrow arched, he continued. “Every instinct I have says she scared and she’s not telling me for some reason.”

“You might not like the answer.”

“Don’t care. Here safety is more important.”

“Good answer.” She held the door open more. “Get in here.”

Within minutes Nat had multiple numbers, text messages, and time of the brief phone call the day before. “You’re right, Bucky. Something is up. They’re all burner phones. They were all bought with cash or cash cards. All the calls did ping off towers in Manhattan though.”

“What do all the texts mean?”  

“You could ask her.” Bucky scowled in response. Nat sighed. “Or... F.R.I.D.A.Y., please perform a confidential analysis protocol Romanoff Beta Zulu Four Six Alpha.”

“Proceed.”

“Please run an analysis of the blocked calls and messages of Y/N’s phone from the last 24 hours and cross reference with her profile for any correlation.”  

It only took a moment. “There is an 87% probability the messages are originating from Dr. Y/L/N’s ex-Husband, Richard Vance. There is a 98% probability the message are pertaining to Richard Vance.”

“Explain.” Bucky ground out through a clenched jaw.

“According to police and court files the images in the text messages correspond to the cases of assault filed by Dr. Y/L/N. The California State Department of Corrections reports Mr. Vance has been released to supervised living facility but failed to report back after work release seventeen days ago.”

“Cases.” Bucky closed his eyes. He wanted to break something. “As in plural.”

“Yes, Seargeant.”  

“Shit.” Nat huffed angrily.

Bucky opened his eyes, wishing he hadn’t. The case files filled the screen, including the pictures taken of you at the hospital. Black eyes, split lip, bruised jaw. Other pictures show bruised ribs, defensive marks on your hands and arms.

“Where is he?”  

“Barnes, if you...”  

“Traffic cameras have identified him 16 time around the W 42nd Street area in the last 72 hours.” F.R.I.D.A.Y. replied.

“Thanks.” Bucky turned to leave.

“Barnes.” Nat grabbed his arm. “Has she told you about any of this?”

“No” His chest tightened. He should have known.  

“Listen, tread carefully. She’s likely...”  

“Scared? Yeah. I get that. I intend on fixin’ it.” Bucky growled.

“No, ashamed.” Natasha sighed. When he just stared at her, she continued. “Aside from the guilt of what you did, what is the worse thing about your time under Hydra? How many times have you told yourself you should have been stronger, should have fought against it harder, should have broke free sooner? I get you want to kill that bastard. I’d help you. But you need to push that shit down for her sake. You need to help her, not feed your need for revenge.”

Bucky nodded in silent agreement, leaving without another word. The walk back to the apartment took longer than expected. He kept having to stop, suddenly not able to breathe. That bastard hurt you and now he was taunting you. Bucky felt the Soldier surge, wanting to commit cold blooded murder.

Opening the door, he suddenly remembered breakfast. He never stopped at the kitchen to get anything. It didn’t matter. He found you sitting on the edge of the bed in a towel, tears streaking your face.  A dent marred the wall and your broken phone littered the floor.

“Y/N.” Bucky approached slowly, quietly, dropping to his knees before you. “Dollface, tell me. Please.”

“My ex is out of prison. They were supposed to let me know. They didn’t. He...” Tears filled your eyes again. “I should have never gotten mixed up with him.”

His hands cupped your face. Full soft lips pressed against your cheeks, your forehead. “Is he scaring you? Threatening you? In any way?”

“I don’t want you in trouble.” A sob broke from your chest.  

Something snapped. Bucky bolted from the room, leaving you gasping. Shit. Grasping the towel around yourself you dashed after him. However, he was long gone. The door down the hall opened, Steve’s head popping out. Another sob, escaped. There was hope.  

Rushing forward you grabbed Steve’s shirt. “Buck is going to kill him.”

Just then Nat turned the corner from the common area. “Y/N,” She took your hand from his shirt. “I just ran into Barnes. We’ll talk him down. You go get dressed, okay.”

It was all overwhelming. Feeling lost, you just did what she said.  

Natasha turned to a very confused Cap. “Come on, Rogers. We have to help Barnes hunt down the asshat that’s threatening her.”

It didn’t take long. 

Bucky heard the girl scream from two floors down. His feet carried him the distance before she could take another breath. Busting through the pitiful door, he found a too skinny redhead curled up in the corner under a piece of shit table. Broken glass and spilled beer covered one side of the room.  

Bucky grabbed the man by the throat, hauling him off his feet. “Hiya, Dick.”

Steve came in, scooping the woman up and tell her it would be okay. She in turn screamed that “that motherfucker owes me money” despite her bruised jaw. Neither the woman or Vance noticed the female with the phone camera recording everything.

Bucky lowered Vance to his feet, barely. “There’s a bounty on you, Dick. Why would you be stupid enough to come here?”

“None of your fucking business.” Vance tried to strike at Bucky’s face, but got his fingers broke for the effort. He screamed. Then begged when Buck didn’t let go of his hand.  

“You gonna try to hit me again, you pansy-ass? I think I’ll hold on to these for now. Why are you here?”

“Looking up an old friend.” He whined.

“Friend? Bullshit.”

“Ow! My ex! Okay! I’m just looking to get in touch with my ex.”

Bucky’s teeth ground together.

“You have a no contact order with Dr. Y/L/N,” came Natasha voice. “You’ll be placed under arrest for breaking the conditions of your release, assault of that woman, breaking your no contact order, attempted assault of federal agent...” Bucky smirked at that stretch of their status. “and credit card fraud.”

“What?!”  

About that time several SHIELD agents came in and took him into custody. After he was handcuffed, Bucky leaned in close to growl in his ear. “I’m the assassin that assassins fear. You even think of Y/N again and I will find you. I will take my time killing you. It will be terrifying. It will be beyond painful. No one will ever catch me. No will ever find any proof. And I will have no sympathy. No one hurts what’s mine. Ever. Do you understand?”

Vance went very pale. Bucky smiled, feral, before walking away. Natasha got a little closer. “You’re a lucky son of a bitch.”

“Who the fuck are you?”  

“Doesn’t matter.” She leaned casually against the wall. “You’re just going back to prison. You could have easily end up as human mulch in a landfill. Lucky you.”

“You’re fucking nuts. I’m going to tell my lawyer you’re threatening me.” Vance cowered.

Steve stepped up, Vance getting a good look at Captain America for the first time. “You go right ahead. I’ll be there to tell him about the beat-up woman I pulled out of here, and all the great stuff she told me about how you’ve been stealing credit cards. But you go on and tell them how you’re treated unfairly.”

Down by the SHEILD van, Bucky was on his phone when Steve and Natasha stepped up. He slipped in his pocket. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” Steve’s hand squeezed his shoulder. “You did the right thing.”

“I wanted to break his neck.”

“I know, me too.”

“You better get back.” Nat sighed. “We’ll handle all the red tape.”

“Okay.” He didn’t argue, hopping in the spare car and taking off.

 * * *

You stared at the television not really comprehending what was on. Bucky had been gone for hours. A million regrets poured through your mind. All the lost opportunities to tell him the whole truth about your past. How you skirted around the details and glossed over the uglier parts. You’d done it so much in the last five years, it’d just become habit.  If anyone deserved to know, if anyone would be supportive, it was Bucky. You felt like you really fucked up.  

The Bucky’s text tone buzzed on your phone. ‘Don’t worry, Doll. It’s okay. Be home soon.’

‘Thank heaven. I was so worried.’ You replied.

Then a picture came through. It was a document. You zoomed in. Holy shit. It was a Federal Arrest Filing for Rich. You read through it. They tracked him down and busted him. Sending him back to prison.  A knot released in your chest.

Bucky walked in the door as you were reading the final page of the document. Leaping to your feet, your arms wrapped around his shoulders. He held you tight for a moment, before his lips found yours. Foreheads together, he stroked you jaw with his thumb.  

“I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you.” Your eye closed against the tears. You didn’t want to cry anymore. “I should have, and I’ll make it right. Anything you want to know.”

“You can tell me anything, absolutely anything. But it’s got to be in your time, in your way. I won’t force it.” His strong hands combed through your hair.

“I thought you’d kill him.”

“Wanted to.” He admitted. “But figured you don’t need to live with that. This way is better.” A wicked smile crossed his face. “Of course, I warned him if he steps out of line, he’ll wish I just killed him quick.”

You had a perverse image of Bucky threatening that dickhead for you and curled closer into his strong body, purring. “My hero.”  

That not only filled his chest with pride, but went straight to his cock. Picking you up, he carried you back to the bedroom. He wanted to wipe away any memories of tears. He breathed against your lips. “Damn, Doll. I love you.”

erratic heartbeats ~chapter 2: you got a friend in me~

⚠Minor Swearing⚠

Legend: "English unless stated otherwise" --- 'Thoughts' --- "Telepathically speaking" --- [Authors' Note]

==========

'Japan's quiet,'  Azumi commented, her gait slow in order to appreciate the peace and observe her new neighborhood. A bag containing PK uniforms hangs on her fingers. There would be light breezes from time to time, blowing through her hair and rustling the leaves of the trees around. Compared to London, there were less cars driving by, despite the day being a weekend. 'School starts tomorrow and yet I still haven't finished the last level of "Dynasty and Descent". Seriously, what was wrong with homeschooling?' Azumi's mind wanders, stopping herself once she reached a tall metal gate that stood out from the rest of the houses. The meticulously twists, turns, and engravements of the metal is able to have anyone gawk.

She stood in front of her new home, raising a brow at the lock that secures the gate shut 'They both left?' Azumi questioned herself before fishing out her keys in the bag she held, unlocking the padlock and a few gate latches that pegs the metals to the ground and to each other. She made sure to secure the latches back, before proceeding to unlock the front door 'They probably went to greet the neighbors'

The walk to Azumi's room is tiring. The grandiose house's entirety was what her flamboyant mother envisioned, Akina was the one who took charge in the renovation of their new property since the beginning stages of planning. The conglomerate CEO is often one who basks in her success, hence the lavish abode. Azumi passed a few flights of stairs before freezing, slapping a palm on her forehead, 'I could just fucking teleport' Azumi cursed at her forgetfulness, having been used to the life before her powers came. Within no time, she arrived in the comforts of her own room. Placing the uniforms in the wardrobe, she lay plump on the bed.

——————————

"What the fUCK, YOU DICKHEADS," Azumi was seething with rage as her brother and his friend ran as fast as they could away from the infuriated, soaking wet girl, stifling their laughter as they dashed. Her reaction was more than what they had expected, and turned out to be funnier than they thought. They sprinted around the campus of the boys' college, running through stairs and empty hallways, desperate to arrive at their laboratory to successfully separate themselves from Azumi until she could either burn out from exhaustion or cool down from her anger "COME BACK HERE. I WILL FUCKING OBLITERATE YOUR FACES, DASTARDLY HEIFERS"

Atsuhiro huffed a breath of annoyance, the sound not going undetected by his companion despite the wind whipping at their faces as they ran as fast as they could "I fucking told you so, Kusuke"

"Well, wouldn't you know it, she's mad. Who's idea was this again?" Kusuke panted, sounding quite proud of Azumi's reaction despite the consequences they were facing.

"This was all your idea, jackass"

Kusuke simply laughed as they ran out of the building and are now crossing the field to their laboratory "Have you seen your face when she looked at us? It was a mixture of repressed laughter and instant regret"

"I swear, I WILL trip you if you won't shut up" Atsuhiro threatened, now was not the time to be distracted when the she-devil was chasing them. His friends' laughter immediately was cut short when a shiver went up their spines at the voice that whispered behind them "You both run like hookers"

——————————

The memory was when Azumi first met her brother's friend. The girl blinked a few times, confused at why she thought of the memory, before her hand reached up to her ear and fidgets her ear cuff. Gradually, voices start to flood in her mind. She laid unmoving, concentrated on trying to locate thoughts involving her family or their recent moving. She succeeded. The Saiki's, what a coincidence, were hosting Azumi's parents. 'Kusuke's family. They would likely talk for another hour or two, seeing as Kusuke' s mother is just as chatty as mine'

Azumi sat up, her beautiful hair swaying at the sudden movement. Whilst fidgeting her ear cuff, the girl walked over to her monitor. The screen lit up after she plugged it in and pushed the button, the fantasy game "Dynasty and Descent" placed in to be played. 'I'd probably finish this before they come back' Azumi challenged herself.

•°●•°●•°●

‘Saiki Kusuo, huh?' Azumi laid on her belly as she eavesdrops on his thoughts regarding her parents. She finished the game and cleaned up the room twice before she thought of listening in on her neighbors. 'A curious one, aren't you? But I can't blame him, he must have been lonely growing up being the only psychic he knows' She empathized with the boy, swinging her legs absentmindedly.

After some time, Azumi sighed, before teleporting to their kitchen. She opened and closed cabinets and cupboards in search of something to appeal to her boredom-driven hunger. She grabbed her favorite snack and a drink, immediately digging in. Because her teleportation required some time before she can use it again, she walked back to her room. Azumi had most of her attention on her phone while her food levitated around her, following as she walks. Her mind flitted to the topic of cellphones in Japan, 'I haven't seen anyone with their phones since we arrived. Is it some kind of unspoken rule or something?' The girl contemplated over whether or not she should use her device in public so as to fit in.

Azumi walks through one of the hallways that overlook the front yard, the sun’s setting rays casting an orange tinge on everything not under a shadow. She took a moment away from her phone and glanced at the road in front of their residence, there she saw her parents and the rest of the Saiki family. Akina and Aiken pushed open the gates lavishly for the guests, earning a sigh from their daughter as she continued her walk 'They'll likely call on me as soon as they enter', Azumi groaned as nervousness bubbled in her at the thought of greeting their guests 'I don't want to though'

She arrived in her room, throwing away her litter in the trash can at the corner, before proceeding to clean her room for the third time. Aiken knocked on the door the moment she laid down her bed after sweeping the area under it, "Come on down, Zumi, meet Kusuke's family" She walked next to her father in silence until they arrived in the living room.

==========

Azumi secured the gate latch, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. She was surprised to see Kusuo standing in front of his house, seemingly waiting for her. Azumi tried to make sense of the situation, she walked to him and gave a small wave, before continuing passed him 'Maybe he's waiting for his dad' She thought, before shooting down the idea the moment Saiki moved to walk with her. The familiar feeling of nervousness rose from within her, her thoughts crowding her mind 'Should I say something? Or is the silence okay for him? It's certainly okay for me. Why is he walking with me though, I thought we agreed—' She cut her own thought when she remembered the events of last night 'Nevermind, he didn't say anything then. Is this about what my mother said? Did she bribe him without my knowledge? But, mom won't stoop that low. Maybe if I look into his mind—no, he'll suspect my fidgeting and he'll know I'm uncomfortable or he'll think something's wrong with my ear and ask about it, and I would not want to be in either situations'

"... So," Azumi started—at the protest of her brain—dragging out the 'o' "You don't need to walk me to school, you know, I can do it on my own. I appreciate the thought though" She gave a tight-lipped smile, hoping she did not sound too rude. Kusuo just looked at her and then back in front, Azumi felt awkward at the lack of response and returned her gaze to the road as well.

Just as he expected, at the reaction of his companion, he deduced that Azumi could not hear his voice when he was speaking telepathically. He mentally took note "It's fine" Kusuo spoke, not only mildly surprising the girl beside him because of how late he responded, but also confusing her.

' 'It's fine'? How do I respond to that?' She just nodded her head, mentally facepalming at her response. 'I guess I have to get used to this'

•°●•°●•°●

'This is some next level coincidence shit' Azumi thought, sitting next to her assigned seatmate, Saiki 'I was just fine with how we were classmates, but seatmates? You have got to be joking'

"Open your textbooks to page 3. An introduction for our lesson this week" The teacher started, writing on the chalkboard the lesson title "Kindly answer the practice questions, 'What You Know', numbers 1-5. I will give you ten minutes to answer"

'This seems easy enough,' Azumi searched for her writing tool in her bag. Confused, she knit her eyebrows 'I left it at home? Great, first day and I'm already failing this'

The boy in front of her took notice of her furrowed brows when he turned to get his pencil case. He stretched a bandaged arm at her, offering to lend his pencil "H-Here, " He said, "you can borrow mine" Azumi blinked at him, then at his outstretched arm, before smiling softly at him.

"Thank you, I'll make sure to give it back to you after class," Azumi wrapped her fingers on the writing tool, watching as her classmate withdrew his hand meekly "May I know your name?"

"Ka-Kaidou Shun" His stuttering reminded Azumi of herself before. Kaidou awkwardly lets out his hand again, seemingly to shake with hers. Azumi's soft smile turned tight at how she responded with stretching the wrong hand to shake. She shuffled to replace her hand, clasping it with his.

"Um, Kanasawa Azumi" She mentally kicked herself, he already knows her name because she just introduced herself to the class. "Nice to meet you, Kaidou-san" They shook hands shortly before the teacher reprimanded the two to start with the activity.

•°●•°●•°●

A slow and pitched tune, that reminded Azumi of the announcements in a mall, rang through the hallways, signaling the end of the first class and break for their class. Some students leapt out of their classrooms, their friends in tow, ready to be the firsts to arrive in the cafeteria, while the rest took their time in arranging their things. "Thanks again, for, you know, lending your pencil" Azumi had stood up in unison with Saiki, her wrist in view as she gave back the pencil she borrowed.

Kaidou added the pencil in his case, placing it in his bag. "Are you sure? I, uh, mean, we still have classes after break"

Azumi let the corners of her lips tilt up a bit at the thoughtfulness of the boy "Yeah, I'll go buy my own"

"I don't mind if you borrow my pencil for the rest of the day," Kaidou lightly frowned, not wanting his classmate to spend money when he was fine with lending. He went to dig through his bag for the pencil case, but Azumi stopped him with a hand on his.

"It's okay, really-" She was cut off with a booming voice next to her, in her peripherals, a tall blonde hooks an arm around Saiki's shoulders. "Hey pal, the nurse wanted to ask about the thermano-something that the guy used this morning" He wasn't yelling, but his voice was loud enough to resonate around the half-empty classroom. Azumi turned her head at the two beside her, attention fading from Kaidou as she withdrew her hand. During the intensively long speech of their principal, one of their classmates fainted and a teacher ordered Nendou and Saiki to assist the student to the nurse's office. When they've been gone too long, the same teacher instructed Azumi to check on the two, and just before Nendou witnessed Saiki burn a thermometer to ashes, she came in and distracted the brute, feigning confusion on the dust on Saiki's palm. It was a coincidence, and if she weren't there Nendou would most likely find out about Saiki's powers. Is what Azumi initially thought, but looking back, her first impression with the blonde was idiotic, so maybe it would have gone differently.

Azumi grabbed her wallet and turned back to Kaidou "I'll be going first" She went to walk out the door but felt a presence following her, before the voice of Nendou reached her again.

"Where're you going, pal?" Azumi turned and, as she thought, Saiki will be following her around school. She resisted a sigh when the aforementioned raised a hand, moved his finger and pointed at her twice. "You're gonna show her around? I wanna come with!" He strode towards the two, and Azumi swore she saw the facial expression of the boy beside her contort into that of displeasure.

"I-I-I w-wanna come too" She barely heard Kaidou as he stood up and trailed behind Nendou, fiddling with his finger as he do.

Azumi just wanted to buy a pencil, alone, and now she felt awkward as she walked next to Saiki, Kaidou and Nendou following right behind them. She slowly reached a hand to her ear, but laid her arm back on her side after a while. Perplexed at the silence from Nendou, she turned back to look at him. He was teasing Kaidou, bickering as they filled the hallway with noise. Azumi tried to look for answers in Saiki's mind, staring at the boy before turning her head back in front. 'Never thought that being too dumb would be a reason for a silent mind, but okay'

'WhatshouldIsaywhatshouldIsay [What should I say what should I say]. Hello-no, that's too formal. Would "hi" be fine? Let's go with "hi". Hi, I'm Teruha-wait, no, she would see me as too eager if I introduce myself that quickly. Hi, you must be the new transfer student-OH MY GOD SHE'S HERE' The frantic thoughts of a blue-haired girl filled Azumi's mind. She was standing beside a vending machine outside of the cafeteria as the four walked passed her. Being too engrossed in her mental rehearsal, she did not notice the group since they appeared from the corner of the hallway. Teruhashi sulked when Azumi entered the cafeteria, but immediately fixed her façade when she remembered there may be people watching her.

'It must be tough to be that popular' Susurrus reached Azumi's ears and the students in the room turned to look at the people who recently came in. She felt self-conscious and turned to walk to the first stall in the row, the stall that sells school materials. After she purchased her pencil, she tried to convince her companions to spend their recess with what they want to do instead of following her around. She failed, and so they ended up touring the whole campus, conversations being held up by Nendou as he told story after story about anything that relates to whatever Azumi said.

"Kanasawa-san, you're from London, right?" Kaidou asked, they were sitting under one of the trees after the latter announced a break from the walking. At his words, the other two turned to look at Azumi, and now she was on the spotlight. "What was it like? Do you miss your friends?"

"Ah, that... I was homeschooled, so... I didn't have any friends until recently," Azumi paused "I have a brother, he's in London right now, and he was my only playmate until he left for college... My tutors change every year, and they mostly just teach me then leave after our sessions... Add into that how unapproachable they are, and they're just like robots, stiff and straightforward"

"Homeschooled?" Confused, Nendou asked, and Kaidou silently answered him. Azumi waited until all was clarified, fidgeting with her thumbs.

"Although, now that I think about it. I... think I had a friend around my age...? But he was just visiting London at that time... a few years ago... so I don't think we're close anymore." Azumi caught the short time when Saiki knit his brows, before remaining stoic. She knew from reading his mind that he wanted to know more about her connection with Kusuke and his involvement with her family. Azumi was about to open her mouth, when a nagging voice in her mind scolded at her for having already talked too much.

When Azumi looked like she was to stay silent, Kaidou spoke up "Th-then... I'll be your friend" His voice gradually softened, but she heard him nevertheless.

Nendou hooked his arm around Saiki's shoulder, to the surprise of the psychic "We'll be your friends too, right pal?" Kusuo looked annoyed at the arm pushing him closer to Nendou, but he didn't deny what he said. Azumi gave them a soft smile, her eyebrows low.

'I guess it won't hurt to have friends'

I Must Not Stop Twinkling

Aoyama wants to rise to the top! If he happens to trip every so often on his crush on Todoroki, that's just something he'll have to deal with.

Aoyama x Todoroki

[Character Study, Introspection, Developing Relationships, Getting Together, Crushes]

There were beautiful people in class 1-A. Beauty came in different forms, of course. Some were beautiful for their quirks, some for their personalities, and others for their looks. Aoyama considered himself one of the later, and one of the former. And, if push really came to shove, how could he deny that he belonged to the middle category as well? He was beautiful in all ways, after all, as his hero name suggested.

One of the beautiful people that Aoyama had had his eye on since the beginning was Todoroki. The boy was utterly breath taking and seemed not to know it at all. Or more likely, not to care. How one could let such a beautiful physique stay hidden by such a bland hero costume, Aoyama would never understand. How one with such lovely eyes could always look so dead and cold with them, he could never guess. How one with such beautiful hair could utterly refuse to put absolutely any effort into it, he would never understand.

Aoyama had met people who did not know their own worth. Midoriya was one of those people and Aoyama had flawlessly befriended him. Todoroki... he couldn't seem to understand what Todoroki was. The boy didn't talk, didn't smile, at least not in the beginning.

During the second week of class he had tried to join the boy for lunch, offering him one of his exotic cheeses as a gift. Todoroki had looked at it as if he had never seen food before.

"What is this?" he questioned in a monotone. If Aoyama could ever be defeated by voice alone, that bland and uninterested tone would have been the blade to twine him in two.

"Ah, it's a rare cheese I ordered from home. You can't find such a thing anywhere here." Aoyama was pretty good at smiling. He had practiced it enough in the mirror, trying out new and exciting ways to be dazzling and attractive to his audience. One had to be prepared to smile as a hero, after all. All Might never stopped smiling, and everyone wanted to be like All Might, did they not? And usually when he smiled, people smiled back. Even if it was awkward, even if it was fake, people would usually smile back.

Todoroki did not smile. He looked at Aoyama like he was nothing. He felt like he might as well have been glass with all the acknowledgement he received. Todoroki then turned his gaze to the plate Aoyama had offered, changing nothing in his expression. "No thanks," he said. He then rose from his seat, taking his lunch with him, and left the room.

And that was that. Aoyama had been entirely and utterly rejected. He had stayed away from Todoroki after that.

He had continued to watch him, of course. Aoyama liked beautiful people, even if, surprise of surprise, they did not like him in return. For every frown he spotted on Todoroki's face, he added an extra smile to his own practice. For every careless flick of hair or unstylish outfit the boy wore, Aoyama took even more care with his own appearance. He could never beat someone like Todoroki in combat, but there were other ways he could surpass one of the stars of his class.

So what if the boy did not like him? So what if none of his classmates liked him? He wasn't here to make friends, no matter how much he might have liked to. He was here to be a hero and there were numerous avenues to reach that end. The press liked a smile, liked a presence! He would be brighter than anyone else one way or the other.

"I cannot stop twinkling!" he told himself in the mirror. It wasn't just his hero name, it was his mantra. It was a need. He didn't come all the way to Japan to fail at being a hero. It wouldn't do to be outclassed.

So he watched Todoroki.

To Aoyama's complete dismay and horror, Todoroki began to become more beautiful. He made friends, something Aoyama had still failed to do, he began to smile, his eyes became less cold. Todoroki was no longer looking at the world as if it were glass. Which, honestly, was completely unfair! Didn't Todoroki have enough of a lead over him without sharpening his flaws like a spear that he was preparing to launch straight through Aoyama's heart? He certainly thought so. Todoroki did not do anything about his looks, though. But when he was already that beautiful to start, could it really be called a fault?

Aoyama ate his lunches alone, faking cheerful letters to his mother back home and scribbling "I will not stop twinkling" in his notebook whenever he needed to keep himself motivated. When no one was looking at him, he didn't smile. He didn't sparkle. No one noticed.

Sometimes he wrote that in his notebook, too.

He wasn't standing still. He was training and getting stronger just like his classmates. He was strengthening his quirk, expanding his creativity, working harder than he ever had before. The beautiful boy remained ahead of him, though. Elusive and lovely and still making Aoyama feel like glass. He did not think Todoroki had looked at him once since that day he had approached him. Did not think Todoroki even remembered that he was in his class.

It was hard to explain the frustration, the disappointment, the determination, the confusion that this made him feel. He didn't want to fail further behind on even this.

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

So Todoroki had made friends with Midoriya. Aoyama could do that, too. They were neighbors, after all. If there was one person that he could be friends with, surely it was the person that had managed to befriend Todoroki, right?

It perhaps could have gone smoother. Honestly, what Aoyama took away from the incident is that his classmates had rather terrible taste and could not appreciate a good cheese. That was fine. He would keep that in mind the next time he tried to make friends. Midoriya already loved him, of course. Everyone else eventually would, too.

By the time second semester came around, Todoroki was just like the rest of their classmates. He had friends, and smiled, and hung out with the class. This time when Aoyama decided to approach him, he chose something that would be more palatable to his classmates less refined taste.

"What's this?" Aoyama was nervous by the echo of his previous words, but he was also struck by how different things were. His voice was laced with confusion, a veritable chorus of angels compared to the monotone used before. And Todoroki was looking at him! Not just through him, but at him! Meeting his eyes and acknowledging him and seeing him! Aoyama could have cried with joy.

"It's a rare chocolate that I ordered from home. You can't find it anywhere around here," Aoyama told him. Remembering the... slight confusion that he had caused Midoriya, he added, "I thought we could share?" He hadn't meant to make it a question. He hadn't spent months practicing his smiling and reciting his mantra not to stop twinkling to be nervous now.

Todoroki either didn't notice, didn't care, or didn't deign it important enough to mention. (Aoyama would later spend the whole night sleepless, tossing and turning as he tried to figure out which was the more likely.) He turned to the chocolates, hesitantly picking one up and studying it as he held it delicately between two fingers. "Thank you."

Aoyama beamed at him, his smile as bright and powerful as if it was shot from his navel. Todoroki paused as he noticed it, chocolate halfway to his lips, and blinked at Aoyama. Then the moment passed and he put the chocolate in his mouth. Aoyama felt himself on the edge of his seat as he watched him. He chewed slowly, thoughtfully. Aoyama found that he was watching his lips too closely and chose not to stop.

"It's good," Todoroki told him. It wasn't a smile, like he was hoping for. It wasn't praise or anything exciting. 

Aoyama was excited anyway. "I have more things like this," he said. "My mother likes to send them to me to remind me of home. If you are interested, we could continue to share?"

Todoroki thought that over for a moment before nodding. "Sure. Alright."

Aoyama used his smile like a weapon, a special attack that he fired straight at Todoroki as he gave him a thumbs up. The boy seemed less than affected, his only reaction being a slow blink as he watched Aoyama with uncomprehending eyes. The moment stretched. Neither of them spoke. Aoyama had expected this to get a reaction and now that it had not, he wasn't sure what his follow up attack should be. He hadn't expected this to be a combat situation, and just like in battle, he was trying not to show just how nervous and out of his depth he was. 

Todoroki was still just staring at him! His intense eyes just... watching him, focused on Aoyama like he was waiting for what should happen next. Is this what it was like to have the attention of someone as beautiful as himself? Is this what he had been subjecting his classmates too? He made the decision to tone it down in the future. If he had a future, that is. If Todoroki's intense and beautiful staring didn't cause him to melt into a puddle of embarrassed and twinkling sweat right then and there. It wasn't the kind of death he had envisioned for himself, but perhaps if the sun hit him just right he would be beautiful anyway.

And then someone called Todoroki's name and he turned away.

Aoyama had never retreated from a situation so fast.

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

Clearly, Todoroki was still on another level than him. He had always been better at battle, Aoyama would never try to deny that, but he hadn't expected him to have such advanced battle tactics. He'd been thinking that first conversation was a fluke, that the boy could not possibly slay him with mere words a second time.

Aoyama had been wrong. Todoroki was lethal in every area. Aoyama was determined not to let that stop him though! He had been training all this time to match up to him, hadn't he? On the battlefield of the beautiful, he would not give up! He would find a way to shine brighter! He would be more gorgeous than all of his classmates eventually.

"You will not stop twinkling!" he told himself in the mirror, practicing a fierce expression for once instead of a smile. That expression was no good though, so he went back to smiling, testing out new expressions and trying to find one that could do to Todoroki what had been done to him. What smile could pierce and penetrate that nonchalant exterior? What could parry aside his verbal blades and visual thrust? What could... appeal to someone as confident and strong and beautiful and rich and powerful? What could Aoyama possibly have to offer one such as Todoroki?

He pressed his hands on the mirror, leaning his weight forward as the weight of his task weighed him down. His smile was weak and forced as he stared at himself now, but that was why he needed to practice still. He couldn't let an expression like this out in public. It just wouldn't do. 

"You cannot stop twinkling," he told himself. "Even if it's hopeless, right? Even if you're worthless, right? Even if the only spotlight you've ever had was when you sacrificed yourself for your classmates." He closed his eyes so he didn't have to see himself crying. 

Even in this, he was twinkling, so it was okay. It had to be okay.

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

Aoyama found time to approach Todoroki when he was alone, just like he'd done with Midoriya. He didn't want to compete for attention. He didn't want to find out if he would compete and lose. 

He educated Todoroki on the chocolate's that he was sharing. Well, he talked a lot. Some of the things he told Todoroki were entirely made up falsehoods, but the boy seemed to be hung on his every word after a while and Aoyama simply could not turn down the attention. He'd never let a small thing like truth let him down before, so why would he bother to let it do so now?

One time Midoriya sat with them during one of these exchanges and Aoyama allowed him a sample, as well. Midoriya was much more expressive. Aoyama found himself even more encouraged, to the point that he was eventually having these little exchanges with Uraraka, Iida, and Asui sitting attentively nearby, too.

That didn't last long though. Uraraka was wide eyed and always eager to try new food, he though he could perhaps appear on her balcony to befriend her as well at some point, but Iida worked too hard to overshadow or contain him. Aoyama was not going to stop twinkling simply because the class president thought he should "stop standing on tables" or because "that's inappropriate behavior," so he would have to go. And if one of them had to go, they all would. It wouldn't do to leave any of them out. 

Besides, he had liked it when it was just him and Todoroki.

He was in one of the hidden spots he'd found to eat lunch and writing a letter to his mother when Todoroki approached him for once. Aoyama wasn't smiling, was never smiling when he was alone this way, and it seemed to catch Todoroki off guard. He was stopped in his tracks, watching him with such a careful expression, head tilted as if there was a puzzle before him that he could solve if he just slotted the right pieces together.

Aoyama wasn't in the mood to smile, but he would not stop twinkling. He tried out one of the smiles he'd practiced for Todoroki specifically. A battle smile that could not be defeated by anything, he was sure. "Todoroki, what brings you here?"

"Aoyama." His name was spoken like a fact. It was something he liked about Todoroki's speech, the certainty that came across even when he was uncertain. "You've been sharing things with me a lot, so I thought I'd share something with you." He took a few cautious steps forward, as if he was uncertain of his welcome. Aoyama patted the ground beside him in invitation. Todoroki took it without further hesitation. "This is something my sister made. I didn't have enough to share with everyone, so..."

So he came looking for Aoyama alone? The genuine happiness that he felt at this melted his battle smile. "I am the most grateful, Todoroki! I would love to share something with you."

It was a pleasant experience. He liked Todoroki. He was beautiful in all three categories after all, just like Aoyama himself. This came with the unfortunate realization that he was in love with the boy, but Aoyama had a lot of experience with unrequited crushes. When your standards were as high as his, you couldn't possibly get what you wanted all of the time. And beautiful, rich, powerful, soon-to-be-pro heroes likely wanted partners that were equal in standing.

Aoyama wouldn't lie to himself and say that he was equal to Todoroki. No, of all his classmates, Todoroki had been the only one he had not lied to himself about. It wouldn't due to get his hopes up. He remembered that first time he approached Todoroki, the cold reception and feeling like glass. 

"You must not stop twinkling," he told himself. He repeated it again and again. He wrote it in his notebook. You must not. You can not. I will not. Wrote and wrote until his finger cramped and his determination was reaffirmed. Get stronger, get better, be beautiful! He didn't come here to put all his effort into one beautiful boy. There were many beautiful people in his class, after all! Why despair over any one of them when it was he that was the shining star of his class. There was still one area he surpassed Todoroki, right?

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

"You would be beautiful with longer hair," Aoyama told him one day when they were alone. Quite by accident, really. Aoyama didn't usually say his thoughts aloud this way, but he supposed he'd become too accustomed to speaking around Todoroki.

The boy just looked up at him, pausing with his food half way to his mouth. It was something else that he had decided to share and they were once again alone in Aoyama's private spot. That had become something of a habit lately. Nearly once a week they seemed to end up like this. Todoroki was looking at him with confusion, but not surprise. He never seemed to use more than one emotion on his face at a time. Aoyama sometimes wondered if it was skill he's practiced, the way Aoyama practiced his smiles.

"What?"

Well, Aoyama could not back down now. No use being embarrassed about it. "You never do anything with your hair," he explained, reaching out to brush the strands. "Just because you are beautiful doesn't mean you can neglect your appearance! Longer hair would suit you quite well."

Todoroki... actually blushed at that. He looked away as his face became red, fidgeting in his spot. "Th...thank you."

"I need no thanks for the truth," Aoyama told him. "You have been beautiful from the start, but in this one area, I surpass you."

Todoroki lifted one hand to touch his hair. "I... was encouraged to have shorter hair. So that it wouldn't get in the way when I used my quirk."

Aoyama nodded. "Hmm, there is truth in that. Still, I would love to see it."

Todoroki seemed to become more red and he nodded. "Okay."

Aoyama wasn't sure what that was supposed to mean. Perhaps just acknowledging Aoyama's opinion. It wouldn't due to worry about it. Everyone knew that Todoroki was beautiful. Admitting it to his face was no more embarrassing than calling an apple red or cheese delicious.

Or, that was what he thought. In a month's time, when Todoroki's hair started to become longer, Aoyama had a different thought. A thought that made his heart pound and his hope flare to life like the light when he activated his quirk.

"Todoroki," he called, dazzling as he crossed the room to get the boys attention. "I will do your hair!" It wasn't a question. He didn't think this needed to be a question when Todoroki was so utterly hopeless. There were surprised noises from their nearby classmates, but honestly, they made such sounds at him nearly daily anyway. When they weren't ignoring him, at least.

"Sure," Todoroki nodded.

Emboldened, Aoyama took Todoroki's hand and immediately pulled him from his seat. Todoroki came willingly, of course. Aoyama dragged the boy to his room, sat him in front of his mirror, and laid out the array of hair products that he had.

"What are you going to do?" Todoroki asked.

"Make you beautiful!" Aoyama told him. "More beautiful, that is. That is what you wanted, yes?" Aoyama tilted his head at him, watching him in the mirror as he let his fingers slid through Todoroki's hair. "You did this for me, no?"

Todoroki blushed, but nodded. It was perhaps the cutest sight that he could have ever imagined! Who would have thought the beautiful boy to be so shy? Lovely! Sublime! It wasn't until he noticed Todoroki's face becoming even more red that he realized that he had said these things aloud. He laughed at himself, at them both. No harm in saying the truth after all.

"I will make you as gorgeous as myself," he promised."

Honestly, he was just happy to get his hands on Todoroki. He had never had the chance to improve a masterpiece before. And of course, his heart was still pounding. He ignored him to get his work done. He wanted to see Todoroki look as lovely as he knew he could. He wanted to make his boy utterly stunning. He parted, moisturized, and styled Todoroki's hair in happy silence. Once he was done, he proclaimed, "And now we much capture it!"

He leaned down beside him as he took out his phone. Todoroki's eyes widened and he looked embarrassed again as Aoyama took the picture. That meant that he would always have proof of this beautiful blush. "Exquisite," he told him.

"I'm not..." Todoroki began.

"Hush, now," Aoyama scolded. "It was not a question."

Todoroki did. Of course he did. He didn't talk so much anyway, so this was not a surprise.

"This will be a question," Aoyama said. "Will you come on a date with me?"

Todoroki looked quite attractive when he was surprised, Aoyama was finding. "I... yes. I would... yes."

Aoyama's smile was a beam shot straight from his navel, only this time it did seem to effect Todoroki. The boy's face was entirely red. Aoyama felt entirely confident when he leaned down very close to Todoroki's face. "I will kiss you."

It wasn't a question, but it was still very satisfying to have Todoroki nod his consent.

Aoyama pressed his lips to Todoroki's in a sweet, simple kiss. "Todoroki, I believe you are twinkling, as well."

Surprisingly, that got a laugh out of his beautiful boy. "So we both can't stop twinkling?"

Joy. Pure undaunted jubilation filled him. "Yes, it is so! We are a duo now. Neither of us must stop."

Just now, he did not feel this boy was so far ahead of him. He took his head and threaded their fingers together. No, they would not stop twinkling. Neither one of them.

Sapporo Visa Trip

At 5am I was up for a shower and then a long cold walk to Hirafu train station. I walked down the hill as the sun rose and through the forest to this tiny isolated station in the middle of nowhere. It was eerily quiet as I sat and waited for the train to Sapporo. The early train is the only one that goes directly to Sapporo without needing to change trains, and this train would be the one I need to take when I fly to Kobe in a few weeks so this was practice! I was the only person to board. The Hirafu station doesn't even have a ticket machine so I needed to buy a ticket from the conductor once I was onboard and watching my Netflix downloads for the 2 hour ride. In Sapporo I decided to walk directly to the immigration office and pick up my visa which to my surprise didn't take long at all. I was only given 1 year on my visa which was a little disappointing as my colleagues had all been given 3 years but I'm not sure that I'll still be in Japan in a year's time anyway! I then went for a celebratory breakfast at Maruyama Pancake but I had arrived at the restaurant a little bit too early so I awkwardly waited outside just down the street until 11.03. I had allowed 3 minutes so that I wouldn't be that annoying customer entering right on their opening time however when I got inside I found that it was already two tables inside, and I was followed in the next 5 minutes by another 3 or 4 groups. For a Monday morning business was booming! It cost ¥1600 which is more than I'd ever normally spend on a pancake but damn, the ambience and service was worth it. Plus it came with a coffee included in the meal so the pancakes were only around ¥1200. It came out beautifully presented with a pile of fruit on the side of the plate however I think I got the first pancake of the day because they were still a bit runny inside. I didn't have the heart to send them back to be cooked a bit longer because it looked so good and also because they wouldn't understand when I told them... Anyway it was delicious regardless, and I didn't end up with food poisoning so everything was fine!

I meandered around the city killing time until my check in as I was already feeling quite tired from my early morning. Treated myself once more to some McDonald's chips and a milkshake, and then when I was in my room I took a rest for a few hours until I was hungry and had to go out to get some dinner. I grabbed some Krispy Kreme donuts and a delicious pork rice bowl to eat in my room before having the most comfortable hotel bed sleep.

The following morning I grabbed my classic Baristart flat white, with a Kenyan single origin this time and took a wall around Odori Park to drink it. I walked to Sapporo Station to get my steps in and browsed in Tokyu Hands which turned into spending about ¥5000 on Christmas cards... I'd also seen an exhibition advertised for a Japanese artist that creates miniature scenes on regular everyday items so I was very excited to check that out. It lived up to my expectations and was surprisingly busy, I didn't realise how much Japanese people like to visit art exhibitions. It was also time for me to try my first taiyaki (fish shaped filled pastry) and I chose an apple cinnamon flavour which was like a tasty apple pie. My final activity for Sapporo was KFC and a movie. I had seen Tenet last time and thoroughly enjoyed it so this time I went to see Escape From Pretoria. However I was left very disappointed when I tried to buy popcorn only to be told that they didn't have any at the moment - it's a cinema! At least I could enjoy the movie, once I'd gotten over the terrible South African accents...

Is This Love? ft. Eremika<3

Hello, my fine furry friends. I’m back with what I reallllllly hope makes up for being gone. If you’ve ever gotten a migraine, have POTS or EDS, or you’re a spoonie, whatever, you understand why more than most people. When I’m symptomatic, it’s harder to think straight, and it’s so fucking annoying :c Anyway, enjoy a piece inspired by this classic love song by Whitesnake. Ugh, love them! (But mostly Eremika 😍) Also, YES, you can still submit suggestions. I’m always looking for new ideas!! You can private message me as well, I’ve had a few people reach out that way, but do feel free to reach out this way, too. ❤️ Thank you for being understanding! Alright, lets do this, it’s a long one!

In racing thoughts she demands his attention at all hours of the day no matter what Eren is doing, or who he may be with at the time, there's no stopping them now that he's begun to question how he feels about Mikasa, so he can't push her out of his head even if he wanted to. Who the hell am I kidding? I've been aware of these feelings for years now. I don't know if I can fight it anymore. He tossed his dog's tennis ball in the air and quickly caught it in one hand with a long, drawn out sigh, thinking about how wonderful it would be to turn his chair around and see the most beautiful woman in the world laying in his bed, even if she's just sleeping. I'd give anything to hold her right now. There's gotta be more to this than I'm aware of because why else would I be thinking and dreaming about her? Mikasa has been out of town with her family for almost a month and, though she's gone on vacation for week every summer for as long as he can recall, the young man quickly found himself to be missing her a lot more than usual because the pair has never really been apart longer than a week or two at a time. However, since it's senior year, her parents decided to let their daughter choose a destination instead of a default visit to see family, and even extended the duration of their trip as well. Their flight home from Japan landed over an hour ago and all Eren can think about is calling her to see if it would be okay to drop in since he's much too impatient to wait until Monday morning. With a quick glance over his desk he reached for his phone and dialed her number knowing that, even at 12:30 am, she would still be awake from her pesky insomnia.

"Eren? Are you okay? What is it?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Can I come over?" He asked, giving the tennis ball another toss up into the air to catch it as he maneuvered himself to stand from his chair.

"Why?"

"I just need to see you."

"Oh! Well, alright -"

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

"But, Eren, I don't understand -"

"Just wait up for me, okay? Give me ten minutes."

Mikasa was sitting at her desk with a sketch book when he arrived, looking focused and determined with whatever she's drawing. Through the window, he can hear Aerosmith's Angel as he quietly observed the familiar and ridiculously sexy way she's pushing her fingers through the sheet of black satin that insists on falling across her beautiful face. God, she's fucking gorgeous. Eren lightly tapped on her window with his knuckles, and immediately felt his knees grow weak when she looked up from her sketch book, not even positive whether it's that pearly smile, the finger she's giving in request for a second more, or the sight of her bare, long legs as she rose out of her chair, flipping her hair over to put it in a messy bun that's throwing him off it’s so cute. She caught the perfect glimpse of Eren standing at her bedroom window when she came back up and, little did he know, his grin and the way he stands with his hands tucked deep in his pockets, the subtle waves of his shaggy, chocolate brown hair all make her weak at the knees, and always have for as long as she can remember. The elastic snapped in place to secure her hair as she pressed her hands against the window to push it open it for him, practically bouncing on her feet from excitement. "Oh my god, Eren!" Mikasa grinned, throwing her arms around his neck as she suddenly jumped to catch his waist between her legs and rested her cheek on his shoulder, stomach fluttering from the sound of his quiet chuckle and the feeling of his arms tightly wrapped around her petite frame as they stumbled back a step together. "I can't believe this! Why are you here?"

Well, this certainly hasn't happened before.

"I, uh," Eren smiled as she pulled back to look into his eyes and carefully helped her slide down onto her feet, anxiously resting a hand on the back of his neck. "I missed you a lot and I didn't wanna wait until Monday morning to see you." Her cheeks immediately blushed a light shade of pink as she bit her lip to disguise the automatic smile, timidly crossing her arms on her chest to rub her own shoulders.

"Really?"

"Mikasa," He cleared his throat from nerves, fighting the urge to grab that pretty little face and kiss her, his eyes flickering from those stormy grays to a pair of baby pink tulip lips. "There's something that I need to tell you."

"Sure, what is it?"

"I'm in love with you," Eren smiled as he carefully took her face in hands when her mouth fell open to express shock, listening to the wonderful sound of her giggle while she reached her hands up to carefully grab onto his wrists. Their faces slowly grew closer, allowing them the ability to lightly rub the tips of their noses together. "I’m crazy about you." With a large grin, she slid her nose alongside his just like she’s always dreamed of doing, squeezing her hands around his wrists.

"Say what now?"

"Did I fucking stutter? I said -" He smirked as she let out a soft giggle, carefully studying each other's eyes. "I'm in love with you, I think you're beautiful, and I think you’re sexy as hell."

"Wow..."

"Wow?"

"I-I just," Mikasa smiled as he lightly stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. "Do you have any idea how crazy -" But he couldn't take it anymore and crashed his lips against hers, neither of them giving a single damn about the brief bout of sloppy, inexperienced kisses. After tonight, there will be no more repressed feelings and occasionally pissing each other off from the sexual tension, just two new lovers falling into bed together for the first time. She happily lay beneath him as her hands slowly roaming his back, trapping him between her legs and kissing him like he was her only source for air, just as desperately as the way that they're being returned. Her fingers sunk into his hair as he slid his hands beneath her baggy night shirt until they were resting on top of her toned stomach, so smooth, soft and warm. How could he have been so dense not to notice how blatant her flags were, despite being waved directly in front of his face? This woman has always harbored these same feelings for him, but he was so ignorant to how she felt that he had missed all of them until recently and intends to make it up to her no matter how long it takes, and he'll prove such motivations tonight. Slowly, he pulled his lips away and pushed her shirt up to expose a pair of perky, braless breasts, watching those expressive eyes as he leaned down to drag his tongue on one of her hardened nipples. She sighed happily as she slowly ran her fingers through his hair and arched her back to push even more of her aroused, sensitive breasts closer to his eager mouth.

"So, I had a huge epiphany while you were gone," Eren flicked his tongue across her nipple and smirked as he gave it a kiss. "When I realized after a week that I had started to miss you. And at that point, I couldn't stop thinking about you," He paused with a smile when she started to blush, more than happy to hear the sound of her giggle. "That's when I realized how long I've had these romantic feelings towards you. For some reason, they were a lot easier to control and ignore until you left for more than a week.” She placed a finger under his chin and gently forced him to look up at her, smiling sweetly as she slowly pushed her fingers through his hair.

"I really missed you too, Eren..."

"So, if I were to ask you to be my girlfriend, what would you say?"

"I'd say that it's about damn time." Mikasa giggled as she gently played with his hair, content with allowing him to grope her naked breasts in his hands and roll his thumbs over her nipples, kissing the newly discovered erogenous spot on her neck with a quiet chuckle because she suddenly began to grind against his increasingly noticeable hard-on. Squirming this way and that, she sighed with pleasure from the electrifying feeling of his mouth suckling and nibbling on her neck, knowing very well that he can’t get enough of her already.

"I could do this all night." Eren squished her breasts together and smiled when she let out a tiny squeal, pressing her legs into his sides as he finally took one of the sensitive tips in his mouth, suckling gently or harder depending on her moans. He lay beside her on his side, carefully resting one of his hands across her stomach to slowly rub along the waistline of her red and blue flannel pj shorts as his mouth gradually released her nipple, looking up to meet those beautiful, hypnotic eyes. "May I?" He smirked when she giggled and nodded her head in response, eager to return his little pecks as she allowed him the privilege of spreading her legs, leaving one bent while the other was slowly pushed down sideways so his hand could easily slip beneath her shorts and panties to touch the heat.

"This can't be happening..." Mikasa grinned as he leaned in to kiss her once more and slowly reached up to cradle his cheek in her hand, all while one of his fingers slipped along the wet flesh between her legs. It's something that he's thought about in passing on occasion, fingering her to really get her going before burying his face between those gorgeous, long legs, thoughts he has more often when she wears shorts or something that eventuates her slim lower half. He slid his hand up an impressively toned stomach and kissed down her body so slowly, so sensually that it sent chills down her spine. "Oh, you don't need to do that.." The young woman managed to say through rugged breaths, watching through a half lidded gaze as he pulled her shorts and panties down until everything fell on the floor. He leaned in to kiss her smile before dragging his lips, teeth and tongue along her torso, kissing progressively lower and lower. Oh, how she's longed to see this man peeking up from between her legs doing precisely what he's about to do.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No! No, I just..." She flashed a most endearing, bashful smile and blushed. "I'm still a virgin, so I've never been..."

"Eaten out?"

"Yeah, that."

"Don't worry, you're my first time doing anything like this, too...” Eren offered her a comforting smile as he took one of her hands in his and laced their fingers together. "But it’s just like everything else we’ve encountered. We’ll figure it out together, right?" She bit her lip to hide a grin, feeling so flattered and wanted by him that it gave her a hot flash of nervousness, worsening the tint on her cheeks.

"Okay...” And it's immediately clear that she was entranced with his voice, finally experiencing the new sensation of someone else's fingers pressed on her absolutely aching clitoris. Mikasa reached up to push her hair out of her face and smiled, watching his eyes as he carefully slipped a finger inside the wetness with a smirk because her mouth has fallen open. She bit her bottom lip as he set a hand on her thigh, gently pushing that leg aside to prevent it from closing around his head, growing harder by the second at the sight of glistening skin.

"You're so wet..." He smirked, watching her grin become disguised with a lip bite as he leaned in so he could drag his tongue along her slit to get a good taste, and glanced up in time to see her head fall back against the pillow. "In case you were concerned," Eren whispered, wiggling the tip of his tongue on her clitoris before quickly lapping at any new fluids. "You smell and taste sweet." She moaned softly from the feeling of his flattened tongue rubbing circles on her little nub and gently tugged on his hair, slapping a hand over her mouth to catch a moan just as it came roaring out from the back of her throat.

"Erennnnnn..." There was an instant tightening of his jeans from her sounds, which became even worse when she grew juicer from his finger slowly moving in and out with the hopes of avoiding any discomfort, only to receive nothing but little, pleasurable sounds muffled by her hand. He carefully added a second finger, taking his time with pushing it deeper as her fingers accidentally pulled too hard on his hair, making him tear his mouth away with a quiet chuckle, planting a kiss on her cleanly shaven mound as his finger slowly slipped in and out of her.

“Ow.” Eren teased as he lifted his head to see that her face has changed significantly in the last few minutes from their intimate encounter, her head back against the pillow, and since she's finally aware of how he feels, he can admire her beauty without a single care if she catches him or not. He reached for the hand she has loosely tucked in his hair and laced their fingers together over her thigh to press it into the mattress. “You’re so beautiful.” The young woman hummed in response with a smile as she lightly rubbed her foot along his back and removed her baggy shirt to bare herself in front of him completely for the first time. His fingers moved faster as he sealed his mouth around her damp, pink flesh and suckled, having remembered overhearing from other guys that doing so will definitely drive her wild. Mikasa whimpered into her hand, squealing with delight as she squirmed in his arms this way and that, forcing him to remove his fingers and slide his arms beneath her hips, holding her still against his mouth. Moments later, she covered his tongue in her nectar, his head quickly shaking side to side as his lips rubbed her overly sensitive clitoris, making her tremble as he removed his mouth. He planted a kiss on the outside of her glistening slit and slowly trailed them up to her mound, finally opening his piercing green eyes to glance up at the woman he's always loved more than anything.

“Holy shit," Mikasa giggled as he slowly kissed up the rest of her body and gently squeezed her hand in his before releasing it to tuck his hands beneath her pillow. "That was amazing..."

"It'll only get better with practice you know.” He smirked, wiggling his eyebrows at her as she reached up to hook her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a brief, rapid succession of kisses.

"Can you stay tonight?"

"I'll have to leave really early but, yeah," Eren smiled as he leaned down to gently kiss the tip of her nose. "I can stay tonight."

"Good." She smiled as he flashed a devilish grin and dove into the side of her neck, reaching between them to mess with the buckle of his belt. "There's something that I've always wanted to do with you," Her breath tickled his cheek as her fingers tucked beneath the waistline of his opened jeans and boxers. "I wanna suck your cock.." Eren slowly looked up into her eyes, his widened out of shock because he's never pegged someone like Mikasa as having the desire to do such a thing, but mostly psyched having been getting the occasional dream where they engage in rough sex that always starts with her being passionately eaten out.

“Are you sure? I don't want you to feel like you owe me."

"No, I want to." Mikasa smiled sweetly as she lightly touched the sensitive head with her fingertips. "Because it’s your turn now, Eren..." He felt himself grow red at her proposition but also getting extremely hard and excited, rolling off of her onto his back so she could easily remove the clothing from his legs, tossing them on the carpeted floor in a nearly silent heap. Biting her lip, she gently slid her hands beneath his shirt in the hopes of encouraging him to sit up and remove it, impressing her immediately with how ripped he is while still being so slender. "Wow, and you say my body is incredible?" He just propped himself up on his elbows with a smirk, watching a string of her spit dribble out onto his well endowment as she began to slowly rub her hand along the length.

“That’s because your body is incredible and no, I haven't had my dick sucked."

"I'm honored to be the only one who gets to taste it..." Mikasa grinned at the man gazing at her lovingly as he reached for the sheet of raven hair shielding his view of her beautiful face. "You may have to help me." With a gentle touch, she swiped her thumb across the tiny, oozing slit and stroked his raging hard-on, smiling with those stormy grays as she leaned down to slowly lick up the shaft of cock once, twice, three times, his hand gathering all of her hair to one side. He groaned as she swirled her tongue around the head with a smirk, watching her allow more saliva to cover his entire hot length, lips slowly traveling along each side and pause so she could gently suck the sensitive head into her mouth.“Holy fuck, Miki..." Eren chuckled with a quiet grunt when he felt her sweet lips slowly massage just the head before she started following her hand along his length. Her hand came to rest at the base and gently gripped his balls as she slowly tried to swallow his length, only to gag and immediately pull away with a mix between a cough and a giggle. “Try relaxing your throat if you're gonna - just like that..." He half moaned under his breath and released her soft hair from his grasp to run his fingers through it the next instant, making sure to push stray hairs away from her face. But when she came back up, a hand replaced her mouth and made him feel dizzy from the pleasure of her head bobbing with her simultaneous strokes. His breath was now caught in his throat at the feeling of her hollowing her cheeks, slowing her pace to prepare for the inevitable as she slid a hand up his abs to hold the hand he has resting on his chest and laced their fingers together. He grunted and involuntarily bucked his hips with every spurt of hot seed shot into her mouth that were swallowed happily as he slowly rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand. When her eyes finally opened after coming up for air, Mikasa was pleasantly surprised to see his incredible green eyes already on her as she released him from her mouth with an audible pop. "Fuck, that was every bit as hot as I imagined." He chuckled, watching her tongue seductively swipe across her bottom lip and sit up on her knees, a finger scooping any leftovers from her chin as she swirled her tongue around the tip of her finger before sticking the small sample into her mouth, watching his smile quickly turn into a playful smirk. "'Oh, Eren, I've never sucked a dick before' that's you," She smiled as she straddled his lap and leaned down to slowly drag open mouthed kisses up his chest. "That's how you sound."

“I kinda just did whatever I thought would feel good and I guess it worked," Mikasa giggled as she licked up to the side of his neck, making him groan playfully as he rose to wrap his arms around her tiny waist. "I don't know what everyone's complaining about because it really isn't that salty..."

“I don't really eat salty stuff. I’ve heard that eating a crap-ton of fruit is supposed to make it taste better, maybe we can try that sometime?"

"Oooh," Mikasa grinned and snaked her arms around his neck. "I can't believe I'm saying this but I look forward to doing that." She watched his eyes, allowing him to slowly guide her slick heat along the length of his cock with a soft moan and leaned in to plant a kiss on his lips. "I’m on the pill but.."

“Don’t worry, I have no intentions of knocking you up quite yet.”

"Does that mean you intend to marry me someday?"

"Why not?" Eren smirked when she pressed her lips against his once more and flipped the girl on her back, making her giggle as she eagerly spread her legs for him then hooked one around his waist. He slowly pulled away just enough to look into her eyes, holding himself up with support from his hands being pressed into the mattress, making sure to take his time with inching his way inside and give her frequent breaks consisting of brief, tender, distracting kisses. With watery eyes, she whimpered into his mouth, making him pull away again as he brought a hand up to wipe her tears. “I'm so sorry, baby."

“It's okay." Mikasa offered a sweet smile as he leaned in to kiss her and slipped his hands back beneath her pillow, more than content with laying still so she can get used to his thick length buried inside of her after years of wondering what this moment would be like. She moaned softly into his mouth, letting him know that she's finally passed the worst of the discomfort, that it would be okay to start moving and he did so slowly, making her tear away with a quiet giggle against his lips. "Ooh, you're so big..." Eren just smirked, letting out a small chuckle as he crashed his lips against hers and slipped his tongue into her mouth, both of them fighting the other for dominance. She sunk her fingers into his soft, chocolate brown hair and allowed one of her hands to roam his toned, naked back as she deepened their kiss even further, totally unprepared for how good it would feel when his hips really started moving. The quiet moans that filled his mouth only served to make him want to thrust faster, their lips soon parting with an audible smack since she had erupted into a fit of uncontrollable moans as she arched her back and used her legs to pull him closer, looking up into his eyes with an equally half lidded, lustrous gaze. "Oh, Erenn!" The girl managed to say amidst her moans and smiled at his smirk as he dove in for the side of her neck to bathe her soft skin with kisses, his hand reaching back so he could slowly caress her leg while giving the most erogenous spot a much rougher kiss.

“I love how fucking tight you are..." His breath tickled her ear, and it made her squirm even more, smiling as she rode him from below because her climax is overwhelming and it has her drunk. She could tell how close he was because his breathing had gotten increasingly choppy and, being close to another orgasm, she decided that it would be fun to try talking dirty.

“Come for me, Eren,” Mikasa moaned to him, digging her nails into his back as he thrusted into her faster and faster. “Oooh,” Her voice was quiet as she tried to control her sounds, squealing with delight loud enough for the two of them to hear. “You can come inside me, ohh, yes, fuck me! Fill up my tight little -”

"Ohho no," The young man smirked as he propped himself up on his hands to watch her breasts move in tandem with her equally perfect body, their hips not once slowing down. "There's something that I have always wanted to do with you...” She giggled upon remembering what was said earlier before everything had started, when Mikasa mentioned something to him along the same lines. He took in a sharp breath and chuckled from the incredible feeling of her inner walls constricting or releasing him because it was simply intoxicating, and it sent them both over the edge into a blissful state. With a swift movement, Eren sat up straight as he pulled out and immediately hunched over her body again, pumping himself until his load squirted onto her stomach, making her giggle because she’s still in a little bit of shock that this even occurred, let alone the fact she just slept with her childhood best friend. “Cum on your fantastic abs.” He said breathlessly and quickly copied the smile on her face as he planted a kiss on her soft lips.

“Wait, really?”

"Totally. I've always been aware of how attractive you are, you know, especially when you wear a bikini. Guys come up to me and ask if you're single all the time."

"Well, now you can say, 'Mikasa Ackerman is my girlfriend, so go fuck yourself.'"

"I used to hate it when that happened but now I'm excited to brag about you being mine." Eren smiled, watching her eyes as she reached a hand between them to touch the evidence from their night of passion and seductively stuffed whatever was left on her finger into her mouth with a playful grin. "Seriously, Mikasa, you’re mega hot." Suddenly, a cellphone sitting on the nightstand beside them vibrated, which prompted her to reach for hers as he leaned down to press his lips to her neck. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders to see her phone screen, and then she gasped.

Levi: Oi, brat, I'm trying to sleep over here and it's really difficult with all of your incessant screaming.

Positive | Three |

| Two | April 2017 | Four |

It was the middle of April by now, you still weren’t feeling good, your hormones were chaotic and you were currently sitting at an empty table with a cold dinner in front of you. This happened, it was normal. Jaebum would get busy and be late, normally it was fine, however today it was not fine. You knew the moment he came through that door you were going to pick a fight. A very bad fight. Jaidyn had been so disappointed when he hadn’t showed up for dinner since it was the third time this week that dinner plans fell through. She was missing him, you were angry, and the poor guy wasn’t even at fault. This was the life you had signed up for and until now, were capable of handling it, but pregnancy was making you crazy. So you sat at the table, watching the meal you had made get cold, your daughter long since going to bed after her dinner was finished. It was approaching ten when you heard the front door keypad beep, signalling the entry of the only other person who had the pin code. You could hear him shuffle to take his shoes off, him padding towards the kitchen where you were currently sitting in the dark.

Jaebum assumed you had already gone to bed, he had noticed you were so tired lately, barely making it to eight on a good day. So he was shocked when he flipped the light on in the kitchen to see you, sitting there, looking like a corpse.

“Aissssshhhhhh! Wow, you scared me” He chuckled as he approached to give you a kiss. You leaned away from him, which judging by the look on his face, he assumed it was because you were angry.

“I’m sorry, I know this is the third time this week I missed dinner. We’re just so busy with the Japan tour that I can’t sneak away earlier. You have every right to be upset.” He said crouching down in front of your chair, resting his chin on on your lap. It was the moments like this that killed you. He was genuinely sorry for making you wait, for making you feel like you weren’t important. It was these same moments that made you want to tell him the truth.

“I know JB, but I can’t keep doing this. I love you but I’m so tired” You said barely audible, your resolve cracked, you were to exhausted to fight.

“Baby, I know. And I am sorry. You give me so much and ask for nothing. All I can do is love you and show you how much you mean to me. I know I suck sometimes, especially when you’re so patient and understanding with me and my career. You and Jai mean the world to me, its crazy how much love and support the two of you give me, making me feel like the luckiest man in the world.” He stood from his crouching position and kissed your forehead. His gaze then shifted to the cold plate of food in front of you.

“Did you not eat? Y/N you need to eat. Let me heat up the food. Then we can cuddle tonight, can I stay the night?” You nodded, feeling the tears fall down your cheeks. You would give yourself tonight, just one more night with the man you loved.

You woke up the next morning later than usually, thankfully it was a Sunday so you hadn’t been late to work. You remembered how the night before had found you tangled in the sheets, Jaebum pleasing you and making you see how sorry he was. It had been all about you and the pleasure you deserved. Turning over to look at the empty side of the bed he had vacated, sent a shooting pain through your chest. You sat up slowly from your position, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes and feeling the ache between your legs. Looking around the room you noticed a vase with a rose that had not been on your dresser the night before. As you untangled your legs from the sheets, raising up and heading to your dresser, you noticed the little note beside the vase.

“Babe, I let you sleep in this morning because you deserve it.

I packed a bag for Jaidyn and brought her to the company for the day.

Don’t worry about anything. I figured she would like to see everyone before

we left for Japan in a few days. If you want to come by later, please do.

If not, we will be home at dinner time. Don’t cook. I will bring you your 

favourite spicy rice cakes.

I love you

JB”

You read the note three times before the tears began falling. You were so hopelessly in love with this man. He was so incredible to you, and yet here you are, selfishly stealing more time with him before you shattered his world to protect him. The tears had finally stopped after a hot shower. Dressing in jeans that still fit and a lose fitting t shirt under an oversized sweater, you slipped your shoes on and headed to his building. One day, you just needed one day. This was the lie you kept telling yourself.

The scene you found when you walked into the dance studio was one of chaos. Apparently, it was break time and the boys had put on music just to goof around too. Your child was in the middle of an epic dance battle with Youngjae, as the other men surrounded them, shouting words of encouragement to the little human, and taunts to the older male. No one had noticed you yet, so you pulled your phone out to capture a video, something you often did, but now it was for a much more different reason.

“Y/N!!!!!!” Yugyeom called out, finally noticing you after several minutes. Quickly putting away your phone you walked towards the men in front of you, all of them simultaneously turning towards you. Jaebum broke away from the group and walked over to stand behind you, wrapping his arms around your middle. Your breath hitched, thankful that you weren’t really showing yet and that the sweater provided extra padding for the tiny little amount of chub you accumulated on your tummy, something easily passed off as bloating.

“Maman~!, JB Appa and the oppas are so funny today! You’re just in time for the dance party.” She said while spinning around

“Jaidyn-ah, Oppa wants ice cream, shall we go to the store?” Jackson said, sticking his hand out towards her.

“Yes!!!!” she squealed in delight.

“Hey, wait a minute. It’s almost dinner time. You can’t feed her ice cream” Jaebum piped up, looking at Jackson sternly.

“We’re going to be gone for like a month, let me spoil my princess!” Jackson whined, grabbing your child and running for the door. Yugyeom and Bambam followed directly behind them.

“Um, you better supervise that shopping trip” You said as you nodded towards the door. Jaebum sighed beside you, reaching around to kiss your cheek.

“I’ll be back” he said as he walked after the group who had just left.

“I’ll be here” You smiled.

Youngjae had went to lie down on the couch and Mark followed suit. Jinyoung was sitting against the mirrors on the floor.

“We love when she is around. I can’t believe she is almost eight now.” he said as you went to sit next to him.

“Try being me. It’s crazy”

“Thank you for being so patient with Hyung. Not only are the rest of us thankful to have met you, but you really complete him.” Although his words were sincere, you couldn’t help but feel bitter.

“I really love him Jinyoung, always remember that. I will never love another man the way I love him.” You mumbled looking down at your hands in your lap. You neglected to see the quizzical look on Jinyoung’s face at your statement. He didn’t question you, but he felt it rather odd that you would say something like that. So he just wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you close. You snuggled into him and basked in his warmth, silently praying you would not start crying. God, everything made you cry these days, this was so different from your first pregnancy. Jinyoung opened up his phone and you two watched videos until the door to the studio opened a while later.

“You know, I’m not sure how I feel about my girlfriend wrapped in another mans arms” JB said, as he walked in, holding your daughter’s hand. He cocked an eyebrow as he looked between you and Jinyoung. The two of you laughed at his reaction. The remainder of the night was full of love and laughter between everyone.

A few nights later, as you lay on the couch, you felt what you believed to be the first flutter of movement  of the impending human to be, growing in your tummy. It was at that moment, fifteen weeks pregnant that you knew it was time. Jaebum was set to leave in a week for month long promotions in Japan, so it was time to let your fairy tale life end. You had been selfish to keep this relationship going, to make him believe everything was going to be okay. You knew how the members of GOT7 were going to be angry at you, not just for hurting him, but them too. You were going to rip yourself out of their life, bringing the little girl they had grown to love with you. There was no winning in this situation. The emotional turmoil had brought you down so much.

“Hey, what are you thinking about?” A voice caused you to jump out of your skin, hand flying up to your heart.

“Jesus, I didn’t hear you come in” You gasped out.

“I’m sorry, I called your name, like five times. What is going on in your head” JB asked as he sat down beside you, arranging your feet on top of his thighs. A worried look on his face.

“Stuff, I guess I am unhappy about a lot lately” You figured it was now or never.

“about what? Is it your job?” He honestly didn’t have an inkling of doubt in your relationship. That was the worst part. The two of you got along and understood each other so well. The age difference didn’t matter, both of you respected the other and supported each other through everything. You two weren’t perfect by any means, and although rarely, there had been many fights that resulted in screaming. Usually the other removing themselves from the situation and saying that they needed time to cool down and then talk rationally, but it was never anything that couldn’t be fixed. You guys were mature about many things.

“No JB, it’s about us.” You said sitting up, removing your legs from his body. He stiffened at that, probably trying to figure out where he had gone wrong, trying to rectify whatever mistake he made.

“Is it because I am never around? I know it can be hard, but you know this is what it is like with me. Come on, we’ve been at this three years. We can make it.” He said with a smile, ruffling your hair.

“Look, I’m not going to blame you. I signed up for this. I chose this. In the beginning it was okay, but now.. god you’re almost never around. Like ever. Plans are always broken. I go weeks without seeing you. It sucks”  You groaned out.

“I know, but I try to message you as much as possible. You know I try. I’m so thankful you have been understanding of my career. You never needed to be. So please, just hold on a little longer. Look how far we come” He pleads, you can hear the tension in his voice now. Him realizing you weren’t letting it go like you normally did when this conversation would start.

“You always say that! I love you, don’t doubt that, but I want more. I want more time with you, I want to have normal dates. God, I want to post on social media about my happy family. But I can’t, and don’t even for a second tell me that I will be able to. You know as well as I know it doesn’t happen for a korean idol.” You let your voice raise in anger. To be fair, this was not how you wanted it to play out, but emotions were running high, and you were so tired of holding it together.

“No, you can have that. You just need to give it time. Come on. You know this. Were really getting popular now and you know I have a duty to the boys —-” You cut off his rant.

“Fuck them. I am greedy, I want it to be about me for once. I’m tired of being second. I am so fucking tired of it! Of you breaking dinner dates, missing out on Jaidyn’s things. You can’t even pick her up from school. I’m a single mom, and it sucks!” You snapped at him.

“No baby, not at all. I fully accept the role of her father figure, you know that. I love that little girl so much. I would do anything for her. Baby come on.” He was grasping at straws, trying to diffuse the situation, trying to make you believe in him like you normally did.

“No Jaebum. I don’t doubt you love her, hell I see how you are, but you’re not here. You miss the gymnastics competitions, the school plays, fuck even just like going on a random adventure to the Han River. You’re never there.” You were crying now. Something JB hated and knew only happened when you were really feeling frustrated and hurt.

“Look, I know it’s not easy. I can understand how you feel, but my career, we just need to hold on a few more years. Then we can go public, get married and be open. Right?” Jaebum he pleaded with such sincerity in his eyes. He really didn’t like how this conversation is going. For some reason this one felt different then the other ones you two had had before.

“I can’t. I am exhausted. I can’t do it anymore.” You said getting up, walking towards the kitchen to get some water.

“Really, just like that. You’re going to throw away three amazing years because you’re feeling a little butt hurt right now” His temper had finally snapped, and he couldn’t stop the words he was spewing, yelling at you. Normally holding it together much better than you, but tonight, with the emotions in the air, he lost his cool.

“This is selfish. You’re not the only one in this relationship. Do you honestly think I like leaving you? Hell we have a child together! I have been in that little girls life for three years. That is my daughter. We need to stick it out because I will not fucking lose her!!!” He had some how gotten in to your face, jaw sticking out and yelling at you.

“You’re not her real fucking dad!” You seethed words laced with venom, regretting them instantly. You had never said that before, even in the middle of a fight. You watched the colour drain from his face, as he stumbled back and his expression instantly became pained, then cold.

“You take that back.” He said in a low warning growl.

“Fuck you.”

“Take. It. Back.” He was in your face again, beyond pissed off.

“Appa?” a sleepy voice came from behind Jaebum. He turned around instantly, expression changing to one of love.

“Hi baby, did maman and I wake you up, we’re sorry. Let me tuck you back into bed” JB took her by the hand and led her back to bed. You went and threw yourself onto the couch, pulling your knees to your chest. This was by far the worst fight you two had ever had. You had said terrible things to him, but you were not going to apologize, you needed to end this. Several minutes passed until you heard Jaebum return to stand in front of you.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” He asked angrily. You didn’t look at him. “Really, you’re not going to have a conversation with me?” Again, you ignored his comments.

“Whatever Y/N, I’m done tonight. I’ll call you in a few days. I love you” He said, still angry. If there was one thing you two always did, no matter the argument, you always said that you loved each other.

“Don’t bother. We’re done.” You said.

“Really? You’re going that far tonight?” He asked, his temper flaring even more.

“Goodbye JB, don’t let the door hit you on the way out” You said picking up your phone as a distraction from the man looming over you. He finally turned around and headed to put his shoes on.

“Whatever y/n” He said as he slammed the door shut.

You  waited a minute before you walked over and put the chain on the latch. It was over.

You returned to sit on the couch, you would give anything for a bottle of wine. Instead you cried yourself to sleep.

JB arrived at the dorm in record time, his anger boiling over. He slammed the door with so much force that the window glass rattled. Several heads snapped up to look at him as sank to the floor in front of the door, putting his head into his hands.

“Hyung?” It was Jinyoung who went to him right away, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“I think I just lost them.” Jaebum said, head still in his hands.

“What do you mean?” Jinyoung asked the man, as he sat down beside him. Concern etched on his face.

“I lost them. Y/n and I, we…we got into a fight. I-I-I think it’s over” Jaebum stuttered.

“Don’t be ridiculous, it was just a fight. Couples fight. You two always work it out, she loves you way to much.” Jinyoung reassured him.

“This time feels different Jinyoung, she didn’t even say she loved me as I left, she always tells me she loves me… “ He whispered, tears falling from his eyes. No one said anything for the rest of the night.

It had been five days since the fight. Neither you, nor Jaebum, had reached out to each other. Usually by the second day someone was showing up with food, saying sorry and showering the other with kisses. Although you knew it needed to end, you were still hoping that maybe he would call, even a text. Instead you were met with radio silence and it just made the heart break worse. You hadn’t talked to any of the members of his group, and with them departing for Japan in a few days, the likelihood of you seeing anyone was also very slim. Your three year relationship was over, completely done.

And yet you wanted nothing more than to run to the man who you were pushing away.

“Maman, how come JB Appa hasn’t been home lately. I really miss him. Can he come see us soon” Your little girl asked one day as she was getting ready for school.

“I’m sorry baby, he is so busy. He has to get ready for a month in Japan.”

“Will we see him before he goes?”

“I don’t know baby. I hope so, but if we don’t it’s okay. You know he loves us so much right” You hated lying, but this was not a conversation you wanted to have with her just yet. Instead you busied yourself getting her ready for school. You had two weeks until you were done your contract at your school, so you hadn’t been packing or anything useful yet for the move. The emotions you were feeling were very overwhelming. Guilt, anger, sadness, and relief, were consuming you. You were finding it harder and harder to hid the baby growing in your belly. It was exhausting.

“Jaidyn, grab your bag. We need to go.” You yelled making your way to the front door.

“Coming, Maman, I love you.” She smiled as she slipped her shoes on and grabbed her coat.

“I love you to baby.” You replied, taking her hand and heading out the door.

It was somewhere along the way of dropping your daughter off at school and heading to your own classroom that you received the text. The text you had been praying to come, but not to come. That damn text that was going to put your heart together again, only to shatter it at the same time. It was a wicked trick of fate, really. Having what you longed for so much, only to throw it away. You must have stared at the text for a solid five minutes before you made the decision to not reply.

[8:03am] Jaebum</3: I love you. You deserve everything you want. The dates, social media posts, random adventures. I promise when I get home from Japan, I will become the boyfriend you deserve babe, promise. Hold on just a little while longer, okay. We got this xo.

He honestly knew how to be the best man possible for you, yet you couldn’t be the woman for him. You let your phone screen shut off and placed it in your bag. Jaebum would never be able to fulfill that promise.

CaeJose Week 2018 // “Future”

    The night after Joseph retrieves his adorable pissy nerd grandson and his purple friend from prison, he gets a phone call from Suzie. It must be early in the morning in New York- he can hear the sound of water kettle heating up and dishes clinking as Roses prepares breakfast, and he feels a sudden stab of jealousy that he’s not there with her.

    “Caesar’s on his way to you,” Suzie says, her voice uncharacteristically serious.

    “Caesar?” Joseph says. He and Caesar have always orbited each other like planets, but in the years since Holly moved to Japan their contact has been more and more infrequent, their lives stretched out between New York and England and Los Angeles and Rome. The last time Joseph saw Caesar, they were at Lisa Lisa’s funeral, shoulder to shoulder with her coffin between them. Lisa Lisa was more of a mother to Caesar than she was to him, and while Joseph didn’t resent either of them for it, it meant that he didn’t have anything to say- not to Caesar, and not to the gravestone. Afterwards, they went out and got incredibly smashed, and for about six hours Joseph felt like he was 18 again. But that was months ago, and they haven't spoken since.

    “He’s worried about this whole business with the stands,” Suzie reports.

    “He’s always worried,” Joseph complains, but he’s not really annoyed. It’s starting to look like they’ll need all the backup they can get.

    “Did he tell you about his stand?” Suzie asks, and giggles at Joseph’s obvious surprise.

    “OH MY GOD?! A stand- how- where did he- when- Suzie, what does it do?!”

    “Well, if he didn’t tell you, I don’t think I should…” Suzie says coyly.

    “Suzie, baby, angel, sweetheart, you can’t just-”

    Joseph’s conversation with Suzie is interrupted by Jotaro appearing ominously in his doorway, dressed in a Queen tank top and pajama pants and exuding ominous vibes in every direction.

    “I’m trying to sleep. Keep it down, gramps.” Joseph tries, he really does, but he fails to get any more information out of Suzie and after fifteen minutes Jotaro reappears, silently crushes the phone into dust, and then goes back to sleep. It’s hard being a genius, Joseph reflects sadly as he ticks himself into bed. No one appreciates him.

    The next day Jotaro comes home with an unconscious boy slung over his shoulder and then rescues his new friend from vampire tentacle. Joseph will give this to Jotaro- he might be a bad-tempered little brat, but at least he has the composure and skills to back up his scowls.  Of course, he immediately leaves after his rescue, probably embarrassed to have done something nice for another human being, and Joseph is left to explain to Kakyoin that he’s been under control by a sexy vampire for several weeks.

    Kakyoin takes it about as well as anyone can considering the circumstances, which is to say that he excuses himself to the bathroom and doesn’t come out for a long period of time. Joseph suspects he’s crying, or trying not to cry. Teenagers.

    Between this and that, Joseph entirely forgets about Caesar until about 7 the next morning, when someone comes careening into their driveway, motor loud enough to wake the dead, brakes squealing like a subway train, opera music playing at full blast. One last scream from the lead singer, and the car switches off. There’s the sound of a door slamming shut, and then the beep-beep of a car being locked.

    Caesar’s here, Joseph thinks, and then he’s clambering out of bed and putting his clothes on. A minute later and he’s at the door. He can see Caesar’s pink rental car through the window; it sits among the tasteful gardens of the Kujo estate like a stripper at church.

Caesar himself is waiting impatiently at the door, beautiful as ever. He’s the only bastard Joseph knows who could hop on a flight from Italy to Japan and come out looking the kind of disheveled that models spend hours in the makeup studio trying to achieve. His hair is a fine light blond, just beginning to shade to white, and he looks closer to thirty than to sixty, the wide muscle of his shoulder framed by his crop-top and elbow length gloves. At the sight of Joseph, a pink and blue humanoid flashes into existence behind him and poses, one finger pointed in Joseph’s direction.

Caesar grins real wide at Joseph’s shocked expression and throws his head back, his stand combing its fingers through his hair.

“I call it Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy,” Caesar says. His stand blows Joseph a kiss, and a pink bubble emerges from its lips and floats through the air. Curious, Joseph reaches for the bubble with his mechanical arm. It pops. A curious tingle passes through his body, and he finds that the entire left side of his body has gone numb.

“Hey,” he starts to protest, and Caesar grins and grabs Joseph in a headlock. They scuffle for a bit before Hermit Purple can finally get a grip on Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy and make it reverse the effect, which it does with a delicate kiss.

“Not dead yet, I see,” Caesar jeers. It’s a long-standing contention between them that Joseph doesn’t practice his hamon training as much as Caesar thinks he should. When Joseph’s hair first started to go white, Caesar took it as a personal insult.

    “You’re two years older than me!” Joseph responds, like he always does. Holly comes out of the house, and all the levity drains out of Caesar’s face. It’s only a moment and then his smile is plastered back on, but Joseph knows Caesar well enough to know when he’s bluffing.

    “Holly!” Caesar says, pulling her into a hug. They exchange enthusiastic greetings, but Joseph can tell something’s wrong. Caesar’s stand is hovering behind Holly, hand outstretched over her back like it wants to touch but can’t.

    “It’s been such a long time since we’ve had this much company,” Holly says, laughing. “Are you here to help Papa?”

    “I am,” Caesar says, and kisses her forehead. Holly’s eyelashes flutter, and goes limp. There’s something growing all along her back, thorns and vines, and Joseph doesn’t need to catch Caesar’s eyes to know what it is. A stand. A parasitic stand.

    “Holly,” he says, and his voice trembles in his throat.

    “This is your fault,” Caesar says quietly. The one big argument, the one that nearly brought down their house, the one that kept Ceasar from talking to Joseph for nearly a year- was about teaching Holly the ripple. Caesar wanted her to learn. He said that there were more monsters in the world than either of them knew about, and that it was an important tradition, and that Lisa Lisa would have wanted her to know, and then as the argument progressed he called Joseph negligent and lazy and selfish and, well...

    They both said a lot of things that they would regret later, but Holly never learned the ripple. Joseph wanted her to have a better life than Caesar had, a better life than Lisa Lisa had, and here she is, her life leaking out of her drip by drip by drip.

    “What’s wrong with her?” Jotaro demands. Joseph didn’t even see him appear.

    “Her stand is killing her,” Caesar says, and Jotaro’s face goes pale and furious, his stand looming behind him. After that, a lot of things happen in quick succession. The Speedwagon Foundation is called. Jotaro’s stand discovers a new talent for zoological artwork. Plane tickets are booked. Suitcases are packed.

    Caesar comes to Joseph when he’s in his room packing and shuts the door, and Joseph thinks for a moment that it’s going to be bad.

    “If you’ve come here to gloat at me over my daughter’s unconscious body I will beat the shit out of you,” he says, and means it. Caesar pauses, and then he keeps walking. He comes to a stop in front of Joseph, and then grabs him in a hug.

    “Dumbass,” he says. A lump rises in Joseph’s throat. He’s not a crybaby, whatever Caesar might accuse him of. He can hold it together for as long as he needs to, and right now it’s looking like that will be forty days and forty nights, god- the timer on his little girl’s life. Still, he lets Caesar hug him. He misses the days when they used to cuddle in the tower while insisting that they weren’t cuddling and Caesar would let Joseph fall asleep in his lap. It’s terrible, what time does to people, how far it takes you from the things you care about.

“I wish I’d been wrong,” Caesar says, and that gets a muffled laugh out of  Joseph. Caesar gives great hugs. He’s huge, solid, the feel of his body familiar even after all these years.

“You? Wrong?” Joseph says. “I’m sure that never happens, Caesar-chan.”

“I’m glad you can admit it at last,” Caesar says, pulling back from him. “We’ll do this, Joseph. Just like last time.”

“If I recall correctly, I did most of the work last time,” Joseph says, earning him a scowl from Caesar.

“That’s a failure on both our parts, then, since you hate work,” Caesar retaliates.

“You’re mean,” Joseph says, but he’s smiling. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Old Man,” Caesar says, and Joseph winces.

“Don’t say that, it makes you sound like Jotaro.”

“Oh, you don’t want me to call you Jiji? You’re right, I don’t want to imply that I respect you.” Caesar may be the last remaining ripple master and have a shiny new stand and this and that, but at the end of the day Joseph can put him in a headlock until his hair looks awful and his face is pink, and that’s what really matters.

                        Kakyoin takes the initiative to order in some food, and they all troop outside to eat by the river while the doctors set up inside the house. None of them really want to watch as Holly is hooked up to their machines. As they’re trooping over the bridge and back towards the house, Jotaro’s new tentacle friend declares his intention to come with on their trip.

    “What use are you going to be?” Caesar asks. Behind Kakyoin’s back, Jotaro’s eyebrows go up slightly. He and Caesar have always gotten along well. Before Jotaro was a punk, he was the kind of nerd that admired Caesar’s flashy clothes and sweet words, and Joseph’s always suspected that he took up smoking in imitation of his ‘cool uncle.’

    “I beg your pardon,” Kakyoin says politely, and then Caesar goes careening over the edge of the bridge and comes to a stop just shy of the water, a piece of Hierophant Green wrapped around his ankle. Joseph didn’t see Kakyoin summon it, so he can only assume it was lurking under the bridge. He reluctantly awards Kakyoin points for preparation and audacity.

“Is that all,” Caesar says, laughing. Lover Boy pries Hierophant Green’s tentacle loose from his ankle, and Caesar flips over backwards onto the pond. He lands on the surface of the water like a gymnast sticking a landing. “I asked what use you were going to be, not your stand.”

Kakyoin looks flabbergasted. Behind him, Jotaro also looks surprised, or what passes for surprised with Jotaro. He really shouldn’t be. It’s not as if Joseph hasn’t told him about the ripple.

“Kids these days are so spoiled,” Joseph says. A snap of his fingers and the water rises, in an unnatural wave, depositing Caesar back on the bridge. Caesar strikes a pose like a model on a runway, his hand braced on Joseph’s shoulder. They’re standing in pairs now, Caesar and Joseph on the right, Kakyoin and Jotaro facing them on the left. Joseph knows the next step to this dance, even if the kids don’t.

Sure enough, Caesar’s stand strikes a pose behind them, and then the air is filled with bubbles. Kakyoin tries to move, but Hermit Purple’s got him pinned to the spot- and Jotaro too. It won’t hurt Joseph’s grandson to be reminded of the advantages of experience and trickery over power and youth.  The bubbles pop, and Kakyoin and Jotaro are locked into place, unable to move. Joseph winks. It feels good to stand like this, shoulder to shoulder with Caesar, united in their quest against an unknown foe. It feels like fate, like every step he took in the last decade was bringing him here to Caesar’s side.

    “Caesar,” Joseph says. “Let’s show them how it’s done!”

Written for CaeJose week 2018, for the prompt of “Future”. I’ve always wanted to see an SDC au with Caesar in it. I think he and Jotaro would bond over their love of cigarettes and being mean to Joseph.

The name of Caesar’s stand stolen from the incredibly funny Havisham and her wonderful CaeJose fics.

A big thank-you to the organizers for putting this together! : 3

You Have Chemistry Part 2

When Harry’s relationship with Olivia fails, he tries to return to Y/N, but will Y/N welcome him back into her life?  I hope you all enjoy.  Feedback and Requests are welcomed.  Lots of Love!

           Jeff slurred drunk nonsense into the sparkly pink microphone.  Water droplets rolled down the brown beer bottle and onto Harry’s frozen hands. Harry’s crystal green eyes darkened while a somber scowl stretched across Harry’s pale face.  The wooden beam kept his fragile body standing upright around the rowdy crowd.  Olivia’s hazel eyes waited for Harry’s arrival, and once Y/N didn’t step through the front door, Olivia planned her next move.  She licked her red lips, stalking Harry’s heartbroken figure like a predator about to pounce on their prey.  She sauntered across the room, feeling empowered with each click of her high heels. Harry didn’t notice Olivia approaching him until she landed in his arms. “Oh shit, thanks, Harry.  I can’t believe I tripped,” Olivia gasped, checking the bottom of her heels. Harry faked a smile, “No problem.  Are you okay?” Olivia nodded, “I am wonderful,” She dropped the smile, feigning concern, “Are you okay?  I didn’t see Y/N come with you.” Harry’s chin wobbled, “We broke up.” Olivia gasped, clutching her chest, “Oh no, I’m sorry.  I can’t help but feel like I caused it.” Harry chuckled, shaking his head, “No, you aren’t to blame.” “Well, let me help you out.  I’ll get you another beer,” Olivia grinned, stealing the empty bottle from Harry’s hands. Harry smiled, trusting Olivia’s warm hazel eyes that reminded him of home.  The tangy liquor washed away the heartbreak from Harry’s mind.  Karaoke lyrics flowed past his rosy lips until Olivia shushed him by capturing his lips with her plump ones.  Harry tripped up Olivia’s carpeted stairs, pressing her body against her bedroom walls.  His lips trailed down her flawless tan skin.  Memories of Y/N and his heartbreak disappeared as the night progressed. *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Luscious green grass tickled Y/N’s arms and hands.  A sunlight halo circled Y/N’s tousled hair.  Nearby ducks splash around the dark pond water.  Y/N’s best friend’s friend, James, invited Y/N to a Spring photo shoot.  James chuckled, admiring the beautiful girl surrounded by pink rose petals and green grass. “Great, you look like a goddess,” James mumbled, hiding behind his camera. Y/N blushed, “Thank you, how are you?  I feel like we haven’t spoken since university.” James nodded, tucking a stray blonde curl behind his ear, “Yeah, I disappeared once Krystal agreed to date me.” Y/N gulped, recalling the pink wedding invitations hung against her cheap fridge.  After three years, James proposed to Krystal and she happily agreed. Y/N pictured James and Krystal’s children with James’s stunning ocean blue eyes and Krystal’s jet black hair. Two weeks before the wedding, Krystal announced she cheated on James and happened to be pregnant with the other man’s child.  James begged on his knees for Krystal to stay by his side, but she packed her bags and left the next morning.  Y/N worried about her friend, but her best friend advised her to not speak about the breakup.   “I think I got everything I needed.  We should grab lunch,” James smiled, offering a hand for Y/N to grab.   Y/N nodded, standing to her feet with the help of James’s soft hands.  He looped the camera around his neck while he typed directions into his phone. “How do you feel about pizza?  I found this amazing pizza shop that I think you’ll like,” James wondered. Y/N grinned, “I love pizza.  Who doesn’t love pizza?” James and Y/N walked through the empty streets in search for the tiny pizza shop.  They caught up on life over one large pepperoni and jalapeno pizza. *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Spinach and bananas blended, silencing the music flowing from Harry’s phone. Harry yawned, scratching the butterfly on his stomach.  Olivia stormed into the kitchen with her phone attached to her ear. “Yeah, I told you that we needed to settle that last week, well, maybe you should think next time,” She huffed, ending the call. Olivia swung the fridge door open, yanking the almond milk from the top shelf.  The fridge shook from the force Olivia slammed the door with.  Harry winced, pausing Jack Johnson’s soothing voice. “You okay?” Harry asked, sipping his smoothie. Olivia rolled her eyes, “No, Bradley never contacted the company we hoped to hold the charity event at.” Harry smiled, rubbing Olivia’s tense shoulders. His lips pressed against her flexing temple while Olivia sipped her smoothie.  Harry’s eyes drifted outside where heavy storm clouds gathered in preparation for a Spring shower.   “We should go on vacation.  I need more inspiration for my album, and you need a break from work,” Harry whispered, nibbling on Olivia’s ears. Olivia giggled, leaning her head against Harry’s sturdy chest, “I’d love that.  We could go visit Japan.” Harry nodded, “That sounds lovely.  Now, what time do you need to be at work?” Olivia smirked, checking the expensive watch latched around her wrist, “I think I have enough time for a quickie.” Harry scowled, removing his lips from Olivia’s neck coated with her expensive floral perfume.  Olivia’s hands wrapped around Harry’s waist, distracting him from the poisonous taste in his mouth.  Olivia couldn’t wait to spend alone time with Harry in Japan. *  *  *  *  *  *  *              Chocolate syrup dripped down the vanilla ice cream melting inside the porcelain bowls.  James wiggled his hips while his thin fingers squeezed the stubborn caramel bottle. Y/N giggled, swiping the overflowing whip cream from the nozzle and into her mouth. “It’s like the caramel doesn’t want me to eat it,” James grumbled, slapping the bottle’s bottom. Y/N rolled her eyes, stealing the container from her friend, “I’ve got it.  I have the arms of Hercules.” James chuckled, slapping a hand across his knees.  Y/N ignored the butterflies bumping around her stomach every time James laughed at her jokes.  Every day for two weeks, James invited Y/N out to catch a movie or to grab dinner. Y/N’s mended heart no longer ached like that dreadful night two months ago, but she worried about jumping into a new relationship too soon.   “Hey, I think that’s enough caramel,” James smiled, patting Y/N’s quivering arms. Y/N gasped, staring down at the vanilla scoop floating in a caramel pool, “I’m sorry.  I was thinking about Hercules.  Can we watch that movie?” “Yeah, I love that movie.  I’ll meet you in the living room once I scoop out some of this caramel,” James smiled, watching Y/N shuffle into her living room. James plopped down beside Y/N, hugging the bowl against his sturdy chest.  Y/N smiled, relaxing against James’s warm side.  She argued that James’s cologne wasn’t the cause of her racing heart. James glanced down at the beautiful girl beside him, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.  Y/N bit her lip, convincing her foolish heart that she didn’t need James’s lips on hers.  She focused on the cartoon character battling monsters for his true love.  After the movie, James slipped his tattered sneakers onto his large feet.  Y/N smiled, wrapping a blanket around her shivering figure.  James gathered his keys, leaning against Y/N’s front door. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” James asked. Y/N nodded, swimming around in James’s blue eyes, “James.” James’s trembling lips parted while one hand wrapped around her waist, “Is it okay if I kiss you?  I know you are still recovering from Harry, but-” Y/N pressed her eager lips against James’s lips, embracing her fluttering heart’s wishes.  She slid her hands up into James’s curly blonde hair.  James pulled away, smiling from ear to ear with the brightest grin.  Y/N giggled, pecking James’s lips until he deepened the kiss once more.  Y/N couldn’t remember how long they stood there kissing in her doorway, but she never wanted that moment to end. *  *  *  *  *  *            Hotel buildings stood tall next to the bright sun.  Crowds piled onto the wide streets, embracing the warm weather.  Shop owners flipped their red closed signs into welcoming green open signs.  Olivia’s hot hands slithered down Harry’s bare chest. Harry sighed, shaking Olivia’s hands from his body.   “I don’t feel like it,” Harry mumbled, flipping through colorful brochures. “I miss you,” Olivia whined, falling back against the fluffy hotel pillows. Harry rolled his eyes, reading over Japan’s recommendations on restaurants, “I fucked you this morning.  I want to leave this hotel and grab lunch.  We haven’t left this hotel all week.” “Fine, but you owe me,” Olivia complained, rolling off the springy mattress. Harry intertwined his ring-clad fingers with Olivia’s thin fingers while his green eyes sparkled from Japan’s beauty. Olivia admired the tiny shacks filled with pastel clothing and accessories.  Harry hoped he might convince Olivia to take a stroll through a nearby park.  The luscious green grass and flowing rivers called his name.  The couple stopped at a small sushi shop near the hotel.  Olivia scanned the menu, complaining about the sushi rolls offered while Harry’s stomach grumbled with each description. The short waitress approached the couple with a black pad in hand. “How may I help you?” The waitress asked, smiling widely at the couple. “I’ll have a water,” Harry grinned, facing his glaring girlfriend. “I’ll need sparkling water with a lemon slice. If the lemons are not fresh, then scratch the order and bring back a diet soda.  If you don’t carry diet sodas then I guess I’ll drink water,” Harry could barely keep up with Olivia’s fast speech. “I’m-I’m sorry, what did you want?” The waitress stumbled anxiously over her words. Olivia huffed, “How long have you been a waitress?  Can you bring out your manager?” Harry gasped, shaking his head fervently, “That won’t be necessary.  I’m sorry.” The waitress blushed, hurrying toward the kitchen with tears in her dark eyes.  Harry stared in shock at his fuming girlfriend.  The Olivia he dated wasn’t the type to shout rude remarks at anyone. “What was that?” Harry asked. Olivia shrugged, checking her notifications, “Maybe she won’t check out my boyfriend again.” Harry shook his head, forcing his jaw to shut, “She didn’t check me out.  She smiled because she hopes to bring joy to customers.  I think you should apologize.” Olivia huffed, “Harry, I love you. Please, let’s not fight on our vacation. I’ll give you something special at the hotel if you let this slide.” Harry swallowed the anger bubbling up his throat.  He nodded, returning his attention to the menu.  Harry couldn’t wait until his vacation with Olivia ended. *  *  *  *  *  *                Sunlight streamed through the flimsy white curtains and into the small bedroom.  James smiled, admiring his girlfriend’s beautiful eyes.  Y/N smiled, tracing shapes against James’s warm back.  Sheets wrapped around their naked bodies while silence surrounded the glowing couple.  James yawned, wiping the sleep from his exhausted blue eyes. “You are beautiful,” James whispered. Y/N giggled, pecking James’s knuckles, “Do you have to leave?” James nodded, pressing his lips against Y/N’s pouting lips, “I’m sorry.  It should be a short photo shoot.” “I can be your model,” Y/N whined, nuzzling her nose against James’s neck. James chuckled, rubbing his girlfriend’s smooth back, “Yeah, I have a perfect idea.” James grabbed the black camera from the nearby nightstand and straddled his girlfriend’s waist.  She giggled, hiding behind the thin sheets while James snapped photos of his girlfriend.  James basked in her giggles and delighted squeals while the camera focused on her beauty. He finally understood why the great artists painted their lovers.   “James, you’ll be late,” Y/N squealed, placing a hand over the camera lens. James chuckled, dropping the camera, “Fine, but we should do a photo shoot together.  We can be that couple that takes planned photos, but whenever we post them to social media, we’ll say we accidentally caught that moment.” Y/N swatted at James’s thin thighs, “Shut up. You’re a dork.  Don’t forget.  I’m grabbing dinner with friends tonight.” “Right, will Harry be at this party?” James asked, stuffing his legs into his tight jeans. Y/N shook her head, “It might be his best friend, but he’s in Japan with Olivia.  You do realize that those are my pants, right?” James snorted, slipping the pants from his legs, “Of course, I was checking on the material.” Y/N giggled, waving goodbye to her boyfriend from the warm bed.  Y/N couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this happy. *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Warm yellow lights illuminated the large dining room.  Chefs adorned in similar black uniforms filtered in and out of the bustling kitchen.  Mitch crossed the crowded room with two glasses filled with bubbling champagne. “Hey, where’s the girlfriend?” Mitch asked, handing Harry the extra glass. Harry huffed, tossing the liquid back, “I dumped her.  She screamed and yelled awful things at me.  She even threw my awards at my head, broke a few of them.” “Wow, what happened?  I thought this was your second chance at true love,” Mitch asked, quirking an eyebrow while he stuffed a scallop in his mouth. Harry chuckled bitterly, “I guess I fucked up. She looked like the same Olivia, but she didn’t act like the Olivia I loved.  I think she broke up my relationship with Y/N.” Mitch gasped dramatically, “Do you think?” Harry punched Mitch’s arm, “What does that mean?  Did you know that she broke up my amazing relationship with perhaps the real love of my life?” Mitch nodded, “Everyone knew about it, but we didn’t want to tell you.  You needed to find out Olivia’s evil intent for yourself.  Too bad too because Y/N recently moved on.” Harry choked on the bubbling drink, “What?” Mitch nodded, his eyes landing on Y/N chatting with Sarah, “Yeah, with some guy she knew from college.  She’s happy with him.” Harry scoffed, recalling a college friend that broke off his wedding for another girl.  His eyes watched Y/N dismiss herself from the group and press her cellphone against her ear.  Harry mumbled his goodbyes to Mitch while he approached his ex-girlfriend.  His heart warned him against his decision, but his mind needed the clarification.  His mind needed to know whether she truly loved him since she replaced him easily. *  *  *  *  *  *              “Hey babe, how’s the shoot?” Y/N asked, leaning against the cool red brick wall.   The orange sunset blinded Y/N’s vision from the nearby shops.  A group of chefs dropped their glowing cigarettes onto the pavement.  Y/N smiled, stepping away from the toxic smoke dancing with the chill wind.   “Hey love, it’s good.  I miss you,” James mumbled. “I miss you too.  I’ll only be a minute, babe,” Y/N smiled, checking her watch. “Okay, I’ll bring home dinner for us. Goodbye,” James ended the call. Y/N slipped her phone inside the thin black clutch she paired with her flowy red dress.  Her fingers raked through her hair while she shut her eyes.   “Oh, love.  So, that’s what he calls you now,” Harry grumbled, startling Y/N away from the wall. “Harry, geez, are you trying to kill me?” Y/N hissed, clutching her chest. Harry chuckled bitterly, “Don’t avoid the topic.” Y/N noticed the jealousy and anger burning behind Harry’s green eyes.  His teeth nibbled on his raw bottom lip while he waited for her response.  His chocolate brown curls curled under his small ears but continued to sway with each gust of wind.  Y/N hadn’t seen him since that awful night, and she hadn’t planned on seeing him.  Her warm heart searched for anger or bitterness within its walls, but all she felt was pity. “Harry, you don’t get to talk about moving on. You ditched our amazing relationship for an ex-girlfriend.  You can’t get mad at me for picking up and moving on from you when you moved on in two weeks,” Y/N stated calmly. Harry’s eyes dropped to his shiny slippers, “She broke up with me.  She wasn’t nice like I remembered, and I think she broke us up.” “Yeah, I tried to tell you that.  Harry, will you let me be happy?” Y/N asked. Harry frowned, “You want to date someone who broke up his wedding for another girl?” Y/N shook her head with furrowed brows, “James didn’t break up his wedding for another girl.  His girlfriend cheated on him, and she ended the wedding.  Harry, he’s an amazing guy.  I think this might be true love.” Harry sucked in a harsh breath, “I love you. I know that you are my true love. I can’t let you move on because you are meant to be with me.  I might have messed up, but we belong together.” Y/N frowned, patting Harry’s arms, “Harry, I’m not coming back to you.  I hope you have a good night.” Harry watched Y/N slip inside her tiny car. The tiny car where they both belted out lyrics with the windows rolled down.  She drove to her cozy apartment where Harry helped her decorate the cramped rooms with healthy plants.  She embraced the man that she loved while Harry mended his broken heart. *  *  *  *  *  *            “Close your eyes,” James ordered, holding back delighted giggles threatening to spill from his lips. Y/N giggled, placing a trembling hand over her eyes, “I hate surprises.” “You’ll love this one,” James promised, ripping the envelope open.   Two pieces of paper floated down onto Y/N’s hands, “You can open your eyes.” Y/N opened her eyes, gasping once her eyes focused on her favorite band’s logo.  James stood eagerly waiting for her response.  Y/N’s lips crashed against James’s lips while her arms wrapped around his neck.  James froze for a second until he quickly responded to her thank-you.  Y/N raked her fingers through his hair, tugging his body closer against hers. James sighed into the kiss, trailing kiss down her neck.  The couple tripped toward the bedroom where they celebrated the upcoming event. *  *  *  *  *  *              Harry dusted the coffee table coated in dirt and swept the crumbs from his hardwood floors.  He hoped to distract his racing mind away from Y/N by cleaning his house.  He trimmed the overgrown green bushes in his garden, washed the piles of dirty laundry, and scrubbed the dishes caked on with leftover food.  Harry scrolled through his music playlist, stopping at his favorite song.  Shania Twain’s voice flowed throughout his large house.  Harry sang along, swallowing the lump growing in his throat.  The lyrics discussed a love that beat the odds, but Harry’s only one disappeared from his life.  Harry turned the music off, retiring to his dark bedroom.  The warm sheets brushed against his fragile skin, reminding him of nights where he and Y/N slept together and talked about their futures. Now she planned her future with someone else.  Harry’s sorrows lulled the heartbroken man to sleep. *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Neon pink and green lights flashed from the large stage.  The young singer bounced around the stage with a microphone in hand.  Her iridescent dress sparkled against her dark brown skin.  A chill wind flowed through the sweaty crowd, cooling everyone down from the afternoon heat.  James stared into Y/N’s beautiful eyes, wondering how fate brought this girl into his turmoil-filled life.  Y/N’s hands slipped around James’s wrists, wrapping his arms around her waist. James chuckled, stepping behind Y/N so she could rest her head on his chest.  The couple swayed along with the singer’s slow song.  Y/N shut her eyes, inhaling the sweat and magic around the arena. Her heart fluttered with pure bliss. She wanted to spend every moment with James.   *  *  *  *  *  *            Harry’s hands twisted the steering wheel in search of a decent restaurant.  Shiny cars sped past Harry’s vehicle crawling along the narrow streets.  A familiar red neon sign burned Harry’s weak heart.  The Thai restaurant where Harry first asked Y/N to be his girlfriend.  Harry remembered her trembling fingers and nervous smile washing away once Harry confirmed his feelings for her.  Tears blurred his vision, imagining her lips pressed against James’s lips.  His sneakers pressed harder on the gas pedal, speeding away from that haunted street.  Every corner, every restaurant seemed tainted with memories of Harry’s happiness. Harry found shelter from the ghosts of his past in a nearby bar.  He scrolled through flights for anywhere that might hide him away from her.  Harry huffed, rolling his bagged green eyes. He couldn’t run away from her.  He needed to man up and get over this heartache. The bitter liquor burned away the memories creeping around his cracked heart.  Harry kept ordering more drinks in fear that once he stopped drinking the memories would flood back.   *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Gray clouds coated the sky, hiding the sun for the third day in a row. The steaming black coffee cooled on the messy counter.  Her eyes scanned the white envelopes piled near the humming fridge.  Tears blurred her vision making it harder to see the faded black text.  The agony in his voice echoed throughout her mind.  She pictured his misty green eyes and raw rosy lips as he begged for her to return home.  The message popped up last night when James and Y/N returned home from a movie. James suggested that they should go pick up Harry from the grungy bar, but Y/N refused.  Her anger festered all night because she deserved to be happy. Harry couldn’t come back and get his way after sending her a drunk message when he dumped her for his ex-girlfriend.  Now, she clutched her phone against her heavy chest.  Loud music surrounded her inside the tiny apartment. “Hello?  I guess it’s recording.  Y/N, I know you’re happy with James, but fuck him.  How could you move on so fast?  Did you even love me?  I loved you. I know I messed up, but please I need you,” His husky voice cracked from the tears, “Please.  I’ll do whatever you say as long as you come back to me. Please.  I love you.” The message died out as Harry’s heart-wrenching sobs grew louder and louder.  Y/N wiped a stray tear rolling down her cheeks.  Her thumb hovered over the red button before deleting the message forever.  Harry lost his chance the moment he lied about Olivia visiting him that dreadful day. *  *  *  *  *  *  *            “Are you coming out with us?” Jeff asked through the phone’s static. Harry balanced the phone between his ear and shoulder, chopping up oranges and bananas for his morning smoothie, “Will Y/N be there?” Jeff sighed, “Harry, you two ended it months ago.  I want to see my friends.” Harry frowned, wishing Y/N hadn’t hit it off with his friends, “I’m sorry.” “We can sit you two at separate ends of the room, you won’t even see her,” Jeff cried out. Harry chuckled, “I can’t go, Jeff.  I love her.  I can’t be in the same room with her.  I’ll make a fool out of myself by fawning over someone who doesn’t love me back.” Jeff frowned, “Okay, we’ll miss you.” “I’ll miss you all too.” Harry blended the fruits, silencing his begging heart with the blender’s loud noise.  He shuffled into his empty living room with a drink in hand.  The cold smoothie slid down his throat, cooling the burn from last night’s activities.  Every night, Harry chugged whiskey until the alcohol lulled his heavy heart to sleep. Harry found peace in the whiskey bottle locked up in his kitchen cabinets.   *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Her drumming heartbeat sunk once Glenne announced that Harry wouldn’t attend the dinner.  Jeff slumped against his white couch, scrolling through messages.  People whispered excuses for Harry, but Y/N understood why Harry didn’t show up.  She never wanted to ruin Harry’s friendships.  James squeezed Y/N’s hands, directing her attention away from her inner arguments. “Hey, he made a choice.  You are not to blame for his disappearance,” James reassured Y/N. Y/N faked a smile, “Thanks, I feel bad. Jeff misses Harry, and he’d be here if I hadn’t shown up.” James frowned, cupping Y/N’s cheeks, “Hey, it’ll be okay.  You are friends with these people too.  Now, how about I grab us a drink?” Y/N nodded, pecking James’s lips, “Thanks.” Everyone gathered around the dining room table covered in various foods and beautiful floral arrangements.  James chatted about music with Jeff while shoveling mashed potatoes into his mouth.  Y/N nudged aside the pieces of lettuce drenched in salad dressing while her eyes zoned out on the withering rose petals.  Sorrow blossomed from her weak heart at the dying roses.  She despised flowers because she hated watching them die, and right now, the roses reminded her about Harry and her relationship’s demise.  James noticed his girlfriend’s solemn expression, nudging her hand with his arm. “You okay?” He asked, his smile dropping once he spotted the tears in her eyes. Y/N nodded, choking back tears, “I’m okay.” James nodded, returning to his meal.  His heart sunk upon the realization that his relationship was dying.  He couldn’t compete with Harry for his girlfriend’s heart because it only beat for Harry.   *  *  *  *  *  *  *            The brown liquor sloshed inside the glass bottle.  Harry’s drunken giggles echoed throughout the silent neighborhood.  His slippers tripped up the crooked cobblestone stairs.  He gasped, clutching the nearby wooden beam for safety.  His determined green eyes stayed locked on that front door.  The golden knob twisted easily in Harry’s sweaty grip.  His friends laughed and cheered inside the living room while Harry fixed his messy curls in the hallway.  Glenne spotted Harry’s drunk figure first. “Harry, you showed up,” She cheered, eyeing Jeff who also noticed the drunk man. Harry nodded, showing off his pearly white teeth, “I’m starving.  Did I make it in time for dinner?” Jeff shook his head, faking a laugh, “No, it’s nearly midnight.  I can heat you a plate.” “No, I couldn’t be a burden.  Is Y/N still here with that douchebag?” Harry scoffed, slinging back more whiskey. Jeff nodded, reaching for the bottle, “Hey, let me have some.” Harry chuckled, shaking his head, “You’re going to take it from me.  I’m not drunk.” Harry stumbled into the living room, ignoring everyone’s hellos and hugs.  His droopy green eyes met her wide eyes.  His ears picked up on her inaudible gasp.  His slippers stepped on or tripped over other people’s feet as he crossed the room. Y/N stood up, searching around the room for an escape.  James rushed to his girlfriend’s side, wrapping an arm around her waist.  Her knees buckled once Harry’s cologne wrapped around her confused mind. “Hi, I’m Harry.  You must be the man who’s dating my ex-girlfriend,” Harry grinned, offering a hand for James. James nodded, “I’m James.  It’s nice to meet you.  Y/N, would you like to go home?” Harry tutted, “Don’t leave the party because I showed up.  I wanted to congratulate you two on a bright future.” Y/N faked a smile, glancing nervously around the room, “Thank you.  Harry, I think you need to stop drinking.” “See, that’s why I’m glad we aren’t dating. You can’t worry about my well-being because I’m not your boyfriend,” Harry hissed. Y/N shook her head, swallowing the rising lump in her throat, “I still care about you.” “Please, you only care about this guy. Didn’t your ex-girlfriend leave you at the altar?  Well, watch out for this one because one day she’ll decide she doesn’t love you,” Harry slurred. “Let’s leave before something happens,” Y/N mumbled, tugging on James’s arm. James nodded, “I’m not going to argue with a drunk heartbroken man.  Harry, I hope you find happiness.” Harry rolled his eyes, watching James and Y/N apologize for their early departure.  His friends focused on the carpet while Harry chuckled bitterly.  He swallowed another mouthful of whiskey while he teetered on the spot. “Hey, don’t feel sorry for me, I’m glad she’s gone,” Harry lied to himself, blinking back his tears. *  *  *  *  *  *              Y/N scooped multi-colored fruit loops into her mouth while James nudged the soggy loops with his spoon.  A haunting silence hung above the tense couple.  Y/N understood the tension, but her heart ignored James’s sorrow-filled eyes. James sighed, leaning back against the wooden chair.  His hands tugged on his blonde roots while Y/N glanced up from her bowl. “I think we should go out,” Y/N smiled, attempting to change the mood. James rolled his eyes, “Y/N, stop it.” “What?  You don’t feel like leaving the house?  Okay, we can stay inside,” James shook his head, slamming his fists against the kitchen table. Y/N flinched, dropping her spoon into the bowl, “I’m sorry.” James frowned, dragging a hand down his face, “No, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to startle you.  I’m exhausted from playing this game.  We’ve been together for a couple of months, and I lied to myself that you were over Harry. I allowed myself to fall in love again, but I started to notice the lingering sadness in your eyes.” Y/N giggled nervously, “I don’t love Harry. I told him that I wasn’t coming back because I have feelings for you.” “Are those romantic feelings?” James asked, quirking an eyebrow at Y/N. Y/N nodded, unable to lie to James’s honest face.  James nodded, scooting away from the kitchen table.  Y/N watched him empty his cereal bowl into her empty sink.  His shoulders slumped as he washed the bowl.   “James, I can’t go back to him.  What if he leaves me again?” Y/N mumbled. James dried his hands on a nearby dish towel, facing Y/N’s worried face, “It’s worth the risk.  I always thought I’d tell off Krystal if she ever returned, but I know that deep down I still love her.  I’d take her back in a heartbeat because life with her was a million times better than what I’m living right now.  I thought I loved you, but I think we both convinced ourselves that we had feelings for each other.  You should go back to Harry.” Y/N frowned, “I’m sorry.  I never meant to hurt you.” James held up a hand, silencing the stuttering girl, “Hey, we were both in this relationship.  I knew you didn’t love me.  It’s okay.  I like you as a friend.” Y/N giggled, “Thanks, I like you as a friend too.” Y/N helped James pack up his items that collected in her apartment over the months.  James wrapped an arm around Y/N’s waist, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “Hey, I believe that one day she’ll return,” Y/N promised, cupping James’s pale cheeks. James smiled, “Me too.” Y/N waved goodbye as James walked away from her apartment.  Maybe she would get her second chance with Harry. *  *  *  *  *  *  *            Empty liquor bottles lined the kitchen counters.  Sunlight streamed in through the small kitchen window and onto Harry’s slumped over figure.  A groan slipped past his chapped rosy lips.  His knees cracked as he stood up from the cold kitchen tiles.  The steaming shower washed away the dirt and grime from Harry’s bar adventures.  He wrapped a soft towel around his waist, choosing which sweater he wanted to wear today. His socked feet shuffled into the kitchen.  The doorbell startled Harry away from the cereal cabinet.  The person continued ringing the doorbell waiting impatiently for Harry to open the door.  Harry rolled his eyes, picturing a worried Jeff and Glenne behind the door.  After last night, he never wanted to show his face again.  He emailed himself to send fruit baskets to everyone who witnessed his drunken outburst last night.  He swung the door open, preparing to shout at Jeff, but his voice withered away once his eyes landed on Y/N.   “Hey, can I come in?” Y/N asked, peeking around Harry’s shoulders. Harry nodded, stumbling away for Y/N to step inside, “What are you doing here?” Y/N sighed, kicking off her shoes, “Harry, are you okay?  You worried me last night.” Harry frowned, “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to show up at that party.  I’m humiliated because I allowed myself to drink myself to total unconsciousness.” Y/N nodded, sitting on Harry’s couch, “James and I worried all night.” “Can you apologize to him for me?  I know that I may be bitter because he’s dating you, but I never wanted to insult him,” Harry admitted, wringing his hands. “Yeah, I came here with good news,” Y/N smiled, eyeing the rip in her black jeans. “What is it?” Harry’s stomach churned out of fear. Y/N smiled, “James and I are getting married.” Harry gasped, clutching his twisting stomach. He choked down the rising bile in his sore throat.  The world around him seemed to slow while the words burned against his heart.  Tears blurred Y/N’s beautiful image into a watery outline.   ”What?  You’ve only dated him for a few months.” “Sometimes all you need is a few months,” Y/N mumbled, holding back her giggles. Harry nodded, “I’m happy for you.” Y/N giggled, shaking her head, “You’ve never been good at lying to me.” Harry furrowed his brows, watching Y/N fall over in fits of laughter, “What?” “I’m not getting married to James.  I wanted to trick you,” Y/N admitted, wiping tears from her eyes. Harry smiled, shaking his head, “You’re evil. I thought you were going to marry him.” “No, we broke up.  James mentioned something about me still being in love with you, and he suggested that I give us another try.  I was ready to abandon us forever, but when your heart keeps nagging at you about this curly haired weirdo, then you kinda listen,” Y/N smiled, watching Harry’s face light up. “You love me?” Harry asked, fidgeting in his seat. Y/N nodded, “You’re the only one for me.” Harry smiled, tackling Y/N against the soft couch cushion.  Y/N giggled, staring into Harry’s green eyes.  Harry brushed stray strands of hair away from Y/N’s face.  Y/N wrapped her arms around Harry’s neck, tugging his lips onto hers.  Harry’s lips softly brushed against hers before she deepened the kiss.  Harry pressed his body against her body desperately as if she might disappear if he didn’t have her against him.  Y/N moaned into the kiss, raking her fingers through Harry’s curls.  Harry pulled away, pressing his forehead onto her forehead. “I love you.” Y/N smiled, pecking Harry’s lips, “I love you more.”

Little Rich Girl (Ch. 3)

You can find my other works here!

Present:

              The plane hadn’t landed yet when I woke up. The trip from New York to Japan was supposed to take like 13 or 14 hours, but it seemed like a lot longer than that. Rubbing my temples, I yawned. Back then I got sick a lot. Probably from not having a lot of food or shelter during the harsh winters. That had been the first time someone else had taken care of me. My mother used to avoid me, saying that she can’t work if she’s sick, and usually mumbling about how it would be better for her if I would just die from the sickness.

              Minami had his laptop out, intently working on something, a frown on his face. “Where are we?” I asked, stretching my limbs over my head. With no response, I sighed. He must be really busy for him to be completely zoned out. Sometimes I wished I could help him, but my knowledge of business and management was basically nothing.

              “Bexley.”

              I nearly jumped out of my seat at his sudden outburst. “Yeah?”

              His green eyes rose from the computer screen to meet my amber ones, disapproval in them. “Why is your tutor emailing me to tell me that you skipped—”

              Turning my head away to stare out the window, I cut him off, “I told you that I don’t like it.” Him, the tutor. He was always frustrated with me and rushed through a lot of the material. I had a hard time keeping up.

              “Bex, you promised you would try,” Minami said, dropping the angry dad act.

              Sighing, I still refused to look at him, because if I did, then I would probably give in. “I did try.” I tried for a solid three days with that mean tutor. It must have been because he knew about my past as a street kid. A lot of people disliked me because they thought I’d somehow forced Minami to take me in. It was the exact opposite. Minami was the one who kept pestering me. I chewed on my lip. “I… I want to go to a normal school.”

              The plane was silent for a moment.

              “Why the sudden interest?” Minami asked.

              I shrugged my shoulders. “I’ve just been thinking about it.” It’s kind of lonely when Minami is busy with work. I could have friends if I went to a school, and maybe I’d learn more that way.

              Minami pushed the lid of the laptop down halfway to be able to look at me better. “Okay, tell me.” He patted the empty seat beside him. He’s always surprised me in how he handled absurd requests. I thought parents would force their decisions on their kids, but he’s not like that. Minami listened to me and let me figure out the best course for myself through discussion and research.

              Sitting Indian style in the chair beside him, I brushed my bangs out of my face. “Don’t normal kids go to school? Didn’t you?”

              Minami laughed at me. “There’s a good percentage of kids who are homeschooled and considered normal, so you’ll have to do better than that.”

              I chewed on my lip. “I haven’t given it that much thought.”

              He nodded his head and smiled. “Okay, I hear you. Then how about the rest of the trip, we can look into it together. There’s a lot of things I know you’d dislike about a normal school, but if you’re really sure it’s what you want, then I see no reason not to allow it.”

              And, he was right. There were things I hated. Having to go every week day and getting up early. The day was longer than when I worked with the tutor. Apparently, there are a lot of rules that I would have to follow. None of that appealed to me, but the other things did. I could make real friends at the school. There’s clubs that I’d never heard of, and some of them sounded fun. I didn’t even mind wearing a uniform if it wasn’t too hideous.

              Once a decision was made, Minami laid down the rules for me. “No skipping classes, and if you choose to do this, then you’ll stick with it till the end of the year, okay? There won’t be any more dropping out just because you don’t want to do it anymore.” I figured he’d say something like that. After going through at least twelve tutors, eventually Minami would have to make that a rule.

              “I can do that,” I said with as much confidence as I could muster. Running away was an instinct for me… a habit that Minami had spent years breaking me out of.

              “Then I’ll get you enrolled. Since I’m planning on being in Japan for a while, I don’t want to put off keeping you in school,” Minami said, already in business mode. The school we’d decided on was close to the Royal Shining, but it was a bit pricey on tuition. Though, none of that bothered him. He’d already pulled out his phone and began making the calls.

              I shook my head and laughed. Nothing is impossible when you’re a Kira, I suppose. Enrolling meant that I’d have to stay in Japan for a whole year. While Minami had become comfortable with working overseas, there would be times that he’d have to return to New York… without me. But that’s the sacrifice I’d have to live with in making this decision. My mouth dropped open when Minami set his phone down after only a mere ten minutes. “You can’t be done already.”

              Minami grinned brightly. “They’re eager to have a Kira enrolling in their school. Our family does donate a good portion of money to them each year, too. They are sending a uniform to the hotel as we speak, and your first day will be Monday.” He faked being sad. “You’ve grown up so fast.”

              “Oh, stop it!” I laughed, pushing away his hands as he reached to pinch my cheeks. He really is the best. I rocked forward to sit up on my knees and give him a hug. “Thanks, Minami. I really want to try this.”

              He twisted us side to side dramatically. “I’d do anything for my Bexley! I’m glad you’re trying something new. It’ll be good for you.”

              The captain dinged over the intercom. “Mr. Minami, we’re beginning our decent into the airport. Please fasten your seatbelts.”

              We’re in Japan already? That thought made my stomach turn. Starting high school was one thing but dealing with the whirlwind that was his family would come first this weekend. There was a big event happening Saturday night, and Minami told me that I had to come. He hated to go, too, so to make himself feel better, he said he wanted to torture me as well with the boring night. The only thing he offered me was that Mei was going to be performing, and I did enjoy hearing him play. He’s like a prodigy!

              By the time we reached the hotel, I had psyched myself out of going. Minami had his hand firmly in mine, pulling me toward the building. “I’ll just live in the cab for the next year. That would be fine, wouldn’t it?” I dread being here. There’s so many people in this huge lobby. All of them were staring at us, whispering. “Minami, you can let go of my hand.”

              “I can’t let my little Bex get lost in the crowd. Besides, I’m not entirely sure you won’t run away if I do let go,” Minami replied with a joking tone. Like he owned the place, he took me directly to the private elevator in the back. The doors slid closed with thud, and finally, he released my hand.

              The blood began to return to my palm. Shaking my tingling hand, I sighed loudly. “So, why did we have to come here again?”

              Minami shrugged. “A vacation?” He sounded unsure himself. Giving me his signature grin, he patted my head. “Don’t look so worried! You’ll be just fine! It’ll be good news that you’re starting at a high school. Plus, you get to spend all of tomorrow night with me in a room full of stuck up old men and women. Doesn’t that sound like a great time?”

              “Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Can’t I just stay in the room? I’m more of a Netflix and pizza on a Saturday night kind of girl,” I said. Comfy clothes. No one to judge how many episodes of a reality tv show that I’ve watched.

              “Nope, not an option. If I have to suffer, so do you,” Minami said as the elevator doors opened. Whisking me out into the hallway, there were voices coming from the lounge room. It was the other two who were the same age as Minami. “Hey Mac, Charles. Miss us?” His hands were on my shoulders, holding me tight enough that I couldn’t slip away.

              Awkward. It’s always so awkward when I’m around. It wasn’t that they disliked me, more like they disapproved of me. My nervousness took over. The only thing I could do was take a step back, my back hitting Minami’s torso. They’re so intimidating… Chiaki hadn’t even cast a glance at me, but Toma was staring, with those cold blue eyes. I gulped in slight fear. Minami squeezed my shoulders, a silent reassuring gesture. Staying in Japan for a whole year was going to much harder than I thought.

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

And we’re caught up on Several Shades of Sadism too!

Allmom AU Update #7: Where No One Finds Out Anything Important at All

7. Where No One Finds Out Anything Important at All

 A grin spread across Mitsuki’s face the second Inko walked through the restaurant door.

“Uh, hey,” Inko said as she sat down.

“‘Hey’?!” Mitsuki said. “You are going out with All—whatever, that’s not important.” She looked around for a waiter. “Dish. Lunch is on me.”

“He’s been coming once a week to give me updates on Izuku for the past month,” Inko said, her face growing hot, “we got along well, so we decided to try dating. I was going to tell you when I was sure we were a thing!”

“Too bad he’s not a muscle-man anymore, eh?” The waiter came around, and they gave him their orders.

“He gave everything fighting the villain that levelled half of Kamino Ward, Mitsuki,” Inko said, “give him a break.”

Mitsuki shrugged. “So now he wants to settle down. I don’t really blame him.”

“Settle—” Inko spluttered, “we’ve been on precisely one date!”

“Fair enough. You mentioned he’s well-educated,” Mitsuki said, “does he like philosophers too? That’s something of a deal-breaker with you, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry I think about things besides which famous people are boinking each other, and golf!” Inko hissed, failing to keep her temper in check.

Mitsuki’s grin widened at “boinking”, but she held up her hands. “I just wanted to know exactly how my best friend found herself at dinner opposite Japan’s number one hero. The intimate details are none of my business.”

Inko breathed a sigh of relief. Sort of. “Thank you, Mitsuki.”

“I’ll have to make myself a hypocrite, however,” Mitsuki said, “since I do have a personal question.” She leaned forward. “Are you going to tell him about Kimeru-chan?”

Inko rubbed the back of her head. “Well… he’s… kind of… a f-fan.”

Mitsuki blanked for a full second before she started cackling. “That is perfect!” she said, smacking the table.

“It is a little ironic,” Inko said, her cheeks getting hot.

“Okay, okay,” Mitsuki said, raising a hand. “I’m happy for you, whether I’m acting like it or not.  If you want to talk, you can. Or not, it’s your call.”

“Thanks.” They talked about little things after that, jobs and husbands, kids and hobbies. Inko could feel the restraint Mitsuki needed to keep from peppering her with questions. It wasn’t much better than a straight-up interrogation.

“The Kimeru-chan question only occurred to me,” Mitsuki said as she and Inko walked home after, “because Katsuki and his friends from school were apparently talking about her. I didn’t tell him everything, but I gave him enough to satisfy his curiosity.”

“Oh.” Inko said. “Wait, did they listen to a recording or something?”

Mitsuki shrugged. “Maybe. Why—oh. Does Izuku not know?”

Inko shook her head. “I left the music side of my life behind a long time ago, and he never had much use for poetry.”

“Well,” Mitsuki looked up at the sky, “considering where things could go with All Might retired, we may need some inspiring music in the days ahead.”

 (two weeks-ish later)

 “Oh, the baby gorilla was so cute!” Ochako said, bouncing from one foot to the other. “Did you see how she smacked the silverback over the head?”

“And he started playing a game with her, where she chased and he ran,” Ashido said, mimicking the silverback exactly. Hagakure laughed.

“I liked the flamingos more,” Kyoka said, licking one half of a twin-pop.

“Because they’re gay,” Tsu-chan said, grinning.

Yaoyorozu, licking the other half, took Kyoka’s hand. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. Kyoka-chan, you should do a flamingo mating dance for Yao-momo.” Ochako and Ashido both sprayed their drinks over the railing. Yaoyorozu turned toward the next enclosure, her ears red.

“I cannot believe we got the day off,” Hagakure said. “And right near the end of summer. This is so awesome!”

“Aizawa Sensei said there was a major scheduling error, and the third-year class needed the TDL more,” Yaoyorozu said. “We should really be studying, I guess.”

“We’ve been studying for weeks!” Ashido said, running ahead to the tropical bird exhibit. “I need a break or my antennae are gonna fall off!”

“It is nice to go out and do something not hero-related for a change,” Ochako said.

“Hey, are we going inside the tropical house?” Tsu-chan said. “I want to see the poison-arrow frogs.”

“They are quite lovely,” Yaoyorozu said as she went through the door Kyoka held for her. “Like they’re made of glass.”

It was hot inside the tropical house, which really should’ve been obvious in hindsight. Ochako dabbed at the humidity condensing on her forehead. And then did a double-take. She tapped Tsu-chan on the shoulder.

“Oh. Who knew All Might Sensei liked birds, too?”

The others noticed where they were staring. “Should we say hello?” Yaoyorozu said, “Or leave him alone on his day off?”

That question was answered as the crowd parted. Ochako had met Mrs. Midoriya when Deku had invited herself and Iida over to his house to study. She’d been quite nice. She had not been holding hands with the Symbol of Peace, however.

“Who’s that?” Ashido said a little too loudly. All Might and Mrs. Midoriya both looked. Mrs. Midoriya looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her face reddening by the second. All Might spat what was either his drink or some blood.

The pair approached them. Ochako completely blanked. If someone had asked what her Quirk was, she couldn’t have told them.

“Hello, girls,” All Might said, wiping at his mouth. “I’d heard your class got the day off. There was a scheduling error?” His voice rose a couple of octaves as he spoke.

“Yes,” Kyoka said, recovering her powers of speech first. “We thought we’d go to the zoo and relax before we went back to work.” She bowed to Mrs. Midoriya. “All Might Sensei is one of our teachers.”

“Oh!” Mrs. Midoriya appeared to be slowly grinding into motion too. “You’re Izuku’s classmates, right?”

Ochako heard five brains stall in perfect synchrony. “Mrs. Midoriya, it’s good to see you again!” Ochako all but shouted, bowing so low she almost touched her toes. She heard a few errant squawks from the birds around them.

“I’m Asui Tsuyu,” Tsu-chan also bowed. She turned to All Might. “Is this why—”

“No, no,” All Might said. “We only met a couple months ago. Young Midoriya made an impression on me long before that.”

“Um,” Mrs. Midoriya said, “if you’d like to talk we can talk, but I’d appreciate it if none of you could mention this to Izuku.” She shared a look with All Might. “We want to make sure we’re a good fit before he finds out.”

“Yeah, telling him All Might is going to be his new daddy isn’t something you tell Midoriya-chan prematurely,” Tsu-chan said.

All Might laughed so hard he coughed up more blood. Mrs. Midoriya pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to him. “He decorated his room the same as at home?”

There were a few snorts. “Yup.”

“We were going to grab lunch after this,” All Might said, taking Mrs. Midoriya’s hand. “Would you care to join us?”

“That sounds lovely, thank you,” Yaoyorozu said. Ochako was pretty sure, along with the other girls, that she didn’t absorb much of the tropical house; there was too much weirdness for that. The idea of All Might and Deku’s mother as an item was… unexpected. But as she saw and heard the two interact, it got slightly less weird. All Might as the somewhat nervous, doting gentleman was cute, even if he was a skeleton, and Mrs. Midoriya was clearly on cloud nine.

As they finished in the tropical house, Tsu-chan nudged Ochako. “Hey, Ochako-chan, do we want to ask Mrs. Midoriya about Kimeru-chan?”

Ochako smacked her fist into her palm. “You’re right, this is perfect!” She looked at the others. “But let’s keep it quiet. We don’t want to put Mrs. Midoriya on the spot.” Tsu-chan nodded.

Ochako sidled over to Mrs. Midoriya. “Um, Mrs. Midoriya?”

“Yes, Miss Uraraka?”

“Do you—,” she lowered her voice, “are you Kimeru-chan?”

Mrs. Midoriya almost fell over, dragging All Might with her. Fortunately, Ochako just tapped the pair of them and made them weightless.

“What’s wrong?” All Might said, taking Mrs. Midoriya’s hand in both of his. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yes,” Mrs. Midoriya said. “I just tripped is all. Go on ahead with the other girls, I think Miss Uraraka has a personal question for me.”

All Might nodded, and asked the girls what they wanted to eat, letting them lead the way. Once they were a suitable distance ahead, Mrs. Midoriya started speaking.

“I am.”

“And Deku didn’t know.”

“Right.” Mrs. Midoriya blinked and looked at Ochako. “What do you mean ‘didn’t’?”

“Oh, um,” Ochako ran a hand through her hair, “All Might Sensei told us about ‘Remember the Sun’, he said he found it really inspiring when he was young. So we found a recording online, and Deku recognized your voice.”

“Twenty-nine years ago and he recognized me.” Mrs. Midoriya rubbed her face. “Oh, that boy has good ears. Find someone who listens half as well as he does, Miss Uraraka, and you’ll have a fine partner someday.”

Ochako blushed to her roots. “Y-yeah.”

Mrs. Midoriya arched an eyebrow, and a ghost of a smile spread across her face. “I’ve been finding out the last little while that, at the end of the day, don’t worry about what people look like or what they have, or even what they can do. All you need to worry about is how you feel about them, how they feel about you, and how you treat each other.” Ochako followed her gaze; All Might was taking some sunflower seeds he’d just bought and spreading them for the birds. “And take as much time as you need. I remember feeling that everything moved so fast at your age, but move at your own pace. Rushing things will ruin them if you aren’t careful.”

“Th-thank you,” Ochako said, “I’ll remember that.”

Mrs. Midoriya snorted. “Listen to me, dating for less than two months and acting like I know everything.”

“Well, it’s still good advice,” Ochako said.

They resumed walking. “So how is Izuku doing?” Mrs. Midoriya. “I always hear the school’s side of things, but how well does he get on with his classmates?”

“Pretty well,” Ochako said, relaxing now she was fairly sure she was on safe ground. “He’s incredible at solving problems and he’s always coming up with new inventive ways to use his Quirk. Everyone in class who doesn’t see him as a rival looks up to him.”

Mrs. Midoriya smiled. “That’s good. I thought he must be working hard if he could catch All Might’s attention.”

Ochako nodded. “He’s really strong, and even when it’s tough, or he loses, he just gets back up and tries again. I…” she chuckled, “I kind of wish I could be more like that.”

Mrs. Midoriya hmmed an affirmative. “I’m always a bit scared for him, especially with such a dangerous Quirk. But I am glad he’s happy and helping others so much.” She seemed lost in her own thoughts for a moment.

“Did Deku ever tell you about the entrance exam?” Ochako said as they approached the table.

“He thought he’d failed it,” Mrs. Midoriya said as she sat next to All Might. “What happened?”

Between them, the girls explained how the practical portion of the entrance exam worked. “I thought I was doing pretty good,” Ochako said, “until this enormous robot—the same one as the bunch that showed up at the sports festival—came at us. It was huge! It tore down buildings and ripped the street to pieces just going by! Everyone was trying to run away from it in the chaos, but I tripped and some rubble trapped my leg.” She shivered. “I was so desperate I didn’t even notice Deku until there was this huge whoosh and he was flying at it just like All Might!” Said All Might rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish grin on his face. “A second later, and he just punched it straight in the face! Knocked it flying back! He was barely a dot in the sky, it was so huge, but he knocked it right over!” Ochako was about to tell the rest of the story, but realized who she was telling it to. “He saved me,” she finished.

“He does rush in without thinking sometimes, though,” Yaoyorozu said.

“Well,” Kyoka said, “sometimes when you’re in a crisis, you don’t have time to think. That’s part of our schooling, right? Getting the good reactions so quick and ingrained we don’t have to think?”

“Exactly right,” All Might said. “This is why there’s a lot of repetition. It might seem boring, but it can save many lives if you can do it without having to remember.”

Ochako glanced at Tsu-chan. Had All Might improved as a teacher, or was it just her?

“I’m glad Midoriya-chan isn’t Quirkless,” Tsu-chan said.

“Why’s that?” Mrs. Midoriya said.

“If he ran into a dangerous situation with no Quirk and no training, he’d be more danger than help.”

Mrs. Midoriya sipped her drink. “Yes,” she said, “I suppose that’s true.”

November One-Shots: Day Twenty-Seven; Window (Harada and Shiranui Conclusion)

I hope you enjoy this conclusion to the little ditty I started on Day 10 and then continued on Day 17. You can read them all over at AO3! :)

Harada leaned heavily on Shiranui as they exited the ship. It had been a long and agonizing journey for him, the constant swaying of the boat wreaking havoc on his already punished body. Shiranui scowled and muttered a string of complaints about the weight and ‘having to carry your worthless ass’, but he shifted his stance to better assist the spearman anyway. Harada rolled his eyes and ignored the expletives, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other without sending waves of pain shooting through his system.

The doctor back in Ueno had attempted to discourage the men from making the trip. It had taken some doing for Shiranui to convince Harada to leave in the first place, but when the doctor told them the damage it could cause to Harada, he had held his breath waiting to see if the spearman would change his mind. He had not. In fact, he had been rather adamant that if they were going to leave Japan, they would do it immediately.

Harada remembered the conversation he had with Shiranui quite well. He had woken to find the demon hovering over him with a frown. A stranger stood behind him, trembling in his boots and looking from Shiranui to the door across the room. Harada was certain the man would have bolted had Shiranui not had a very tight grip on his wrist.

“He’s awake, doc. Get to it.” Shiranui pulled the stranger closer and the man dropped to his knees next to Harada.

“H-how are you feeling, mister?” the man asked in a shaky voice.

Harada tried to focus on the question. Who was this man? What the hell was Shiranui doing here? Where was here? He didn’t realize he had asked the last question aloud until the Shiranui spoke up.

“You’re still in Ueno, baka. Answer the doctor and quit asking stupid questions.”

Harada gritted his teeth and glared up at the demon. If the doctor hadn’t looked completely petrified, he would have had a few choice words to say as well. Instead, he turned his focus inward and attempted to give an accurate account of how he felt.

“Well, my gut feels like someone has a knife plunged into it and they keep twisting the damn thing. Other than that, a few stiff muscles and a headache. Nothing else.”

The doctor nodded and turned to Shiranui with wide eyes.

“Those pains are to be expected. His fever has gone down and he is getting plenty of sleep. He needs liquids. I would hold off on solid food for now.”

Shiranui nodded and released his grasp on the man. “Fine, you can go. I will come find you tomorrow for another look.”

“H-hai!” The doctor scrambled to his feet and left hurriedly.

Shiranui turned back to Harada, who was watching him with narrowed eyes.

“What’s your game, Shiranui?”

“Is that how you thank me for saving your miserable life, Harada?”

“Why did you save my life? Not that I don’t appreciate the gesture...thank you.”

Shiranui rose to his feet and walked to the irori in the center of the room. He poked the fire absentmindedly. After a moment, he spoke.

“It would have been a waste, your life ending there. That’s all. Don’t go reading anything into it.” He glanced up sharply at the low chuckle coming from across the room. “What’s so fucking funny?”

“Nothing,” Harada said, wincing in pain.

“Serves you right.” He was quiet for a moment more, and then asked, “What are your plans, Harada?”

“What do you mean?”

“Now that the war has shifted, now that those abominations are gone...what do you intend to do?”

“The Shinsengumi....”

“The Shinsengumi are gone!” Shiranui growled, standing up and striding to the window.

“W-what?! What are you saying, Shiranui?”

“I’m saying you are a fool if you think you’re on the winning side here. Your Shinsengumi have fled to Ezo...they stand no chance. I’m saying you’re an even bigger fool if you think you will be able to rejoin them in time. So what are your plans?”

The conversation had gone on for hours; so long that Harada had fallen asleep in the middle of an argument he knew he would win. Days passed and Shiranui stayed, much to Harada’s surprise. The demon was not known for his patience or his kindness and Harada enjoyed pointing it out often.

By the end of the month, word had come that things were even worse in the north and Harada was beside himself. Shiranui took off the day they received word that Kazama had headed toward Ezo, and left Harada in the care of the same doctor who had been so anxious to be anywhere but there. At least the man seemed much less distressed without the demon present. Harada had no idea what Shiranui planned, or if he planned on returning.

Time passed slowly for Harada. The belly wound was healing slowly but no sign of infection gave him hope. Nearly three weeks passed before he heard anything of Shiranui. Word came via the doctor that the ‘blue-haired madman’ was back in town. The doctor let Harada know that he would not be returning and with that, Harada was left alone for the first time since his injury. He struggled to his feet, the effort nearly causing him to black out. He drug himself over to the small window and looked out, surprised to find himself surrounded by nothing but trees. He hadn’t realized the cabin they were in was out in the middle of the woods. There was no way he could make it anywhere...not that he would be able to get far in his condition, anyway. Looking out at the expanse of trees gave Harada an overwhelming feeling of isolation.

He moved from the window, his feet dragging as he made his way to the futon. The short trip had tired him and he could feel his legs trembling from the exertion. He made it halfway across the floor before his legs took out completely and he fell to the floor. The searing pain that shot through his gut terrified more than anything ever had before. Had he ripped open the wound? He crawled toward the futon, dragging his body slowly across the floor. The door banged open behind him and he rolled to his side to see what was going on. Shiranui stood in the doorway, brows arched and hand on hip.

“I can’t leave you alone for any amount of time before you’re trying to kill yourself?”

“Shut up and help me to the bed,” Harada grumbled, clutching a hand to his stomach.

“Did you open your gut?” Shiranui asked as moved closer.

“Don’t know. Feels like I tore something.”

Shiranui knelt down and started pressing on Harada’s abdomen.

“Hey! Try being a little less rough, yeah?”

“Shut up. I need to see if you’ve done any major damage.” He muttered under his breath as he prodded, then drug Harada’s arm over his shoulder. “Come on, get up. I don’t see any blood, so you’ll probably live.”

Together, they managed to get Harada back on the futon in one piece, and he slept for the remainder of the night. The next morning, Shiranui woke him with a short jab to the ribs.

“Wake up!”

“Is there no other way you know to wake somebody?” Harada grumbled, his body sore from the previous night’s activities.

“Yeah, but they aren’t as fun. Listen up. I went to Ezo...”

“What!? But you weren’t gone that long...”

“Quit interrupting! I am a demon, remember? I can move circles around you humans. Anyway, I saw your pal...Nagakura? Gave him your spear.”

“You did what? What do you mean...Why would you do that?” Harada sat up, ignoring the discomfort it caused, to intent on hearing what Shiranui was saying.

“You were taking too long to decide what you wanted to do. I took your spear to Nagakura. He was upset that you were dead, by the way. Really tugged at his heartstrings, I think.”

“Shiranui, you...” Harada couldn’t even begin to assimilate what he was hearing. He shook his head and clenched his hands into fists. “You...told Shinpachi I was dead?”

“Of course not. Demons don’t lie. I just gave him your spear. He assumed the rest on his own.” He grinned, not apologetic at all. “Now, we just need to get a ride on a boat. I think...”

“Wait, wait...What?! What the hell are you talking about?!”

“A boat...you know, those things that float on water? Take you places across the sea?”

“Shiranui, you are two seconds from getting your ass kicked. I don’t care if it kills me. What are you talking about?!”

Shiranui grinned again. “We’re getting out of Japan. I’m done with the war; you’re too injured, so you’re done, too. Besides, you’re a wanted criminal now, you know. All that Bakumatsu shit and all...”

“So let me get this straight. You took it upon yourself to take my weapon to my best friend, leading him to believe I’m dead, then you waltz back here and expect me to leave the country with you? Are you fucking insane?”

“I’ve been told so,” Shiranui said with a shrug. “But it makes sense, don’t you think? If you stay in Japan, you’ll have to change your name and hide for the rest of your life, always worrying about who’s coming after you. Of course, I could protect you, but I won’t. I’m not that nice.”

The argument continued, but no matter what Harada threw at him, Shiranui always had a response that made sense...sort of. In the end, Harada had given in. It was true; Japan wasn’t a safe place for him now. And he had grown disenchanted with it as the old ways crumbled.

And now, here they stood, at the dock of a new city in a new country, Shiranui supporting Harada as they made their way down the pier. Shiranui’s eyes were alive with excitement, and Harada found it contagious. He could start over here, be whoever or whatever he wanted to be. He glanced over at Shiranui when the demon laughed aloud.

“Breathe it in, Harada! New life! Ah, just think of all the new things we will see. I read that they have a problem with something they call bandits here. Bet we could take ‘em. Or maybe we could join them! Either way, it sounds exciting!”

Harada rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin that lit his face. Electricity charged the air. Yes, this would definitely be interesting.

Princess of the Court :Chapter One

This isn't the first original story I've written but it will be the first one that I’ve posted. However, the only thing keeping this story from being a fanfic is the fact that its an original story...I’ll try to explain. I watch too much anime, and lately I’ve been on a slice of life/romance/sports anime kick. And that has bleed out to create this story. It’s been fun to write so hopefully It will be fun to read. Link to Chapter Two

AO3

Chapter one.

“Where are you going?” a teacher asked, tapping the shoulder of a wayward student.

Majida sighed loudly and then turned around. She glared at the teacher, only softening her gaze when she saw how it distressed him. She didn’t mean to be so snippy, it had just been a troubling morning.

The teacher looked smug as he straightened his tie. “I’m sorry. Can you understand me?” he asked slowly.

“Yes, I can understand.” she answered, resisting the urge to glare again. She couldn't glare at every person who assumed she didn’t speak Japanese or else she’d never smile. “I’m lining up,” She pointed the the girls in her class.

“That’s the girls line,” the teacher explained. “You belong in this one,” He gestured to the line of boy’s.

Majida opened her mouth then closed it. She choose Akahoshi high school partly because of its uniform. Not that the uniform from the all girls school down the way wasn't cute. If anything it was too cute, she wanted neat and smart, not cute. The girls uniform for Akahoshi High paired a grey blazer with a maroon and grey plaid skirt. The bow was a solid maroon, so was the tie that came with the boy’s uniform. The boy’s wore a grey blazer with maroon and grey plaid slacks. Guess which uniform she found herself in.

The manufacturers informed Majida via email that they assumed her form was incorrectly marked female. The height recorded was 178 cm and that was unheard of for a female high school freshman. Her weight didn’t help either, though in her defence she was practically all muscle. Yeah, its not common. She wanted to write back. So? At least call or email to check first! But arguing wouldn’t solve anything, besides, the manufacturers agreed to do a rush order free of charge. She’d have her new uniform by the end of this week. But for now she was stuck with this.

Majida tried to work around the problem. She arrived much earlier than the opening ceremony in a dress suit and styled her dark hair into a neat french braid. That dress suit was now in her locker. The principal insisted that she wear a uniform like everyone else.  It wasn’t, however, possible to take his “rules are rules” statement seriously when he giggled while saying it.

Majida sighed again. She had half  a mind to flash this teacher as proof but didn’t want more trouble. “Yes, yes, whatever you say,” she said as she trudged to the boy’s line.

“Only one yes! And take off those earrings!” He said, sounding bolder now that she was following his directions. He muttered under his breath about how Majida should cut her hair as well.

Majida ignored him. She had worn her favorite pair, studds shaped like red roses, in hopes that some good luck would come her way. Black studs occupied the other two holes he had in each ear. And what idiot asks a girl to cut her hair?... The type of idiot that confuses a girl for a boy just because she’s wearing the wrong uniform, she realized. She resisted the urge to look down her shirt to check that her boobs were still there.

Adding insult to injury she was second to the last person in the boy’s line for her class. The boy behind her looked completely bored. Or rather it was that he had the air of someone who felt all this was beneath him. His hands were tucked into his pockets and he slouched. His dark blond  hair flopped over his eyes. He could be handsome, Majida thought, very handsome if he didn’t look like he was about to fall asleep. That didn’t seem to matter to the girls nearby. He was already the subject of discussion.  The girls also seemed to notice her.

“You all suck at whispering,” Majida said to no one in particular, causing her year mates to immediately pretend that they were listening to the principal's speech.

Majida was used to catching other’s attention. Sometimes it was because of her height. Or how curly her hair was. Sometimes she would get trapped by well meaning folks who wanted to guess what she was, or where she was really from because her darker skin tone didn’t stereotypically match her facial features. But that was in the States. In Japan apparently people didn’t ask, they just stared when they thought she wasn’t looking. She hadn’t had enough experience living in Japan to know which form of rudeness she preferred yet.

Her home room teacher couldn’t pronounce her first name. She couldn’t blame him.She was told that her mother randomly picked it from one of those baby name websites. It was supposed to mean glorious in Arabic or whatever. Most thought it was made up. She low key agreed with them.

“Don’t worry about it.” she said with a smile.

Her homeroom teacher looked sheepish. He was a younger teacher with a pleasant disposition. A welcome change from the jerk of a teacher she met earlier. “I feel as if it would have been rude not to try. Can you pronounce it for me?”

“Ma-gee-da”

He looked at the roll again. “Ok got it . Mikami Majida-kun?”

“Uh...No chan is fine. Chan.”

The teacher tilted his head “Mikami-chan?” He squinted at her for a moment before his mouth formed a silent oh. “That explains some things. Mikami-chan it is then. And you’re from America originally, correct?”

Finally, she thought, A break through! She knew she didn’t look like a boy. Was everyone just seeing the uniform and going from there? “I was born there, yes,” she answered

“We are happy to have you here then,” the teacher said before moving on to the next name on the roll.

“Mikami-kun?” a girl asked shortly after the lunch bell rang. She was average height, making her much shorter than Majida. She kept her chin length dark brown hair back with a maroon headband. She blushed when Majida turned to her. “Sorry. I haven’t called a boy chan since elementary school.”

Majida sighed. She stood and took off her blazer. The blouse she wore underneath showed her figure more clearly. There was an audible gasp and suddenly everyone was looking at her. “You don’t have to use chan on a boy because I’m not a boy. They just sent me the wrong uniform.”

“I knew something was off,” a boy interjected.His loud voice carried over from the other side of the classroom. “Your voice was too light.”

Majida plopped back down and slumped in her chair. “You couldn’t tell by my face?” she pouted a bit, and the class laughed. It wasn’t exactly funny to her.

“Your face is wasted on a girl!” the girl who spoke first wailed. She covered her mouth with her hands immediately.

“Hina-chan! Aiming for the new guy already?” the loud boy called out again.

“Shut it Hayashi-kun,” Hina said sourly. Her disposition brightened as she turned her attention back to Majida. “But they really made you wear that Mikami-ku...chan?”

“The principal did” Majida explained. “He seems to think the situation is funny.”

Several students groaned.

“So the rumors are true,” said another girl who came to stand by Hina’s side. She was a bit taller than Hina with sharp eyes. Her long black hair was in a high ponytail. “We do have a crackpot for a principal.”

“Is this something I should have heard about about before enrolling here?” Majida asked.

The girl shrugged. “I guess we all have to get used to it.” She offered her hand to Majida. “You can call me Airi. No need to be all formal. And you’ve already meet Hina”

Majida shook her her hand. “Just call me Majida. Or Jida. I’m not really used to just being called by my last name.”

The other girls in class took their turn introducing themselves. Majida wasn’t confident that she’d remember all the names but it felt nice to get a warm welcome.

A boy puffed out his chest. “Well then. I guess it’s good you aren’t a boy. Now there is a bit less competition.”

Hayashi-kun scoffed. “You’re forgetting pretty boy over here.” He jerked his thumb to the tall boy that Majida stood in front of in the line up. Everyone looked over at the “pretty boy”. He didn’t seem to be bothered by the attention. His eyes flicked over to the class before returning to gaze out the window. The room became quiet again.

“Well then... now that this mix up is settled.” Majida said, breaking the ice. “I do look forward to attending classes with you all.”

“Yes!” Hina took a seat in the desk nearest to Majida. “And if you need help clearing up the whole boy-girl thing you can rely on me.”

Majida smirked a little. “I’m in your care then.” She pulled out her lunch box and began to unwrap it.

“Did you make that?” Hina asked. He had her lunch in her hands but seemed a lot more interested in what Majida had going on.

Airi gave Hina a little shove before pulling up a desk. “No you can’t have any of her lunch. What happened to that diet you were on?”

“Airi” Hina hissed.

Airi looked a bit smug as she reveled in Hina’s annoyance. “That does look good though.”

Majida lifted her lunch box to offer it to the girls. She’d made croquettes and a salad the night before.  Airi took a croquette and broke it in two in order to share with Hina. Hina didn’t hesitate to take her portion.

The girls ate for a while before Majida broke the silence once again. “So...I figure its best to do this now rather than wait for more rumours to start. Anyone have any questions?”

The two girls looked to each other.

“So...we can ask?” Hayashi- kun asked.

“As long as it’s reasonable sure.”

Another boy snorted. “Sounds like the perfect trap for you Hayashi.”

“You ask then Minami,” Hayashi said.

Majida smiled as she shrugged.

“Ok I’ll bite.” Minami started. “How come you can speak Japanese so well?”

“My dad’s Japanese,” Majida pulled out her phone and pulled up a family picture that was taken on their trip to Disney world last year. She held up her phone so that her classmates could see. Her dad stood on the left side. He was a bit taller than her back then but she had caught up to him quickly. Majida really liked pictures like this of him. Pictures where he smiled broadly and wasn’t standing stock straight. Where his hair wasn’t perfectly parted and slicked back. When he looked like more than some stuffy heir to an international company. His thin rimmed glasses were even replaced with neon colored sunglasses.  

Her mother looked as perfect as she always did. Her skin was darker than Majida’s and her hair was expertly strightend even in the summer heat and humidity. The only hint that she was on vacation was that she wore a sundress instead of the blouse and tailored pants she normally wore. She and Majida were the same height in this picture. Majida stood beside her mom leaning against her a little. She wore a pair of purple mickey mouse ears to match her purple romper. Her hair was long enough to reach her back. The humidity made it look frizzier than normal. Majdia was glad that she cropped her hair to shoulder length before moving abroad. It was such a pain when it was longer. Her little brother stood in the middle making a goofy face while wearing a pair of black mickey ears.  

“Is that your little brother?” a girl asked. “He’s adorable!”

“He’s ten, he’s not adorable at all,” Majida countered.

“Oh… yeah my little brother is ten,” another girl chimed in. “He’s a total terror.”

A boy whistled. “Your mom’s hot.”

A nearby girl swiped at the whistler.

“Ha! Got it!” Hayashi held up his phone with a triumphant grin. “That’s who she looks like, Gabrielle Union.”

The other students murmured as they agreed or disagreed.

“Well, my mom’s no actress,” Majida said as she began to type on her phone. “But she does perform.”She held up her phone again showing a picture of her mom from one of her ballet performances.

“Oh cool! She’s a pro.” a boy said as he pointed.”Do you dance too?”

“I do,” Majida answered. “But I prefer basketball.”

“Basketball?” the pretty boy spoke for the first time.

The class looked to him. Some showed their skepticism on their faces. He had been silent for so long they wondered if they were hearing things.

Majida narrowed her eyes. “Yes.”

“What position?” he asked.

“Point guard mostly, but I play shooting guard in a pinch” she answered. “ You?”

“Power forward.” He said as he turned fully to face her.

Majida’s eyebrows raised. “Really?” she looked him up and down. He certainly was tall but and could get taller but he didn’t look particularly powerful. “Not a small forward?”

The pretty boy bristled. “No,” he said sharply.

Majida raised her hands in surrender. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you couldn’t-”

“What are you doing here?” the pretty boy interrupted her. “There’s no girls team at this school.”

“What!” Majida yelled in english. She shook her head then switched back to Japanese. “No I checked. They didn’t go all the way last year but there definitely is a team.”

The pretty boy shook his head. “They were disbanded after last season.”

Majida stood up abruptly, her chair squeaking with the force. She marched out of the room ignoring the calls from the other students. She didn’t care that the next class was about to start soon. She needed to know right now if there was team at this school or not.