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diremoone · 6 months

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written in fine print | r. sukuna

moving to japan to get a breath of fresh air was supposed to be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. it still may be, but now you’ve got a problem and you don’t know what to do about it. the problem? ryomen sukuna, one of the wealthiest men on the planet, being… enamored with you. you’ve come fairly far with him as “friends” while keeping him at bay, but after you both spend christmas together, you know that things have changed. and come the first day of the new year comes a surprise that forces you to face your bottled-up truth.

[ Ryomen Sukuna Masterlist ] | part three

w — slowburn, age gap, modern au, older man/younger woman, fluff, mild? angst, this time we get reader’s pov bc it’s time ;3, insecure! reader, self-indulgence, A KISS (but just one for now sorry y’all), reader and sukuna lay their feelings on the table (I’m sorry I couldn’t help but finally get to this part), sukuna gets kinda prose-y lmao, slightly unsatisfied with this fic but I hope y’all enjoy anyway, sprinkle of bittersweet at the end

God, have mercy upon my soul.

The dozens of text messages from your cousin have you sitting on the edge of your bed in absolute disbelief. You haven’t even had any coffee yet, or any sort of something in your stomach. It’s sheer willpower keeping you from throwing up the stomach acid in your belly.

But you do need something. You make your way into the kitchen and nab the biscuits you made yesterday from the bag they were in. You shouldn’t, but you eat all four of them anyway. Then you drink something.

You were wondering why everything was going too good, why life had been so… easy as of late. Now you understood why. It was the calm before the storm. It was the universe allowing you to have some semblance of peace before it decided to throw you into the pit of mental and emotional turmoil that you’d been so great at avoiding.

Why in the world did the universe decide to put Ryomen Sukuna into your life?

That’s the question you have been asking yourself over and over again ever since you decided to take him up on the offer of a first date six months ago. Even worse, why did you even think it was a remotely good idea to get involved with someone over ten years older than you? Universe aside, you should’ve had the good judgement to keep Sukuna away. Your good intuition was something you’d always prided yourself on, so why did you decide to even let Sukuna keep coming around?

You go back to your room and get the phone, rereading over the messages. One in particular your eyes stay on:

A benefactor has paid for nana’s care and set her up in a really fancy, upscale care and rehabilitation facility here. They came and got her this morning to transfer her. When I asked about it, someone from registration said it was a gift for you. Who the fuck did you meet in Japan? 5:16 am

And you know, deep within your soul and in your gut that Sukuna was behind this. There’s no one you know that has the money to pull off something like taking your grandmother from where she was to a facility where she’s going to get more constant help, cleaned, proper rehabilitation. No one else but him.

The coffee maker suddenly beeps, beginning to brew a fresh pot of coffee. You almost jump out of your skin from it. You wait until it’s done before digging out one of the banana nut muffins Shoko brought over two nights ago to pre-celebrate the new year.

You truly don’t know what to feel. You’re unsure about everything. Coming to Japan to get a breath of fresh air from the strain your old life was supposed to be one of the best choices you’ve ever made. But now, all it’s become is a whirlwind of even more, even deeper emotional confusion.

Meeting Yuuji was great. Meeting his older brother? The entire source of the emotional confusion.

You lean against the counter and gaze outside. The snow has finally ceased and you’re sure dozers are out clearing the roads. You can’t help but fall into your thoughts.

For awhile, you’ve had… feelings. You’re not quite sure what they are, but you know that they revolve around the older, rich man you’ve befriended. You know that whenever he’s around, you feel more… open, lighter even. You know he makes you feel flustered, to which you’ve learned to seal said fluster inside of a bottle and remain indifferent in his presence. Every time he looks at you or speaks to you, it makes you feel… giddy. Happy, dare you say it.

And it’s something you swallow down and hide every time it bubbles to the surface, fearing that it’ll be nothing more than the same story as your mother: a heart broken by the letdown of not ever being enough, not being what the man actually wanted, and not being genuinely cared for.

The mug of coffee in your hands grows hot, almost scalding against the skin of your palms. It brings you out of your own mind, just in time to hear your phone vibrate with more text messages, all still from your cousin.

Because apparently fate dropped a man in your lap that was more than ready to give you anything and everything you’ve ever wanted: unconditional love on a gold platter; fate decided that you finally deserve a break from strife and grief, that you deserved to stop eating humble pie, because lord knows you’ve done choked and damn near suffocated on that shit; that you deserved to be cherished and loved and made to be someone’s number one in their life.

You know. You fucking know what Sukuna does to you, how he makes you feel inside. You also know how he wants to treat you and the things he wants to do to you. And perhaps with you, if your gut instinct is right and he wants more than a body to warm his bed.

Who are you kidding? You know you’re right.

But it’s unfortunate for you that all you’ve learned to do is bottle up your feelings and act like they don’t exist. Because you’ve never been loved, not romantically anyway. Especially not like this, from someone like this.

How were you supposed to love? What did it really mean to be in a relationship? You’ve never been in one. Not one that ever really was going to go as far as this. Was what you were feeling all temporary? And if you did get into a relationship, what if he didn’t like you when you got comfortable? What if he didn’t like it when you laughed too hard, or any of the habits you have? What if he was just wanting to play savior and ended up leaving you a few months from now?

You toss your head back and groan. Why? Why was this happening to you?

You opt to spend the day inside, rather than go out like you had planned. You have to text Shoko and Utahime, letting them know that you’re not going to be able to participate in their plans of going out and visiting shrines for the new year. The latter is reasonably mad, but Shoko calms her down in the group chat. Although she does make an innuendo about spending the day with someone else “cozied up in bed” rather than them. You send her a side eye emoji in return on her personal thread.

You change out of your pajamas and into some casual clothes — a dark red long sleeve and some black sweatpants, switching to house socks to regular socks — despite not intending to go out for the day. You do end up on the couch for most of the day, switching your attention from the TV and the messages on your phone more than you care to admit. You hardly eat, and don’t realize it until you can feel your stomach against your spine each time.

All day is basically wasted in front of the television, trapped in your own mind. Trapped in the whirlwind that Sukuna has made of your heart and emotions.

You graze through your entire stock of sweets in less than a day, uncaring if it was unhealthy. Dusk settles on the horizon before you know it and you’re anything but tired. In fact, you’re wide awake.

“What do I do…?” you ask into the open air. You feel stupid doing it, but apparently fate has a response for you.

It’s 9:18 at night when several strong knocks rap at your door.

It’s 9:20 when you decide to finally answer the door.

It’s 9:24 when you realize you’ve got a guest at the front door, the very same man who’s been making you question yourself and your whole life ever since coming to this country.

It’s 9:30 when you question to yourself why you let him in. You didn’t think it through, that much you’re sure of. How could you be when he’s thrown your heart all topsy-turvy and mushed it into goo?

Just looking at him from his back floods your mind and makes your heart race, something you hope you’re able to hide by what you hope is a face of indifference and calmness. You can see the tattoos peek out from his turtleneck, and you have to gulp down your nervousness.

The large mug of fruity tea you’ve poured has now chilled, the ice just barely clinking in the glass. You quickly open the cookie jar on the counter and shove two snickerdoodles in your mouth to stress-eat being prepared for what was coming next.

“I…” you begin, and embarrassingly realize you have to swallow the cookies to talk. “I wasn’t expecting you to… show up.”

Sukuna’s silent for a moment, then replies stoically, “Neither was I.”

You gaze at him longer than you intend to. Your attention is mostly on his tattoos, the little bits that are peeking out from the deep crimson of his form-fitting turtleneck. You watch him readjust the watch on his wrist, partially revealing the tattoo inked onto his wrist. To your surprise, Sukuna actually doesn’t like showing off his tats. He used to in his younger years; he’s still proud of them, but he isn’t as much into flaunting them to the world nowadays.

Sukuna’s deep voice cuts through the air. “Have you… gotten my gift?”

You bite your lower lip. You nod even though he can’t see you. “Yeah… If you mean the one involving my grandmother, then yes.”

“I do apologize if I crossed any lines doing such a thing,” he says. “But I don’t regret it.”

“I can imagine you don’t,” you reply, knowing full-well that him regretting anything was a very rare occurrence. “But… Why? Why would you do that? Go through such trouble to help me… and my family? Just… Why?”

His ginormous frame turns to face you to look into your eyes and answer with nothing short of honesty, “Because I want you to be cared for. I’ve seen happiness in your eyes and I want to keep you happy. I want to be the one making you happy.”

“Buying my love will only get you so far,” you say.

“I know. I want to do more for you. I want… to be more for you. Not just… this. Whatever we have going on,” Sukuna admits casually, crossing his burly arms over his chest. But he doesn’t make eye contact. In fact, he keeps his eyes to the floor, away from your gaze. “I know what I want, although I’m not quite sure how to describe everything I feel… when I’m with you and when I think about you. It’s… I know what it is, I’m pretty sure, but at the same time… I don’t.”

“It’s new for you,” you mumble. Surprisingly, he actually hears you and nods. He doesn’t lie. Not with you.

“I’ve been with many women over the years, all for the same reason. I’ve never felt like falling in love or that it would ever matter. I know lust, I know what comes with that. With you, it’s anything but. At first, yes. But your immediate rejection, you continuing to keep your distance from me and your distaste known made me stop and think.”

You raise your brows. “All it took was a girl with some strong boundaries to make you realize you can’t live off being just horny for then rest of your life?”

Sukuna laughs. He actually laughs. A bright smile crosses his handsome face as his shoulders shake with laughter. He tries to cover it up with a hand, but all it does it muffle it into loud chuckles. It takes a good couple minutes before his chuckles finally fall into a simple smile of amusement. That’s when you admit your own truths. If you were going to be hurt, you might as well get it over with.

“In a way,” Sukuna admits. And then he admits even more, opening his heart and putting it on his sleeve. “You’ve reminded me that there is more to life, that I can be genuinely happy beyond office walls and red light districts. You have made me remember what feeling excited, what being on my toes feels like. You make the air lighter… happier, every time I see you. You… I care for you.”

Sukuna’s last words of admission are watered-down and you both know it. Then again, he says he is new to these kinds of feelings. And at this point, you believe him. You wonder if he knows that you’re just like him — exactly the same: that you’re new to the feelings of love, what it means to be in love. It’s confusing, really. You’re not sure where to begin when it comes to saying the things that Sukuna has seemingly had no problem admitting to you. You can’t just say, “Ditto” and make out with him.

Well, you could, but that’s beside the point.

You swallow the frog in your throat and look at him. He isn’t looking at you but at the ground, almost like he’s unsure of himself.

“You’ve made yourself a cozy place inside me, too,” you speak softly. Your hands don’t leave the mug as you set it on the counter. “We’ve only known each other for barely half a year, you know? You make me wonder if what I’m feeling is love, most of the time. I enjoy you; I enjoy your company. I enjoy the thrill you bring into my life. I… enjoy how weightless you make the world feel. I… I like the thought of being… prioritized. I’m just… confused on whether or not these feelings are rooted in love or something else entirely.”

“And I apologize for making you feel that way,” he replies. “That isn’t my intention.”

You’re quick to your words before he can continue. “Don’t apologize. Please. It’s not your fault. I… I’ve never been in a relationship. I don’t know what love is or what it’s supposed to feel like. I’ve never been loved, and I’m not quite sure how to reciprocate it. I’m afraid I’ll fuck up. Say the wrong thing, not do something right.”

Sukuna’s brows furrow. “There is no right or wrong way to be in a relationship — just yourself.”

“I’ve heard that, just as much as I’ve heard otherwise.”

Silence fills your apartment. You tap your nails against the glass mug, little tinks! resounding. You can’t look at Sukuna now. Not after just admitting to having never been in a romantic relationship. Now, you must seem more of your age than you ever have in his eyes.

“Any insecurity you have is not invalid. I would never disrespect them,” Sukuna finally says, sheer conviction making you shiver.

The giant man stands to take his place not even a foot from you. Magnetism draws you to his face and you cannot look away. His hand comes up and brushes his large fingers across your cheek.

And like an open book, he reads you from the front cover to the very last word, reading off your exterior cover and the interior pages you’ve hidden away. “You’ve carved yourself from early maturity, into someone that your loved ones have needed you to be. You’ve never been able to truly be yourself, be free. You’ve always had to be the rock that everyone has needed, when no one has been for you. You desire to be loved, but not at the expense of heartbreak nor sacrificing the person you’ve molded yourself into for the people you love. You desire to be free above all else, not wanting to be loved unless there’s someone who can love you and give you your freedom at the same time.”

You gape, eyes almost as wide as saucers with your eyelids lined with burning tears. You dip your head and sniffle.

“I want that. I want that for you. I want to be the one to give that to you,” Sukuna continues. “The time we spent together not even a week ago, I want more of that. I no longer want to live the way I’ve been living. I want to live with you, do those kinds of things with you. That sounds corny as fuck coming from me of all people, but that’s the truth.”

You can’t help but laugh. His tone of exasperation at himself was just too funny not to.

“And what happens when you give me those things? Will you be done with me? Move on to the next person?” you ask. “Once you’ve played the part of the savior, won’t those feelings end?”

“I’ll never be done with you,” he answers instantaneously, like it was nothing short of law. “You’ve captivated me, all of me. I’ve already tried pulling myself away a multitude of times. But then one little word of anything about you and you’re all I think about for the rest of the day.”

You sniffle again and laugh. “Did you practice this? You sound like a poet.”

“I can be one if you’d like.” You giggle at that. It’s silly, but you feel like Sukuna would oblige you if you said yes. “But I mean it, every word.”

You nod and whisper, “I know you do.” Because it’s the truth. He’ll never not mean anything he says. Brutal honesty is apart of Sukuna.

The emptiness of your apartment is deafening, it’s silence almost palpable to the point where you feel like you might being to suffocate. But large, firm hands cup your cheeks and bring oxygen into your lungs again.

His hands are warm, so warm. The feeling of being touched like this, so intimately, makes all the blood flow to your cheeks to the point where you think you’ll overheat.

“May I kiss you?” he asks, tone quiet, voice deep and baritone that makes shivers roll up your spine. “At least once?”

You can’t help but bite into your lower lip. The suffocating feeling has returned, just for a different reason. But your instinct goes first — action taking the initiative over the brain — and you nod once more, mumbling out a small “yes” that you chastise yourself for being so meek.

Sukuna’s free arm wraps around your waist and gently pulls you to your tippy-toes. You’re running on instinct, one hand resting on his chest, the other circling behind his neck, eyelids slowly closing as he dives in for the kiss you’ve allowed. And when his hand cradles the back of your head, his lips meet yours, and you swear to everything from heaven to hell that you’re about to explode and die in this man’s arms.

Everything feels like it’s on fire… until it doesn’t. That fire slowly simmers down to a gentle flame, one that brings a sense of contentment.

Sukuna tilts his head, moving your lips and deepening the kiss. You allow it, and it feels like the kiss has sunk to a new depth of desire. Dare you even think or say it be devotion. His lips are warm and sweet on yours; his kiss isn’t one of urgency, but perhaps the desperation of longing. It’s not slow and controlling, not greedy. Whatever this kiss is and all the emotions contained within, you know it makes you at peace and content.

Everything feels perfect.

You both part for air, lips slow to disconnect. You can’t help but feel slightly embarrassed being so out of breath, but hearing the slight heaviness of breath coming from the large man makes you feel less awkward.

“Thought you said you hadn’t been in a relationship before?”

Your reply is breathless, “Never have.”

“Then you must be a naturally good kisser.”

That makes you laugh. You press your head to his chest and giggle away, to which you hear what you think is a chuckle from his throat.

It’s 11:20 at night by the time you look at the clock again. It’s too late for Sukuna to go home. That’s the excuse you use anyway. He’s seemingly more than happy to use the excuse right along with you to spend a night with you.

Come morning, however, things shift back to the way they were before: confusing and lonely. The couch was just as empty as the apartment. Under you was not Sukuna’s body, but a stack of pillows from your bedroom.

The note on the counter about being called in for an important meeting doesn’t do his absence justice either, instead sending every one of your walls back up, twice as high and just as thick as they were before.

Your phone dings with new messages. Utahime and Shoko, both of which declare they’re coming over to drag your ass out of your apartment to go shopping like you should’ve yesterday.

You text them back, telling them you’ll meet them at the mall, that you’re going to get ready and this time you aren’t going to miss out.

You don’t know what to do or what to think. You don’t know if one night of vulnerability means anything more than just being open with another human being. All you know is that you need a break, from yourself, your confusion, from life, and especially from Sukuna.

You need the clarity of a shopping trip and good friends for company, because your hopes for what’s coming next are getting far too high and you’re beginning to really fall in love with Sukuna Ryomen.

taglist: (no longer adding)

#sukuna x reader #sukuna ryomen x reader #sukuna ryomen x you #sukuna x you #sukuna x y/n #modern! sukuna #modern! au #jjk sukuna #sukuna fluff

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chososluv · 2 months

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𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲! 𝐬.𝐠.

✎₊˚⊹♡ summary & note: a fictional piece in which you are Geto Suguru's baby mother. A failed relationship between you two, you both settle for co-parenting your twin daughters (5 year olds - Naomi and Kimiko) . It's been several years and even though you think you moved from Suguru, doesn't mean he necessarily has even tried for a second... – whew i been sitting on this one for a minute!!

🏷 tags & warnings: no beta reader! i'll get to the mistakes as i reread! mature content is ahead. fem!reader (she/her), Suguru is early 30s and reader is in her late 20s, black!reader, mentions of suguru incarcerated, grinding, alcohol and drinking, heavy making out, swearing and no smut (yet)! part one of two (?)

✎₊˚ word count: 10k

minors do not interact

“Mommy!”

It’s music to your ears hearing the sound of your twin girls whenever they catch sight of you after a long weekend away. You smile, a gentle laugh falling from your lips as they run across the lawn and up the stairs to the porch. You kneel down as two small bodies collide into your own. You full on laugh as the girls giggle, allowing you to capture them in each of your arms as you hold them tight. Their small hands hug you back as you stand up, lifting them off the ground and onto your hips. You give them each a wet kiss on the nose and they erupt in another chorus of giggles.

“How was your weekend at daddy’s? I missed you two.” You ask your girls, meaning the last part beyond words could express. Usually you liked the weekend to yourself but for some reason the lack of noise left you feeling disoriented. It was the first weekend in a while you really missed your girls and wanted them filling the space with their silly questions and shrill laughter. You tried to busy yourself with Shoko and Yuki too but you always found yourself staring at your lock screen of your two girls.

“Daddy’s was so much fun!” Naomi bursts out first. You turn your head to give her your attention, her eyes peering up at you excitedly. The older of the two (by a few minutes) has her hair in bubble pigtails today.

“Yeah! We went to the zoo with him and uncle Satoru!” Kimiko shouts next, causing you to turn your head to face her next. The youngest has her hair styled just like her daddy’s with a half up and half down and her eyes mimic that same excitement Naomi had.

“Yeah and then he got spit on by a goat.” Naomi states as both her and Kimiko giggle at the memory. Their excited storytelling has you not paying attention to the body that exits the car finally. The door closing completely misses your ears until another voice joins the conversation.

“Don’t forget to add the dumbass provoked the fucking goat in the first place.” Your eyes move away from Naomi to see the third body approaching the porch. Your eyes settle on your baby daddy and ex-boyfriend as he stops at the bottom of the steps. He places a foot on the bottom step as he looks up at you. His handsome face adorns a grin at the sight of you and he can’t stop from scanning you from head to toe.

You notice, and can’t help but feel time slow down, completely forgetting he swore in front of the kids.

But the girls surely did not let it slide.

“Daddy! Language!” Naomi and Kimiko shout at the same time. You shake your head, finally released from the trance he put you in.

“Yeah, not in front of the girls, Suguru.” You scold him and he holds his hands up in surrender. A chuckle escapes his mouth as sees the same disdained expression across all three of his girls' faces.

God they look alike, he thinks

“I’m sorry little mamas.” Suguru apologizes because he ultimately knew better and he was horribly outnumbered. He ascends the stairs to give wet kisses on the twins’ foreheads to further butter his apology. The two girls laugh, giggling at their father’s gesture before the youngest speaks.

“It’s okay, we forgive you daddy.” Kimiko says and Naomi nods in agreement. You fight the urge to roll your eyes - failing miserably - as Suguru looks at you. He still sees you wearing that annoyed expression and he licks his lips before addressing you.

“But does mommy forgive daddy?” Suguru asks, hitching an eyebrow up and the gesture has you losing your breath slightly. Flashbacks of a younger Suguru plague your mind and it felt like you two were young adults all over again. Heat rushes to your face as he closes the distance between you two. You lose track of time, falling into a trance as the smell of his cologne dances around your senses like a sweet pheromone. You forget your daughters are still on your hips until Naomi swings her leg wildly and breaks the spell he had on you.

“Mommy! You should forgive daddy!” Naomi says and Kimiko nods.

“Yeah, mommy he said he was sorry!” Kimiko adds, both of your girls are back on his side within an instant. You can’t be surprised though, they always flip flopped whenever it was convenient for them. So, of course kisses from daddy would make everything better. You only shake your head but find yourself looking back up at Suguru.

“Yeah, fine I guess I do.” You roll your eyes as they squeal. You quickly set them down, arms tired before the two girls run off into the house. Naomi crosses the threshold, Kimiko right after before the youngest screams back at you two.

“Mommy, you should let Daddy stay the night so we can all have fun!” Kimiko yells over her shoulder before Naomi and her scream as they get into god knows what. You’re left alone with their dad who continues to wear that silly smirk on his face. You narrow your eyes at him to fight from smiling back.

“Did you tell her to say that?” You accuse, raising an eyebrow and Suguru chuckles and shakes his head.

“And have you chew me out later? Hell nah I didn’t.” Suguru is believable with his statement and you don’t bother to press. It shouldn’t be a surprise to you since the girls always wondered why you and Suguru lived apart but their friend’s parents lived together.

It was a tough conversation to have with five year olds, but you tried to explain the best way their brains could handle.

“Mommy and daddy just argue too much, babies.” You told them one night and they only looked at you with hopeful eyes.

“But, you guys don’t argue anymore right?” Naomi questioned and Kimiko nodded at the question.

“No, we don’t-”

“So can daddy come live with us then?” Kimiko blurted and Naomi stared at you with the same eyes. You chew on your bottom lip, anxious and dreading where this conversation was headed. A topic you always feared having with your kids.

“It’s complicated, baby.”

“What does' complicated 'mean?” Kimiko asked, attention span already shifted from her father at the word you threw at them. Naomi seemed to also forget the original topic of their dad, also focused on the new word. You could only mentally thank the heavens that they were still at the age of being easily distracted.

But you knew that night the questions would only happen more often.

Back to the present with Suguru, you nod.

“Good. Because that’s the last thing they need right now.” You tell him and he nods.

“I agree. You've been getting questions too?” Suguru asks and it's your turn to nod.

“Yes,” you sigh out shaking your head, “we should have seen this coming though. It was my fear when we split up.” You chew on your bottom lip, trying to keep the stinging in your eyes at bay. The last thing you wanted to do was cry in front of your ex boyfriend. Call it pride but you didn’t want to give any indication you missed him.

“Yeah, mine too.” Suguru agrees, mirroring that same expression that resembled close to pain and regret. Though he felt the latter emotion more than the former. You can see it in his eyes and he starts to fix his mouth to say something but you cut him off.

“Thanks for making them happy,” you say, “I never get them back upset.” Suguru only shrugs nonchalantly.

“Those are my babies y/n. You ain’t gotta thank me for taking care of my own blood.” Suguru replies to you. He raises a point, you shouldn’t and don’t have to thank him for taking good care of Naomi and Kimiko. Even though he hurt you like hell when the girls were young babies, he was always a good father to him.

“Yeah I know… I guess I’m just realizing what a great father you are to the girls despite all that's happened…” You trail off, attempting to end your word vomit before you end up opening old wounds. You stop yourself from continuing your thoughts and hope Suguru doesn’t notice you’re reliving the past before him. You try to shield your face from all emotion and pray he doesn’t pick up on the hurt you’re feeling.

Unfortunately for you, Suguru still knows you more than you’d like.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?” You want to kick yourself for not maintaining a better poker face. You only shake your head and look away from Suguru. All the old feelings and memories came rushing back, crashing into you and causing your eyes to sting once more. You bite your lip once more and shake your head as your foot starts to tap. You’re trying your hardest to keep from crying.

“Nothing, I just-” Throat closing you cease speaking and close your eyes. You gave up trying to hide that you were about to cry, but you kept your eyes closed as you were still stubborn. Silly as it sounded you didn’t want Suguru seeing you cry over your history. It’s the pride that resonates deep within you — or what little you had of it left.

“Aye, please look at me, mama.” Suguru reaches a hand out but hesitates touching you. Past memories flash of you slapping his hand away and scolding him for not respecting your space. His palm burns to touch you despite this, but he tries to ignore it to keep from being cussed out.

“Suguru.” You say, voice breaking and bottom lip quivering softly. You bring a hand up to your eyes as you decide to finally open them. Salty tears break from their cages, flowing from your ducts and down your cheeks. You finally manage to look up at him, vision blurry as you wipe your tears.

“I’m sorry, y/n.” He says and for the first time you see him cry while he says it. Tears are brimming the edge and one soft blink sends them down his cheeks. He’s not crying as hard as you, but the few tears make you realize for once how sorry he looks. Usually you shrugged off his apologies but something felt different this time.

“I know, Suguru.” You say to him, nodding as he peers at you curiously. That same hand comes back out, testing the waters because all he wants to do is wrap his arms around you and hold you close. All he wants to do is hug and soothe all the pain you were feeling away. It was the least he could do after he caused you all the pain in the world. He hated his younger self more and more every time he watched you cry.

“C’mere.” Suguru continues to hold that hand up, beckoning you to come close to him. You look between his hand and to his eyes, studying the way his irises look back at you. Your eyes search for any sign of deceit while you try to think of any cons to falling into his arms right now. When your eyes come up empty and your mind blank, you give in.

As your bodies collide you can’t ignore that tingling feeling deep within your stomach. His scent clouding your nostrils as time seemed to warp. All those past feelings of romance, adrenaline, hurt, worry, and love came at once. Overwhelmed by the feelings, you cry into Suguru’s chest harder. His hand drops the girls’ backpacks and brings you into a tight embrace. Suguru tries to hold back the tears he feels when he actually feels you hug him back.

Fingers pressed into his strong back you allow yourself to wail. You let go of all the walls you had up, finally letting go of that pain you held onto for so long. You shake against Suguru and all he does is continue to hold you and caress your back, soothing you through your sobs.

“I gotchu mama, let it out.” He says against your forehead before kissing it. You cry a little harder before taking a deep breath. You pull yourself out of his chest but remain in his arms before speaking.

“Suguru, I forgive you.” You tell him truthfully and meaning it this time. You’ve said it before, not sure if you felt one hundred percent but this time you knew you meant it truthfully.

And judging by the way Suguru smiles back at you, you can tell he sees this too.

“Thank you, y/n.” Suguru says, wearing that same smile. Lips twitching, you can’t help but mirror his expression. Comfort exudes from both of you as you hold one another. A time warp happening again as it felt like old times where you two reconciled after a fight. The feeling was so comforting and warm that you two didn’t want to break away from it. Even though both of your brains have a nagging voice in the back saying this was wrong.

Especially when Suguru looks at your lips and has to lick his. And definitely when he feels himself leaning in to get a quick taste of what he’s been craving for so long. And for certain when you start to feel yourself set up for his lips against yours.

“Mommy, Daddy, what are you guys doing?” Kimiko’s voice breaks the daze from you two, causing both of you two to cease holding one another. You quickly wipe your tears before turning to your daughter. Kimiko stares up at both of you, eyebrows raised goofily as she wears a mischievous glint. You can’t help but swallow thickly at her expression. Sometimes she scares you with her wittiness.

“Daddy was just giving mommy a hug, Kimi.” You tell her finding no use in lying. Kimiko looks between you and Suguru, a big smile stretched across her face.

“Daddy, do you still like mommy?” Kimiko asks in an accusatory tone. That mischievous expression was still present and you can't even look at Suguru right now. Your face felt hot and you felt ridiculous because why was your five year old making you feel this way — embarrassed.

“Kimi.” Suguru says sternly, not bothering to answer her question and resorting to using his parental authority. If he was talking to Naomi she might’ve caught the hint, but Kimiko being Kimiko…

“Daddy.” She tries him, glint still there and you have to look over your shoulder to see Suguru. His eyebrows are furrowed thickly, attempting to put on a stern face to scare Kimi but when you look back at her and see she’s not backing down you giggle. Kimiko looks at you, laughing as you shake your head.

“You are trouble, little lady!” You scream, swooping down and scooping Kimiko up. She screams as you carry her into the house. You toss her up in the air before catching her and blowing raspberries on her cheek. Kimiko squeals, giggling as she tries to fight against you.

“Mommy!” Kimiko giggles as you kiss on her cheeks. Naomi comes running into the room, hearing the commotion with a barbie doll in hand.

“Kimiko what did you do?” Naomi questions, seeing you tickle her younger sister to death.

“Not listen to grown ups. You want to be tickled to death next?” Suguru asks, entering the house and closing the door behind him.

“No, daddy!” Naomi says and Suguru smirks at the oldest.

“Smart girl.” He applauds her as you continue tickling and kissing Kimiko until you finally think she’s had enough. You continue holding her as she catches her breath from her endless giggling.

“Let's take baths and get ready for bed huh?” You say as you bounce Kimiko in your arms. Both of your girls pouted and it was almost scary at how simultaneous it was.

“But we’re not sleepy!” Naomi argues, extending her arms out dramatically to put emphasis on her energy. Kimiko nods.

“Yeah! Daddy let us stay up later last night!” Kimiko throws her father under the bus and you shoot an annoyed glance at Suguru. He looks at Kimiko with wide eyes.

“Kimiko baby, what did we say about snitching?” Suguru asks of her and you further raise your eyebrow at the audacity of Suguru and his partner in crime.

“Suguru.” You raise your eyebrow at him and he looks at you nervously.

“Awh, Daddy you’re in trouble.” Naomi whispers and you nod.

“Mhmm, Daddy sure is.” You agree and Suguru chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Anyways, mommy is right y’all need to go to bed.” Suguru deflects back to the parental duties at hand. You side eye him, letting it slide for now as the girls sigh in unison. You walk over to Naomi, grabbing her hand to guide her to the bathroom as you carry Kimiko. Suguru takes the backpacks to the girl's room as he hears you start up a bath for the girls.

Several soapsuds later you manage to gather your two girls into bed with Suguru’s help. Despite insisting they weren’t sleepy they were suspiciously yawning quite a bit after the bath. By the time you and Suguru wrangled their wild hair into their bonnets and helped brush their teeth they were fighting sleep. You two were barely able to wish them goodnight before they drifted off to sleep, snoring softly as today’s events finally caught up to them. The both of you kissed their foreheads before leaving them to peacefully sleep in their bedroom.

“Thank you for your help.” You say as you enter the living room. Suguru turns to look at you.

“Anytime. I’ll head back home.” He said and for some reason you hated that feeling you felt when you heard those words. You weren’t ready to be apart from him yet. You struggled to find the words to ask him to stay but Suguru noticed your silence. He looks at you from over his shoulder before he places a foot in his shoe. He pauses seeing the hesitation and slight scowl on your face.

“Unless,” he takes his foot out of his shoe, “you want me to stay?” A smirk on his face at the cockiness that exudes from him. You don’t bother putting up a fight.

“Yeah. Sit down and have a drink with me.” You say and he raises a brow. However, he sits down and lounges back on the couch as if he’s at home.

“Bratty and bossy still I see.” Suguru says, eyeing you up and down and you only wear a sly smile on your face.

“Some things don’t change, Suguru.” You say before heading into the kitchen.

“Except that ass getting fatter.” Suguru mutters.

“What?” You call, retracing your steps to have him repeat his words.

“Nothing, mama. I’ll have that drink.” Suguru says and you roll your eyes. The man snickers as you disappear into the kitchen. You shuffle around the kitchen in an attempt to find the bottle of wine you recently purchased. However, after coming across it finally you had to remind yourself that you were sharing a drink with Suguru. Not your usual company of Shoko and Yuki, but your ex-boyfriend.

You place the wine aside and reach for something stronger.

Two cups of ice and a Crown apple later you walk back into the living room. Suguru has made himself at home during your absence. The television plays a trashy reality show, serving as background noise because Suguru is scrolling through his phone. He sees you out of his peripheral vision with two glasses and a bottle in hand. He gets up from the couch, meeting you halfway to take the glasses from your hands. You thank him as the two of you settle down on the couch. Shots are poured instantly by your hand and you hand one to Suguru while claiming the other for yourself.

“Damn, you still heavy handed as hell huh ma?” Suguru eyes the drink from the side, seeing how much liquor you poured into his cup and you can only chuckle.

“Some things don’t change.” You repeat once again before knocking the shot back at once. Suguru follows suit and quickly downs his drink. Both of you softly hiss at the bite of the liquor but smoothness of the apple that chases behind the whiskey. Suguru watches you reach for the bottle, pouring another shot but this time significantly smaller.

“What you been up to?” He asks, realizing he never had a chance to speak to you so casually. He watches you look off to the side, deep thought as you go through all the major things that have happened. He reaches for his glass as he takes a slip, awaiting your reply.

“Nothing really. Just looking after the girls, working, and seeing Shoko, Utahime, and Yuki when I can.” You say earnestly. Really your life is boring now that you stopped arguing with Suguru on a daily basis. Plus, the girls demand so much of your attention you don’t have time for the same thrills you two used to get into. It was for the first time you realized how relaxed your life really is now that you two have been successful at co-parenting.

“Good to know y’all are still tight.” Suguru says before sipping and you pick yours up to do the same.

“Yeah. Not even your antics could separate us.” You chuckle and he laughs as well.

“I remember when Yuki threatened to beat my ass after I fucked up.” Suguru reminiscences and you shake your head.

“Which time though?” You tease him but wait for his face to fall. It never does and he can only laugh knowing it was the truth.

“Fair point.” Suguru says as he takes a sip. You decide to down the rest of your drink since you’re not driving.

“How have you been? How’s the shop?” You ask Suguru. You place your glass onto the coffee table before you two and turn your body to face him completely. The alcohol finds its way down your chest before settling warmly deep in your belly. That warmth begins to tingle in your face and other places you attempted to ignore.

“Not much has been going on with me either,” he shrugs, “and the shop is good.” Suguru finishes before taking another slow sip of his drink. You notice he’s slowing down and see a soft flush dust across his cheeks. You fight to keep from grinning as you notice the physical effects of the alcohol.

You can't help but wonder if he was fighting that same ache you were busy with. You make a quick prayer he doesn't see you squeezing your thighs tightly before him.

“And I take it besides being spat on by a goat, Satoru is doing okay?” You ask about the goofy white haired male and Suguru can only laugh at the referral of the incident. He shakes his head at the aftermath of his best friend sulking and his girls going absolutely crazy.

“Yeah he’s still a dumbass.” He tells you and you laugh.

“Some things don’t change.” You say it for the third time tonight. Suguru nods and takes a long sip at that statement.

“Ain’t that the fucking truth.” Suguru curses and reaches forward to grab the liquor bottle. He pours you a shot before placing the glass in your hand. You snort, shake your head and take a long sip of the liquor. Suguru mirrors your generous swig and the two of you hold a gaze but say nothing. His eyes are wandering all over your face, reading your expression as you do the same to him. The two of you trying to figure out if the other was experiencing the familiar pleasantness amongst you two. Another time warp happening as it feels like old times together after a long day of work.

For you, it was a nostalgic feeling.

Ever since telling Suguru you forgave him, you felt so at ease and at peace around him. You want to be close to him and the desire reminds you of when you two were younger. You don't bother to try to focus on the fact that you shouldn’t feel this way but instead you start to embrace it. Maybe it was the liquor — and the growing ache between your legs — but for once you didn’t want to think rationally.

For Suguru, he felt as if he was about to lose his mind.

The grip on his glass tightens as he scans you from head to toe. Your t-shirt shows a teasing peek of your cleavage and your leggings accentuate the thickness of your thighs. He fights licking his lips as he sees your weight filling in the most dangerous places. Your curves are drastic, and he can tell you have a generous ass even from you sitting. You looked just as beautiful as the day he met you, if not more, and it tested his patience being this close to you. When he asked you if you wanted him to stay, he definitely didn’t think you were going to say yes. You would only do that in his scenarios during his daydreams.

But when you actually said yes? It took everything in him to remain calm and not look overtly excited.

The liquor is running through his veins and he only fights harder to keep from coming onto you. But god it has been years since he’s had you to himself like this and all he wants to do is tell you how much he fucked up and how badly he wants you back.

But he knew he couldn’t come on strong and ruin any chance.

If you even felt the same.

“Why you babysittin’? Your tolerance low now, Ru?” You ask him, deciding to break the silence after peeking at his glass. He looks at it, swirling the liquor around before looking at you. You recognize that look in his eye he gets when he’s about to be flirty.

“Ru, huh? Been awhile since you called me that.” Suguru flirts, raising his eyebrow at you. You roll your eyes and fail miserably to fight the grin that stretches across your lips.

“Yeah. I guess it has been.” You admit, your face slipping into a sultry countenance that Suguru is far too familiar with. He only smiles wider.

“Call me that again and I’ll down all this right now.” Suguru proposes. This time you raise your eyebrow at him, knowing your baby daddy is flirting with you and you should be playing hard right now. But with the way he looks at you like you’re the only thing he wants and ever needs — coupled with the liquor — all you wanted to do was keep playing these games with him. You aren't burdened with the possible consequences that could happen.

So you lick your lips and then reply.

“Ru,” you say leaning forward, “drink the rest of the fucking drink.” You demand, emphasizing the profanity and Suguru holds your gaze. He only takes the glass to his lips before staying true to his word and finishing it. He places the glass onto the table and turns back to you. His eyes look all over your face.

“Y/n, mama?” He asks. He has to before he backs out.

“Yes, Ru?” You ask, wondering where he was going with this.

“You got a man?” He asks of you and you raise your eyebrow confused. However you answer.

“No… why?” You ask him and his heart races in his ears. He’s about to do it.

“Good, because I ain’t tryna beat up a motherfucka.” Suguru says and before you can ask further his warm fingers are on the back of your neck. His body falls closer to yours, bringing your face to meet him halfway with the pull of your neck. You look from his eyes, to his lips, and back to his eyes to see him focused on your lips. Your heart is thumping loudly in your chest, begging to escape as Suguru continues to lean in to kiss you.

You should stop it. You should hold your hand up to block his lips from landing on yours. You should untangle yourself from his hold and go get him water. You should tell him to stop this and he should never try to kiss you again. You should tell him to sleep it off while you lock yourself in the bedroom and call it a night.

Should’ve, would’ve could’ve.

Because you sure as hell did none of what you should have done.

Instead you welcome his lips with yours instantly. A collision of passion erupts between your lips and spreads through you like wildfire. You meet Suguru more and more and he happily continues to meet you halfway. He steals your breath away from you every time he dives back in for more. Testing how far you could go, you slip your tongue between his lips and the man flat out groans. Before you can even register he is lifting you up and placing you into his lap.

You settle in his lap so easily and try to shake the feeling that his lap was made specifically for you. His broad hands find themselves sliding down the purchase of your back and not stopping till they find your rear. Nails sink into your ass, molding the fat in his hands as he gets reacquainted with your body. A gasp falls from your lips at the feeling of his rough hands on your ass after so many years. It feels so good you’re not even ashamed to admit you missed his hands on you like this. You keep kissing him and start nipping on his bottom lip after retreating your tongue.

“Bite my lip again and I’ll take you right here on this couch.” Suguru warns against your lips, pausing and kissing you briefly. You only smirk, snickering before kissing him in response. He kisses you back, gripping your ass before smacking the fat roughly. You giggle and decide to bite his lip again. Suguru grunts before slapping your ass again. You bite a scream, trying not to make too much noise but that fails when Suguru throws you down on the couch. You yell out but you’re silenced with Suguru’s lips against yours. You smile softly in the kiss, wrapping your arms around his neck to bring you closer. Suguru smiles when he feels you smile as he settles between your legs.

“Crazy how I still fit so perfect between these legs.” Suguru pulls away from your lips to trail kisses across your cheek. His hot lips end up at that tender spot on your neck he still remembers all this time. His words cause goosebumps to prickle, invoking a physical response and you shudder as he kisses on the spot. He licks a circle before biting down and you buck your hips up.

“Suguru.” You whine beneath him, the tingling of your clit increasing beyond relief. Your hips continue to grind up against him, the friction of his jeans causing little relief as you try to find his erection. Suguru smiles against your neck as he continues to lick and bite along your neck.

“You grindin’ against me and shit what’s wrong, mama? Tell me and I’ll make it better.” Suguru says, kissing the spot that starts to turn red. You sigh out.

“I need you.” You can’t stop yourself from saying the words before they come out. Suguru hums against your neck, loving your response and he removes himself from your neck. He looks at you all over as you open your eyes to meet his stare. Another familiar situation underneath him as his locks fall, tickling your face as the chain around his neck threatens to do the same. The nostalgic feeling hitting you once again and suddenly you’re having romantic flashes of your past intimate times together.

“Been waiting for you to say those words for so long.” Suguru groans out before leaning down to capture your lips with his. You two share a messy kiss, lips sliding sloppily as spit mixes before briefly pulling away. You welcome him once more, kissing him with heavy intensity. He matches, thumbs on your waist that toy with the band of your leggings. The gesture has your heart jumping in your chest once again and your own hands find themselves at the hem of his shirt.

Suguru is sliding down your leggings, deciding he can’t wait any longer and you lift up your hips. He manages to slide them halfway down before you tug on his shirt. He pulls away allow you to take it off. The tee lands on the floor, exposing Suguru’s ink on his broad chest and toned abdomen. You run your delicate hands over the ink, old and new to you, and look up at him. He smiles down at you, hand coming to hold your cheek before kissing you. You kiss him back, starting to shimmy your leggings off until something jolts you to sobriety and back to Earth.

“Mommy? Where are you?” The sound of a sleepy Naomi causes everything to halt. You nearly jump out of your skin and you push Suguru off of you. He lands on the opposite end of the couch as you stand up. You shimmy your leggings on properly before grabbing Suguru’s shirt off the floor. You throw it at him, hitting him in the face but you don’t care. You fix your hair and your shirt as you exit the living room.

“Mommy’s right here! What’s wrong baby?” You round the corner to see Naomi at the top of the steps. Her hair is free from her bonnet, wildly all over the place as she rubs her eyes sleepily. She holds her stuffed animal in her hand as she pouts.

“I had a bad dream.” Naomi pouts and you see the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Your heart breaks at the sight of her unhappy and you immediately hold out your hand, signaling for her to come down the steps.

“Come on baby, let's get some water and then we’ll talk about it, okay?” You ask as she nods, descending the steps with her stuffed animal still in hand. When she’s within reach you pick her up to bring her into the living room. Suguru is sitting inconspicuously on the couch but frowns when he sees Naomi’s distressed state. However when she sees him she perks up instantly.

“Daddy?” Naomi says incredulously as you place her next to him on the couch. He smiles, happy to see his baby girl still excited to see him after spending a whole weekend with him. He holds out his arms as she crawls into his lap.

“Yeah, baby girl I’m here. Daddy heard you had a bad dream? Wanna tell me about it?” Suguru asks, shielding a protective arm around her and with her relaxed you sneak off to the kitchen. You quickly get her a glass of cool water as Suguru keeps her company.

“And then the monster chased me!” Is what you heard when you rejoined them. Suguru listens intently, nodding when appropriately and he sees you approaching with the water.

“Don’t worry about a monster I’ll shoot it,” you roll your eyes, but Suguru chuckles, “momma’s got your water so be a big girl and take some sips for me, yeah?” He coaxes her as you hand her the glass. She takes it with her tiny hands before sipping a generous amount. You frown, wiping her forehead to see remnants of sweat beading at her crown.

“Are you hot, sweet girl?” You ask Naomi and she nods. You peel her onesie open to allow her to get some air. You knew sometimes when she got hot her dreams only turned wicked to mirror her discomfort. Suguru keeps her in his lap but grabs a nearby paper to fan her.

“Daddy, why are you still here?” Naomi asks after a few moments of silence. You look at Suguru, wondering how he was going to explain this one to her.

“Daddy and Mommy were just hanging out.” He says, eyes flickering to you to show a flirty glint before looking back at Naomi. She looks at you and you nod.

“Yeah. Daddy was just telling me how well you behaved this weekend.” You say, knowing that would ease her curiosity for now. She smiles softly before taking another gulp of water.

“You feel better now, lil ma?” Suguru asks, rubbing her back and she nods. You take the water from her and she curls into her dad, resting her head on his chest. You take the glass back into the kitchen and rejoin them on the couch. Naomi remains laying against Suguru, surely ready to go back to sleep at any second. You see the way she yawns repeatedly and blinks sleepily.

“Get some rest, Naomi.” You assure her and she sleepily nods before closing her eyes. She was always good at listening and you were thankful for it. Soft snores begin to escape her mouth before you two even know it.

“I’ll go put her back to sleep.” Suguru whispers softly, trying to not wake her up. You nod, agreeing to that before he gets up from the couch. Him and a snoring Naomi make their way back to the twin’s bedroom as you clean up you and Suguru’s mess. It’s only then you realize the gravity of what the fuck was happening before Naomi woke up. You’re placing the glasses into the sink before bracing yourself on the ledge. You still feel Suguru’s hands all over you, his lips kissing you, and his teeth biting at your neck. Your legs grow weak, lungs hitch, and clit begins to tingle as you try to shake the feeling away.

“What the fuck.” You say to yourself before putting the liquor away.

You definitely had enough of that for tonight.

You make your way back to the living room to meet Suguru at the same time. He looks at you, awaiting for you to say something but you also wait for him to say something. The both of you feel the awkwardness that falls between you two. The need to address what just happened on the very couch that was a few feet from you. Your eyes can’t help but look there briefly before looking back at him. Suguru studies you before pressing his lips together. You know he’s about to speak.

“Y/n—” But you’re scared and cut him off.

“I think you should go.” You say, trying to ignore the hurt that flashes across his face. Suguru looks at you, scanning you up and down hopeful you will change your mind. But when he sees that look in your eyes he knows what game you’re about to play. That look of wanting to retreat and hide, yet with confusion, you were bound to shut down on him. You were still in need to process what the fuck just happened on your couch and Suguru could understand it.

So he doesn’t press.

“Alright, y/n.” He says before walking over to where he placed his shoes. A small toxic feeling erupts within you, hoping he would fight to stay because he usually does but then you have to remind yourself that this is a new Suguru before you. So when he actually respects your space it's surprising — as bad as that sounds.

But you already told him to leave so you walk over to walk him out after he secures his shoes on.

You two come out to the porch and he turns around to look at you. That same hopeful expression is still on his face because he wants to stay with you bad. He wants to find himself between your legs again, making you sing his name all night as he traced every inch of you with his tongue. He was begging to learn the layout of your new body as there were curves he needed to retrace. He wants you all to himself all over again.

But when he looks into your eyes and sees the mix of emotions, pain and longing being of them, he can only get mad at himself from fumbling you in the first place.

And because he was desperate to get you back, he would wait as long as he needed to.

He would do anything to prove that to you.

He just needed to tell you.

“Text me when you get home please.” You say, looking away briefly. You were nervous to utter the words but look back at Suguru and realize you were nervous for nothing.

“Will do.” He says curtly. You look at him, expecting him to say more but he doesn’t.

“Okay. Goodnight.” You say, starting to turn around but Suguru grabs your arm. You turn to look at him and before you know it he has his hand back on your cheek. He’s guiding you to a quick kiss before you can even register, his lips feeling so good against yourself you struggle to hide your desire to want more when he pulls away. His eyes stare down at you, caressing your cheek before he speaks.

“Let me know when you’re ready to talk about what happened on that couch, mama.” Your stomach drops at the directness of what just happened but you nod. Your eyes itch because you know unpacking what happened with Suguru tonight was more than just the liquor. You couldn’t blame the Crown on the raw intensity of the emotions you felt when Suguru touched and kissed you.

However, you nod and he places a gentle kiss on your forehead before dropping his hand from your cheek.

“Goodnight, y/n.” He says before parting from you. You watch as he descends the steps and heads to his car. He hops in, starting up the engine before pulling out of your driveway a few moments later. You wave him away as he blows the horn, leaving you with the cool summer air and your thoughts running a mile a minute.

* * *

“Y’all did what?”

Shame manifests in the heat that scurries across your cheeks. You have to lift the wine glass to your lips and take a handsome gulp to calm your increasing nerves. The scrutinizing gazes your friends gave as shocked work on all of their faces had you feeling guilty at what transpired between you and Suguru.

“I think y/n said her and Suguru made out.” Yuki says smugly, holding a hand out to Shoko who rolls her eyes. You can’t believe your eyes as you see Shoko slide a twenty to the blonde. She snatches it up before tucking it into her pocket and you only scuff at your best friends.

“Y’all had a bet?” You ask and Yuki nods.

“Of course. A long ass one — but a bet nonetheless.” Yuki tells you, smirking as she looks at Shoko from the side. The brunette only continues to roll her eyes and puff on an electronic vape in her hand.

“Yeah. I thought you were completely done with Suguru but Yuki apparently knows you better than I do and knew you would cave in one day.” Shoko does not bother hiding her disdain at her losing the bet and you and Utahime both shake your heads.

“You two are ridiculous.” Utahime says.

“Yet you keep coming back for more.” Yuki raises her eyebrows like the flirt she is and Utahime only shakes her head once more. You sigh, shaking your head and taking another long sip from your wine. You knew this was only the beginning yet it was already so painful with Yuki and her smug expression.

The situation with Suguru happened Sunday and now it was Friday night. Tonight is your monthly scheduled girls’ night with Shoko, Utahime, and Yuki. Suguru had the girls again and got them this morning before you went to work because he knows of the monthly tradition. When you saw him this morning you thought the time apart would dull the sparks you felt last time but you couldn’t be more wrong. Your stomach was at your knees when you saw him exit his car this morning. His hair was tied up in a messy bun, putting emphasis on his strong jaw you wanted to run your tongue along.

Not to mention the gray sweats that left you searching for a print absentmindedly.

Although nothing happened because you still played that stubborn game. It was a moment where Suguru looked like he wanted to confront you about what happened since you hadn’t called or texted him since he told you he got home safely, but the loud squealing of his babies prevented that. You only used that as an excuse to why unpacking that right that second was a bad idea.

So you and Suguru made it another day without addressing what happened. Even though that's what you wanted, you can’t ignore the disappointment you felt when he drove away.

“Anyways, you guys made out. What else happened?” Shoko asks, placing her vape down and picking up her wine glass. She takes a hefty sip, clearly enthralled with the change of events despite losing the bet. However, her brown eyes gaze at you with a look that is laced with concern and worry. That look only further makes your stomach twist and you take another sip of your wine before answering.

“Nothing. Naomi woke up because she had a nightmare.” You say. All three women exhale loudly, not realizing they were all holding their breath while awaiting your answer. They were suddenly thankful the eldest twin put a pause on the risky business occurring between her parents. Your best friends would be supportive of you no matter what you decide, but they never wanted you to do something you may have regret.

And with you telling them the nature of alcohol being involved they weren’t fully convinced that was something you truly wanted.

“Well thank god for that.” Utahime says and the rest of you nod. You take another sip and speak.

“Yeah but we were close. My leggings were almost off-”

“Wait, just your leggings? Not even your shirt? Yeah you were definitely thinking with your pussy and not with your brain, baby.” Yuki clocks you and the other two look at you for confirmation. You can only smile sheepishly and take another huge gulp from your wine. At this rate you’d be drunk shortly if you continued, but god this wine didn’t feel strong enough.

“Y/n this is serious though,” Utahime looks at you with eyes of concern, “do you regret it at all?” She asks the critical questions you feared all night. You look between your three best friends, licking your bottom lip as you feel your eyes stinging with tears. You feel ridiculous at the threat of crying because of a simple question so you try to blink them back but they notice. Utahime places a hand on your knee, thumb rubbing back and forth before you let the tears escape.

“No.” You admit for the first time aloud to yourself. More tears fall down your cheeks and you quickly try to wipe them, feeling weak for crying but you should know better. Your friends would think nothing of the sort of you because you've been through so much with Suguru. Between him being in and out of jail and the nights filled with toxic arguments, it was turmoil and heartbreak that they never wanted to see you go through again. Not just with him, but with anyone out there.

“Do you still love him?” Yuki asks, not able to stop herself. The other two women look at her with a pointed look but she ignores them. You understand the stares Shoko and Utahime gave her, but you also understood why Yuki was asking you this. It’s why you’re friends with her. She asks all the right questions no matter how hard they are.

“I…” you trail off shaking your head, “I don’t know.” You say honestly and your best friends give you a look of sympathy. They know what you’re feeling and know they can only help you with so much . This was something you really had to do some inner reflecting to figure out.

“And that’s okay,” Utahime assures you, still rubbing soft circles on your knee, “we’ll be here in any way you need us, okay?” She says and the other two women nod at her words. You nod at your best friends, another chorus of tears running down your cheeks before you look at your friends with gratitude.

“I love you guys.” You sniffle and Yuki pouts before removing herself from between Utahime and Shoko. She comes to your vacant side to hug you. You lean into her warmth as Utahime squishes you from the other side and Shoko decides she has to join in. She comes to the front and hugs all three of you.

“We love you too, y/n,” Shoko says against your hair before kissing it, “we’ll be with you however you decide to deal with this.” And the other two women nod against your frame. You can only break out into a small cry in response, the love and security filling you endlessly because you knew your girls always had your back.

You couldn’t be thankful to have a reliable support system.

Not too far from you, Suguru was having his own debriefing with his own friends after successfully putting the twins to bed. A drink in hand, he sat with his friends Satoru, Kento, and Choso. The three men look at him expectantly after he says he has something to share.

“So? What is it, Suguru?” Choso asks, taking a sip from his drink as the other two men look on. Suguru sighs, looking at his drink, the brown liquor suddenly the most captivating thing in the room. He looks back at his boys and then replies.

“I almost had sex with y/n.” Satoru and Choso yell out as Kento shakes his head.

“Your baby moms,” Choso asks for clarity and Suguru nods, “fuck bro.” He takes a large swig from his beer, shaking his head as Satoru claps his hands dramatically.

“I fucking knew yall were going to slip up at some point,” Satoru yells before sucking his teeth, “fuck I knew I should have got in on the bet with Shoko and Yuki.” muttering the last part to himself but Suguru heard. He pays his best friend no mind and is more focused on shushing them.

“Dumbass one and two shut the fuck up because if you wake my babies up…” Suguru threatens, trailing off but the two men lower their voices. Kento continues to shake his head at the two dumbasses in question but looks at Suguru with worry.

“What even happened?” Kento asks and Suguru sighs, shaking his head and taking a generous gulp from his drink. The brown liquor didn’t feel strong enough at this moment so he took another sip before answering.

“Crown fucking apple, bro.” Suguru sucks his teeth and all three of them shake their heads at the mention of the liquor.

“Gets you everytime.” Satoru shakes his head and Suguru throws the cap of a beer bottle at him. He giggles, ducking before taking a sip of his beer.

“And the fact that she actually let me hug her for the first time in years.” Suguru shares and the trio of men all look at him with wide eyes. Suguru nods as he takes a sip of his drink, his friends mirroring his action at the news of you accepting affection. Satoru, Kento, and Choso all knew about the shit you two went through and knew how much distance you put between you and Suguru. They heard — even saw —the cold shoulder you gave him and only kept topics pertaining to your kids. Any other topic you didn’t see a point in having because you were only co-parenting with Suguru, nothing more.

No deeper friendship than what your kids could see and for damn sure no relationship.

But as honest bystanders they definitely did not blame you one bit.

“Come again? Y/n let you hug her? Were the kids watching?” Kento asks and each of them find their surprise when you shake your head no.

“Nope. They were long in the house. She was crying too and told me she forgave me.” Suguru tells them and they all whistle at the change of events. Even Kento has to take a sip as Choso and Satoru do at the news of you forgiving him and being vulnerable while doing it too? They knew you were serious.

They all take long sips before Choso responds.

“Then she invites you for drinks?” He asks and Suguru nods.

“Yeah. And I finally got the courage to kiss her.” Suguru spills and the three men shake their heads again at the confession. It wasn’t a surprise to any of them though. They were well aware and far too familiar with Suguru and his desire to get you back. They knew it was more than a long shot but they didn’t blame you with the amount of fuck ups Suguru did. Not to mention they all know what an attractive woman you are and the fact that you even give him the time of day still is a blessing on their friend’s end. You could have anyone you wanted.

“And she didn’t slap the shit out of you?” Satoru asks incredulously and Suguru nods. He can’t help but smirk smugly and he takes another sip from his drink.

“Sure didn’t. Kissed me back and honestly we might have fucked that night…” Suguru shakes his head and Satoru raises an eyebrow. Choso also looks confused and Kento waits for Suguru to elaborate.

“What stopped y’all? She came to her senses?” Satoru teases and Suguru throws him a mean glare. He sucks his teeth.

“Nah, bruh Naomi had a nightmare and woke up. She was looking for y/n and I literally almost had her out her leggings.” Sugru says, shaking his head at the memory last Sunday. Frustration wasn’t even the word to describe what he felt but all that melted away when he saw the peril on his baby’s face. It was long forgotten when she perked up at the sight of him too, that smile of hers so contagious on him.

“That’s quite the turn of events.” Kento mutters before having to down the rest of his drink at the news sinking in. Satoru and Choso nod, following suit as they all polish off their drinks. Suguru only follows naturally since he’s at his own house and doesn’t have to drive home. His daddy duties are long done for the night and he can relax a bit.

“You’re fucking telling me.” Suguru mutters, rubbing his forehead at the slight stress he felt. He wants to feel excited about finally feeling your lips on his again, but with you avoiding him this morning he couldn’t celebrate just yet. He saw the way you tried to keep the conversation focused on the girls and when he finally had a chance to speak on what happened the girls came rushing out. He knew you would use that as an excuse to push the conversation further off and it took everything in him to drive away without confronting you.

You gotta show her you’re different now, he spoke to himself as he drove off and directed his attention to his screaming girls in the backseat.

“And now how is she acting?” Chosos asks, sensing there was more to this story after they all refilled their drinks. When he sees Suguru look at his Hennessy rather than his boys he knows it's not good. He takes a sip from his beer as he watches his friend speak.

“Weird as fuck.” Suguru admits and they all utter a damn and have to drink to that news. They had feared you would have reacted this way had anything happened between you two.

“Damn, Suguru.” Satoru sighs out and takes two large gulps from his beer.

“I fucking know bro.” Suguru continues to look at his liquor swishing around in his cup. They saw their friend looking hurt before them but there was nothing they could do. After all, it was Suguru’s fault why he was in this position in the first place.

“So, what’s your plan now?” Kento asks, looking curiously at his friend and Suguru briefly looks from his drink to his friend. He sighs, shrugging.

“Patiently wait until she’s ready to discuss it.” Suguru says, knowing that’s the only way to deal with you. You need your space to figure things out and the last thing he wanted to do was make you feel cornered. He wanted you to come to him when you felt comfortable.

“Smart man.” Kento says, impressed with his best friend and seeing the growth between him now and his younger self. Suguru looks from his drink and to his friend, smiling softly before taking a gulp.

“Time behind bars makes you think about all the shit you could have done differently.” Suguru admits solemnly and the other men can’t help but nod and take big sips at the memory of their boy behind bars.

“I never wanted to rub it in,” Choso says, “but you fucked up badly fumbling y/n.” Kento and Satoru nod at his words and Suguru can’t even get mad because he knows he’s right.

“Choso’s right. Y/n was nothing but good to you.” Kento adds and Satoru nods.

“Both of them are right.” Satoru finishes. Suguru can only look between all his friends finally.

“I know. I got a lot of making up to do.” He admits to everyone, including himself. They all take a brief moment, soaking in the silence amongst the four of them before Satoru’s eyes light up. He makes a noise, garnering the attention of his friends that have them raising their eyebrows. A cat-like smirk spreads across his lips before he takes a sip of his drink.

“I just had the best idea.” Satoru says, giggling to himself mischievously as everyone looks on, waiting for an elaboration.

“You gonna share or?” Choso asks and he quickly looks at Suguru. The male scans his friend up and down before looking back at Choso.

“I will, with you and Kenny boy but not in front of him.” Satoru jabs a thumb in Suguru's direction and the male raises his eyebrow once more.

“What the fuck are you planning?” Suguru demands but Satoru ignores him.

“Why not tell Suguru?” Kento asks and Satoru answers him.

“I’ll explain but not in front of Suguru,” he turns to look at a steadily pissed off Suguru, “you’ll fuck up the plan if I tell you.” His teeth clench at his friend who continues to test his patience however Satoru continues to wear that same smug look. That look that taunts him for being out of the know.

“If you fuck up anything I got going on with my baby mama–” Suguru starts off but Satoru cuts him off.

“I promise I will not fuck anything up and I will take full responsibility if things go south but I’m telling Kenny here because he’ll tell me if he’s a good idea or not.” Satoru says after hooking a arm around Kento’s neck, point his thumb at Kento as he says his beloved – not – nickname. Kento only rolls his eyes and unwraps Satoru’s arm from around his neck.

“It’s true, Suguru,” Kento assures him, “I got your back. If it's not a good move I’ll call it off. Although I’m interested to see what this plan is.” Kento finishes as he strokes his chin, falling into deep thought as he thinks about what Satoru could possibly be planning.

“I trust you.” Suguru says, reaching out and him and Kento dap one another up. Satoru pouts dramatically.

“So you trust him and not me?” Satoru questions and Suguru lifts his glass up to his lips before quickly replying.

“That's exactly right.” Suguru says as Kento and Choso chuckle. Satoru only continues pouting and Suguru shakes his head seeing similar mannerisms in that of his twins.

“I don’t know why. I’m the only one who’s in a successful relationship.” Satoru casually gloats as he crosses his arms over his chest. He huffs, pouting but the other three men shake their heads.

“I’m still trying to work out in my head how you managed to get Utahime to go for that.” Kento says, taking a sip from his drink and Suguru and Choso can’t help but agree. Satoru only blushes at the sound of the woman’s name but he shakes his head.

“Is it so hard to believe that I’m handsome and charming?” Satoru asks his friends and they all nod without a second question.

“Absolutely.”

“Yeah dumbass.”

“Yeah, Satoru.”

“All of y’all are haters,” Satoru huffs, “anyways thank me later when you and y/n get back together.” He finishes out before taking another handsome sig of his drink. Suguru only looks at his best friend and hopes for once he’s right about this mysterious plan Satoru insisted on leaving him in the dark with.

Even though Suguru was clueless about the plan he one thing for certain:

and that was he would do anything to get you back.

©𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐬𝐥𝐮𝐯 ╰┈┈➤ MASTERLIST!

#fuck it imma post its been too long i’ll edit all this later !!#𝐑𝐈𝐕.𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒 #𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄: 🔮 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐮 #dividers by cafekitsune #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen smut #suguru geto x reader #suguru x reader #geto suguru #suguru x black!reader #jjk x black!reader #suguru geto #suguru smut

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helloalycia · 5 months

Text

𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐁𝐘𝐄𝐒 [𝐎𝐍𝐄] — 𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐍

summary: when Katniss gets sick and doesn't show any signs of getting better, you fear the worst and have to do whatever you can to make sure she does.

warning/s: mentions of dying + usual warnings that come with writing for the hunger games.

author's note: thanks to everyone who voted on my first lil poll yesterday haha, here’s the katniss one that won! there’s 2 parts and it was written after i just reread all the hunger games books and became hyperfixated on katniss again lmao

i’ll post the jackie taylor yellowjackets one after this for anyone who voted that too :)

two / masterlist / wattpad

I tightened the woolly scarf around my neck, hoping it would do something to keep the cold, bitter air out despite its flimsiness. Winter in District 12 could be unforgiving, but by the look of things from the front window, it hadn't snowed anymore last night.

"I'm leaving, mum!" I called from the front door, grabbing my school bag.

"Have a nice day, hon!" she called back from the kitchen.

When I left my house, the first thing I stepped foot in was grey slush, and I wasn't sure if that was worse than a blizzard at this point. Nonetheless, I sucked it up and headed over to my best friend Katniss' house, not far from my own in the poor, ragged part of the district, the Seam.

We always met at her place before school since it was on the way and we could walk in together, but when I arrived, her little sister, Primrose, answered and looked worried.

"Hey, darling, what's up?" I asked, accepting the hug she gave me as I stepped inside.

"It's Katniss," she muttered. "She won't get out of bed."

Trying not to show my concern, I said, "I'll go check on her. You finish getting ready so we're not late, yeah?"

She nodded and I watched her go into the kitchen to finish her breakfast with her mum, the older woman offering a small smile when she saw me. I returned it before letting myself into the other room of their house, the bedroom that all three of them shared. Inside, Katniss was still in her bed, under the covers and blocking out the light. Whether she was awake, I wasn't sure, but this was certainly unlike her.

"Katniss?" I called, shaking her body slightly. "We're gonna be late, you've gotta get up."

She groaned slightly, not appreciating my interruption, and then seemed to realise what was happening as she rolled over, eyes squinted with confusion.

"Huh? What are you doing?" she mumbled, rubbing her face, and her voice was raspier than usual.

"It's time for school," I said knowingly, before frowning when I saw her cover her eyes with her hand. "Why are you still in bed? Prim has been trying to wake you."

"What...? I don't..." She stopped, before attempting to sit upright, but she squeezed her eyes shut and steadied herself on the bed.

"Hey," I said, much more concerned now, taking a seat on the edge of her bed. "You're not okay. Is it your head?"

She clutched her forehead, breathing out slowly. "I don't know. It hurts, it– god, it's bright in here."

I frowned, taking in her pained expression and connecting all the dots. "You're sick. You should stay home today. Get better."

As if I'd accused her of murder, Katniss shook her head and pulled the duvet off her with determination. "I'm not. I'm fine, I–" But just on cue, a throaty cough rattled her.

"I can stay home if you want," I offered, already pulling the duvet back on her. "Help you."

The last thing I wanted was to leave her alone whilst she was ill. Technically her mother would be here, but she wasn't the most attentive since she'd lost her husband, so it was essentially like leaving Katniss alone.

"No, you don't need to," Katniss gave in with a sigh.

"I don't mind," I offered, resting a hand on hers. "I can–"

"It's one day," she assured me, before clearing her throat. "I'll be okay. Go. Please. Or you'll be late."

I sighed disapprovingly before nodding, knowing one day of rest would hopefully prove to be useful. I leaned forward to hug her, about to wish her well, but she shoved me back quickly.

"Don't or you'll get sick," she argued tiredly, making me rub my chest where she shoved me.

"Ow," I said with annoyance, before rolling my eyes and standing up. "Very well. Lay down at least."

Thankfully, she obeyed which was how I knew she must've really felt rundown. Pulling the duvet to her shoulders, I tucked her in before wishing her well and leaving the room. After letting her mum know what was wrong and to keep an eye on her, Prim and I left the house together.

"She's okay, right?" the twelve-year-old asked me as we trudged through the muddy snow.

"Oh yeah, of course," I reassured her with a smile. "It's nothing. Just that time of year."

This seemed to work, as Prim sighed with relief before smiling too. But deep down, a small part of me was a little worried. Firstly, Katniss never got sick, ever. And secondly, whereas a cold might not take some people out, it could be the difference between life and death in a place where it was freezing and had no electricity. I only hoped she'd be able to sleep it off and recover soon.

All day I was thinking of Katniss, unable to focus much at school. When the final bell rang and we were finally let out, I was relieved, only wanting to check on her and hopefully see some improvement. Our friend, Gale, accompanied Prim and I back home, since he lived in the Seam also, and we all went to the Everdeens to see if Katniss was okay.

When we reached their house, we saw Mrs Everdeen helping someone out as part of her job as a healer, so decided not to interrupt and instead headed straight for Katniss. When we walked in, Prim ran to her bedside whilst Gale and I took in the scene. Katniss was still under her covers, as if she'd not moved all day.

"Hey, Catnip," Gale said, hoping to lighten the mood and stir her awake, if she was even asleep.

An annoyed moan was the only response we got, so I settled by her bedside and pulled the duvet down carefully, revealing her face. Her eyes were closed, scrunched with discomfort, but she was sweating. I felt her forehead, surprised at how hot she was, and my worry was increasing.

"How is she?" Prim asked from behind me.

I cleared my throat, pulling my hand back. "Er, warm. But it could be nothing."

Clearly I wasn't the best liar, since she pushed me out the way and felt her sister's forehead before frowning immediately.

"That's not nothing," she exclaimed, before going for the door. "I'm getting mum."

I sighed, but knew it was for the best. When her and her mum returned, the four of us attempted to coax Katniss awake properly. She was reluctant, but finally opened her eyes when I closed the curtains, blocking out the light that was bothering her.

"You're burning, Katniss," I told her gently, taking her hand. Her mum rested a cold cloth on her forehead, moving her hair from her face, and I looked back to her tired eyes. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm just tired," she said dismissively, yawning. "A little cold."

I exchanged nervous glances with Gale, who was as concerned for her as I was.

"You need to listen to your mum and sister," I told her. "They're gonna help you feel better, okay?"

"I'm fine, I just need to rest," she tried to assure me, but she wasn't very convincing.

"Katniss, please," I said quietly, and she looked to me with dark eyes, softening. "Just listen to them."

She nodded, giving in, and I offered her a small smile before looking to her mum for the next step.

"You should both go home," she said to Gale and I. "You can visit tomorrow."

I nodded, not keen to leave Katniss' side but knowing the best care she could be in was her family's. Gale and I said our goodbyes before walking home.

It was supposed to get better after that, Katniss was supposed to get better. But none of it did. She was still bedridden when I visited her after school the next day, though a little more awake than yesterday and itching to get up and leave.

"My legs work fine," she told me with frustration. "Why can't I just get up and push on?"

"Because you're weak, idiot," I told her, giving her a disapproving look. "You've still got a fever, too."

She frowned petulantly, staring off at the wall instead of me. I sighed, resting a hand on hers, and thankfully she didn't pull away.

"Your mum is taking good care of you," I reminded her. "You're gonna be okay, but you need to rest."

"You shouldn't visit me meanwhile," she said after a moment, finally looking at me. "What if I'm contagious?"

I tried not to smile, the thought of not visiting her sounding insane. "I'll live, Katniss."

She exhaled weakly, not bothering to argue. I swallowed hard, taking in her expression. Circles were becoming deeper under her eyes, showing her struggle to sleep properly, and she was still glistening in a thin layer of sweat. Even now, her hand was hot beneath mine, and it terrified me. But I tried not to think of the worst, instead manifesting positive thoughts the best I could.

Enough positivity to make Katniss puke, that was the goal.

Unfortunately, it only got worse from there on out. It was getting colder the deeper we got into winter, which wasn't helping, and Katniss was missing more and more days off school. And then we finally finished school for the year, and Katniss was still unwell.

Unlike that second visit, she wasn't fighting her weakness anymore, unable to play it tough when her migraines were ruining her. Her fever would break, then return, then break again. I didn't understand what was wrong and I'd never been so scared in my life. Gale and her family felt the same, but her mum was surprisingly consistent with her care, doing everything she could to make her daughter better.

But we all knew what nobody would admit – Katniss needed real medicine, none of this herbal stuff.

One day, I was visiting Katniss, going over more and more now that school was done, but she wasn't always awake when I visited. Thankfully she was today, and when I walked in, her head turned to the door to see who it was. When she saw it was me, she shook her head, unimpressed.

"You shouldn't be here," she said as she always did, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

Ignoring her, I took a seat at the edge of her bed, aware of her eyes following my every move.

"Prim," she began, but I answered before she needed to finish.

"She's at Gale's," I reassured her, making her sigh with relief.

Having Prim seeing her like this always worried her, but I was making sure that the younger Everdeen wasn't always around. Of course, she was stubborn like her sister and sometimes insisted. Today though, she was content spending the day with Gale's siblings.

I looked down at Katniss, noticing how much weight she'd lost these past few weeks. She was already skinny, a consequence of living in District 12, but this was sickly, haunting. I'd never seen her so rundown before and I was seriously terrified that if we didn't get her real medicine soon, she could die. Nobody had a cold or flu or whatever it was for this damn long. She was struggling to eat properly, to stand at all, and she looked like hell. I couldn't just watch her deteriorate like this. Not my best friend. Not the girl I cared way too much for.

"Stop it," she said, an accidental whisper. "Stop looking at me like that."

"I'm not doing anything," I defended, embarrassed I'd been caught.

She knew me too well though. "I'll be okay. In fact–" She paused, and then suddenly attempted to sit upright, but her arms were too weak to hold her up and she slipped right back down. The tears were quick to pool in her eyes, a matching scowl on her face, at her incompetence.

"It's okay," I said sympathetically, taking her hand in between mine.

She squeezed it tight, like a lifeline, but avoided my eyes. A tear slipped from hers, and I pretended not to see it for her sake.

"I need to hunt," she said with a hoarse voice, no doubt holding in her emotion.

"Gale has it under control," I said, only imagining all she'd been worrying herself with whilst stuck here. She was the sole provider for her family, and with her out of action, the responsibilities were piling up.

"He has his own family to worry about," she snapped, before catching herself, instantly feeling bad. Quieter, she said, "It's not enough."

She wasn't wrong, of course, but I would never let her know that. Gale barely found enough to feed his own family, especially during winter, and he was sparing what little he could to keep Prim and her mum afloat. I did the same with what scraps I got, but I was no hunter and couldn't offer extra game like he could.

"We're sorting it," I said confidently. "Your mum and Prim are okay, aren't they?"

She finally met my eyes, hers glassy and exhausted. "For how long?"

It was much harder to lie to her when she was looking right at me, so I cleared my throat and forced a small smile. "All the more reason to get better, right?"

She pursed her lips, looking away again. It was quiet as she laid there, me holding her hand and keeping her company. I knew how horrible it could be when you were sick and alone, so I made sure not leave her side, as her eyes began to flicker close, struggling to fight the tiredness. I moved closer, pushing the hair from her eyes and raking my hands through her roots, knowing she liked the feeling but would never admit it. I was proven right when she let out a deep breath, squeezing my hand in approval, and I smiled softly at how cute she could be when she didn't even know it.

Only when she was out of it did I feel my tears blur my vision, unable to pretend that I was okay. She wasn't looking any better, and I couldn't just watch her like this, unable to do a thing.

I leaned forward, kissing her forehead, and closed my eyes briefly, praying to whatever God was out there that she'd be okay.

Everyone had their special something, a skill they had perfected or a hobby they could get lost in. Mine? I hadn't discovered it yet. I suppose I was doing pretty well in school, so taking tests could count, though it was a shit skill to have, impractical. But hunting, that was Katniss' and Gale's thing. No, definitely not mine.

They'd taken me out once, letting me join them on their weekly escapade. Gale found it hilarious that I moved too loudly, scaring away the prey, or that I stepped in my own trap, getting my foot stuck in the rope. I let him enjoy himself at my expense, knowing it was inevitable. Katniss however, despite the small smile that would ghost her lips at something stupid I'd do, was adamant on helping me. She took it too seriously, showing me how to use her prized bow and how to sneak around better. I'd like to say it worked, that I learnt something, but it didn't. It was safe to say they never took me again.

So, when I found myself in the forbidden woods outside the District 12 fence, with Katniss' bow in hand, I felt like a foreigner. I wasn't familiar with these woods, especially not in winter when it was a completely different ballgame to what I'd 'practiced' in last summer. Katniss' bow was too big for me, and no matter how hard I tried to take her familiar hunting routes, my approach always scared away the prey.

I was out there for two hours, certain my fingers would fall off from the cold, but I refused to give up. I couldn't return empty handed. Gale hadn't been successful last week, and family responsibilities had kept him from hunting today like he usually did. So, I took it upon myself to do it, especially because Prim was so hungry, her little face shrinking the longer Katniss was bedridden. I couldn't let her down, any of them, so I pushed on.

But every arrow I let fly missed its target, and every squirrel I approached scampered off. The sun, hidden behind thick clouds, was setting and it was getting dark out, even though the afternoon was barely over. I had to go home, but I had nothing to show for it. I couldn't even pick any edible plants because everything was frozen. I was a failure.

I couldn't catch a thing; the one job I had, to keep Prim fed, was failing; Katniss was dying and I couldn't do a thing to change any of it.

Tears streamed down my face, hot against the cold of my cheeks, and I collapsed in the snow, unbothered by it melting into the cotton of my trousers. It didn't matter anymore.

She wasn't getting better. Every day I visited her, she looked worse for wear. If it wasn't her fevers, it was her migraines. And if it wasn't her migraines, it was her throat. I was losing her day by day and I felt powerless. I couldn't even shoot a fucking squirrel to help. Nothing was working.

I was going to lose her.

Admittedly, I wallowed in self-pity for a little longer, appreciating having somewhere private to let it all out. It was hard playing it positive and tough all the time, for Prim's and Katniss' sake, when the truth was I was scared shitless. Living in a world without my best friend, the girl I so deeply loved to the point that she'd laugh if she ever found out, was terrifying. I didn't even want to envision it.

It was dark by the time I returned to the Everdeens home. I would have much preferred to go straight home, but I couldn't not update them on my false promise.

"Y/N!" Prim exclaimed when she opened the door, before tugging me in instantly.

"Hey," I said, forcing a smile, and I was glad the redness from the cold disguised my red eyes from crying.

"You're freezing," she realised, before calling for her mum. "You were gone for ages! Come, sit in front of the fire."

I pulled back as she attempted to drag me to the fire, and then her mum appeared and noticed the same thing Prim did.

"Y/N, you need to warm up–"

"I will, at my house," I promised her. "I just came to tell you that I– that–" I paused, afraid of the shakiness of my voice. Swallowing thickly, I said, "I'm sorry. I couldn't– I'm not–"

Fuck, why was this so hard?

"I'm gonna figure it out," I changed my words, nodding confidently. "I'll get some food. I'm sorry. I–"

Prim suddenly hugged me, arms wrapping around my torso and squeezing so tightly that I could have snapped in half from how frozen I was. But I appreciated it nonetheless and returned the gesture, letting out a shaky breath.

"Don't do it again," her mum said gently, resting a hand on my cheek before hugging me too.

I blinked back my tears as I let myself relax in their comfort.

I couldn't just stand by and do nothing anymore, and there was only one thing that I knew I could do. None of us could ever afford the medicine Katniss needed from the doctor in town, unless we traded something valuable, like food.

If I used my tesserae, adding my name another time into the potential tributes for District 12, I would receive a year's supply of oil and grain. Participants could only apply once for themselves, and once for any of their family members if they were between the ages of 12 and 18. I'd used mine for this year, but I could still use it on behalf of my parents. They never wanted me to, but this was an emergency and they didn't need to know.

So, on behalf of them, I used my tesserae and traded that two years' supply of oil and grain with the doctor in exchange for the medicine that would make Katniss better. After describing all her symptoms, he explained how it was some complex form of a cold, rare but deadly. I was lucky I'd got to him in time.

Gale didn't approve of my plan when I told him, trying to talk me out of it. Just like Katniss, he cared about whether I used my tesserae without needing to. I could see it was killing him to watch me do it anyway, wanting to do it himself if he could, but he'd already used all his family's tesserae for the year. It was the first thing he did every time it was available, having no choice since he had a big family.

After I collected the medicine from the doctor, I was quick to return to Katniss' house, giving a rushed explanation to her mum about the medicine and what the doctor said about administering it and how it would save her life.

"Y/N, how did you get this?" she asked once I finished to catch my breath.

"It doesn't matter," I said to her. "But it'll help. We can give her the first dose now."

"Y/N–”

"Mrs Everdeen, please," I pleaded, and she must have seen the desperation in my expression because she nodded slowly and went to make Katniss some tea with the medicine in it. It was a syrup of some sort, so the mint tea should have made it a bit more palatable.

Eventually we both went to Katniss' room, where Prim was sat beside her, holding her hand and chatting quietly. When she spotted us both, she perked up and smiled a little.

"Hey, Prim," I said, returning her smile and joining her side. "How's the patient?"

"She's got a headache," Prim answered, and I looked to Katniss who had a wet towel pressed to her eyes, both cooling her down and also blocking out the light.

"Y/N?" Katniss whispered, though unmoving.

"Yours truly," I said playfully, needing to disguise the permanent concern that was in my voice. "We brought you some tea, Katniss."

She groaned quietly. "I don't want it."

Her mum glanced at me, unsure how to proceed, so I took the mug from her hand and placed it on the bedside table.

"It'll help," I promised her, before gently pulling her duvet down. "Can you sit up for me, please?"

She sighed but thankfully obeyed, allowing me to help her sit upright. She leaned against the bed frame and let me remove the towel from her eyes. I smiled when I saw her blue eyes, though they were fatigued as they had been since she'd gotten sick. Not for long, hopefully.

"Drink up," I encouraged, offering her the mug.

She silently accepted it, blowing on the tea before taking the first sip. Her face scrunched up with disgust. "What is that?"

"New herbal remedy," her mum answered before I could struggle to.

Katniss wasn't impressed, but managed to drink the whole thing, probably because she knew I'd let her go to sleep if she did. After laying back down, I pulled the duvet back over her and pushed her hair behind her ear, smiling reassuringly.

"You should feel better with that," I told her with certainty.

She didn't reply, eyes avoiding mine, something I'd noticed she'd been doing for a while now. It was like she knew she wasn't getting better and was scared to admit the truth, but this was different. This would finally work.

Prim and I stayed by her side until she fell asleep, and that was when I told her about the medicine. The pure joy and relief on her face was enough to let me know I'd made the right decision, and she hugged me so tightly that I almost lost my breath.

"I told you she'd be okay," I said with a small smile, accepting her hug. "And so will you."

"Thank you," she muttered into my shoulder.

I squeezed her gently before we stayed there, sat side by side. She didn't want to leave Katniss' side, and neither did I, but it was getting late and, at some point, Prim had dozed off on my shoulder. Only after I had tucked her into her mum's bed did Mrs Everdeen politely kick me out, forcing me to get some rest of my own at home. For once, I didn't argue it, my exhaustion catching up to me. Plus, I could sleep well knowing Katniss would already be doing a lot better tonight.

As soon as I woke up and remembered the medicine the next morning, I headed straight to the Everdeens place, hoping to see some sort of improvement with Katniss. So you can imagine my surprise when I walked into her room and saw her sat upright in bed, eating an actual breakfast on a tray.

"Katniss!" I said with disbelief, before rushing to hug her. "You're eating!"

She returned my hug and I pulled up a chair beside her bed, studying her curiously. She'd looked like she'd had a better sleep than she usually did, and she was actually holding up her own weight which was an achievement in itself. The medication was working!

The sight of her looking a lot healthier and actually improving from her poor condition brought tears to my eyes, but I willed them away. She'd hate to see me crying over her, but I genuinely couldn't believe it.

"I'm not stupid," she said with a raspy voice, eyes narrowed my way.

I furrowed my brows. "What?"

She frowned. "You think I don't know that you gave me actual medicine last night? There's no other explanation for why I'm feeling better. And I know it's not because of a damn herbal remedy. I was doomed, Y/N. So, what the hell did you do?"

"So you do feel better?"

"Y/N!"

I sighed as she raised her voice. "Okay, look, I'm sorry for lying to you, but you wouldn't have taken it if I'd told you."

"Damn right I wouldn't have!" she snapped, glaring at me. "We can't afford that! Which brings me to my next question. How the hell did you get it?"

I shook my head, looking down at her breakfast tray. "It's not your concern."

"Y/N, I swear to God I'll–"

"What?" I cut her off, meeting her hard stare with my own. "You'll what?"

Her eyes flickered between mine before softening. "Y/N. Please."

I could have given in so easily, just from a simple glance, but I refused to let her bait me. I ignored her instead, shaking my head and returning my gaze to her breakfast tray.

"You traded something," she guessed, back to her irritated self. When I didn't answer, she said, "What? What did you trade?"

Again, I said nothing, neither confirming nor denying, but she wasn't having it.

"Goddamn it, Y/N!" she shouted, but her voice was still weak so it was more of a broken yell. "You can't just sit there in silence whilst I–"

"Stop it!" I raised my voice too, glaring at her.

"What the hell were you thinking?!"

I frowned, eyes pooling with tears. "I was thinking that I couldn't just sit here and watch and not do anything! I was thinking that I was terrified that you would die! That you were getting worse and worse every day, and that I would lose you, Katniss!"

Her eyes were glassy as they met mine. "How many times?"

I scoffed, looking away. "Katniss, not now."

I expected her to yell again, but she said in a quiet voice, "Please. How many times is your name in there?"

I clenched my jaw, crossing my arms over my chest stubbornly. But when I glanced at her, she was watching me like a little girl who'd just lost her puppy, and I couldn't not respond.

"Not a lot," I tried to sugar coat it. "Only twelve times." At this, she released a sharp breath. "I traded two years of food with the doctor. It was enough to get the medicine."

She pushed the tray off her lap before pulling her knees to her chest, hiding her face between them. She was shaking her head and I knew she was crying, the sniffling giving it away. Feeling insanely bad, I sat on the bed beside her and pulled her in for a side hug the best I could.

"It's okay," I told her, rubbing her arm. "I chose to do it, Katniss. And I'd do it again, over and over, if it means you'll be okay."

She shook her head. "You shouldn't have," she said with a muffled voice, her head still tucked between her legs.

"You shouldn't have got sick," I tried to joke, but she only looked up at me with red eyes and quivering lips. I lost my smile, admitting, "I wasn't going to lose you. You don't get it."

I love you, I wanted to add, but I couldn't.

"Neither do you," she mumbled, before shoving me off her childishly.

I didn't get to question her because she pulled the tray back onto her lap and tried to finish off the remainder of stale bread in her plate. I returned to my seat next to her bed, watching as she sulked, ate and gave me the temporary silent treatment. I didn't care too much, as long as she was eating.

Once she finished, I took the tray and put it to the side momentarily, flashing her a supportive smile.

"You finished every last bit," I pointed out. "I'm proud of you."

She rolled her eyes, but that only made me smile more because it meant she had the effort to be annoyed at me, which was something she hadn't had for a while now.

"Did you have your morning dose of medicine?" I asked reluctantly, but needing to know.

She nodded, crossing her arms. "My mum gave it me earlier."

I relaxed. "Good."

Before I could say anything else, the door to the bedroom opened and Prim ran in, a bright smile on her face. Despite Katniss' annoyance with me, she couldn't resist returning her sister's smile, accepting her onto the bed and hugging her.

"You already look so much better," Prim was saying with amazement. "I was so scared."

"Well, there's no need to be," Katniss reassured her. "You didn't struggle too much without me, right?"

Prim shook her head. "Gale and Y/N have been helping. Y/N wouldn't leave. Mum had to kick her out a lot."

I facepalmed, feeling my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. It only deepened when Katniss glanced my way with an unreadable expression.

"Yeah, she has a tendency to not listen," she said, making me roll my eyes.

"She saved you," Prim said to her.

Katniss licked her lips. "I know."

I felt awkward, definitely not wanting the credit, I just wanted her to be okay. But then Prim changed the subject, catching Katniss up on all she'd missed, so I was able to sit back and witness it all, chiming in whenever Prim needed.

For once, Katniss was able to listen and actually hold a conversation. It was heartwarming to see, and if this was what she was like after one dose, I couldn't wait until she'd had the full thing.

#katniss everdeen #katniss everdeen x reader #katniss everdeen imagine #the hunger games imagine #the hunger games #jennifer lawrence #katniss everdeen x you

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kel-lance · 3 months

Text

Team Bonding: JJK students x reader x sukuna Part 1

- TW: Dead dove dont read (DDDR) Minors do not interact (MDNI): SA, Physical Assault, DubCon, NonCon, Mindbreak, Public Humiliation, Multiple manipulation, RWORD, PTSD, a lot more.

- Premise: Characters are (18+) (Reader is 21) Jujutsu College au where things are the same but they found yuuji/He ate the finger at 18/+ the start of college.

- Yuuji “came back” after two months of “being dead” and you’re in charge of the training for today for the kyoto sister event.

- Sukuna switches with yuuji in this and chaos ensues :/

Edit: I reread this a month later and guys oh my god. i wrote these time patches of time, right after hitting the rig, and then blacking out after a few paragraphs im sorry ill actually write this time.

You were coming back from a mission that took about 2 weeks due to traveling and tracking down a spirit as the higher ups were testing your Light Manipulation. You know it was hard for everyone the death of one of the freshmen, now you look after Nobara with Megumi.

You’re the only 3rd year and they all knew you loved your pride. Something about being the “oldest” (since the seniors are all granted weekly missions.), the authority that just made looking up at them, was just an excuse to point your nose up high, and only got depressed for a /day/ when you found out Kamo was 5 days older than you.

You’re like an older sister or mom to them, with a few exceptions. The days were leading up to the Kyoto sisterhood school match, while everyone was meeting up to train, Gojo introduces Yuuji back to everyone.

You’re all shocked to say the least. Gojo was acting normally the whole time, that bastard. “(Y/n)’s in charge of sparring today. I’ll come back later with Shoko in case Yuta’s too tired.” He teased at his baby cousin before he left. He was probably referencing to take it easy pn yuta, he probably beat his ass showing him a new technique.

You ignored him yet again and started to pair everyone up. “Nobara and Yuta, Panda and Maki, Toge and Megumi,” leaving you with Yuuji. “We’ll take it slow zombie.”

- Into the match you cursed, “Shit- he’s so durable.” But you loved that. You threw yourself back and used your fingers to catch and push yourself away from Yuuji’s next punch. “He’s a close range fighter, too.” You feel like you found your match in terms of adaptability.

You fix your stance, both legs balances one in front of the other, knees bend, your body lowers and fingers and knees bent, ready at any time to change from offense to defense. You find his eyes again and don’t dare break contact as he’s fast. Faster than you, a blink could be worse than a misstep.

This was new as you always held yourself back from seriously harming your classmates. That pride doesn’t come from nowhere. Your favorite sparring partner is Todo, because he can get close and handle/not hold back punches.

It felt like you were getting beaten with respect, not like what I want to do to my underclassmen. What good would they learn from losing a time from sitting in the infirmary so often? But this was different.

You felt like you were fighting Maki on drugs, or with cursed energy, and was face to face to Yuuji, as he pinned you down. He was almost like Todo, but you couldn’t read him since you just met.

“Where’s your pride now?” He had enough of your poking and prodding. No warm welcome, not even a nice reaction from his friends. But he knew it was serious to you, so out of respect, he’ll follow suite. He’ll show off what he learned in his training with Gojo.

“Shut up Cannibal Corpse.” You teased back, smashing your forehead into the T of his face, hoping he’d be able to take it.

He backs and stands up, hand covering his face. He stopped in a way to let you know he needed a second. Blood coming from his nose? Or his mouth?

“Oh shit, are you okay?” You stand up too, turning to yell for your medic. “Yuu-“ You’re thrown back by the scruff of your collar landing on your shoulder, butt and hands, scratching them.

“Woah, dude, look I’m sorry,” You huff, rubbing your scraped skin as you slowly stood again. “I thought you could handle it.” You tried to ease the tension, coming close to him to see if he was alright.

He doesn’t look at you, but you feel an energy forming around him. You didn’t know what this could be, his cursed energy? Why does it feel so suffocating?

“(Y/N)!” Megumi tries to get his shikigami to get you out of his proximity but they were slaughtered in a a blink of an eye.

“What the hell was going on, where is the enemy?” You quickly looked up and down, about to grab Yuuji and run.

But your face was cupped so hard your chin could’ve snapped. Pinkie was looking down at you with cold eyes. Why were you letting this happen? You were in charge, you’re the oldest. You don’t resist but give a look of what the fuck back to him.

“Sukuna! Let her Go!” Megumi screamed. The other students semi surrounding you both.

“She’s so fun, though.” Yuuji cocks a smile, your brain still trying to make sense of what’s happening and who was really in danger here. You glare harder at him, knowing if you struggled, he would like it, and that it was cause you more pain. You couldn’t freak them out anymore, you’ve gotta get this under control.

“Tell you what, since /I’m/ the oldest,” He gave your cheeks a squeeze. “I’ll take over this bonding sparring whatever ur stupid sensei said. Putting a woman in charge… ha! I’ll show you a type of bond you all can share.”

He tears off the front of your shirt, holding your body closer, but you still say nothing but feel hate for him. Trying to humiliate you in front of your classmates, like you’re not in your sports bra most of the time. It didn’t bother you that you were semi exposed, you knew you looked good, but what was the reason?

Everyone started to yell and tell him to stop, ignoring the embarrassing sight Sukuna tried to use. Of course they didn’t care about your body, they had to figure out a way to separate you both carefully. You turn to face your classmates.

“It’s okay guys, if he wanted me dead he would’ve killed me by now.” You shoot your eyes back and look glare into Sukuna’s eyes, not the same bright, round eyes you first saw before anything else. You look harder.

“Yuuji’s still in there somewhere.”

Sukuna laughs. “You guys misunderstand. I said I’m in charge,” His other arm that was holding your torso back starts to move down the curve of your body, stopping at your outer thigh and squeezing roughly. “Todays lesson is, endurance. This one here,” He holds you up by your neck, as you’re trying to use your upper body strength up get higher, to get some air but his wrists alone are strong enough for him to pick u up easily. “will stomach all I will give her.”

He brings you back down, coughing for air as licks a tear from your cheek. He reverts his eyes back to your helpless friends. “Your part now is to endure, all the way til the end, then my game can start.”

You honestly couldn’t care what he was talking about, you could take whatever ridiculous match he has set up but to involve your mates? it wasn’t a sense of pride anymore but of respect of your friends. You just met this prick, the only thing stopping you from beating his ass to hell is that you saw their reaction about his supposed death. You didn’t want to be the real reason this time, well could you?

If worse comes to worst, you should be fine. You could take a beating, you had no problem being fought by a special grade curses and even showing off before Gojo gets here. Once you get out of his grip you can get everyone to attack. You’re the only thing in the way though you wouldn’t mind being taken with him if it comes to it. how heroic would that date be.

“Interrupt at all, even think about it, and I will end them, you, then anyone else I can find after.” He says to no-one. The parasite everyone was so on edge about needed a moment to breathe?

He huffs for a second, you thought there was a light in his eyes as he tried to let you go. You soften your look when- “Ah ah ah.” Sukuna takes over again, pinning you back to him, his other hand clapping around your neck. “I said I’d end them, and then you all.” He repeats to Yuuji. “Just shut up, watch, and then I’ll go away. It’s so boring being cooped up in this brat all day.” In all this, Yuuji’s trying to fight back? He can see this? Was anyone going to tell you what the fuck was going on. “Id rather be in this one instead.”

You felt the energies around you shrink down, though, agitated. It seems they knew about what was happening to Yuuji and seeing them scared like this wasn’t really a good sign for you. They can get scared of course, but all of them? Together like this? This was not how you wanted to traumatize them, what would they learn other than powerlessness?

“Let go already, you’ll leave a mark on my neck.” You choked out.

“You don’t have the brains to worry about that after I’m done with you.”

You roll your eyes at him earning a slap. You fell the ground shake and your friends winced at the sound. “Fuck-“ You shot up from the ground holding your steering hot cheek, right before he kicks you back down, leaving you sprawled and confused at the assault.

You haven’t been hit like that in years. Tears weld up in your eyes and you choke on a memory that’s created this boastful monster.

Sukuna frowned, “I thought you were tougher than that. Maybe this won’t be as fun as I thought. I knew I should’ve started with the short girl over there.”

You spit at him. “Don’t touch her, I’ll fucking kill you.” You blink to clear your vision and suppress the overwhelming memory. You glare at him before finding Nobara’s eyes. If they were 2+ years younger than you, you’d joke that they’re just a kid, but Nobi, your new baby sister,Like hell you’d let anyone make her feel how you felt. She was tough like you, even tougher you thought, because of how different you were, but still ended up similar.

“Tell me have any of you tried her out yet?”

You could only look out to see your friends gritting their teeth and weapons. Panda speaks up, “She’s our best fighter.” Hoping to lead away from this devious situation. You’ve already fought them all, and won. Is kuna trying to piss you off more? You ignore his assaults, the unfamiliar hands now controlling you.

“That’s just perfect.” He pulls your hips to connect to his, and your heart stops. You can feel it.

You actually freeze this time. Is he actually going to do it? You’d rather be beaten half to death or even to death, but how hard he was behind you, it birthed a black hole in your stomach.

Your body goes limp, unconsciously submitting to him, your eyes fall, not being able to look at anyone else. Will he be quick, will they fight for me? Is this what he really wants? Or is this just the start?

He picks you up and drops you to your knees painfully, still holding onto your collar. “Don’t try to run unless u want all their heads stringed together.” He says to you.

Everyone else watches, clutching each other or their weapons tighter, trying to think of a way, when they can go in, or if they even see when Gojo was coming back .

Grabbing your chin and lifting it up, he looks down at you and smacks you again. Your ear is on fire. The strike of his finger felt like a whip onto the side of your face. He hits you again, then again, and again.

You huff, picking yourself up slowly each time. If you didn’t, he’d step on your fingers, almost trying to grind the bones inside.

Sukuna raises his hand as you stare down and with this one, he sends you to the feet of Toge, Yuta, and Panda.

They look down at you, mixed feelings of guilt, anger, sorrow,. You speak to them through swelling cheeks, “Don’t worry you guys, I’ll be even stronger after this. Get ready cause next tim-”

Sukuna comes by and grabs you by the hair, dragging you to back to your original spot, tears and blood now messing up your face.

“You look so stupid right now.” He sneers. “You should see yourself.” At this point you were exhausted from holding yourself back from beating the shit out of him.

“Everyone,” He raises his voice for an announcement. “take your phones out and take a picture from your favorite parts of the lesson, okay?”

He tilts your head towards his, takes out Yuuji’’s phone from his pocket and snaps a picture of you both. *click*

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leosxrealm · 9 months

Note

OMG I LOVE LOVE LOVVEEE ur best friend’s brother fic w itoshi sae!! it randomly popped up in my head and i js had to go reread it !!!! i was wondering if you could do a part 2 or maybe a few more headcanons abt it ?? :)

-ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ'ꜱ ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ- [ᴘᴀʀᴛ-02]

pairing(s): itoshi sae x gn! reader

warning(s): mentions of sex, nothing too explicit, mentions of alcohol, rin and sae have a better relationship, rin being a protective bestie (in his own way), everyone is 18+

a/n: i re-read that fic to get some of the details right and ngl lie it made me cringe a lil lmao. but thank you !! i decided on doing both. i made a separate post for boyfriend head cannons, so you can check that out! this one is a small drabble on what happened with rin. hope you like this and the hcs

!not proofread!

part 1 || headcannons

you squirmed under rin's intense gaze. he was pissed pissed. the safest thing for you right now was to keep your mouth shut.

rin was waiting for you at your apartment when you got home from your little nap with sae. you were kind of regretting giving him the spare key to your apartment. but you knew that this would have to be done one day or the other. you just didn't know that it would be this soon.

with the last bit of courage, you looked your best friend in the eyes, "rin-"

"don't" he cut you off before you could even explain yourself.

it's kinda stupid, he thinks. he has known that his older brother has harbored feelings for you for years, but never acted on it because sae believed that relationships are a waste of his time.

now, rin wasn't stupid, he very well knew that all that happened between you and his brother could have been the result of the alcohol in both your systems. he just couldn't accept it.

what annoyed rin the most is that he doesn't know if sae took advantage of your drunken state. deep down he knows that his brother is better than this. and no matter how much of an asshole he could be; he would never stoop to that level. but, he can't think straight right now. what if there's even a slightest of the slightest chance that this was all planned by sae. he would make sure to make his brother's life a living hell.

"whatever you're thinking, it's not that," your voice pulled him out of the spiral of thoughts in his head. he looked at the couch you were sitting on. what was this? some kind of intervention? in your own house?

you gulped, before continuing, "i don't remember much from last night. it's all a little blur, to be honest. but i was the one that initiated the kiss that led to all of this," you vaguely motioned with your hand, "i remember a few moments here and there. your brother didn't force himself on me."

"do you love him?"

you choked on your own saliva. where the hell did that come from? "well...." you paused, trying to find the right words, "'love' would be too strong of a word." he didn't say anything in return. an uncomfortable and tense silence settled over you two.

"i do like him!" you blurted out. you had to say something, you couldn't take the silence anymore. looking down, you fiddled with your fingers. "i like him," you reiterated, "a lot. and i would like to give him a chance."

rin sighed. he knew this was coming but seriously? his best friend and his brother? it would take him some time to accept it.

"we discussed it...before he dropped me off..." you trailed off, "he wants to court me. officially."

"okay."

"huh?"

"i said, okay" his irritated tone made you shut up real quick. right, he hates repeating himself. and if it were someone else, he would have ignored them a second time. they weren't worth his time. but you were his best friend, you weren't someone else. as much as he hates it, he would repeat himself for his best friend; and how do you pay him back? by sleeping with his damn brother? he scoffs at the thought.

honestly? he should've seen this coming. he knew your lingering gazes and exchanged glances would lead to something someday.

he sighed for what seemed like the millionth time. he can't do this right now. too much thinking. so the both of you spent the rest of the evening watching horror movies.

#blue lock x reader #itoshi sae x reader #sae itoshi x reader #i love sae🥺#bllk sae #sae x reader #itoshi rin x reader #rin itoshi #blue lock fluff #itoshi sae fluff #itoshi rin fluff #itoshi sae #leosxrealm #leo's works

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makeste · 7 months

Note

do you perhap have bakugou whump fic recs?

I have many such recs! not all of them are "whump" in the purest sense of the word, but they've got angst and hurt/comfort in abundance, so yeah.

I also have an older rec post from like five years ago which has quite a few Bakugou whump fics as well, so I'll link that here.

and here are like 16 new ones lol.

some quick notes:

I'm just including links and summaries here, so please make sure to check the tags for each fic if you have certain squicks or triggers you're trying to avoid!

please be aware that I am not very nitpicky about grammar and style and spelling and the like, so long as I'm feeling the characterization and general vibes. so while I can't promise that all of these fics will read like Nobel Prize-winning lit, I can say that I personally enjoyed each one enough to go back and reread more than once.

although it tends to be one of the most common tropes in Bakugou angst fics, I do not vibe with the "abusive Mitsuki" angle, so you won't find any of that in the works below. same goes for Midnight-bashing (which is also surprisingly common).

I also did not include any fics with sad endings just because I didn't feel like depressing myself today lol.

I don't think there are manga spoilers in any of these fics except one (which I noted and marked with an asterisk), but definitely check the tags just to be safe.

lastly, though I'm by no means a prude when it comes to fanfic, all of these particular fics are SFW, just FYI.

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

gen Bakuwhump:

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It's Already Tomorrow on the Other Side of the World by Nicole_Silverwolf

In the absolute immediate aftermath of his rescue at Kamino, Bakugou just wants to sleep. If he sleeps then this nightmare will be over. Except he's freezing in the mid August heat. And he can't stop shaking. A glimpse of two imperfect humans trying their best told in 3.5 parts.

post-Kamino Dadzawa and Katsuki. easily one of my all-time favorite BnHA fics. it's so sad and cozy.

Coming Up for Air by achievingelysium

Katsuki has nightmares. He doesn't think he deserves the comfort, but Aizawa-sensei sits with him anyway.

more Dadzawa dealing with nighttime Kacchan angst, since that's like my #1 BnHA fic aesthetic. this is so well-written. like, there are a couple of lines in here that just... guh. just hit right to the core of me.

Bakugou's "Super Fun" Three Day Vacation by Marvelless

Bakugou and his parents arrive home after the Kamino Ward incident for some much-needed recovery time.

post-Kamino Bakufam angst. lots of paranoia and dissociation. this is one of those fics that's sort of a guilty pleasure for me, because Katsuki definitely feels a lot more... fragile?... in this than I think he would have been in canon. but he's still enough of a grump during all of his spiralling that it still feels like him. and I do love me some Bakufam wholesomeness, and this fic has got that in spades.

the art of poor judgement by emelinelou

It's a Tuesday when Bakugou admits to himself that maybe, maybe he is sorta, kinda under the weather. Things go quickly downhill from there. . Alternatively: Bakugou's too stubborn to be "sick," Midoriya and Kirishima are in over their heads, Todoroki is the Most Useful in a pinch, and Aizawa is not paid nearly enough for this.

probably my favorite sickfic. chapter two especially. Bakugou's narration in this is fucking fantastic. he's so fucking done with life. meanwhile everyone around him is freaking out, and he himself is a complete mess even though he won't acknowledge it, and it's just great. it's equal parts funny, sad, and absolutely adorable.

(incidentally, even though this fic is marked as incomplete, it really doesn't feel that way and ends at a perfectly reasonable stopping point, so don't let that put you off.)

Solar Flare by TheQueen

Three weeks after Katsuki Bakugou receives his quirk, he takes a short tumble off a bridge and watches, dumbfounded, as stupid Deku extend a hand. Don’t take it, the universe commands. Don’t tell me what to do! Katsuki snaps.

this is a really cool AU in which Baby Katsuki accidentally starts defying the universe and ignoring his predestined path, which has a profound ripple effect on his life. sort of like a time-travel fix-it, minus the time travel. also just a heads up that Bakugou is like five years old in this so I guess it's technically a kidfic. and there is plenty of angst, a little bit of whump, more Bakufam, and plenty of baby Kacchan and Deku being cute like it's their job.

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BKDK/DKBK whump:

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lose it all (with eyes wide open) by ghostwriterofthemachine

Katsuki is blinded. Izuku is muted. Both of them are kidnapped. Things get worse.

this is one of those fics that just kind of leaves you stunned at how freaking good it is. featuring: psychological mindgames, hopelessly bleak situations, and codependency so utterly raw and desperate that it broke my heart roughly 17 times.

When Ice Doesn't Float by Ma_skee

A simple rescue exercise goes south when Izuku falls through the ice and it goes from a class assinment to an actual rescue and a race against time to keep him from freezing to death.

technically this is more Dekuwhump than Kacchanwhump (though we do get a bit of the latter toward the end), but I'd argue that few things could possibly stress Katsuki out more than being in a tense survival situation in which Deku is hurt and needs help. anyway so yeah. this is classic hurt/comfort and very good.

spinning out of control by mollE

Katsuki joins the 'I've Been Mind Controlled' Club. He wishes he hadn't.

please see above re: how all Dekuwhump scenarios are secretly Kacchanwhump scenarios in disguise. anyway so basically a mind-controlled Bakugou beats the shit out of Deku while being fully aware of it the entire time, and has a complete (and understandable) emotional breakdown afterwards.

all that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing by maxisnotokay

Izuku has had this thing about him that Katsuki has never been able to name, but he's been chasing it since he learned how to run. It takes a catastrophic building collapse during their third year and a severe concussion for him to realize what it is. Aizawa loses ten years off his life. When does he not.

gotta love a good building collapse fic. this one has a concussed Katsuki, a very worried Izuku, and the usual "thanks to this intimate life-or-death situation, I have belatedly realized some fundamental truths about the nature of our relationship" tropes. but it's good. a lot of really good banter and back-and-forth dialogue in this one too.

takes one to know one by Sour_Idealist

Deku has left UA. Ochako still looks for him in unguarded moments. Bakugo is, unsurprisingly, being a jerk.

some good emotional hurt/comfort post-Jakku. Ochako has a chat with Bakugou about Deku. specifically, Bakugou's feelings toward Deku. it's good shit.

*fear is the heart of love by nikkiRA

*please be advised this fic contains major manga spoilers!!

Bakugou gets hit by a quirk that amplifies his greatest fear for 24 hours.

losing Deku. the thing that scares him the most is losing Deku. this is a good fic. emotional hurt/comfort for days. though once again do keep in mind that there are a couple of major spoilers in this.

silence is what i do best by notreally

the one where both Izuku and Katsuki were hit with a truth serum sort of quirk, and things aren't going all too well.

not just a truth-telling quirk, but a truth-compulsion quirk, to the extent that (spoiler alert) the quirk causes them physical pain and distress if they don't speak the truth. which, as you can imagine, leads to all sorts of extremely vulnerable conversations and a lot of good h/c.

close by not quite by blossomshed

When Bakugou goes after a beacon during a class-wide rescue op, he doesn't expect to find Deku - or to find himself dealing with the fallout of a gift he doesn't want, and a side of himself he'd never bothered to examine. He deals with it nonetheless.

this fic is so dear to me. it's yet another "Deku transfers OFA to Bakugou fic", but it's just so fucking good. and it also features a (very much confused) ace Bakugou, which is such a rare find. there are lines from this fic which I still think about constantly. it's funny and profound and adorable and so wonderfully IC, please go read it.

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BONUS NON-ANGSTY FICS because I just felt like ending this list with some happy stories where Kacchan gets a lot of love:

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give me compliments (i said give me compliments) by wonhaebunny

“It’s just cute,” Ashido is telling them as she walks into the classroom. “Like, when you compliment someone and they get flustered so easily, don’t you think it’s endearing?” Kaminari blinks. “Like Bakugou?” he asks slowly. - 1-a realises that katsuki is really, really bad at receiving compliments. exposure therapy ensues.

he is bad at accepting compliments. this is a very, very cute fic.

The Friendship Ladder by nikkiRA

Bakugou and Kirishima tell their classmates they're dating, but everyone seems more interested in who gets to claim the newly vacated spot of Bakugou’s best friend.

as the summary implies this is technically KRBK, but the focus here is very much class 1-A as a whole. there's just something about seeing the entirety of the class squabbling over their Kacchan love that tickles me to no end. Deku is also fantastic in this lmao.

The Yoshida Trail by WinterSwallow

Mitsuki Bakugo returns with her gift to the mountain.

last but not least we have this gorgeous character study with a criminally low view count. Mitsuki climbs Mt. Fuji with an eight-year-old Katsuki in tow, as the fic explores his childhood and young adulthood through a series of vignettes. the insights in this really have no business being as profound as they are, given that they're voiced from the perspective of one of the most graceless characters in the series as she observes her equally graceless son through all the ups and downs and tumbles of his life. but somehow that just makes the whole thing even better. idk I just really love this a lot.

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anyway that's it for now. hope at least a few of these are enjoyable. thanks for the ask!

#bakugou katsuki #bakudeku #bkdk #fic recs #bnha fic recs #bnha #boku no hero academia #makeste reads bnha

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assortedseaglass · 1 year

Text

The Seamstress & The Sailor - Chapter Twelve

[Masterlist]

Warnings: Language, World on Fire spoilers

Word Count: 3.4K

Notes: Just a little chapter as the next one is gonna be a hefty mamma.

May 1940

Bess woke up before her alarm and withdrew the blackouts from her windows. Had she her own way, the blackouts would never be up and each morning she’d rise with the sun. Laundry was strung between the windows of the old mills, and she could see Mrs Russo wrestling with some bedsheets. 7 o’clock. The warmth of spring had finally settled, and Bess took her morning cup of tea by the kitchen window, letting open the sash and welcoming the fresh air.

Despite the war, and her part in it, Bess’ life in Manchester was small and she welcomed it. She glanced around her little flat. The tiny kitchenette with its table at the centre, the adjoining bedroom and en suite; a toilet, sitting bath and sink. The metal frame of the small double bed was tied with silk scarves and she had used tape to put up pictures. Cut outs from magazines mostly, but a few photographs. The bedside table was adorned with a lamp she found in a skip, a few books from home, and Tom’s photograph. She’d read a feature in one of her fashion magazines about bohemian apartments in Paris and had attempted to decorate the old flat in its likeness. Bess thought on how many of those beautiful Parisian buildings may be just rubble now and suddenly felt thankful for her peeling wallpaper and cold floors.

While her bacon and eggs cooked on the hob, she reread Tom’s last letter. It had sat on the kitchen table for two weeks, awaiting a reply. Torn between delight and anger, Bess had no idea what to say.

“I could easily understand if you never wanted to talk to me again, but this? These horrible half-given accounts of your day with no substance? I want to know you, Bess”

She remembered how frustrated she got when all Tom sent was tales of shore leave and crass attempts at humour. Really, he deserved more from her. She may not have been his girl, but she was his friend.

“Queenie Warren doesn’t deserve your cruelty just because she likes the company of men”

Never did she think she’d be scolded by Tom. Not when he was so right. Queenie had faults, certainly. Many. She was an obnoxious, selfish gossip. But enjoying men was not one of them. If Bess had the daring and the patience, perhaps she would enjoy them as much as Queenie.

“Please believe me. She asked me about the battle at the dance and it really was just one letter”

Did she believe him? She thought of all the times they had laughed at Queenie, of how many times she had annoyed him. But Tom was all about his reputation. It wouldn’t be the first lie he’d told her, nor would she be the last secret he kept. He’d apologised, yes, but it wasn’t enough for the heartbreak left in his wake. Once upon a time he was her defender, and with supposedly one letter, he had undone Bess’ years of overcoming her insecurities and doubts.

“I loved seeing myself through your eyes”

She resolved to tell him more, and tell Douglas too; his son needed to know he was loved.

“And if anything happened to me out here, I thought it would be easier for you if no-one knew”

Had Bess ever really considered what would happen if he didn’t come home? A violent shiver rocked her body. In the months before the war, Tom Bennett had become her primary source of comfort and joy. Could she content herself to a life looking after an alcoholic father and making clothes for people who scarcely knew her name? A life without Tom?

“I miss you”

Bess kissed the place he had signed his name and tucked the letter into her purse. She would reply that night.

An hour later, Bess stepped through the main doors of Manchester Royal Infirmary with Helen and Joan, her fellow trainees from Carver Mills. Helen was a posh girl a year or two older than Bess. When women were conscripted for war work, she had come to the Infirmary. This was her first job. Joan was from Bolton and had a similar upbringing to Bess. Both were bright, kind women of the world. They enjoyed Bess’ quiet assuredness and never wanted more from her and, in turn, Bess wanted to give them everything. Together, they formed a found family.

Their morning was spent practicing their stitches. Watch one, do one, teach one, as the saying goes. Bess, naturally, was best. Her nimble fingers made quick and neat work of wounds, and she left early to attend to soldiers whose eyes had been damaged by gas. When Helen and Joan finished their lessons with the matron, they met Bess in the canteen.

“Stern by name, stern by nature,” Joan said as she slumped into the seat next to Bess.

“If I never see a needle again it’ll be too soon.” Helen added.

“You’re in the wrong professional, Hels.” Bess smiled over the lip of her cup, and the three settled into an amicable, if exhausted, silence. Helen, sat primly in her seat, broke the silence.

“When’s your next date with James?” Her voice was soft and inquisitive, and Bess couldn’t help but smile at her, even if she hated the question.

“Tomorrow evening, but it’s not a date-”

“She’s too hung up on sailor boy,” Joan cut in. Bess gave her a look that was returned by a coy smile. Late at night, when the girls were missing their families or tired from a day at the hospital, they piled onto Bess’ bed a chattered the night away. They knew everything about each other, from Helen’s troubled relationship with her distant mother to Joan’s scandalous time as a nightclub hostess, and the ongoing saga of Bess Vaughn and Tom Bennett.

“Date or not, he’s a good-looking distraction.” Helen winked and Joan laughed at her.

“And with that, ladies,” Bess stood from her seat. “I shall be off.”

“Hang on, we’ve got about a hundred beds to make this afternoon!” Joan was incredulous.

“Not me. I’m off to job number two.” Bess waved her friends goodbye and stepped into the bright afternoon. A bus ride later and she was walking that familiar gravel path to the grey mansion. It had been months since she had seen Robina Chase, but money was tight and so her mending and sewing had resumed. With fabric now rationed, her clientele were calling upon her services to alter garments from years passed, maintaining to their friends an air of stoicism, normalcy, “keep calm and carry on”.

Half expecting it to open as she approached, Bess made to knock the bolted wooden door when she heard a laugh from the garden. It pealed like bells, tinkling gaily over the hedgerow, and Bess realised that it belonged to a child. Following the sound, she passed a bike leant beneath a window and her curiosity grew. What bizarre gathering had Mrs Chase assembled here this afternoon? A conscientious objector, a seamstress-cum-nurse and…

A little boy. Bess entered the garden through a gap in the hedge and found Douglas Bennett engaged in a game of football with the child. The little boy kicked the ball and it rolled into the makeshift goal post.

“Right between my legs!” Douglas laughed, and Bess noted that it was the first time she had seen him smile, really smile, in years. The man turned to retrieve the ball and saw Bess smiling at him. “Hello, love. Robina said you were coming,” he was a little out of breath, his usually worn face had softened and life shone in his eyes. He looked ten years younger.

Bess indicated to the little boy. “Who’s this then?” she said with a smile. Douglas, ball in hand, put his hand on the boy’s shoulder.

“This is Jan. Harry brought him home from Poland.” The boy, Jan, smiled up at Douglas then looked to Bess. She held out her hand.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Jan. I’m Bess.”

He tentatively shook her hand. “Hello,” his voice was quiet but Bess sensed his timidity was due to the language and not, she thought, his natural character. Jan’s hair was shorn and his clothes looked a little threadbare. For a moment, she observed him. The brightness of his eyes dimmed a little and he looked away. Damn, I’ve made him uncomfortable.

“You’ll get used to Bess, Jan. She’s a quiet one, but kind.” Douglas winked at Bess softly and she blushed. Despite both of their insistence to the contrary, Douglas and Tom were awfully similar.

There was a seconds’ pause. Then, Bess grabbed the ball from Douglas’ arms and sprinted to the end of the garden. “Come on, Jan!” The little boy laughed and ran after her. Dropping the ball on the ground, she kicked it to the him and he shot past Douglas towards the goal. Just as Jan swung his leg to score, Douglas picked him up round the middle and Jan squealed with delight.

“Bess.” A cold, clipped voice cut over the merriment causing Douglas and Jan to still. Robina Chase was stood at the door to the lounge, indicating with her arm that Bess should come inside. Bess looked at Jan and rolled her eyes. The boy laughed and watched her disappear into the house.

“I see you’ve met Jan,” Robina said, a pinched, somewhat pained look on her face.

“Yes, sweet boy.” Bess replied as she began assembling her tailor’s stand.

“Harry brought him back from Poland. Left him for me to look after.” Bess reflected on how Douglas was outside playing with him while Robina lurked inside. She said nothing. Since her outburst at Mrs Chase in August, and Robina’s altercation with Tom, Bess had exchanged very few words with the woman on her visits. Today seemed to be no exception. Aside from asking her to move so she might tailor her clothes, they said very little until Robina called for Jan to come inside.

“He came with barely any clothes. I wondered if you might alter some of Harry’s old things?”

“Of course,”

“It shouldn’t be too hard. Harry was just as wiry at his age. I’ll pay, of course.”

At that moment, Douglas entered the lounge. Seeing Mrs Chase upon the tailor’s stand and Bess on her knees at her feet, he coughed and mumbled something about waiting outside.

“No need, Douglas,” Robina stepped down. “We’re finished here I think.” Bess nodded and began packing away.

“I’ll see myself out, Mrs Chase.” Robina and Douglas were talking lowly in armchairs when Bess had finished tidying her things, and she didn’t want to disturb their bizarre tête-à- tête. She called a goodbye up the stairs to Jan and hurried from the house. The world of Mrs Chase was not the same one that Bess inhabited, and the moment she stepped into the sunlight Bess relaxed, as though every sinew had been pulled taut.

“Bess,” Douglas appeared at the side of the house and reached for his bike. “Need a lift?”

Bess beamed. “As a matter of fact, I do. Off home for dinner, seeing as I’m out this way.”

“Hop on then,” Douglas laughed as Bess eagerly climbed onto the handlebars of his racing bike and they sped down the drive. From an upstairs window, Mrs Chase steered Jan away.

✼　　✼　　✼　　✼　　✼　　✼

They were back in Longsight within the hour. The journey was quiet yet contented; Bess had missed the comfort of Douglas’ broad shoulders and, though he hated to admit it, he had missed the feeling of Bess resting against his chest. When Bess had disembarked outside her father’s house, she invited Douglas inside for a cup of tea.

“You’re alright, got things to be getting on with.” The world-worn man had returned, quiet and reserved. For some reason, Bess didn’t want to let him go just yet.

“How’s Lois getting on?”

“Ah, well,” he removed his cap and rubbed his face. “I suppose you’ll have heard.”

Bess nodded. Cora had told her of Lois’ pregnancy by Harry. “If she ever needs any help, just ask. You know, with the labour and everything.”

“Thanks, love. She’s just so angry at everything and I don’t know how to make it better for her.”

“You can’t make it better Douglas. Just be there for her.” Bess thought of her secret promise to Tom. “And what about Tom? Have you heard from him?”

Douglas sighed. “Not for a little while. No-” He trailed off, thoughts of his son obvious across his face. Bess took his hand in hers.

“Write to him. I know it takes a while what with the auxiliaries getting out there, but he needs to know that your worried for him. I know he worries about you.” Douglas gave her a quizzical look and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted when a shrill voice carried along the street.

Queenie Warren was hurrying along the road. She was overdressed as usual, hair haphazardly curled and lipstick far too bright for the spring day. Bess had to admit though, her dress was pretty.

“Hiya Douglas, Bess.” She wobbled past them as fast as her high heels would carry her. “Can’t stop, visiting Frank’s mam.” She blew them a kiss and went on her way. Bess watched her go. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t like Queenie.

“Bess?” She turned at Douglas’ voice. “Everything alright?” He asked, for Bess’ face had grown stormy as she glowered at the other woman. She simply gave Douglas a small nod. He touched his cap once more, and the two unlikely friends went silently about their business.

The house was quiet when she unlocked the door, apart from the ticking of the clock and the chatter of children playing out in the ginnel. Potatoes were sat in the filled sink, next to them a small note.

Bess. In case you’re here early, would you mind peeling the spuds? The cold ham is in the fridge. We should be back by 6. Cora x

Bess looked to the clock. Half past four. She made herself a pot of tea and settled at the table. The potatoes could wait, for the letter in her purse had waited long enough to be answered.

Dear Tom,

It’s taken me a little while to reply. Your letter arrived a few weeks ago, and what with Albie going back and my nursing work, I found that my mind has never been in the right place to reply. As it stands, I am sitting down to write to you at dad’s kitchen table. Cora has tasked me with peeling potatoes while they’re at work, but I’d rather write to you.

As you addressed some of the offences I accused you of, I’ll attempt to do the same. Namely, giving you a letter that isn’t “shit”.

I had work at the infirmary this morning, practicing our surgical stitches with Ms. Stern, our matron. She’s an austere woman, incredibly bony, and Joan says she looks like a heron. After that I escaped to Robina Chase’s. You remember her, the woman you aggravated last time we saw each other? I was going across to alter some clothes for her and you’ll never guess what awaited me. Your dad and a little Polish boy playing football in her garden! Harry came back from Poland with him, Jan he’s called. Your dad looked happier than I’ve seen him in ages. I think he was pretending it was you. He misses you so much, Tom. I can see the worry in his eyes anytime he speaks of you. I’ve asked him to write to you. Told him to, really. There was a moment when he was playing football with Jan that he looked so much like you. It almost took my breath away, it was like you were there. You’re so alike and he loves you. I wish you’d tell each other more. He gave me a lift home after Robina’s (the less said about her the better). I’ve missed our bike rides together. Saw Queenie on the way home, can’t give you any updates there because, being at the Royal, I never see her thank God.

Why had she let Queenie taint the letter? Bess could feel her anger start to quicken.

She was off to see Frank’s mam. You were right, by the way, about everyone coupling up. Jude has a man, another farmer from the Land Army. She and Hattie are working so hard now that summer is approaching. Roberta has been spending more and more time with that teacher from the primary (please don’t tell anyone), and tomorrow I have a date with a solider from the infirmary. Got his eyes injured by gas. He can see now, but insisted on taking me on a date as a thank you for looking after him.

Bess knew full well what she was doing. Let’s see how you like it, Tom Bennett.

He’s called James. I think we’re going to the Palais but I’m not sure, he’s picking me up after my shift. How are you managing with only men aboard ship? Any French girls taken your fancy? We both know you have a reputation to maintain.

She paused her writing and took a deep breath. That’s enough. She looked over his last letter, trying to find something to write about. The apology.

I can’t pretend that I’m not still hurt by what you did, Tom. I wonder, have you told Douglas and Lois about me? All those years you looked out for me and protected me from Walter and the others. They thought me a freak and a witch. Did you really want to keep me secret just so you had something good all to yourself? Or was it because deep down, you agree with them and only see me as an outcast? Or someone to say you got you leg over? If the former, then please know that you don’t need me to discover that you are a good person. You broke my heart, Tom, but I know that deep down you are good, and kind. I wish you’d find it in yourself.

Maybe too much has changed for us to be anything other than acquaintances now, but I’d like to be your friend, if you want me. Stay safe.

Yours,

Bess.

There. It was done. She sealed the envelope and thought about it no more. That was until a knock on the door distracted her from potato peeling. Opening it, she saw the ratty face of the postman, Dennis Warley. She detested the man, but a postman was a postman.

“Dennis,” she nodded at him.

“Bess, is-”

She cut across him. “I have a letter here, could you take it for me.” She pressed it into his hands and he stared at it before looking at her. His eyes were wide, worried, and his hand shook as he placed the letter for Tom in his bag and retrieved another. He cleared his throat.

“Is your father here, Bess?” His voice quavered, and Bess’ eyes narrowed.

“He’s still at work.”

Dennis coughed again. “And Cora?”

“They��re all out.” The man swallowed nervously, and a trickle of panic gripped at Bess’ neck. “Dennis?” Her voice was but a whisper. “What is it?”

The postman handed the letter to Bess. It was a telegram. She didn’t take it. Dennis removed his cap and said solemnly, “Bess. I’m so sorry.”

Notes: I’m sorry too! This is a war drama, the angst levels are gonna be through the roof, but know that I will reward you in a few chapters time!

We’re with Tom for the next chapter, you know what’s coming…

Tags: @aemonds-wifey @multiple-fandoms-girl @jessssica1234 @babyblue711 @anditsmywholeheart @allthefandomtherapy @valerie977 @bookwyrmsblog @phantomontheinternet @chainsawsangel @greenowlfactif @thelittleswanao3 @yentroucnagol @beiigegalx @skikikikiikhhjuuh @just-emmaaaa @mefools @aquakaris @its-actually-minicika @whoknows333 @arcielee @honeymaltgelato @girlwith-thepearlearring

#ewan mitchell #tom bennett #tom bennett x ofc #world on fire #the seamstress & the sailor #tom bennett x reader

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