#she was adviced to send me to a special school back then. she denied it.
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kinktober - day one
akaashi keiji - friends to lovers
kinktober faq
kinktober prompt list
NSFW warning featuring: fingering, dry humping, first time together, unprotected sex
other tags: lots of exposition, too many words, years long pining, accidental almost confession, emotional real one, mentions of characters having previous partners, oblivious reader, hidden feelings, slight angst, oh no there’s only one bed!
fem reader
word count: 7380
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Akaashi Keiji knows everything.
At least, he seems to.
You realized this only a month after knowing him. He turned around to you, the girl who sat behind him in biology, and gave you one look before saying, “You have no idea what this lesson is about, do you?” And you laughed, because it was so absurdly true, while Akaashi turned his desk around and introduced himself as your study partner.
You still don’t know how he knew you were struggling. You thought you hid it well, but his eyes must have caught the poor grade on the quiz the teacher returned to you the week before, or the way you seemed to immediately sulk the moment you walked into the classroom. He could see everything you tried to hide - even things you couldn’t see yourself.
And he wouldn’t let you get away with anything but a stellar grade, so study sessions became routine for the two of you - a friendship was destined to bloom, and fast.
He was too observant for his own good, which was something you learned while watching one of his volleyball practices. He had been inviting you to come watch after study sessions for awhile, but it took you a bit to work up the nerve to walk into the giant gymnasium filled with boys you didn’t know.
As you watched him play, you saw his superpower: Akaashi’s eyes were everywhere at once. On the ball, on his teammates, on his opponents, on his own feet - he always knew where everyone was at any given moment, all while somehow managing to spare you a few knowing glances during the mess of the game.
You never knew how he did it, but you figured you didn’t have to know. It was because he was Akaashi, and that’s it.
But you questioned why no one else seemed to notice it. His excellence was obvious to you, but even his closest friends seemed to gloss over it.
Keiji stood out to you, while to others, he was just Akaashi. Quiet, reserved, sometimes as blunt as a hammer, Akaashi.
He didn’t care, though. Akaashi thrived on being in the background - he didn’t need any of the attention or recognition you wished to give him. And maybe he loved his friends more because they left him be.
Those friends of his, however, all shined just as bright as Keiji did, and were never shy about it. You look back at getting to know them all as a highlight of being in high school; despite never feeling like you belonged in their friend group, you were always happy to be with them.
Keiji pushed you to get closer to the three boys, Tsukishima, Bokuto, and especially Kuroo, right from the first day you met them. They were playing a friendly volleyball game with a few other boys you never really met, and you quickly learned you had no reason to be nervous to meet them.
It was easy to let go and goof off, because that’s all any of them were doing, anyway.
Just because it seemed like fun to get under Kuroo’s skin, you decided to antagonize him a bit. “So, Nekoma’s mascot is a cat, correct?”
Kuroo immediately grew defensive at your tone. “Yes - what do you have against cats?”
“Nothing, nothing! I like to think of myself as pretty cat-like, actually.”
“Show him your claws, Y/N,” Keiji chimed in.
“They’re nimble, and sneaky... and lazy. Something that owls aren’t - just saying. Seems pretty fitting when comparing your team to ours, don’t you think?”
“Akaashi, you better get your cat,” Kuroo grumbled, with a sly smirk that never seemed to leave his face.
“She’s just a kitten,” Akaashi replied, winking at you and immediately taking your breath in a way you’d never felt before. “Not my kitten, though, so you’re on your own here, Kuroo.”
That’s when the first wall came up. You didn’t notice it, not yet, or even realize why it had been built. But as soon as your heart sank to your stomach and erupted into butterflies all because of Keiji’s flirtatious gesture, that wall arose.
And many would follow.
On the walk home from that practice, you noticed every glance he sent you. Every time his shoulder touched yours, you felt it amplified. Your knuckles grazed his and you looked down at your hands - his much bigger than yours, your fingers raring to wrap around his. And they were going to, either out of curiosity or the blatant need to touch him or both, until he stuffed both of his hands into his pockets and away from your potential grasp.
You shook your disappointment off and reminded yourself of what the two of you were: friends. Just friends. Friends only hold hands sometimes, and it’s not on walks home or during study sessions or any of the times you found yourself wanting to hold onto him.
“Kuroo likes you,” Akaashi said out of nowhere. And you laughed.
“You think so?”
“I’m pretty sure.” He sounded distant, his gaze was head on. “Maybe you should give him a chance.”
You laughed again and said, “Maybe,” even though you knew you’d never entertain the thought of going out with Kuroo.
Not with Kuroo or anyone else, but you wouldn’t understand why for a long time.
Two years of friendship had come and gone in almost an instant, but every day with Akaashi was memorable in that easy familiar way only he could offer. He truly was your comfort - everything you needed in a friend, Keiji had. Being so close to him was a blessing, you knew that.
When the two of you ended up choosing the same university, you almost wanted to cry, because you knew nothing could quell your fears of what’s new better than Keiji’s all knowing familiarity. Having your best friend by your side during times of change would make everything easier.
But it was a different story entirely when you became roommates with him. The apartment you shared was small but homey; it had all the comfort you had in your friendship with him, and you thought nothing could be better than that.
It was more than that, though. Months went by of seeing him every day, and it felt like that comfort was leaking through the floor every time you saw his bedhead or heard him singing in the shower or watched him pull another girl into his bedroom.
It wasn’t like the latter was an often occurrence, but just the thought of him being with someone made your stomach turn. But it gave you the idea of seeking your own partners, which was something you hadn’t done in years, and it quickly spiraled into an unhealthy habit.
You longed for familiarity, to be touched by someone you knew. You were desperate for comfortable vulnerability, and you never found that with a stranger in your bed. So, you decided to seek out someone familiar. And when the person in bed with you was an old friend, a realization dawned on you. Rather, it was offered to you.
“What are you doing, Y/N?” Kuroo mumbled, and you did nothing but send him a questioning glare, one he scoffed at.
The two of you had done nothing so far but send a few flirty texts and then sit on your bed; he hadn’t even kissed you yet. You weren’t sure how you felt about it - you weren’t sure if you even wanted him to kiss you.
“I’m not the one you want here, idiot. So why am I the one you brought to your bed?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” you replied honestly. “Are we going to -”
“No, we aren’t. Are you really that dense?”
“What?”
“Look,” Kuroo said, standing up and pinching the bridge of his nose as if he was annoyed that he had to be saying this. And while you watched him, you noticed this was the first time you ever saw him without his signature grin or sly eyes. “If I was a shitty friend, I would have fucked you back in high school, alright? I mean, come on, I had the chance. But I care about Akaashi too much to ever do that with you, and I know you don’t actually want to fuck me.”
You stood up, too, facing him head on. “What does Akaashi have anything to do with fucking me, Kuroo?”
“Everything, idiot. I know you probably think you’re good at hiding it, but everyone knows you’re as in love as you could possibly be with that smartass.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you said, because you didn’t, but Kuroo wasn’t having it.
“Well you’re the only one you’ve convinced. And, for the record, this isn’t going to help you get over him.”
Still, you didn’t get it. You couldn’t see it - you refused to.
“You’re off limits, dude, Akaashi told us himself.”
“Then why are you here?”
His annoying grin was back. “To see how delusional you really are. And give you some advice. Just admit it to yourself - you’ll feel better, I promise.”
Keiji was your best friend, and that was it.
This wasn’t some story of years long pining and unrequited love.
Was it?
But you thought about it, for just a moment. You thought about being in love with him.
And then you couldn’t stop thinking about it.
You decided, right then and there, that what Kuroo said wasn’t true; admitting it to yourself didn’t make anything better. In a lot of ways, your friendship with Akaashi thrived on your special feelings for him, and it relied on those feelings staying secret to both of you.
You couldn’t even finish the conversation with Kuroo. He swore not to tell, because you made him, and that was it.
That’s when the second wall came up, then the third, then the fourth. You were trapped inside of them. Hiding, only hiding, and safe from anyone who could see you or your heart.
You denied it still, even though Kuroo knew, just to convince yourself he didn’t. No one knew but you; the only one who knew the password to that door was you. You could be hidden, safe, and protected forever, because you made it that way.
Keiji would never know, and everything would stay okay.
Everything but you. And that security wouldn’t last, because a storm was brewing.
But you were content. What you had with Keiji was always enough for you - you had enough. You saw him every day. You got to hear his laugh on the good days and hug him on the bad ones; you got to have coffee with him every morning and secret late night snacks too many midnights. Sleeping alone was fine. Not getting intimate moments was okay. What you had was enough.
It seemed like the more you recognized your feelings for him, the more of Keiji you saw. You were still getting to know him after years of calling him your best friend; you were noticing his habits that you never saw before. He mumbles to himself while he cooks; he picks at his nails when he’s nervous; he overthinks everything, even the smallest decisions.
The latter had always been obvious, but you had never realized it until you lived with him - until you really started to love him.
Every day, you learned something new about him. And every day, you loved him more, in ways you didn’t even know you could. Ways that made it hard to love him from afar.
Months of your love growing during your first year of university seemed to go by too quickly, and soon spring break was fast approaching. A trip with old friends to a lake house was planned months in advance, and both you and Keiji were excited to see the three boys again.
But when you arrived at the old looking house that evening you were met with knowing eyes and a sly grin that hadn’t changed since high school.
“There are only four beds,” Kuroo announced, “and five of us.”
“That’s alright,” Keiji started, but he was interrupted by Bokuto’s loud laugh.
“Oh, I guess we’re sharing a bed, four eyes!”
“I’ll suffocate you in your sleep,” Tsukishima said, meaning every word he said in a way that made Kuroo cackle.
Keiji looked at you. “You don’t mind sharing with me, do you?”
A million thoughts ran through your mind, but you only shook your head. You didn’t voice any of the concerns you had for yourself.
“No problem.”
He gave you a grin. “It’ll be like our high school sleepovers,” and then he took your bag and left to find your shared room.
You remembered the last sleepover you had with him and your heart raced just thinking about it; you spent half of the night pretending to be asleep, and the other half watching Keiji’s sleeping face and wondering why laying next to him made you feel the way it did.
This would be the exact same, except now you knew why your heart would be pounding.
Kuroo was still laughing, but he was looking directly at you. “Are you sure it’s not a problem?”
“Shut up, Kuroo.”
He kept laughing, and it left Bokuto scratching his head. “What’s going on? Why are you mad, Y/N?”
“Because Kuroo is an asshole -”
“Hey now, I’m doing you a favor here!”
“...I still don’t get it.”
“You never will, Bokuto,” Tsukishima commented.
You decided to leave Kuroo laughing on his own - you shouldn’t let him get under your skin, because that’s exactly what he wanted to do. He was doing this on purpose. Maybe he thought he was helping you out, but he was only making things harder for you.
You weren’t going to let him win. You were going to have fun on this trip while keeping our secret seeled, and nothing would stop you - not even Kuroo attempting to play matchmaker.
The late arrival called for a quick dinner and a nighttime bonfire to kick off the vacation the right way; the boys were all too excited for the night and had gotten the fire started before you could even finish unpacking your bag.
When you stepped outside, the cool air hit your skin and froze you all over - you expected low temperatures, but not that.
“It’s cold!” you called out to the boys who were all sitting around the nearby campfire.
“That’s why we have a fire, moron!”
“It’s still cold,” you argued, even though you knew it was fruitless to fight with Kuroo.
“It’s alright, you’ll warm up,” Keiji told you.
“Go warm her up, Akaashi!”
You ignored Kuroo’s comment - you were not in a good place to be entertaining that thought, not when you’d be in bed with Keiji in just a few hours.
Keiji seemed to ignore it, too. “Here, I saved you a seat.” He patted the vacant spot on the bench next to him, and you sat down. “You didn’t bring a jacket, did you?”
“It’s inside,” you replied. “But I’m fine.”
He didn’t even listen to your response, he was already pulling his hoodie off and giving it to you.
“Are you sure?” you asked, holding it in your lap.
“Yes,” he replied. “It’ll keep you warm - you need it more than I do.”
“How romantic,” Kuroo butted in, and it was only now that you noticed the beer in his hand - as well as the few empty cans next to him.
Drunk Kuroo is always worse than Sober Kuroo, even though you could hardly believe he could ever get snarkier. It was like alcohol made him open his big mouth more, and it always made you nervous. Even though you knew he’d never say anything about your secret while anyone else was around, any time alcohol was involved made those chances go up.
“Just being nice,” Keiji said, obviously playing in to Kuroo’s banter. “I don’t see you offering her your jacket.”
“Hey, I just don’t think you’d like it if I gave your girl my jacket, would you?”
Keiji laughed at his slurred words and directed his reply at the group rather than to Kuroo, “He’s only had five beers and he’s already stuttering.”
“We’ll see if he makes it to six before passing out,” you said, and while it made the others laugh, it seemed to rub Kuroo’s drunken fragile ego the wrong way.
“I can handle my alcohol just fine, thank you.”
Bokuto butted in, “Are you sure about that?”
“You’ve been a lightweight since high school,” you added.
Everyone laughed, Kuroo included. With his next words, he must have thought he was playing along with the joke. That you were all in on what he was about to say next. That they would have no repercussions, they would sting no ears.
But when he said them, it sounded like a smack of thunder.
“Yeah, and you’ve been hiding your feelings since high school - some things just never change, Y/N!”
You could hardly hear Bokuto saying, “Feelings? For who?!”
“For Aka -”
“Kuroo.”
You stood up. Keiji’s forgotten hoodie fell out of your lap and landed on the ground. Everything was quiet save for the fire cracking and the pounding of your heart.
Your eyes said everything you needed to tell Kuroo. He stared right back at you, his face white as snow and his mouth hung open as he choked back his words. Nobody spoke. Nobody moved. It was the calm before a fast approaching storm, one you couldn’t run away from.
“You weren’t going to say Akaashi, were you? Surely not…”
Kuroo turned his head to look at Bokuto, seeming to have no clue what to say. You kept staring as he shook his head, not having the courage to say anything else.
“Pretty sure he was,” Tsukishima said.
“Oh. Shit.”
You could have denied it - you didn’t. You could have been angry at Kuroo - you weren’t. You could have explained this away as him being drunk and talking out of his ass - you couldn’t.
You didn’t dare turn to look at Keiji as you stormed toward the cabin. You refused to stay and let this situation become worse than it already was.
You could hardly hear the words Keiji had for Kuroo, but they were something like, “Why the fuck did you do that?” and if you had been any less upset you would have been worried for how angry he sounded.
You didn’t know what would happen next. If you thought about it, you were sure you’d fall apart, and that was the one thing you couldn’t let happen. You had to hold yourself together, you had to give this situation the benefit of the doubt.
Maybe if you could just lie down and sleep before Keiji comes inside, you could wake up in the morning and everyone would act like nothing happened. Just because your secret is out doesn’t mean it was over - you could wait out this storm.
That’s what you were doing when Keiji came into your shared bedroom. You lied in bed as Keiji slipped in, your back to him and the blanket pulled up to your chin. And, just like at those old sleepovers with him, you were pretending to be asleep.
You had to be good at pretending if you wanted to stay best friends with him. To be as close as you are, with the feelings that you keep for him, you learned how to hide from Keiji. And you had gotten good at it, too - at least, you liked to think so. You were sure he wouldn’t catch you awake.
You tried not to think about what happened earlier. You tried not to dread what was coming if he knew you weren’t actually sleeping.
Minutes passed and Akaashi stayed awake. Then, he looked over to you.
“I know you’re awake.”
Everything felt frozen, just for a moment, but you didn’t move. You kept your breathing deep and steady, you lied still.
He reached a hand out to you, fisting your shirt into his palm. His thumb grazed your lower back, skin he exposed from grabbing your shirt.
“Stop pretending. You’re bad at it.”
It was like the world stopped spinning. Your world, anyway - the one you had made up in your head. The world where the only things Keiji didn’t know were all the things you were trying to hide from him; the world where, despite never being a good liar, you were good at lying to him.
But that wasn’t the same world Keiji was living in.
“I know,” you replied, voice cracking through the words.
You were sure he didn’t mean what he said in the way you felt it sting your chest, but it didn’t matter. Years of learning, hiding, pretending were all culminating in this moment, and if you weren’t careful you’d end up losing it all.
His hand moved from your back to holding your side. “Will you look at me?” And you didn’t have a choice, because he was turning you to lay on your back, anyway.
So you looked at him, because it’s what he asked you to do, and you felt the first crack in your poorly built foundation when you realized how close he was to you; then, he put his hand on your side and pulled you even closer.
It’s like he was looking through you.
“I should tell you something,” he said, and you had some idea where he was going with this but you didn’t want to find out. No part of you wanted to hear what he was about to say.
“You know… I already knew, Y/N.”
There it was: the collapse.
You couldn’t look at him anymore, so you closed your eyes and tried to keep pretending, even though you had nowhere left to hide.
“Yeah.” The hand on your side was hot and heavy and hard; you hated how much you loved being touched by him, even right now when your made up world was ending. “I know.”
“I’ve always known.”
“I’m sorry.”
You were so close to letting go, to breaking down in the pile of rubble. But you had built your house of lies on unsteady ground, after all; what else did you expect to happen other than this destruction?
You wanted to cry. You didn’t. You couldn’t be angry at yourself or upset, because you saw this coming. After all, Keiji knows everything. He sees things you don’t even know are showing - he’s been able to read you like a book since before he even knew your name.
Of course he knew. You were stupid to ever think he didn’t.
He whispered your name, and then you felt him kiss your forehead.
“I’m sorry,” you said again, meaning it with your whole heart even though you knew it wouldn’t change anything.
“I should tell you something else,” he said, and it was quiet, like he was telling you a secret only you could know. He was treading carefully, choosing his words particularly - he didn’t do that often. You felt him bunching your shirt up in his fist again, you heard him sigh loudly. “I don’t even know how to say it.”
The tears were finally slipping free as you began to understand what he was getting at, so you pulled back. You didn’t need him to pity you.
“It’s fine,” you insisted, trying to push him away. He wouldn’t let you. “I know - I’ll get over it - you don’t have to tell me - I already know.”
“No, you don’t - you don’t know, Y/N, please, just come here.”
“Keiji -”
“Let me show you.” He wasn’t speaking quietly anymore - this wasn’t a secret anymore. “I can’t explain it - let me show you, Y/N - please.”
“Show me what?”
“That I feel the same,” he said, pulling you back into his arms.
For a second, you thought you misheard him.
And then, he kissed you.
Soft, sweet, new lips were on yours, taking your breath as if he needed it to breathe himself, then breathing a new life into you that you never knew could be alive. It was like striking a match, flicking a lighter, starting a fire; you watched the rubble of your once hidden love burn, all at the hands of Keiji.
At first you didn’t even know how to kiss him back. It was too much, too bright, too hot - and then, you couldn’t stop kissing him. You anchored your hands on the back of his neck and held him against you, silently begging him to let you take all that you wanted from him.
You kissed him like you’d never get the chance to do this again, because you were sure you wouldn’t. This hardly felt real, let alone something that would ever happen more than once. So you savored it, you memorized this feeling so you could relive it in your dreams forever.
A whimper reverberated through your throat and against Keiji’s lips and the feeling made him kiss you deeper, like he was searching for a way to get you to make that noise again. As the kiss got deeper, a natural progression came over your position; before you could realize it, Keiji was on top of you and lying between your legs.
His touch was hotter than a flame and yet you couldn’t get enough of it. Every time his tongue brushed against yours, it took a part of you with it, and you were ready to give him all of you.
And then, he stopped kissing you.
He pulled back only slightly, and when you chased his lips he pulled back even more. You opened your eyes and stared up at him, at his blushed cheeks and pink lips and beautiful eyes. You could see the cogs in his mind turning and for a second it was like you were seeing a part of Keiji he’s never shown you before; the veil of his all knowing gaze was being dropped, only because he was letting it.
Because all this time, Keiji was hiding, too - hiding in plain sight. You always thought he treated you the way he treated everyone else, that he knew everything about everyone, but it wasn’t true. He only knew all of your secrets because he took the time to find them. He only saw you for who you really were because he cared enough to know. And, unlike you, he was a good actor; good at pretending you weren’t special; good at building walls that would stay up until he was ready for them to come down.
And with his next words, he made them shatter.
“I love you.”
You kept staring at him, trying to figure out if this nervous boy on top of you really was Keiji.
“Really?”
He nodded.
“Say it again.”
“I love you.”
You brushed his hair out of his face and rested your hand on his cheek, still completely in awe of him, and this was all too much for you to believe. “Is this a prank?”
He laughed at you, and his nerves seemed to melt away.
“Damn, you caught me.” His forehead fell to rest on yours, your noses brushed. “No, it’s not a prank. I love you.”
Somehow this intimacy felt all too foreign and way too familiar, all at once. It was overflowing, your heart was racing, it was hard to breathe, tears were falling from your eyes.
“Say it again,” you whispered, begging him to assure you of this - to make you believe it.
And he wiped your tears away as he told you, again, “I love you,” and the kiss he placed on your cheek seemed to make you weep even more. “And I should’ve told you sooner. I’m sorry, Y/N, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” you replied immediately, “I love you, too - it’s okay.”
“It’s not okay.” It was obvious, now, that this had been bothering Keiji for longer than you could ever know. “I just… wasn’t ready. Especially with volleyball, and then moving, and then starting university, I just - I never had enough of me to give to you. And you deserve all of me, not just what’s left of me at the end of the day - I don’t know. I’m just… sorry.”
You didn’t know how to reply to that in a way that was good enough - all you could think to do was kiss him, because you finally could kiss him, so you did. And it was the same as your first: hot and sweet, familiar and foreign, intimate and overwhelming.
And the more you kissed him, the more it stirred something up inside of you. He wasn’t holding back - not after holding back for years - and it was like he was trying to get any reaction he could out of you. You hooked your legs around his waist and pulled him closer than he’s ever been, and the way it felt to have him pressed up against you sent chills across your burning skin.
You pulled back from the kiss just to take a breath. “Say it again,” you mumbled, because you weren’t tired of hearing those three words yet. A part of you still didn’t believe them.
Instead of saying them, though, he let his kisses trail down your jaw and onto your neck. You could feel the vibrations of his voice when he spoke, “Let me show you.”
And you knew what he meant, but you teased him anyway, “How do you want to do that?”
His hips seemed to move on their own free will, thrusting against you as if he couldn’t stop them. And it proved that he was just as in over his head as you were; you liked that. You liked knowing you weren’t the only one in a daze. You liked having this effect on Keiji.
“However you want,” he said through a dry throat. “We can do anything you want.”
“I just want you,” you told him honestly. You had no other choice anymore - the truth was all you had left.
“You have me,” he replied. “I’m yours - just let me show you.”
Your next kiss was interrupted by his shirt coming off, then yours. You felt his bare skin against yours and you were sure this was enough, that you were content with just this. This feeling was all that you needed.
“You’re pretty,” he whispered to you as his eyes scanned your bare body, and it left you shaking in anticipation as his lips made their way to your chest. “The prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
Your eyes couldn’t leave his face as your fingers carded through his hair; you felt his hands travel the length of your body, and every kiss he left on your skin felt like it was touching your heart - all you could do was watch.
His hand moved lower, his fingers were teasing the edge of your shorts, but he hesitated to cross the barrier. You grabbed his wrist and pushed him across it, showing him that you couldn’t wait for this.
That’s all Keiji needed to understand how far you were willing to go with him. His skilled fingers worked against you, slipping into your underwear and touching you exactly where you needed them to, and it was better than anything you could ever dream.
And he did it like it was easy, like he’s spent years getting to know your body and he was doing what he knew would work. Like this was routine rather than your first time.
This sure as hell felt like it was your first time doing this; you had never felt so sensitive or open or vulnerable. But you had never been touched by a man you wanted so much; you never thought you’d feel his fingers spreading you open or see him on top of you - this is something you’ve only done in daydreams, and now it was real.
For the first time you were vulnerable and okay with it. You were letting him have all of you, and you trusted that he would treat you right. And he was. Maybe it was your love for him or the disbelief of the situation or both clouding your judgement, but you were convinced that his fingers felt better than your own.
“Is this okay?” he asked in a whisper, and you replied with a moan that you couldn’t hold in anymore. He laughed, “Does that mean yes?”
“Keiji, please don’t tease.”
“I’m not teasing yet,” he replied with a few kisses along your jaw. You felt his fingers moving more, moving toward going inside, but he hesitated. “Y/N…”
You were pulled out of your daze for just a second as you looked up at his furrowed brows and half lidded eyes; his face left you wondering what he was about to say next.
“I really like the sounds you’re making,” he said, “but if anyone hears we’ll never hear the end of it.”
You laughed, because you had completely forgotten that you and Keiji weren’t the only two people in the world - let alone this house.
“Right,” you breathed out.
“I’ll give you anything you ask for, but you…”
Two of his fingers slid into you, and you held back a gasp.
“...have to stay quiet. Can you do that for me?”
You nodded, trying your best to take deep breaths rather than let your voice out.
“Yeah?” he asked.
“Yeah,” you replied, giving another nod.
“Good,” he said.
His fingers curled, and you covered your mouth with your palm.
“Stay quiet,” he said, even though it felt like he was doing everything he could so you’d do the opposite. His fingers curling into you were begging for a reaction, and it was hard not to give him one. “Fuck, you’re so hot.”
Keiji’s hips were moving again, thrusting against your leg like he just couldn’t help it. You wanted to give him more but you couldn’t - your hands were busy covering your mouth and holding onto the sheets for your life, and so all you could do was watch him grinding against you.
“You’re one to talk,” you replied, making him laugh.
Both of you looked down and watched; the curl of his fingers moved in time with his thrusts against you - every time they came forward, you felt his length sliding up your thigh. And when he pulled back, his fingers straightened out.
You’d give anything to have more. “Keiji,” you started, but you just couldn’t get the words out.
He said them for you as he pulled his fingers out, “Can I fuck you?”
You had no other answer besides, “Please,” and you were ready to beg for it if that’s what it came to.
He started to pull his boxers off, but again, he hesitated. The arm he was holding himself up with was trembling, his breathing was unsteady, his entire body seemed tense. Keiji was hanging on by a thread.
“Are you sure you want this?” he asked.
You were taken aback. “Keiji…”
“We don’t have to do this now - is it too soon? Are you sure you want me?”
It was hard to listen to his voice when it sounded so honest.
Your hands took place on either side of his face, ensuring he would look at you while you spoke to him.
“Keiji… do you want this?”
“More than anything,” he replied.
“I can tell,” you joked, and he rolled his eyes at you. “I’ve wanted you for longer than I can remember - I don’t think it’s too soon. But we can wait if you want. There’s no pressure, okay?”
“I don’t,” he said. “I can’t wait - I’m so hard it fucking hurts - I just don’t want you to -”
“You think too much.”
He laughed. “I know.”
You let your hands travel down to his chest, hoping you got through to him. “Don’t overthink it. I want you to fuck me, Keiji,” and your hips thrusted against his as if to convince him of how badly you needed it. “Sooner rather than later.”
It seemed to be good enough, he seemed to believe you, because now he wasn’t hesitating to take off his shorts and yours. The view it gave you struck a burning desire like no other - now that you could see all of him, you couldn’t handle not having all of him.
And he was raring to give himself to you, coaxing his cock inside of you until you took it all, and both of you felt like you were about to explode.
“Oh, fuck,” he moaned, and the volume of his voice pulled you back down to the real world.
“Stay quiet,” you reminded him, giggling because the tables had turned on him.
“I know,” he said with a nod. “You just feel so good - you’re so fucking tight - I can’t believe this is happening - oh, fuck, it’s too much.”
“Move, Keiji,” you whined, bucking your hips up to try to feel anything, and he cursed under his breath when he pulled back to watch your desperate attempt at fucking yourself with his cock.
“You can do it,” he teased, pulling his hips back a little more so you had more room to move. “Keep going - fuck me like that, kitten, don’t stop.”
You were dying to feel him meeting your thrusts, because this wasn’t nearly enough, but you loved his teasing.
“That’s it,” he said, “that’s my girl. Taking me so well, fuck, you’re perfect.”
He couldn’t take it anymore, that was obvious as his thrusts started. He took a hold of your hips and held you in place so he could take you at his own pace, and he was everything you could ever need.
Your love for him was spilling from your lips and he was doing everything he could to keep you saying it, bringing you higher with every passing second. Feeling him between your thighs and inside your walls was intoxicating. It was everything you hoped it would be, simply because it was Keiji.
“I’m close,” you said as if he needed a warning - he could probably already tell.
“Quiet, kitten,” he said to you, bringing your lips up to his for a kiss. “These sounds are for me - don’t want anyone else hearing what’s mine. Be a good girl for me.”
“I’m trying,” you replied, and he cooed at your whining.
“I know,” he mumbled, and just by the sound of his voice you could tell he was liking this. And he was going to make it harder for you when his hand trailed down your body so his fingers could circle your clit.
He kissed you hard to stop any sound you were about to make and you were grateful for it.
“I want you to cum for me,” he said, “and I don’t want you to make a sound when you do.”
“Keiji -”
His hips and fingers sped up. “I’m serious. Come on, kitten, be my good girl - make me proud and stay quiet while you’re cumming all over my cock. You can do it, I know you can.”
Any trust he had in you staying quiet until the end was completely misplaced - you knew that when his hand clamped down over your mouth. You didn’t try to hold in your voice at all, and Keiji was having just as much trouble, burying his face into your neck to muffle his noises the best he could.
It didn’t matter if anyone else could hear you; to you, nothing else mattered but Keiji. He was the only other person in your world, the only person your body would ever scream so loudly for. As long as it was him bringing you to this euphoria, you didn’t care who else knew about it.
Let your friends give you hell for it, let Kuroo say I told you so - you’d deal with the embarrassment in the morning. That moment was worth it.
The soft kisses he was leaving on your neck in the wake of hitting your peaks helped you float back down easily. It was like being woken up from a dream, one where the only thing you could remember was how pleasant it was.
“You were not quiet,” Keiji laughed. You felt your cheeks swelling and heating up in embarrassment.
“I couldn’t help it…”
“It’s okay,” he replied. “You still made me proud.”
He lied next to you and pulled you close, and you convinced yourself that you were going to be there in his arms forever. If you were, you’d have no complaints.
A quiet moment passed, and you couldn’t stand the silence. “How was… that?”
He pulled back to look at you with wide eyes, as if he didn’t expect you to ask. “What do you mean?”
“Was it good? Did you like it? Was I -”
“It was perfect,” he said, biting his lip and looking up at the ceiling as if his high hadn’t completely worn off. “It was everything. Don’t get all shy and insecure on me now that you know I love you back.”
“Shut up,” you said with a laugh. “I’m just making sure.”
“Do you need me to prove it to you again?”
“Maybe.”
“I’ll make sure you stay quiet for me this time, then.”
Whether or not the two of you were successful in your attempts to keep the noise down was up for debate, but by the end of the night, neither of you cared.
And the next morning, when you forced yourself to leave Keiji and the warmth of the bed, you found Kuroo pacing outside of your door.
“Y/N.”
“Hey.”
“I’m sorry - I’m so sorry - what I said last night was way out of line, and I don’t expect you to forgive me for it -”
“It’s fine, Kuroo,” you said, because it was. If you were being honest, after the night you had with Keiji you had completely forgotten about what Kuroo said.
“It’s not fine,” he argued. “I shouldn’t have done that - you trusted me not to say anything about your feelings, and then I did. I fucked up - why aren’t you pissed right now?”
Before you could start to think of a reply, the door behind you opened. Keiji’s bed head popped out.
“Can you guys be quiet?”
“Sorry,” Kuroo immediately replied.
Then, Keiji turned to you. “Can you come back to bed? It’s cold.”
You nodded, and Keiji went back inside, and the moment you looked at Kuroo’s face, you knew he’d figured things out.
“Did you guys fuck?!”
You had no response. Keiji, however, called out a simple, “Yeah,” leaving you covering your face in embarrassment.
“Holy shit. I -”
You went back into your bedroom before he could even finish his words, slamming the door in his face so he couldn’t finish his boasting. But you heard him say, “You’re welcome!” before finally trodding off, and you shook off your embarrassment as best as you could.
The breakfast you needed minutes ago was long forgotten as you looked at the view in front of you of the boy who was yours. Keiji was waiting for you with sleepy eyes peeking up at you from soft sheets, a grin on his face, and his arms open.
He didn’t have to say a word - you were in those arms in seconds. Both of you released a sigh of relief; Keiji was warm again, and you were being held by him again.
“Finally.”
“I was gone for, like, two minutes, tops.”
“I don’t care,” he replied. “It was long enough that I got too cold without you here.”
You felt like you should have more to say, but you didn’t.
You’d spent years hoping for a moment like this. It was as soft and golden and happy as you’d ever dreamed, and moments like those didn’t need words. You knew how Keiji felt, and despite all your attempts at hiding, Keiji knew how you felt, too.
And in that moment, when the two of you were lying in the afterglow of intimacy from the night before, finally knowing is all that mattered.
-
tune in tomorrow for kinktober day 2: royal
#kinktober 2020#not family friendly#akaashi keiji#Akaashi Keij#akaashi x reader#akaashi keiji x reader#haikyuu imagines#haikyuu x reader
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Those Worth Fighting For Part one
Part two
Part three
Part four
Part five
Part six
Part seven
Part eight
Marinette had been over her teenage crush of Adrien for years. The obsessive feelings that consumed her youth fizzled out not long after he had started to date Kagami and the two girls grew closer until Marinette realized that she was happier for the both of them than she would have been if she was the one who was dating Adrien herself.
So much had happened in those years that she couldn’t believe how much her life had changed. When Marinette was halfway through her highschool years Hawkmoth was defeated, and despite her best efforts to sway her partner Chat Noir had decided three days later to hand over his miraculous to her. Then, as if things couldn’t get worse for her, Adrien told her that he was leaving Paris to live with his aunt in England.
She remembered the two years Adrien was gone as if he had just returned, the tears she shed for losing one of her best friends still stained one of her favourite bedtime shirts, and it had only hammered in how different everything was going to be for her. Kagami was there for her, however, and their friendship only became stronger.
Kagami and Adrien were dedicated to their long distance relationship and with the free time that Kagami did have she made sure to spend it with Marinette. Kagami had brought out a new confidence in Marinette that she didn’t realize she had before, but now that she had it she was taking the world by storm.
Marinette no longer bent over backwards for other people's approval, she no longer cared who fell for Lila’s lies, and her life was better. She spent more time with Aurore, and Mireille after they finished with their weather report and went to grab breakfast at the bakery. Marinette spent more time in the art room when Kagami was in her fencing lessons and became better friends with Marc and Nathaniel. She even got to hang out more with Nino again now that Lila was spending more time with Alya, and she didn’t realize how much she missed her childhood friend.
Adrien was only gone for two years, and he had been back for two more, and Marinette had never been happier in her life. She was surrounded by the people who cared for her and loved her. She could remain their everyday Ladybug without feeling the same drain she felt in school because she knew her limits and her friends respected that. She was happy.
“Marinette, I must ask you something,” Kagami stated as Marinette typed away at her desk, working on one of her final assignments for the business course she was taking. “It’s important.”
Without thinking Marinette spun around on her chair to look at her best friend, one whom Marinette had no qualms about saying grew into her looks beautifully. The usual stoic and regal woman couldn’t meet her gaze, and that was more than enough to send alarm bells through Marinette’s mind. “What’s wrong?”
Kagami wrangled her hands together, fidgeting in anyway she could. It was so unlike her friend that she had to take a second look. That was when Kagami held out her hand for Marinette to see the ring in which she was previously fiddling with. “Could you please make my dress?”
“Adrien finally asked?” Marinette was out of her seat in seconds, already standing in front of Kagami and looking at the ring in amazement. She knew it was going to happen at their dinner the night before, Adrien had told her previously and asked for more than a little advice. She was thrilled at the development and couldn’t be happier for them. Either of them.
“Yes, and we will be having a duel tomorrow night in order to see if you will be my maid of honour, or Adriens Best Woman, but either way we were both hoping you could be the one to design our outfits for the special day.” This was the closest Marinette had ever come to see Kagami blush, and she wasn’t going to let the chance slip by.
Marinette reached her hand behind her to grab the camera she had sat at her desk. “Of course I will!” And as Kagami’s face lit up like the night sky during Heros Day Marinette took the picture. “And I will definitely be the best maid of honour you’ve ever seen.”
Kagami rolled her eyes, but the smile wasn’t going anywhere. “You are so certain I will win this duel?”
“Duh, I’ve seen you kick his ass a number of times. What’s one more?” Marinette teased, placing the camera back down on her desk and giving her friend the tightest hug she could muster. “I’m so happy for you two! I knew it was only a matter of time, but still! I can’t believe it’s finally happening!”
Kagami returned the hug, relishing how warm her friend was against her. How supportive she had always been. “It’s finally happening.” Kagami repeated, tasting the words on her tongue. “It’s actually happening!”
“What did he say? What did you say? Like I know you said yes, but set the scene for me. You know I would have been there if I could.” Marinette pulled her friend to her loveseat and sat down, intent on hearing it all.
Kagami laughed, “as much as I love having you around, you can be worse than the paparazzi when it comes to these sorts of things. Like an overly proud mother who needs to add a million photos to her album.”
“Emilie asked me to help make up for lost time, and it is my sworn duty to that lovely woman to do so.” Marinette shrugged, unashamed of her tendencies. She realized soon into their friendship that both Kagami and Adrien needed someone unabashedly supportive and proud of them and who was she to deny them of that?
“Well now your sworn duty is to help plan this wedding, if you are up to the task.” Kagami leaned against her friend and grinned. “Adrien insisted that his cousin needs to assist in planning, he’s practically tossing all of the planning on the two of you.”
“His cousin? Felix?” Marinette made no effort to hide her distaste. “That dickhead?”
“Adrien told me about him causing three akuma’s in one go when you all were young. I’ve met the man myself, he is an upstanding man now.” Kagami stated, “please give him a chance.”
“Well, don’t expect me to fall head over heels for him, but I don’t mind working with him if he’s willing.” Marinette laid her head against Kagami’s and smiled wistfully. “Hold up, are you also asking that I plan your wedding?”
“Yes, wedding planning is too much stress for the baby.” Kagami said cooly.
“What baby?”
“Adrien.”
#felix x marinette#marinette dupain cheng#marinette#kagami tsurugi#adrien agreste#adrigami#Those worth fighting for#TWFF#Part one
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Physical affection prompts! 21! 25!
Prompt: accidentally knocking your head into someone’s chin + playfully biting someone
Established relationship. Beth and Rio try couples yoga. An injury ensues.
Side note: This is the first time I’ve ever attempted writing from Rio’s POV. Augauahgah!!! I feel like all the straight Mexi-boys I know are mad sappy about the ladies in their lives so… this is Big!Soft. Don’t hate.
On Ao3
A Bit of a Stretch
It goes like this.
Three months ago, a yoga mat shows up in the car. It’s purple (her favorite color), and Elizabeth probably thought it inconspicuous, neatly rolled up and tucked away in the back. But Rio’s only gotten to where he is in life because he’s got a meticulous handle on the details. So he notices, and it makes him pause -- the reminder of who he is these days.
And he likes to think he’s a smart guy, evolved and shit. But, he’s got to admit he likes the thought of it -- his girl, Aphrodite trapped in suburbia (or was it Athena?), rolling up in the Wagon to some bougie yoga studio. Elizabeth would swing ‘round the back to grab her mat, doing that walk she does when she’s feeling herself as the other PTA chicks’ jaws drop. He likes the security of his second pair of keys in her hands, on her keychain.
What did it say about Elizabeth’s hold on him that he fuckin’ delights in this daydreaming?
And it’s complicated -- ‘cause on one hand, when did he become this guy? Actually, he knows. Three years, eight months, and two days ago. He’s not overly-obsessed with his relationship or anything, but a counter runs in his mind -- how long he’s been with her. So much so that he’s been thinking of getting the date of when she robbed him (the first time) on the inside of his wrist, a complement to the bracelets she’d bestowed him, to drag out as A Move during sex or to embarrass her in front of her friends.
And on the other hand, it’s like... damn, it’s been too long since they fucked in the car.
They cohabitate now -- them and all their kids. They still had an absurd amount of sex in public places (and shit, since when had that been his kink?). He still takes great delight in pushing all her buttons and getting her to unspool around his cock, on his mouth, and in his arms.
But, they were a lil’ calmer now, less feral. They had partially domesticated what this was and had fun in doing so. They shared a bed now, were crate-trained as it were.
She and hers are his family.
But, fuck, he’d been a strict no-strings-attached, hit-it-and-quit-it type of dude for years -- all of his adult life. It was what came with his job.
He had tried to do his best by Rhea when he had gotten her knocked up. But, looking back on it, the exercise had been doomed. When Marcus was born, Rio was in his late 20s rocketing to the top of the food chain. It had been a time when all he could do was keep his head down and do the work -- running in the streets, scheming, consolidating power, and ultimately, he had to make a choice.
Was he going to be a boss, a father, or a husband? To be honest, he only had time for one, but he did his best to make fatherhood fit.
It’s what it was all for in the end, right?
And yet, somehow despite all and many odds, here he was toting Elizabeth’s yoga mat around in his car. Mick rolls his eyes when he sees it, and there’s the typical jokes about being pussy-whipped and what not. But, yeah -- he loves her. At this point, he can’t really deny it. So, he laughs along with Mick’s jokes, and then sends him to chauffeur their million kids around, just to make sure he knows what's what.
Anyway, after a few weeks, Rio comes home from the gym and finds her practicing alone in the house, the kids scattered to their other respective households. Elizabeth’s got a video going on her phone, and her back is arched in a way he’s only ever seen in bed and she has to realize is provocative. But, she eyes him, self-conscious and with old defensiveness, as she twists into a few shapes.
He tries to keep it chill, knows about the residual feelings she carries about her body (and Christ, he can’t believe he’s only had the opportunity to shoot her ex-husband once, he should have taken his own advice and emptied the fucking clip). So he settles close to her with his battered copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology from highschool that he’s been trying to get back into, and steals glances at her over the pages.
He skims the pages on Athena and then Aphrodite, and he likes the hyperbole of each but neither quite fit.
He eventually comes back to Artemis.
And, yeah, maybe.
He looks up at Elizabeth again and admires her form. He admires her strength -- that reedy cord of tenacity he’s admired for so long making itself more visible through the facade of soft as she finds new ways to hold herself up and get herself stronger. Her hair keeps falling into her face and he itches to crawl on the mat with her and pull it out of her face.
She’s fucking gorgeous.
As she continues, Elizabeth notices him watching, and she starts to get a little playful. Eventually, he lures her off the mat and onto his lap.
Yoga becomes part of her routine on the days she doesn’t feel like driving into the studio. And he gets it. He’s always turned to grounding himself in his body when he’s needed to work through things. His first love had been basketball, soccer while on family vacations (and only with his cousins from Tamaulipas). In high school, it was track, and he still loves running, but with Detroit winters he’s mostly moved on to boxing and tennis. Never yoga, though.
And yeah, he has some reservations, and yeah, it makes him feel their differences. He’s a tad judgemental about the white-owned yoga studios gentrifying the fuck out of his city. Blocks he grew up running in Detroit-propper suddenly got white people eyein’ up his tats and clutching their wallets. And shit, when has yoga ever been for guys like him?
But, life increasingly becomes more complicated.
He can still like that E’s found something that’s for her and he likes the peace it brings her. He appreciates the way it unknots her shoulders, the particular vibe it gives their day afterward when she’s able to let go of some of that stress she carries. He tries to complement it by eating her out and that special type of really good sex that comes from whatever alchemy is between their bodies. And yeah, he likes the headspace it gets her in, how it shifts the way she approaches their work, and the new depth it adds to the way they touch each other when sex isn’t her only form of therapy.
So when she gets a water bottle with the yoga studio’s branding, Rio teases her a bit but he encourages her to go for the membership. Naturally, E being E, it don’t take her long to make nice with the owners. And then Elizabeth comes home excited about how she had just committed to doing a run of the studio’s promotional swag at the store. He and Elizabeth end up with a postcard on their fridge, a color photo of the studio’s abstract mural. The other side has text that advertises an event line up at the studio that includes a fucking “gong-bath”. It takes him a week to let it go.
Actually, he hasn’t. He still brings it up.
But, then a second yoga mat appears -- a green one -- tucked away in the spare bedroom, mostly hidden under some of her crafting materials. He finds it, wonders for a split second why she needs two and has an answering inkling of where this might be going.
The next day, a lil’ custom print for a “partners” yoga event gets pinned next to the first postcard on the fridge.
And like... he loves her and all. But, does it really go that deep?
Rio pauses in front of the fridge, sipping his tea and staring at the picture of a white dude balancing presumably his Black girlfriend in a pose above his head. His eyes track to where Elizabeth sits in the other room knitting and watching the latest episode of her British baking show (he has half the mind to submit her name to the American spin-off). Considering what she’s up to, she sits with her back a lil’ too straight (on edge one might say) clearly waiting for a comment or for him to show her some grace.
And…
Nope. He’s not going to make it that easy for her.
To her credit, after her episode is done, Elizabeth FaceTimes Ruby and asks her first. Then, as if to make a point that she’s rounding out her bases, she calls her sister. And it’s true that Marks’ sisters’ relationship is as close as it's ever been -- their family criming has forced Elizabeth to trust her sister with her life. But, damn, if he knows she don’t trust Annie to do anything remotely acrobatic, much less cartwheel Elizabeth into the air.
He settles at the island in their kitchen with his tea and his work. She’s got the call on speaker in the other room, when Annie asks, “And gang boo?”
“What about him?”
Rio scoffs loud enough to be heard in the other room.
“Why doesn’t he go with you?”
E pauses, probably fiddling with the strand of her knitting yarn on the couch behind him. “It just doesn’t really seem like his thing?”
Annie snorts. “Have you asked him?”
“No,” Elizabeth sighs into the phone, as if she isn’t a few paces away, having a very audible conversation.
“Don’t people usually go with their SO’s to these things? I mean I appreciate that you think I have the upper body strength for this, but you have to know that I will never in my life be able to do a push-up.”
“It was just a thought--”
Annie continues, stuck mid-rant, “And, like there’s no way I can be your counterweight. You have so much more body than me. We’re like completely different proportions. ”
“Well, so are me and Christopher.”
“Yeah, but Christopher actually has body strength. Lots of it. “ Annie retorts. “And he’s going to love you sweaty, and sticking your butt up into the air, bendy and wearing tight clothing--”
He bites at his bottom lip and supposes yeah, he could try it once.
“Okay, fine! I’ll ask him.”
Rio waits for her to come to him as he tries to make headway on his accounting. But, E doesn’t show.
Instead, it comes later -- when they’re in bed. She’s being extra-nice, extra-smiley, and charming, cracking jokes and making him laugh. He hates it except he also loves it -- when she thinks she can get the drop on him like her dumb ass ex-husband. Except, unfortunately for Rio, she really does know her target.
She waits until right after she blows him to ask.
Elizabeth crawls up his spent, panting body, and pins him with hers. She kisses him hotly with her mouth that tastes like his come and he fucking loves when she does that. Then, she retreats to bite playfully at his chin and asks if he’s seen the flyer on the refrigerator.
And he gives her a little shit about it but…
He admires the strategy
------
The couple's yoga class is on a Saturday morning.
It’s the middle of March, and he’s fucking over winter. Detroit, so far from Mexico and so close to being the fucking North Pole.
The temperature means he’s got to get bundled up in sweats, put on his damn parka and snow boots, all to take it back off again when he gets there. Apparently, the studio is heated perennially at 90 degrees. He don’t know how Elizabeth handles it, she’s so bothered by heat. He complains to her, and she reminds him that this is just like when he goes to the gym on his own. Except this time, they’re doing something together. And she’s being all shy in a way she usually isn’t any more around him and she’s fuckin’ happy he’s coming with her.
The night before she had presented the green mat to him. He had said “Thank you” como su mamá lo enseño, and committed to stepping outside of his comfort zone.
“Show me how this goes, darlin’?”
Elizabeth had swelled up with the thrill of explaining something to him, and launched into it, “Yoga’s basis is breathing…”
She had given him the low-down and gotten him started in the basic poses. He liked her hands, soft, and prim and careful, pushing and pulling at him and adjusting his posture. He had ended up fucking her on the mat -- as a proper thank you and to give her a little something to think about in class tomorrow as they contort their bodies in a way she’s adamant is not meant to be sexual.
And he’s not trying to be a dick or ruin the day for her, but he’s dragging his feet a little bit. He don’t really want to be spending his morning off, kid-less, in a room focusing on his breathing surrounded by crunchy, white gentrifiers.
And he might be simmering a choice comment about how it’s ironic that she wants him to focus on his breathing after she was the one who fucking shot him in the lung that one time...
But, he knows she’s not thinking of it like that and he knows if he just told it to her she’d get it. But, he don’t want to make it all about him and the struggle... and he’s rich now ain’t he? And Elizabeth’s excited to have him with her while she does her thing, excited to show him off -- and that gives him enough energy to walk through the door, green mat under one arm, and her hand in his.
Immediately, they’re ensconced in a wave of warmth as they step into the heated studio, and there’s an earthy smell hitting him strong. He zeroes in on the incense lit at the check-in counter and Rio’s nose wrinkles in distaste on its own accord.
Elizabeth squeezes her hand, in a silent reprimand. Behave. Then, she moves around the counter to hug some of the people hanging out back there.
There’s a flurry of introductions, a Bridgid, a Cassandra, Bryce, Patsy, and Tiffany. Tiffany is Black and he thinks Cassandra could be Latina… He ain’t sure. They’re all revealed to be instructors or staff of some kind and E seems to be chummy with all of them. He knows Tiffany is her favorite and will move heaven and hell (and their fucking drop schedule) to make it to class with her.
He isn’t sure exactly why so many of them are but apparently, they like to hang out here? His palms itch and he feels the sweat start to drip under his thick jacket.
E starts to pull off her winter clothes, as she lingers in conversation with Tiffany, asking her about her husband and how Tiffany’s weight training is going. He blinks at his girl and the shit she can pull out of her repertoire.
“I’m so glad you get to finally meet Christopher.”
Tiffany turns to smile wide at him. “Beth has made so much progress in the past few months.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” and she’s got a friendly vibe so he tries to dial up the charm. Smiling, and playing the proper beau, “She talks about y’all all the time.”
Behind them, he clocks that instructor, Brad or Bryce, checking out Elizabeth’s ass when she ain’t looking. And sure he’s about Rio’s height and got some definition on his abs, but his jaw’s too square like it’s never taken a hit, his muscles never used in a fight.
Rio snags the eyes of some chicks looking at him a little too eager. Damn, it’s Saturday morning and these people need to chill.
And he rolls his eyes, tsking, then steps closer and loops a hand around Elizabeth’s waist, drops it down to her ass for a moment. He makes a show of leaving a kiss against her temple and then he bounds towards the cubbies, ready to shed some clothes. His jacket is about to kill him.
As he peels off of the layers, he looks around, and okay -- it’s not as white as he worried it was. There’s other POC settling in for the class, at least one other interracial couple, too. And that Cassandra chick’s sweatshirt says “Chingona AF’ on the back. She’s the same shade of light brown as him, a mid-30s willowy mujer with a queer buzzcut.
He loosens up a bit and settles into the space. This heated shit is nice.
A few moments later, Elizabeth joins him and after they’re done tucking their stuff away, she draws him over to her favorite corner. They roll out their mats -- purple and green -- side-by-side.
They settle on their respective mats and Rio takes the opportunity to give Elizabeth the same once over that asshole did. Her ass really does look great in those pants and she could fill out any shirt. Her eyes linger over him too, tracing his skin, the bar tattoos peeking out from under his t-shirt that she’s seen a million times and then her eyes meet his and she gives him that small, crooked lil’ smile.
He’s not one for religion, but every so often he takes his mom to Spanish mass. All the viejitos and pious Catholic types think he’s a banger but his ma’s still excited to show him off. He sits with her in the pew and when the priest asks for the congregation to give thanks to God, he says a prayer for the riches that have come to him, the health and brilliance of his son, the vitality of the other little ones in his life now, and Elizabeth. And when he thinks of her in those moments, he sees her in his mind’s eye with this exact look on her face.
And to top it all off, the 90-degree heat is already working some kind of magic on the knot he’s been trying to get out of his shoulder for the past two weeks.
He smiles back at her.
“This shit is dope.”
“Yeah?”
He shrugs, playful. “I like the heat.”
She scoffs, still smiling, “Of course, you do. I thought I was going to pass out the first time I came.” He laughs and tallies a point. He called it. E shakes her head, “I had never sweat so much in my life.”
And it goes like that.
Right as class starts, a white guy with dreads and his skinny, blond girlfriend settle in the space next to them. The white dude turns to nod in acknowledgment, but his eyes drop down to take the ink at Rio’s throat. He tries to be subtle about it but he and the girl scoot a few inches away.
And he ain’t even seen all the old bullet wounds yet.
Rio turns to look at Beth. She’s also staring at the couple, her mouth settled in a thin line.
Then she meets his gaze.
One of the instructors starts calling the group in, welcoming them to class, and Elizabeth takes the last opportunity to gently careen into his side, and kiss him deeply.
Then she's back on her mat, listening attentively to the instructor like she didn’t just start some shit.
And yeah-- he and Elizabeth are different. They move through space differently, and she has access to things he never will no matter all the gems, rubies and diamonds, Mercedes and stacks he adds to his hoard of wealth, And Rio has wondered, worried, if there will ever be a day when they look at each other and decide they don’t fit anymore.
But, damn if she don’t make him feel alive like nothing else.
So as the instructor has them sit back-to-back and leads them through an opening meditation. It’s corny as shit and formal meditation is not really his thing, always having relied on sports (and fights and hits) as a substitute in the past.
But, he tries to settle here, in this room warm like a blanket, next to Elizabeth.
The class itself is pretty fun. The instructors are hands-on, demonstrating, and walking them through everything. It’s easy enough to pick up with them (and Elizabeth) giving him adjustments, and he likes the excuse to get his hands on her in a different kind of way.
He helps Elizabeth through some inversions, smirking down at her with this particular view of her cleavage. She gets a few, sneaky passes at him, and he don’t know who she thinks she’s fooling surrounded by a room of people, and a whole team of instructors circling them.
In one particularly nice sequence, Rio curls down into the mat in the child’s pose, Elizabeth had shown him as she stretches on top of him, her whole weight settling along him like a cocoon.
Damn, he’s going to make them take another class like this ain’t he?
The class eventually shifts into what the teachers call aerials.
He lays on his back and lofting E up into the air over him. It takes a little finagling to fully adjust to the distribution of her weight, she’s obviously top-heavy. He stares up at her -- her gorgeous, sweaty face smiling down at him -- and looks over the particular arc of her cleavage. And despite how much time he spends palming at Elizabeth’s tits, he underestimates how much they must hurt her back.
No wonder she needs this shit.
‘Course that’s when Bryce or Blake comes over to “check on their form” and is this guy really going to try to check out his girl’s ass again? Right, the fuck now?
Blake/Bryce pushes at Elizabeth’s shoulders trying to adjust her position and she maintains very apologetic eye contact with Rio. Huh. So, she’s aware.
Then, It all happens real fast. Her balance shifts and her hand, sweaty with the heat, slips across his palm and out of his grasp.
The realization hits him-- She’s gonna fall.
And for a brief, terrible moment, her face freezes above him skewed with panic and fear, and then, as if in slow motion, she floats closer, down to earth.
And he knows better. He fucking knows better from all his fucking years of boxing, the previously-mentioned lifetime of playing sports. But he clenches his damn, fucking jaw just as the crown of her head collides with him.
And there’s a sharp, bolt of pain spearing through his chin.
And in this room, this heated blanket, incense-burning, crunchy, granola room…
He’s knocked the fuck out.
-----
Well, then it’s a fucking show.
In the familiarity of Elizabeth walking into the studio, they hadn’t asked him to sign a liability waiver. Someone procures ice, and he cradles it to his chin as Bryce apologizes and asks if he can call an ambulance.
For a concussion.
And he’s pissed the fuck off but it’s still kind of funny? Because the only thing that had ever put him in a hospital had actually been this girl standing next to him (tal pesadilla when she put three slugs in his chest). But, he has to stop laughin’ because it hurts his jaw and they’re all looking at him like he’s nuts.
Elizabeth grips his free hand like a vice, and he’s nursing a hell of a headache, as he has to swear a million times that he ain’t gonna sue anyone. Then, finally, blessedly, they’re allowed to walk out.
Elizabeth insists on helping him into the car. Tiffany and Cassandra accompany them, helping Elizabeth carry all of their shit.
They stand at the curb watching, concern etched on their faces as Elizabeth reverses out of the snowbank and drives off. And Elizabeth drives because he most definitely has a concussion. And she drives them straight to the fucking ER.
They spend half an hour fighting parked in the lot outside. But, he knows concussions and he knows his limits.
He convinces her to take him home.
-----
The first twenty-four hours of the concussion are the most important. He’s not supposed to look at screens, not supposed to work. He knows his shit but Elizabeth reads at least ten internet articles on her phone as she lies in bed curled next to him.
They spend the childless afternoon with the curtains drawn, lying in their bed, not fucking.
But, the cuddling is good, too.
Elizabeth strokes up and down his arm and talks to him about little nothings to keep him company. She periodically gets up to grab him glasses of water and more ice. And this sucks, but all things considered, this might be the nicest concussion he’s ever had.
Eventually, they wander to the kitchen to figure out food.
Elizabeth pauses staring vacantly at the fridge. Then her shoulders start to shake, and now he’s wondering if she’s okay. But, her hand raises to unpin the flyer from the fridge and he hears the first snicker.
She turns to him, laughter breaking across her face, pointing to that ridiculous picture. He knows enough now to recognize Tiffany lofted in that showy, stupid af aerial pose.
He chuckles and then cringes as the pain at his chin flairs.
Elizabeth pouts but is still laughing to herself. She ambles over to him, wraps her arms loosely around his middle, and lays the softest kiss on his chin.
“I’m sorry, Christopher.”
He shakes his head, just a smidge because movement fucking sucks right now. “It ain’t your fault.”
“It was my idea.”
“It’s okay.”
She curls into him, deflating, crumbling the flyer into her fist. He gingerly rests his head on top of hers.
“I liked it.” He admits.
“You did?”
“Yeah.” The smell of her lavender-shampoo drifts into his orbit. “Liked you curled all around me. Liked touching you like that. Gave me some ideas.”
She nods below him, pulling him tighter. “I liked it, too.”
“You’ve gotten so strong now, Elizabeth.” He kisses her at her temple. “Maybe next time you should do all the lifting.”
She pinches him at the ribs. Then, “Next time?”
“I’ll tell you what.” He shifts back to make eye contact with her. “We get to do a whole lot of private practice.” He gives her a look to make it clear exactly what he means -- sex. “Then, we’re gonna go back and make sure Bryce is really sorry, ‘kay? Make sure he knows I’m still around.”
And Elizabeth beams that crooked little smile at him.
“Okay, but the next time you have to give me your hoodie or something.”
He nods, a smidge but still manages to imbue it with sage, territorial wisdom. “That would help.”
“Well, I meant more for me to...” She looks at him, eyes darting. “Claim you.”
I mean he is living for that but he frowns at her. “But, everyone there was a couple.”
Oh. Oh yes. Now he remembers.
“That doesn’t mean anything.” Elizabeth rolls her eyes. “And I don’t share.”
Her hand drifts low on his back, then lower to curl a firm grip on his ass in the privacy of this home that they share.
Unfortunately, despite all this time, Elizabeth still doesn’t know when to quit when she’s ahead.
“Though, honestly, I don’t know why they kept staring at your butt.” She murmurs, sassing him while he’s down. “There’s nothing here.”
Esta pinche mujer. She’s lucky he loves her.
Fuckin’ adores her, really.
Damn.
#my writing#i have got to stop listening to the weeknd#i blame a choice few in the fandom#beth x rio#brio#nbc good girls#ahhhhhhhhh#please don't hate my soft!Rio
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Word count: 1.5k
Warnings: swearing, mentions of sex, Kind Ransom, I don’t thing there’s any others but if there is let me know!
A/N: I’m really proud of this and it isn’t really something I’ve ever done before so I’m quite nervous but excited to show you, I got this idea off of @stargazingfangirl18 and thanks to @canadianhufflepuffavenger for helping me with this and plenty other of my works, hope you enjoy!
Thrombey AU headcanon
It was hard being a Thrombey
Especially since you were the younger sister of Ransom Drysdale, Andy Thrombey and Steve Thrombey
They were easily your favourite relatives, all at number 1 because of the simple fact they were triplets
You were an angel to your parents, but when it came to your brothers, it was a battle on who could insult each other the most
Ransom would never hold back
Andy was always doing it secretly: whether that be writing stupid insults on a napkin at dinner or whispering it to you when your parents weren’t looking
Stevie just didn’t want to hurt his younger sister's feelings: although he had no problem being the one that started the biggest fist fights between his triplets.
“Brat” was always Ransoms go to
But technically he had a point
Whenever you didn’t get your way all you had to do was pull out the puppy dog eyes and no one could ever say no
How could they?
Since you were the youngest in the family it was an expectation to be adorable
So, you used that to your advantage
One day at the Thrombey mansion a visitor arrived
It was safe to say they were a stuck up rich couple
Your parents had invited the family to a dinner with them and their son.
Older than you, but he acted like a two year old with the way he started crying when he got told he couldn’t get his 6th TV
When the couple asked about you and whether you would be able to visit their mansion to have a “play date ” with their son, all you had to do was act innocent
Slipping your hand into your brother Andys, who was sat next to you, both eyes started to tear up
Inside your head was just providing commentary
“I would rather chew off my own foot”
It was a surprise that those acting lessons that your grandfather bought you a couple years ago started to pay off
Everyone instantly started worrying
“Oh what’s wrong?!”
“Are you okay?”
“What happened?”
Including your brother Andy who held you, basically on his lap and rubbed your back
Even in the midst of all the questioning you kept a straight face
But in the corner of your eye you could have sworn you saw Ransom smirk at you
Eventually Steve figured out what was “wrong” from his spot across the table
“Do you not want to go?”
The triplets were horrors with each other, it didn’t even matter if your parents were around
Hair pulling was common
So was tackling
But most of all, it was arguing over who you loved best
“I’m her favourite!”
“No way Andy, I’m the obvious answer”
“Shut up Ransom, she likes me best!”
“No way Steve!”
But you always said to each of them you loved them the most
Separately of course
Even at the dinner table they argued
It didn’t matter where it was, or what it was about
Just as long as the three of them had different opinions it was always gonna escalate to yelling and more often than not, punching
They all each had special things that you’d do together
It was normal for you to hang out in Steve’s room most often since it was the calmest, although sometimes you left the room so he could talk to his boyfriend, Bucky Barnes, in private
Both Andy and you had movie binges, mostly horror and you hid in his arms but he wasn’t complaining
Ransom would say this was a lie anytime he got confronted but, you and him listened to audiobooks while he cuddled you. (Fun fact: Ransom is a big hugger whether or not he admits it)
As you all got older and the got into their late 20’s and still lived in the house, you moved into the end of primary school things started to change
They decided that they no longer wanted to live in the wreck they called their home and moved out and on with their separate lives
No longer were you in a house full of noise where your brothers were yelling about stupid stuff and running into your rooms at random moments and chatting with you for no reason
It was as though they had disappeared off of the face of the earth
And you were alone
For the longest time you wondered whether they had forgotten about you
Until one day your brother Ransom, pulled up outside the mansion in his beemer and sunglasses equipt
It was easily one of the biggest hugs you’ve ever given him
And you were pretty sure you saw him tear up after it but he just denied it immediately
So he took you to his house and broke the news to you that you now were living with him permanently not that you were complaining
You also found out Andy had got himself a job as an assistant district attorney
Which you had no idea what that meant, and Ransom didn’t either
And Steve has got himself a Job at Stark Industries where, coincidentally his childhood “friend” worked there as head
You were pretty sure he’d shagged him to get the job but…
And so then immediately Andy and Steve said they wanted to see you
Which you accepted, even though you were still a little salty they hadn’t been in contact with you for like 4 years
Steve may or may not have started crying to which your other two brothers rolled their eyes
Probably thinking “how am I related to this?”
The food was good at the takeout
Andy apologised for not coming to get you long before Ransom did
And you also found out he had a new born kid called Jacob
But you refused to be called aunt. It just sounded weird.
“So you're staying with Ransom?”
“Yep, if he’ll shut his gob”
He just rolled his eyes at you
“I forgot how fucking annoying you were”
After that Ransom picked up a new iPhone for you with one of his “many stacks of cash” as he put it, so you could keep in touch with your other brothers
And to call sos on them when you heard “sounds” coming from across the hall where his bedroom was
When you were in the middle of high school you went to live with Andy for awhile to give Ransom a breather from having a teenager in his house 24/7
You became quite good friends with the toddler despite the prominent age gap and you were even the person he came to when Jacob had nightmares
Something Andy took a photo of when he went to wake you up one morning when he found the two of you curled up on your bed
It was blackmail, so whenever you stole one of his T-shirt’s and added it to the pile of Ransoms sweaters you’d stole from him, sometimes you’d have to give it back so he didn’t send the picture to his brother
Only sometimes though
The boy still had pity in him
So then on a Friday night when you were watching a movie you suddenly got a text from your other brother, Steve
Apparently he was getting married?!
And guess to who?
Bucky fucking Barnes
Who would’ve thought.
Talk about childhood sweethearts
Andy was very proud of his brother for getting married and gave him advice for what to do and not what not to do
But Ransom though, he was pissed
Now he was gonna have to go to a wedding. A wedding.
You honestly couldn’t care less though, quite happy for my brother
Ransom was also surprised he was gay but we’ll just egnore him
The food was very nice there
You were even a bridesmaid, which you had objected to at first but Steve said you had to do it or else he wouldn’t even get married at all
Peer pressure that was.
Ransom hated everyone there
Apart from you of course
His own words, not yours
Everything went surprisingly well, your brother and Bucky both got their speech perfect and no one forgot any thing
After the ceremony and meal Steve decided he wanted to go out for takeout before the honeymoon with the four of you (that being his boyfriend husband, you, Ransom & Andy)
You sat across from the newly wedded couple and you and your brothers on the other side
Steve asked you where you’re gonna stay now
Ransom was quick to offer up his place
“It’s no big deal, she can stay me”
Andy just smirked
“What’re you bloody smirking about An’?”
he just denied it
“It’s really a pleasure to meet you (Y/N)”
Bucky told you, now directing his attention to you since you’d both not talked nearly the whole day
“Aren’t you like… my brother in law now?”
“Yeah, I am, only if you’d be willing to be my sister in law”
He was really quite nice
Ransom wasn’t so accepting though
Andy and Steve just told him to shut the fuck up
And that led to the three of them bickering the whole way home and occasionally a few hits, while you and Bucky just walked behind them shaking your heads
Brothers really never change
You would know
Written by me. Wattpad; @Lozzypoz321 Tumblr side acc; @padfootbuckster Pinterest; @lozzypoz321
PLEASE DON’T COPY MY WORK 💖
@marvel-ous-hobbit @snarky--starky @stargazingfangirl18 @rae-is-typing @canadianhufflepuffavenger @an-adventureland (if you would like to be added to the tag list, please don’t be afraid to ask!)
#steve rogers headcanon#ransom drysdale headcanon#andy barber headcanon#knives out#marvel#defending jacob#headcanon#AU#triplet au
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3x11: You Can't Run From Who You Are
After yet ANOTHER annoying hiatus, we're back.
We saw Clarke baby again! In the past, he and other men tried to blow up the mystery device to open it but it failed.
Super Squad is trying to get Cleo to use her powers of "inspiration" to inspire the crew to get an advantage for Malivore. Hope and Landon plan to astral project into the prison world to attempt to strike a deal with the Necromancer. The Necromancer is dead and a monster comes to eat his remains. Since they are not technically really in the prison world, nothing can see them, hear them, or touch them. However, Landon starts to get attacked but Hope steps in and gets injured. She sends Landon back since it's dangerous and she refuses to leave without the Necromancer. The wound she got in the prison world transferred over to her real body.
Josie comes back to the Salvatore School in search of Lizzie for some advice since her time at Mystic Falls isn't going so well. She runs into Wade who is dressed as a knight to protect the school. She takes the prism from him to talk to Lizzie since she's M.I.A. but ends up talking to Dark Josie. Dark Josie tells her that she can't have a happy human life because she can't deny being a witch; that's part of who she is. Landon comes in and asks for her help with Hope. They enlist help from Wade to identify what the monster is, and apparently, Hope would turn into the monster. By talking to Dark Josie, Josie knows where she can get the weapon but the catch is that she has to place a spell on it, which means getting her magic back. She does, and Landon stabs Hope in the heart, bringing her back to normal. When he does that, Wade makes a face. He brings up to Hope that there is something wrong with Landon and points out all the ways he's been different since he got back.
Ethan and MG watch over Finch as she sleeps and Ethan wonders why MG hasn't told Alaric yet. MG tells him that it's because he didn't want Alaric to find out that Ethan's memories hadn't been erased. Ethan leaves for school and Lizzie appears. She tells MG that Josie has a crush on Finch and that Finch had to have killed someone to be transforming. Finch wakes up and tells them that she's never killed anyone to which Lizzie asks her to prove it. They conduct a head dive the first time Finch turned, which takes them to a memory in the hospital while Finch was still very young. Her grandfather was dying and he vaguely told her about the werewolf curse and asked her to give him his "special candies" and she helped him take them. That whole thing honestly felt violating to me because who brings that upon a CHILD?! Finch gets upset and leaves. I wonder what her family's line is if that makes sense. I was really under the impression that all the werewolf lines died except for Crescent, I guess since that lies with Hope. Oh, and I guess Keelin's line too. Hmmm...
You know, I didn't like Matt, but I like how they have Ethan in a truck, like Matt had. It's a nice little nod.
Until next time!
#legacies#danielle rose russell#hope mikaelson#landon kirby#aria shahghasemi#milton greasley#mg#quincy fouse#ethan machado#leo howard#josie saltzman#kaylee bryant#lizzie saltzman#jenny boyd#dark josie
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Hi Skye!! 👁️✨ May I request a first kiss scenario with Jade? I'm so soft and you said you want fluffy ideas so maybe a little hand h*lding too...? Haha jk... unless..??
Take a Hike
Yuu sat at her desk, absentmindedly poking the eraser head of her pencil on her cheek. Laid before her was her homework for the night, which was almost finished. She sat on her stiff chair with one leg crossed over the other. Her foot did not quite touch the ground, and she kicked it around as a means to fidget. The girl stared out the window, not because there was anything quite worth seeing outside, but due to the rain outside. Droplets of water hit her bedroom window, and occasional bursts of lightning would light up grounds through this dusk. From the other side of the room, she heard grumbling from her roommate. Most likely he was frustrated with the homework assigned to him. Yuu knew how to pace her homework over a period of time, but Grim was one to put off things until last minute.
Heaving a sigh, Yuu set down her pencil and grabbed for her phone. She lightly tapped the power button to turn the screen on. No new messages. No notifications. Nothing. Dejectedly, she set the phone back down on her desk, and leaned back in her chair. Of course Yuu wasn’t expecting any messages, but she felt disappointed, nonetheless. A few weeks ago, she had approached Jade, and confessed her feelings to him. The girl was doubtful he would reciprocate, but figured it’d be no skin off her nose. She’d just get it off her chest and move on with life. Unexpectedly, after a time to ponder to himself, Jade said it sounded interesting, and agreed to be in a romantic relationship with Yuu. At the time, the girl’s heart had leapt out of her chest, and she was all smiles for a week. Afterward, however, no matter what Yuu would try, he’d never be available to make time for her.
Go for a walk after class? He’d have plans.
Meet up before class started for the day? He’d have plans.
Eat together at lunch? He, too, rejected that idea, mentioning something about not wanting to make their relationship public.
“It doesn’t even exist in private…” Yuu muttered to herself. Did he not know what it means to humans to be in a relationship? Is it different underseas? She grabbed her pencil again and flipped threw a few pages of her textbook. After finding the page she searched for, Yuu looked toward the window again, contemplating the thought that, perhaps Jade was just trying to be nice. Perhaps he didn’t want to date but didn’t want to outright reject her. Maybe he was just avoiding her until she called it off?
“Maybe I’ll just call it off tomorrow,” Yuu mumbled, returning her focus to her notebook. “One more question, then bed… Then I’ll ask if he wants to cut it off tomorrow…”
The girl couldn’t deny the squeezing feeling in her chest upon that thought, but found she had no other means to approach the situation.
-----
“Hey—Grim! Wait up!” Yuu called.
“You’re the one being slow!” Grim called back, about five meters ahead of her.
“There’s mud puddles everywhere!” she complained.
The night before brought more rainfall than anticipated. Throughout the path to school were a series of puddles. Not wanting to slip and fall into a puddle, the girl was being very careful to watch her steps.
“You’re gonna be late at that rate!”
“Well some of us can’t fly!”
Grim only responded with a laugh and continued to get farther away. With luck on her side, Yuu found herself with a few minutes to spare before class. As she powerwalked through the hallway, she was surprised to see a certain figure standing by her classroom door.
“Jade?”
“Oh, there you are,” he smiled toward her, walking a few steps in her direction.
“What’re you doing here?” A bit embarrassingly, Yuu was panting due to the hurry she was in. She tried to hide it but—
“In a bit of a rush this morning?”
“Uh, well—kinda,” Yuu averted Jade’s gaze, and timidly tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Oya, there must have been quite a lot of rain last night,” he chuckled to himself. “Speaking of rain, this weekend I was considering going mushroom hunting. The next few days will be a bit cool as well, so I expect to find quite a few. Would you care to join me?”
Yuu shot a look of surprise toward Jade, “Wha—?”
“That is if you’re interested,” he grabbed his chin and looked a bit bashful. “We’d leave early morning and expect not to return until evening. It’s similar to that of an all-day hike. Oh—of course we’d have food and water to nourish ourselves throughout the day.” He glanced toward Yuu expectantly.
Was…Was he asking her out on a date!? Yuu was astonished. Until now, she thought he wasn’t that interested in dating and was ready to break things off. Now she found her heart beating loudly in her chest and her cheeks flush a light shade of pink. The girl’s hair bounced as he vigorously nodded towards Jade. “Yeah! I’ll go! I’d love to!”
The eel smiled elatedly, “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll send you some advice and resources later in preparation. Now then, class is about to start, and I must be on my way. Until then.” Jade turned to leave and strolled in the direction of his classroom. Yuu could hear her heartbeat ring through her eardrums as she watched him leave.
-----
True to his word, Jade had messaged Yuu some advice and helpful tips for the upcoming Saturday. Yuu was all smiles when she opened her phone to find new messages from him. The message did not stray from the plans they had made, but she was happy to finally have something to talk about with Jade. Before and after school, she’d ask him a few questions here and there related to what she should bring or wear. His face would always light up with a smile when Yuu’d ask. Seeing him so excited about his hobbies made him seem so precious. On top of that, Yuu felt special to be invited along his adventures.
“Tomorrow is the day~” the girl hummed to herself. She laid on her bed on her stomach, reading through a few sources on her phone relevant to the next day. Yuu eagerly kicked her feet in the air as she read her screen. Eventually, she called it a night and double checked her alarm for the next morning before putting her phone away.
-----
“Oya, you look more prepared than I was expecting,” Jade commented at the sight of Yuu. He wore long black pants, a lightweight jacket, and a set of hiking boots. Hung over his shoulders was a hiking bag, presumingly stored with their food and water for the day. Yuu’s outfit was similar, also with a lightweight jacket, dark gray pants, along with her own set of durable hiking boots. She made a grin and posed. “Yup! I listened to all your advice!”
Jade chuckled pleasingly. “I see. Then, shall we be off?” He turned toward the mountainous landscape before them. “Yeah!” Yuu scampered toward him.
With the sunrise being only a few hours prior, the air felt chill as it brushed over Yuu’s face. The wind was not too strong that morning, but the girl was grateful she wore a windbreaker jacket to keep the cold air from penetrating her deeper. The ground was vast with evergreen trees, moss-covered rocks, and what sounded to be a small stream nearby. As they stepped through the grass, tips of the blades of grass still held some morning dew, causing the tops of their hiking boots became damp. The ground underneath was still cold and moist too. Yuu had to be cautious while she walked, since the terrain was rougher than she least expected. The girl was careful to follow Jade’s lead; he seemed to be very experienced with the area, or at least was good at adapting to changes of the topography.
Jade was quite thrilled when they found their first batch of mushrooms at the trunk of a nearby tree. He sweetly hummed to himself as he pinched the cap from its stem and placed it into a mesh bag. Yuu noted in her research the reason for the mesh bag was to help spread spores from the mushrooms to encourage more growth.
The morning was spent 90% walking and 10% actually finding and picking mushrooms. Jade found a number of different fungi growing about, but Yuu only managed to spot one before he did. Unfortunately for Yuu, the mushrooms she did find, Jade had said they were inedible. Her heart sank when she found out, and her mood began to spiral downward. Hours had passed since they began the day and her feet began to feel sore. He had mentioned bringing along food but had only given her a water bottle. Yuu’s stomach felt like it was about to concave from hunger, and she was hoping he’d propose a break soon.
However, a break never came. About twenty minutes after her thought of taking a break, he only offered her two granola bars from his backpack and kept trudging along. Jade seemed to be excited about the plentiful findings of the day, but more and more Yuu began to feel ignored. He’d run away without warning when he saw a bundle of mushrooms growing from the ground. When Yuu caught up to him, Jade would already be done picking them and continue on his way. Her legs grew sorer and more exhausted. She already had to quicken her pace to keep up with his longer stride, but eventually she let herself fall behind, doubting he’d even notice.
At some point, in the middle of a small forest, Yuu found a dead log to sit on. The log felt hard against her bottom, but it was a great relief for her legs. She could feel what she could presume would develop into blisters ache around her feet. The sun was overhead at this time, and rays of sunlight lit up spots of the forest floor. The girl held her head in her hands and leaned her elbows on her knees. Her eyes traced Jade’s movements as he waved through the trees, north to south, south to west, west to east, etc. Occasionally she’d see him pause at a certain spot ten meters away to crouch down and pick from another finding.
Yuu sighed, dejectedly scraping the heels of her boots into the forest ground. She felt forgotten about and questioned if he’d even remembered inviting her out here. It’d be unfortunate for her, but she wouldn’t be shocked if he left her in that forest alone. She laid her palms down behind her and leaned back on top of the log. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come…” she mumbled. Yuu absently stared at her surroundings, admiring the forest and its beauty. At least it was a nice day out and she was getting fresh air…
Abruptly, Yuu felt a bug crawl over one of her hands on the log and yelped in surprise. She shook her hand furiously and turned around to see what the culprit may have been, but what actually caught her eyes was—
“Oh, a fairy ring,” Yuu said. From behind, she heard a set of footsteps approach. When she turned around, she saw Jade walking toward her.
“You shrieked earlier, Yuu. Are you okay?” he asked.
“Jade!” she excitedly called out to him, “Look at this! I’m surprised you didn’t see this!”
Yuu hopped off the log and walked a few meters. She approached a cluster of mushrooms in a circle formation. “There’s a fairy ring over here!” she smiled gleefully, crouching down beside it.
“A fairy ring?” he asked quizzically. Jade climbed over the log and walked toward her. “I only see a collection of mushrooms though?” The eel crouched down beside her. “Though I’m unfamiliar with this species…” He reached down to pick one, but Yuu pushed his hand away. “No, you’re not supposed to disturb the ring!”
Jade blinked toward her, astonished she had made that sudden movement. “Why?”
Yuu grinned ecstatically. “Heehee~ You don’t know?” she teased. “I just read about them last night. There’s a bunch of different beliefs surrounding them. Some say fairies will dance around the ring, or sit on the mushrooms to use for tables, or for umbrellas. The ring might also be a portal between the fairy world and this world—though we have fairies here so that may not be the case?”
“Ohhhh?” Jade smiled as he balanced his cheek on his fist. He was smiling toward her, but she did not notice.
“But don’t step into the ring!” Yuu continued. “You might die young, become invisible to the mortal world, or be unable to escape the ring. I don’t remember the details, but you’re also not supposed to disturb the ring.”
“I see. It’s a good thing I brought you here, otherwise I may have taken all these mushrooms and endangered myself to an early death,” Jade said.
Yuu giggled, “Well, I’m not sure how much of that is true though.” She stared down toward the mushrooms, absently holding out her finger as if too poke one. Jade smoothly grabbed her hand and used it as leverage to pull Yuu closer to him. Suddenly, she felt his warm lips over hers. He placed a hand on the side over her head to cradle and pull her in closer. Yuu’s eyes were wide in shock at first, and her chest felt like it was going to burst. Eventually, however, she found herself leaning into the kiss, and shut her eyes. His lips felt soft on hers, but as the kiss continued, he almost seemed…hungry.
After a few moments, Jade withdrew his lips, but Yuu found herself leaning closer toward him in a futile attempt to continue. Her eyes fluttered open as he lightly traced his fingertip down her jaw and to her chin. With a teasing smirk on his face, he whispered, “Don’t you disturb the ring either. I can’t let you be whisked away or see an early death.”
The girl’s face flushed red as she stared into Jade’s affectionate eyes. Yuu was so happy she decided to tag along.
“Now then, my dear,” Jade stood up and grabbed Yuu’s hand to help her up as well. “I must apologize for my behavior today. I was so entrapped by the numerous findings, I neglected you. You don’t have much experience with hiking around all day, so I’m sure your feet are sore.”
Yuu shook her head, “N-No! It’s fine! I’m fine!”
Jade made a bitter smile and shook his head this time. “Either way, thank you for coming with me today. I’ve already filled two bags in half a day, which must be a record. Yuu, you must be a good luck charm.” He beamed, and Yuu could feel her heart skip a beat. “Let’s call it a day here. I’ll cook you something with the mushrooms I found today as thanks.”
“Okay…” she mumbled, coyly twirling her hair.
Jade led Yuu on a path for the way back to Night Raven College. This time around, when Jade walked in front of her, he’d occasionally look back to make sure she was not too far behind him. When he saw she was a few meters away, he’d wait in his tracks for her to catch up before continuing on. Part of the path included a steep hill that made it difficult to descend. He had warned her to watch her step, but along the way, she lost her footing and fell on her behind.
“Ow ow ow…” Yuu groaned.
“Are you okay? You must have lost your footing,” Jade walked up to her and offered his hand. Yuu nodded and reached for his hand. The eel helped her to her feet and kept a hold of her hand. He guided her the rest of the way down the hill until a flatter area.
However, he did not let go of her hand. Jade’s finger’s were entwined with hers. Yuu glanced toward their hands then up toward him. He just smiled back at her, “This way you don’t fall again, or at least, I’ll use that as an excuse.” Yuu felt her heart pound and her face grow hot. She squeezed his hand a bit and felt a smile grow on her face.
The two continued to hold hands for the rest of the trip home.
-----
There you are taku! 🥰
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You’re my river running high, run deep run wild || Modern!Finan x OC
Summary : It’s Saegyth’s first year at university and she didn’t count in the equation to fall for an handsome Irishman.
Warnings : A LOT OF FLUFF
A/N : WEEKS I’VE BEEN WRITING THIS! But god i’m happy with it! I thought it would be a good idea to write their meeting and how they ended up together in modern AU eheh. I hope you’ll enjoy!
Take Me to Another Lifetime Masterlist
You’re my river running high, run deep run wild
"I hope you're coming tonight."
Saegyth paused, stopping to put her notebook in her bag. She frowned at her friend. "Coming where?" She asked confusedly.
Gisela rolled her eyes as she grabbed her bag. "To the mentor meeting party, Saegyth."
"Oh. Well…" She finished packing her stuff, searching how to answer her. "I'm not sure I'm in the mood to go out."
"Of course you are!" Gisela snapped, a little upset. "Saegyth you've spent the summer away from every party, now is about time for you to go out."
Saegyth sighed, walking past Gisela and climbing the stairs of the amphitheatre. Her friend was following her close, staring at her intently, in a way she hated : Gisela was right, Saegyth knew it and Gisela knew she knew it. And she hated that look.
"Alright, I'll come." She exhaled and Gisela made a little enthusiastic jump. She couldn't help but shook her head in amusement. "But only because of the mentors. Some advice could be welcomed, I am already lost with this class."
"Oh don't worry!" Gisela mischievously smiled. "I'm pretty sure your handsome mentor will be of good help." She winked at her as they headed to another class.
Gisela had spent the rest of the day making sure Saegyth would come tonight and when she estimated that she was taking too much time to arrive, she harassed her with texts. Saegyth rolled her eyes at the fifth message she sent her since she had stepped in the subway before taking a quick look at herself in the window's reflection. It was strange to see makeup on her face after such a long time.
She pushed the thoughts away, wanting to prevent the feelings to overtake, when she heard the voice announcing her station. She found Gisela waiting in front of the bar's door, a huge smile blessing her face.
"I am so happy you are here!"
"Like I had the choice." Saegyth pointed out but Gisela ignored her and kindly pushed her inside.
The moment she made a step in, she felt overwhelmed by the music and the voices in the room. A young man immediately welcomed them, asking for their student cards and then handed them a box with small papers.
"Pick one, it's the mentors' names, then you can search yours. They wear a badge with their name." He explained, pointing at his own.
Saegyth took one and unfolded it. Quickly she felt her friend's eyes looking at the name above her shoulder.
"Finan. Sounds pretty Irish." She noticed and then leaned to her ear to whisper. "I bet he has a very sexy accent."
"Do I need to remind you that you have a boyfriend ?" She tilted her head, and Gisela chuckled.
"Go find your Irishman, and I'll go in search of a certain Hild." The brown woman waved her hand and disappeared in the crowd leaving her on her own.
Saegyth took a brief look around, her fingers playing with the edge of her leather jacket, there were several small groups of people but she noticed one composed only of mentors. She walked in their direction and once she was close enough, she started to read their badges. Eventually her eyes fell on one written 'Finan' on.
She looked up to see his face, he was half a head taller than her and at how large and strong his shoulders seemed to be under his shirt, she guessed he was athletic. He had dark hair that he must have struggled to keep ruled and a thin beard was covering his jaw. He was talking to another man and when he stopped speaking to take a sip of his beer, she took the occasion to make herself known.
"Excuse me, you're Finan, right?"
He slowly turned his head to her and she noticed how his eyes seemed to spark. They were brown, a deep and dark brown, but somehow they seemed to shine.
"That's me. I'm your mentor I guess?" He briefly looked at her from feet to head while she was cursing Gisela for being right again : he had an Irish accent, and it was kinda hot.
She handed him the small paper that he took, his fingers briefly brushing hers. He grinned, reading the name and stared at her again, and she felt suddenly weak in front of this bright smile of his.
"Indeed, that's me. And so, ya're?"
"Saegyth." She smiled.
"It's nice to meet ya."
For a moment, an awkward silence settled between them, during which Finan rubbed his hand on his trousers. Eventually, he clapped it on his thigh before designating the counter behind him.
"Let me offer ya a drink?" He proposed.
Saegyth opened her mouth, but a brief instant passed before she was able to answer. "Oh no, I'll pay."
He shook his head. "I'd insist. I offered a drink last year to the guy I mentored. I wouldn't want to create any inequality." He winked before mentioning to the counter.
She resolved herself to follow him and gladly accepted the beer he paid for her.
"So, why are ya in a law school?" He curiously asked, sitting on one of the high chairs.
She sat next to him, thanking the waiter who put the beer bottle in front of her. "Well, I don't know exactly what I am going to do, but I'll say that my strong sense of justice led me here." She shrugged and it seemed to amuse him. "Really original, isn't it?"
"Pretty common, indeed. But it was probably the same for me." He explained and she noticed light tension in his smile.
"But, you must have a better idea of what you want to do now."
"Aye, I'd like to specialize in environmental law." He leaned back in the chair. "It's kinda far from my original idea, but I feel like I'll be more useful."
Saegyth narrowed her eyes, taken by a sudden curiosity concerning the reasons of his studies choices, but she didn't ask any question, fearing it could be too private. And after all, she knew him for only a few minutes.
Instead she led their conversation into a more academic one, asking him about the conduct of the first year. He was pretty comfortable while speaking, always smiling and she wondered if his cheeks would ache at the end of the night. But she couldn't deny enjoying how his cheerfulness was contagious.
From the corner of her eyes, she caught Gisela walking toward them. "Gisela!" Her friend stopped next to her and awkwardly fixed Finan. "Finan, my best friend Gisela."
Finan tilted his head. "Aye, I think I know. Ya're Uhtred's girlfriend."
"And you're playing in the same rugby club than him, right?" Finan nodded and she chuckled turning to Saegyth. "The world is really small." She said, her eyebrows lightly rising.
"It seems." Saegyth climbed down the chair, her hands pulling the skirt of her dress to keep it in place. "Well, I'm not going to hog you much longer, Finan. Thank you for everything."
"That's normal." He waved his hand before resting it on his phone. "Maybe I can give ya my number, if ya have other questions."
Saegyth opened her mouth to reply that it wasn't necessary, that his email address was already on the paper, but Gisela spoke first. "Oh you should, I took Hild's. Emails are easily lost in a thousand others." She pretended to be exasperated, but Saegyth could see through her acting.
She looked from her best friend to Finan, he was still staring at her, waiting for her answer. "Alright, why not?"
She took her phone and saved his number after sending him a 'Hi!'. He gave her a small smile when his phone rang. "Enjoy the night, then. And if ya've any questions, don't hesitate."
"I won't."
…
"Yes, I promise I'll come next weekend, Mom."
Saegyth walked her way in the streets of Winchester to the bookshop. She had left the flat a few minutes ago and almost as soon as she stepped outside, her phone had rung, her mother's number appearing.
It had been two weeks now since the first day of class and Saegyth hadn't taken the time to go back home, in Dorchester, to see her parents who were growing restless. This time, she guessed she didn't have other choices than be true to her words and plan to go back next week.
"Mom, I have to let you, I'm going to the bookshop. I'll text you later." She said once she was at the shop's door.
When she came in, it was calm and there was the usual smell of new books floating in the building. She walked between the shelves searching for some law books her teachers advised her. She was reading attentively each of the books' titles and startled when she heard someone suddenly talking to her. She turned quite abruptly and widened her eyes as she recognized the young man.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya." Finan apologetically smiled.
She shook her head and chuckled lightly. "No that's alright, I just wasn't expecting you." She looked at his outfit briefly and noticed he was wearing the same jacket as other staff members and a pin with his name again. "Are you working here?" She immediately cursed herself for such a stupid question.
"Aye, I do. I've to pay my charges." He shrugged and she nodded with a thin smile. "So… I was askin' if ya needed any help?"
She hesitated a moment, looking back to the shelves. It was the first time she was seeing him since the party, and in fact, that she was speaking to him as well. She hadn't texted him and neither did he, and she kinda expected them to forget each other quickly. She eventually grabbed her phone and showed him the reference of a book.
"I'm searching for this book, do you think you have it?" She kindly asked him.
"Maybe in the storeroom." He frowned. "Don't move, I'll be back in a minute."
She watched him disappear in a small alley and waited patiently. While he was away, she felt the same curiosity about him tickle her thoughts. He came back not long after with the book as promised. She thanked him when he handed it to her. She expected them to go back to their respective occupations, but strangely they both remained there in silence.
"So, how's class goin' for ya?" He finally asked.
She crossed her arms, the book pressed against her chest. "It's fine, really interesting. Though I'm a little bit lost sometimes. There's a lot of new notions."
He chuckled and she found it as contagious as the last time, a smile growing unintentionally on her face. "The first month I thought my head would explode. But you'll see, everythin' slowly connects and makes sense."
"I trust you, but I'd like it to come sooner." She admitted. "I'm totally lost with history."
"Maybe I could help ya, I don't work on sundays." He proposed, his fingers drumming on a shelf.
Once again Saegyth hesitated, though something in her was screaming for her to accept. "Why not? But the university's library is closed on sundays."
He nodded his head, giving her a point. "Ya can come to my flat if ya want."
"Alright." She quickly replied, maybe too quickly. She pinched her lips and hugged the book more against her, suddenly wondering if it was a good idea. "Tomorrow, then?"
"Tomorrow." He repeated with a smile. "I'll text ya my address."
Later, when she went back into her small room in the university campus and called Gisela to tell her what happened, she thought she was going to have a heart attack.
"I talked to Uhtred about him, he told me he was single." Her friend said, and she could imagine her mischievous smirk even if she was trying to sound innocent.
"And what do you want me to do with that information?" She asked, dropping her new book on the desk of her university room.
"Oh, nothing, I'm just saying." Saegyth rolled her eyes. "Though he seems to be a nice guy. Have you heard that he was part of the group organizing the parties of the university."
"Then that explains why he is single. His bed must be occupied by too many different girls for an actual girlfriend to stay." She replied and Gisela sighed through the phone.
"Why do you have to make such easy conclusions?" She sounded exasperated, what Saegyth could understand.
Gisela had tried the whole summer to bring her out, to see other people and mostly forget one person.
"Listen, what I want you to understand is that you can't just keep yourself from meeting someone nice because of your dumbass ex-boyfriend." She said with her mom's voice, and of course she was always right when using it.
"I'm not-"
"Yes, you are." Gisela cut her. "He ruined your summer, he won't ruin your first year in university."
Saegyth dropped on the chair, resting her phone on a pile of books and activating the speaker. "It doesn't mean it has to be Finan. I barely know him, Gisela."
"No, but I have a good feeling about him." She said, confident, and it made Saegyth chuckle.
"If you do, then."
…
The next afternoon, Saegyth was in front of Finan's building's door. It was a rather old one and the red door was, well, not that red anymore. His apartment was in the old Winchester, but not far from the university, in contrast to the student residence she was living in that was in a much more recent district.
She looked at the interphone, searching Finan's name but she couldn't find it. So she resolved herself to send him a message. After a few minutes, she heard the sound of the door unlocking and she finally got face to face with a delighted Finan.
"Hi! Sorry for makin' you wait." He said, rubbing the back of his neck.
Saegyth stepped in the hall, briefly taking a look to the staircase. "That's alright, it wasn't raining."
Finan laughed kindly before telling her to follow him. They stopped at the fourth floor, Saegyth making a side note in her mind that it was time to go back into sport. He opened his door and let her in. Surprisingly, the interior of his flat looked much more recent than the building. It wasn't big, the door opening right next to the kitchen that seemed to have recently been renovated. Further there was a small living room and two doors that she supposed were leading to his bedroom and bathroom.
"Ya can put your things on the couch." She nodded and dropped her bag and coat. "Do ya want to drink somethin'?" He asked when she was resting her notebook on the kitchen's table, already grabbing a glass on a shelf.
"Water will be good. Thank you."
An hour later, the table was covered with books and papers, Saegyth taking notes as Finan explained her the role of the preator at Rome. Narrated by Finan, the lesson sounded much more interesting, he was undeniably a very good storyteller. And he seemed to enjoy it, adding even some extra details that he learned by himself.
"You'd make a good teacher." She told him after he gave her some tips for her essay.
"I doubt havin' enough patience for that." He chuckled lightly.
"You had, with me." She replied, putting her notes back in her folder.
Finan shook his head. "That's only because ya're a good student."
She turned her head to him and couldn't help but blush at how intense and hypnotizing his eyes were. He was smiling kindly and she wondered when was the last time she found a man's smile beautiful. Finan's one was handsome, but also childish, which she found endearing.
She blinked and looked away when she realised it had been too long since she started to stare at him, chewing her bottom lips. "Thank you." She tried to hide her embarrassment, but Finan seemed happy with it, still grinning.
Saegyth packed up her things back in her bag once they were done and Finan accompanied her down stairs.
"Thank you again for your help. It's really nice."
Finan waved his hands as if it was nothing. "It's alright, t'was a pleasure to help ya." He opened the door and she made a step outside. "We can do it next Sunday too, if ya want."
"Oh, I promised my mother to come back for the weekend." She explained, but she couldn't help but add when she noticed the ounce of disappointment on his face: "But maybe Friday, I don't have any classes in the morning."
"Alright then."
…
"How did you have such a good grade?" Osferth asked, leaning on Saegyth's table and taking a look at the paper.
"She has a private teacher." Gisela grinned next to her and their new friend looked at them confusedly, Saegyth elbowing her best friend.
Osferth had been sitting on the table in front of them in most of the classes and they eventually started to sympathize. He was honestly the sweetest man she ever met, always kind and smiling.
"She's saying stupidities." Saegyth rolled her eyes.
"Am I?" The reflection made her win another glare and she chuckled.
But she wasn't totally wrong, in the past two months Finan had been helping her a lot with her lessons, to the point that she was spending every sundays afternoon at his flat, or fridays morning when she was going back to Dorchester for a weekend to see her family. And this, even when she had no problem understanding the class anymore. So they would just study together, and simply enjoy each other's company.
And Saegyth was undoubtedly appreciating Finan's company, he had always the good word to make her smile. But she liked even more to make him laugh, the way his dark eyes were narrowing, creating small crinkles in the corner of them, terribly endearing to her and making her heart flutter. Sometimes they would cross each other at University, have a small talk and as soon as he was gone, Gisela would tease her by saying she was blushing again. Which, in fact, was probably true.
"The boys have a match Saturday." Gisela told her one day during the break the teacher just allowed. "I'm going to watch Uhtred. But you should come... to see him play." She winked, not even bothering to specify who she was talking about anymore.
"I know nothing of rugby, Gisela." Saegyth replied, correcting something in her notes.
Her friend rolled her eyes. "Do you think I know better? But Uhtred likes when I come, and honestly it's sight to be seen." She whispered in her ear, smirking, and Saegyth glared at her.
"Please, keep your dirty thoughts for yourself." She chuckled, despite pretending to be shocked.
"Alright, alright! Though you owe him that. He's been helping you for two months now, I'm sure he'll be happy to see you there."
And that's how she found herself, a Saturday afternoon in the stands of Winchester's rugby field with Gisela. The boys were playing against Lunden's team, which seemed to be a good one as the score was tied the whole match. Saegyth easily recognized Finan, he was in front, always alert at where the ball was, ready to jump and catch it. She had always noticed how strong and large his shoulders were and didn't expect him to be so fast as he ran across the field. His teammates cheered him when he fell in the grass between the two pillars forming the goal with the ball.
When the arbitrator whistled the end of the match, Winchester was 3 points ahead. She stood up with the other spectators, applauding them with a pride smile on her face. Gisela was even more excited, her hand curved around her mouth as she screamed that Winchester's team was the best.
"Come, let's congratulate them." She grinned, taking Saegyth's hand before she could protest.
They climbed down the stairs of the stands and approached the group created around the coach. Gisela cheered again when Uhtred started to walk towards them. She ran to hug him, but stopped when she noticed how sweaty her boyfriend was. Saegyth couldn't help but laugh as Uhtred sighed desperately. She liked her best friend's man, he was two years older than them and already working to be part of the police.
"Ya here, that's a surprise."
Saegyth turned on her heels, startled by Finan's voice. He was standing right in front of her, his cheeks red, his hair messier than ever and his shirt sticking to his body, revealing the shape of his pecs and abs. She couldn't help but remember Gisela's words : a sight to be seen. And once again, she was right.
"A good one, I hope."
His face broke in a smile as he ran a hand in his hair. "Aye, it is."
Her teeth sunk in the flesh of her lower lip, his eyes were detailing her silently, and she thought she would melt. "Congratulations!" She said, trying to ease the tension between them. "I don't know anything about rugby but I understood you played well."
"Well, thank ya." He cheerfully laughed. He looked aside a brief moment when someone called his name, his teammates taking the direction of the locker room. He shouted that he was coming before turning to Saegyth. "We're goin' to celebrate at the bar tonight, d'ya wanna join?"
She hesitated, looking around as if the answer would be written somewhere, but finally nodded. "Why not?"
…
The music in the bar was loud when Saegyth walked in with Uhtred and Gisela, the young man having proposed to drive them here. Almost immediately, Uhtred, that she learned in the car was in fact the captain of the team, was greeted by his friends. Their complicity really was heartwarming to see and she and Gisela laughed lightly.
They both headed to the bar, Gisela ordering a virgin mojito, she promised she'd drive them back home, and Saegyth a not virgin one. She frowned when she felt her friend's eyes intently studying her with a smirk.
"What?" She asked before catching the straw of her cocktail between her lips.
"Oh nothing, I just noticed you look particularly pretty tonight." Gisela replied, looking away.
"Am I not always?" She raised an eyebrow, a grin pulling her lips.
Gisela laughed. "Of course you always are." She kissed her cheek before sipping her drink. "But it's been a long time since the last time I saw you liked that. And let me tell you, I'm really happy about it."
Saegyth smiled fondly at her best friend. She was right, she hadn't spent so much time preparing herself for a party in months. Fortunately, Gisela had always insisted on her having a party dress at her room in the campus, otherwise she'd have to content herself with a shirt and trousers. Saegyth loved this dress, last time she had worn it was at her birthday party, last year, for her 18th birthday. It seemed to be such a long time ago now. It was black with a soft fabric, the skirt falling just above her knees.
"Thank you, Gisela." She squeezed her hand before looking above her shoulder, hearing the noisy team behind them.
There was a line of shots on a table and a player, tall but thinner than most of the boys, was drinking them one by one. Saegyth quickly understood that he was called Sihtric as the others were shouting his name. She amusingly shook her head and as she did, her eyes caught Finan. She blushed, realizing he was already looking at her. He raised his beer in greeting, his usual grin lighting his face. He was wearing the same shirt that during the tutors' party but a different pants and she chewed her inner jaw, wondering how the hell she was remembering that.
"I'm going to join Uhtred. You should go and join him." Gisela said in her ear before walking away.
Saegyth sighed and started to walk towards the Irishman, her heart beating faster at each step.
"Hi!" She smiled, raising her cocktail as he did with his beer before.
"Heya!" He clinked the tip of his bottle with the edge of her glass. "I'm glad ya came."
"You doubted I would come?" She asked before bringing her drink to her lips.
His eyes followed her movement before turning to his friends. "Well, a loud rugby team isn't always the best company."
Saegyth chuckled, looking as another guy was drinking his own shots, the others encouraging him. "Loud is the word indeed." She admitted as her clear eyes met his own again. "How long have you been playing with them?"
He frowned, thinking. "Two years? I joined the team when I arrived in Winchester, but I've been playin' since I'm a wee boy." He explained to her before drinking a gulp of his beer.
"So it's not been a long time since you're here." He shook his head. "You must miss Ireland, no?" She asked but regretted immediately when his smile dropped for a minute.
His jaw twitched nervously and he leaned more against the wall behind him. "Not really…" He grimaced. "T'is a little complicated."
Now that they had broached the subject, Saegyth realized that when she had occasionally talked to him about her family, but he had never mentioned his own. "It's alright, if you're happy here, it's the most important." She said to ease him, not wanting to make the situation more uncomfortable for him.
And she was glad that he gave her a gentle smile, one that warmed her whole body. She hadn't felt that way in months, and even the last time she did, it wasn't as strong as with him. She stopped to breath for a moment when he brought his hand to her face, his fingers delicately bringing a strand of her hair that had fallen in front of her eyes, back behind her ear. His fingertips brushed her cheek and she couldn't guess if it was the blood suddenly rising or his touch that burnt her.
"I should present ya to the others." He said, his hand falling back to his side.
She was tempted to refuse, to say that she'd rather stay just with him, but it sounded immediately awkward in her mind. And being awkward was the last thing she wanted. So she nodded and followed him. He presented her to a few of his friends, including Sihtric, that she had noticed earlier, that Finan described as one of his closest friends with Uhtred. He was sympathetic, though the alcohol was making him speak loudly. One of the boys proposed to her a shot of rum, that she accepted, grimacing when the alcohol slightly burnt her throat. She put down the small glass and when she looked around, Finan wasn't by her side anymore, and she couldn't deny the disappointment she felt.
She kept talking with some of the players, each talking of their own studies or works until someone grabbed her hand. "Come dance with me!" Gisela prompted her, dragging her to the dance floor.
"Slowly Gisela, I'm drunk." She laughed as she followed her, careful to not stumble.
Once they were in the middle of the crowd, it was as if Saegyth's mind couldn't think of anything else but the music playing around them. She found herself dancing with her best friend on I Love It by Icona Pop, shouting the lyrics and jumping in rhythm. They probably looked ridiculous, but she couldn't care less. She was smiling so much, her cheeks were hurting while her head was spinning. Though she didn't stop, it had been so long since the last time she had so much fun.
A few songs passed until Uhtred stole her Gisela to dance. She was out of breath and in need of a little break. She succeeded to find a way out of the dancefloor and she dropped on the nearest bench seat.
"Tired?" Finan asked her with an amused smile, sitting next to her.
She shook her head. "I just need a break. Christ I'm thirsty." She sighed and he handed her his beer, half filled. "Do you drink only beers?" She asked him, gladly welcoming the drink.
He laughed, and maybe it was the alcohol but she was now sure it was the most beautiful sound she had heard in her entire life.
"I'm Irish." He grinned and she chuckled with him.
She drank a few gulps and gave him back the bottle. "I thought you had disappeared."
Finan leaned a little toward her, his brown pupils mesmerising her. "Why d'ya care? Did ya miss me?" He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting, and she noticed his accent was thicker now that he was probably drunk too.
She leaned forward as well, holding his gaze and grinned. "Maybe."
She knew the alcohol was probably the first to blame for the mess happening in her mind, but Finan was undoubtedly close. His knee was touching hers and it almost felt too much. She couldn't just stay here and simply stare at him, though she didn't want to leave him. She was about to speak but he was faster.
"D'ya wanna dance?" He asked and she immediately nodded.
He stood up and gave her his hand, she looked alternately at his face and his palm a few times before grabbing it. When earlier, she had wished Gisela to let go of her hand the quickest possible so she could dance, now she wanted Finan to keep holding it, even when they were finally in the middle of the dancers. When he released her, I Follow Rivers was now playing in the bar. Saegyth loved that song, it made her want to dance but rhythm was soft enough to make her movements slow. She smiled at Finan who definitely wasn't the greatest dancer but seemed to enjoy the moment. He grabbed her hand and made her twirl, her laugh barely audible with the music.
After a few twirls, her head was spinning again, and she had to hold his shoulders to not stumble, his hands on her waist to keep her straight. The song was suddenly calm and they could now hear each other's chuckles. Finan leaned down to her ear, his hot breath caressing her skin.
"Ya're beautiful." He said, his voice or the words, or maybe both making her shiver.
He moved away but his face was still close to hers. Now the singer's voice was only accompanied by the piano, it was her favourite part, and her lips were instinctively forming the lyrics, but her whole attention was on Finan. She couldn't keep her eyes away from him, his eyelids half closed and his nose touching hers. It was like the time had stopped and all she could feel was his breath on her mouth and how she was craving for their lips that seemed to be attracted by an invisible force to finally collide. She closed her eyes when his hand moved to the side of her face, his thumb brushing her skin. His forehead touched hers and her heart was racing as fast the rhythm of the music that had started to accelerate.
Then suddenly everything vanished. When she opened her eyes Finan wasn't looking at her anymore, but at his friend Sihtric, his arms around the Irishman's shoulders and his face as pale as a ghost.
"Finan, I think I'm going to throw up." Sihtric stammered.
"Fuck off." He grumbled and started to drag his friend to the toilets, letting Saegyth on her own in the middle of the crowd.
It took her a moment to realize what just happened, her breath slow and her gaze lost. She was feeling so empty, the suddenness blowing her clear. She went back to reality when she felt arms wrapping around her neck from behind her back. She blinked several times until she turned her head and recognized Gisela.
"Are you alright?" She frowned.
"Yes." She breathed and her friend nodded.
"It's time to go."
…
Saegyth shivered at the cold water as she turned on the shower. Her head was hurting because of her hangover, but it could have been worse. She rubbed her face vigorously before untangling her hair with her fingers. As she washed herself, memories of the party came back to her mind until the moment she was dancing with Finan and she felt her cheeks grow hot. They were supposed to see each other, as every Sunday, today and she had no idea how she should react once she'd be with him. Of course they had been both drunk, but she had truly wanted him to kiss her. And now she doubted she could ever face him without feeling utterly uncomfortable.
She hesitated to text Gisela about what happened, and when she finally did, she first received a mess of random capital letters. Eventually, she told her to try to act as usual, which Saegyth already knew almost impossible, and that another occasion would come soon enough. The blonde was doubtful, what if he only wanted to have fun? That this kiss that never happened meant nothing to him.
She reluctantly went to his flat at the usual hour and sent him a message when she was in front of the building. He quickly opened her and to her surprise, he seemed as uncomfortable as her. She couldn't tell if it was reassuring her or not. Once they were in his flat, she started to remove her stuff from her bag.
"So, did ya like the party yesterday?" He asked sitting in front of her.
She briefly looked up to him and she felt like he was trying to read her mind. "I did." She replied, avoiding his eyes.
"I'm sorry for Sihtric, this idiot can't hold his liquor." He said, holding back a laugh.
She bit her lips, wondering if he was sorry for the interruption Sihtric occured or just for his presence in general. "It's alright." She smiled, still looking away.
"Good."
They studied silently that day, for a moment she almost forgot his presence, until she raised her gaze and crossed his. His pen was twirling between his fingers in a practiced move and he seemed to take a deep breath.
"What?" She carefully asked when his lips parted slightly to speak, but he hesitated.
He stopped to play with his pen and looked down to his notebook. "It's just… Yesterday when we were dancin'…"
"Yes?" She cut him, her breath short.
He raised his gaze and he stared at her for a moment before finally speaking again. "Well, I meant it when I said ya were beautiful. And I also intended to kiss ya, before this idiot arrived." He grumbled the last words.
Saegyth was looking at him with wide eyes. Her teeth brushed her lower lips before she pretended to concentrate again on her work, when she actually just tried to hide her smile. "Thank you."
He kept watching, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. "Aye, ya're welcome." He repeated, visibly destabilised.
They worked silently again until this time it was the sound of rain that interrupted them. Through the window, Saegyth could see the dark sky and heavy drops crashing violently against the pane. She sighed, already imagining how wet to the bones she'd be when finally to her room.
"Ya can stay here if ya want." Finan proposed to her.
She shook her head. "I don't want to bother you."
"I wouldn't propose if ya were." He said, tilting his head and kindly smiling.
And so she accepted. They both put their things away, judging they had worked enough for today and instead they started to work on their dinner. She took a look at the content of his fridge with him and they came to the conclusion that they should do pastas with cooked zucchinis. Finan declared that he could make the pastas, and Saegyth realized how what she thought was the easiest thing on Earth to cook could actually be difficult.
"Oh my god Finan, didn't you watch the time?" She exclaimed after tasting a definitely overcooked pasta.
"I forgot." He grimaced, staring at the disaster. He waved his hands when she gave him a desperate look. "What? I was distracted." He said in his defence.
She huffed amusingly. "You were?" She raised an eyebrow.
He nodded, leaning slightly above her. "Aye, but ya should watch your pan, or we'll eat burned zucchinis with my delicious pastas."
She laughed before narrowing her eyes. "I'm not that easily distracted." She declared, crossing her arms. He raised an eyebrow again, challenging her. But she turned around and took a wooden spoon to turn the vegetables in the pan. "It's almost ready, maybe you can set the table."
"Yes ma'am!" He said obediently and she rolled her eyes.
Fortunately, the zucchinis weren't burned, but they still had to eat the overcooked pastas. Though, she succeeded to forget this fact as her whole mind was focused on the man sitting in front of her. She couldn't help but think about last night again, what he said earlier, and if it would happen again tonight. There would be no music and, thank God, no Sihtric to interrupt them. The thought remained in the corner of her mind, as they talked.
This time their discussion seemed more personal than usual. In an hour she learned more of him than in the past two months. He, surprisingly, vaguely talked of why he left Ireland, saying he just wanted to get away from his family. She didn't push the discussion further, remembering his reaction last night, but felt honoured that he decided to share a little of it with her.
When they finished dinner, it was still raining like it was the Great Flood.
"You're sure I can stay here for the night?" She asked him, not wanting to take advantage of his kindness.
He turned around, taking the plate she was handing him. "I'm sure." He confirmed before turning again and putting the plate on the pile on a shelf.
"Thank you very much." She waited for him to face her to continue. "For everything you did for me since we met. You didn't have to."
"That's where ya're mistaking." He replied, leaning against the counter. "I did have to."
She confusedly frowned at him, there wasn't any smirk on his face and she suddenly got scared she had been mistaking on in fact everything.
"I had to do all of this, not only because it felt right to do so, but also because I wanted to see ya."
She felt like her heart had suddenly stopped to beat as she kept holding his gaze. He stepped toward her until she had to lift her chin slightly to look at him in the eyes.
"So it wasn't pure charity." She teased and she felt satisfied as the sound of his warm laugh reached her ears.
"Not totally." He admitted with a lopsided smile.
"We have a common point then." He raised a brow and she smirked. "I kept coming because I also wanted to see you."
He chuckled again, his eyes sparking as he detailed her face. And slowly, despite the lack of music, the same tension that last night grew between them. His palm cupped the side of her face, his thumb grazing in the same tender way on her cheek as he leaned his face down to hers. When his nose touched hers, she closed eyes, his hot breath mixing with hers. And finally, she felt his lips against hers, his kiss so delicate she felt as if she was a masterpiece.
When he moved away, she was smiling fondly, her whole body shivering at what just happened. She opened her eyes and was pleased to see the same expression on Finan's face.
"I feel like a girl who just had her first kiss." She confessed, blushing.
Finan grinned, his hand sliding in her hair. "Let's not make it the last then."
She gladly welcomed his mouth, this time more eager, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. There was something almost natural with kissing him, as if it had always been meant to be. His hands slid down her waist to rest on her hips, but he didn't go further. When they separated, both out of breath, Finan pressed a kiss on her forehead.
"We should go to sleep." He said and she reluctantly nodded.
Saegyth had obviously nothing to wear for the night, so Finan lent her a t-shirt and sweatpants. When she walked out of the bathroom, she frowned at him as he was dropping a cushion and a cover on the couch.
"What are you doing?" She asked him, confused.
He turned around. "Makin' my bed." He answered, speaking slowly as if he was a child just being caught doing something foolish.
"Finan, you just kissed me. I think we can at least share a bed now." She said with an amused smile.
He sighed in relief and took back his cushion before walking towards her again. "Good, because sleepin' on this is pretty much like sleepin' on the damn floor." He explained, making her giggle before she kissed him lightly.
Not long after, they crawled to bed, facing each other in the dark. Saegyth shyly let her fingers brush his bearded cheek until Finan turned his head to kiss her wrist tenderly. It wasn't the first time she was sleeping with a man, but never before it felt so intimate even though they were still fully clothed. In fact, a lot of things she thought she knew got swept away by Finan. What she had felt before suddenly sounding like only a prelude of what he would make her feel.
A/N: 7000 fucking words. Also, Finan playing rugby ? Highkey hot.
Tags: @geekandbooknerd @poguesmaybank @obipoelover @mrsalwayswrite
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Forget Me Nots
Steve Harrington x Reader
Summary: You’ve loved him for so long, enduring endless days of pining and whirlwinds of pain in your heart. It’s tearing you apart how he doesn’t recognize that you’ve been there for him this whole time. Maybe you should stick to loving from afar.
Warnings: so much angst, fluff, cursing, sadness???
There are an abundance of flowers that symbolize something - red roses often represented romance and passion, while lilies were of devotion and innocence, and sunflowers symbolized adoration and loyalty.
Behind every flower is a story. Forget Me Nots were your favorite.
There’s an abyss that spirals within your heart as you think of him. His smile. His laugh. For years, you used to feel giddy about him, the perfect guy who happened to be your best friend. But now, you simply feel a resigned longing for Steve Harrington. Yet, one thing never changed from all those passing years - loving him from afar.
Without a doubt, your feelings and emotions for Steve have multiplied with time. They’d come to halt dangerously whenever he had a new girlfriend or a crush. At some point, you convinced yourself that you were going to tell him about how you felt. And as expected, it never occurred. Unfortunately.
You’re watering the plants at the florist shop owned by your parents. It’s a small, quaint corner store with a constant flow of customers and passerby’s. There’s been days where you hated working there - for example, Valentine’s Day was approaching. There would be copious amounts of people, flocking to you for help as they would try to find flowers and bouquets for their significant other. Only for them to break up a month later.
The miniature bell by the door rings as someone steps inside. You hands work hastily as you trim the leaves of a few house plants, your mind occupied on other things. But when you feel familiar arms squeeze around your waist, you jump, causing you to nick your finger with the gardening shears.
“Steve!” You yelp, cursing as you hold onto your wound.
“Woah! Woah! Dude, you’re bleeding. Did I do that?” Steve scrambles to your side, inspecting the cut with instant worry. You sigh at him, heading to the backroom to take care of the injury. “I’m sorry, Y/N. Shit. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Steve lingers by the doorframe, hands delved deep in his front pockets as he watches you run your finger underneath the tap. His head hangs low with guilt.
“It’s fine, you dork.” You meet his eyes, smile faltering for a second. He searches around for the first aid kit, shushing your protests before you groan at him.
The way your finger bled could not compare to the pain of how Steve made your heart bleed everyday. Nothing was new for you, except that he was taking responsibility for this one.
“Let me do it. Band-aids are hard.” He remarks, holding your hand tenderly in his. You screw your eyes shut as you feel that familiar pulse in your body as his skin touches yours. He’s warm and soft. Your hands are cold.
“Thanks.” You chuckle forcibly, looking over the crooked placing of the band-aid and finally noticing Steve’s dorky sailor uniform. “Anyways, what are you doing all the way out here?” You question, resting your hands on your hips. “Uh, I thought your shift at StarCourt doesn’t end till later?”
“No, yeah. I’m actually on break. I wanted to stop by and see if you were interested in grabbing some lunch with me?” He bounces on the heels of his shoes before running his hand through his messy hair. His eyes hold a glint of concern, his lip pulled between his teeth as he raises a brow at you.
“Of course, Steve. I’ll join in a few, just - just gotta wrap up shop.” You take off your apron, hanging the cheap material on the doorknob as you and Steve make your way towards the main room of the shop.
Part of you had wanted to deny his offer. But you could never find it in yourself to say no to him, especially if there was food involved. You flip over the sign on the shop’s front door, clocking out as you head outside.
-
You hiss as coffee burns at your tongue, prickling your tastebuds with an awful burning sensation. Steve starts to laugh at you, pressing the back of his hand to his mouth as he tries to keep all his food in. The quiet and cozy ambience of the café is interrupted when you and Steve are sent into a humorous coughing fit, doubling over onto the sticky table as you animatedly laugh at each other.
The interaction sends a floodgate of memories through your mind, hitting you with unwanted nostalgia. The emptiness in your heart returns instantaneously, and the grin on your face dwindles to a stoical line.
“So, what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?” He breathes out, letting a soft chuckle escape from his lips as he pushes his empty plate aside. He drums his fingers against his forearms.
“Hm... nothing. No plans,” You shrug, swirling the spoon that sits in your coffee. You found yourself feeling sad that Steve would even think of asking that question. He knew your love life wasn’t exactly active as his, so what was the point? You clear your throat, glancing up at him with hope. “You?”
“Uh, I may have - I may have scored a date with Jennifer Jones.” He smirks, gesturing happily with his hands.
And your heart drops. Suddenly, the room is cold and you can no longer feel the warmth radiating from your coffee. Jennifer Jones? Who was that? You had no idea who she was. Steve usually - and to your dismay - shared the details about his romantic experiences. How did you not know who Jennifer was?
“Y/N?” Steve studies your reaction, but all he sees is a face void of emotion.
Wake up. He doesn’t feel the same. Not in that way.
“Oh! That’s - that’s good.” You let the spoon clink against the mug before running your bandaged finger against the outline of your lips. You exhale, “Jennifer... I’ve never heard of her.”
“Yeah, I, uh, wanted to be sure that I actually liked her before telling you about it. I hear your advice in the back of my head every time I find someone remotely interesting.” He gazes out the window of the emptying café. His foot accidentally brushes against yours under the table, and you mirror Steve to gaze outside. “She works at Orange Julius. Really nice girl.”
“I’m sure of it. She must be pretty.” Steve agrees with a nod, taking a sip from his milkshake. Strawberry. His favorite. “And the date...” You turn back to him, trying not to alarm him with your sudden silence. “What are you planning on doing with her?”
Steve rambles about taking her to a drive-in by the city. But that was your drive-in. Only you and Steve went there. You knew you had no right to be jealous, but you couldn’t help but feel... neglected. It was valid to feel like this, right? But then, Steve mentions something else that tugs and snaps at your heartstrings.
“Do you think you’d be able to save me a bunch of Forget-Me-Nots? I know it’s your favorite flower, but I love the story behind it. I think it’d be perfect. I really wanna make that night special for Jen. Roses just seem outdated.” You can only nod, promising him with your pinky finger that you’d keep some in the back room for him. Steve then takes note of how you play with the hair tie around your wrist, and how you’ve been looking at the table instead of him. He reaches his hand across the table subtly, grazing it against your palm. “Hey, are you okay?”
The phrase is enough to send you falling into your heart’s abyss.
Don’t cry. Don’t cry.
Your head is pounding as you hold everything back, pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to stop yourself.
“M’fine. I’m just tired. My parents have been on my ass lately about school and the - the business.” You’re wishing that Steve can’t see the pain and tears in your eyes, but by his expression, you know that he knows something is wrong.
“We can talk, okay? Let me help you.”
Steve takes you back to his house, ushering you into his bedroom. Your chest feels tight and your airway is constricted. He hasn’t seen you like this much, but it sends him into a immediate effort to help you. As he locks the bedroom door, you bury yourself under his covers.
“Can you tell me what’s wrong?” Steve asks. The other half of bed dips as he sits beside you. You’re still hidden in the covers, finding comfort in the darkness and the rustling of the cotton sheets that smelled too much like him.
“Can I ask you a question instead?” You murmur, voice muffled from being underneath layers of blankets. Steve hums, crossing his ankles over each other as he waits for you. “Have you ever felt like - like nothing is right? Like everything that could go wrong for you has gone absolutely wrong in your life?” You poke your head out, furrowing your brows.
He nods slowly, processing your question, “Yeah, sometimes.”
“Okay, well. I feel like that a lot.”
Steve is quiet. And you would have thought that he left the room if your head wasn’t beneath the covers anymore. But he’s silent - it scares you a little.
“Actually, yeah...” He starts, catching sight of the band-aid on your finger. “I’ve experienced that. Sucks real ass. Is there anything else?” Steve grunts as he lays down, parallel to your body as his head rests by the foot of the bed.
Yeah, I’m fucking in love with you.
“Not really, it’s all family and business shit and well, you already know everything about that.” You chuckle sadly, glancing back at him with an unsure expression.
“Well, see, I can tell you one thing. One right thing in your life that I know of. Actually two things. You’re very lucky, Y/N.” Steve admires the picture of you and him across the room, a framed film photo that was taken on a road trip. He lifts his head from the bed, locking eyes with you. “Okay, so. One, you have me as a friend. That’s some good fucking luck right there. I’m not wrong, am I?”
“No,” You shake your head with a delighted smile. “I am so lucky for you, Steve Harrington.”
“Right? I agree. And two, you don’t need to wear a stupid sailor uniform for work. I mean, c’mon. This shit is inhumane.” He makes a face of disgust as he pulls at the collar of his shirt. “You shouldn’t have to feel that way, yeah? And if you do feel like that ever again, call me. I’ll remind you of all the right things, not the wrong.” His tone is calm with a hint of sharpness.
Steve does care about you - a lot.
But not in the way you wished he would.
He extends his arms out, grinning as you crawled into his grasp.
It feels safe. It feels familiar.
You rest your cheek against his chest as he puts his chin on top of your head, his big hands splayed out over your back. Your hair falls like a veil against his neck, tickling him so he has to brush it away.
If only you could stay like this forever.
-
It’s the dreaded day. The day with never-ending color palettes of red, pink, and white. The day with too many hearts and too many teddy bears and too many damn customers buying flowers.
Valentine’s Day.
Fuck you.
You survey the shop, making note of how many flowers have been sold in the first couple hours from opening.
You look up as the door opens, smiling as Robin slips into the shop.
“Hey, dude.” She says raspily, hands in the pockets of her jeans as she makes her way to the counter. You recognize the pitiful smile in her features: the way her eyes are downturned, crows feet peeking from the corners.
“Hey, you.” You reply with a nod, fixing things by the register.
“Did Steve tell you?” Robin questions, head slightly tilting as she steps behind the counter to stand with you.
“Who the hell is Jennifer Jones?”
And so you and Robin sit down in the armchairs by the corner of the shop - you, occasionally getting up to help out a customer. She tells you all about this Jennifer Jones girl with narrowed eyes and wide hand gestures. You can only reply in short phrases as Robin goes onto rambling.
“She’s definitely not as pretty as you, Y/N. Like not even close. I don’t even know where Steve met her.”
“Yeah, me either. Barely tells me anything anymore.” You scoff, eyes blinking at the ceiling as you slide down into the chair. “He drives me crazy, Robin. I don’t know if it’s healthy.”
“As long as you don’t lose yourself along the way.”
Maybe you have. You’re unsure. But you don’t tell Robin that, because you feel some semblance of yourself in your body. Despite the numbness in your brain, and the potholes in your heart, you’re somewhere in there.
Just lost. Not yet found. Not gone. But lost.
“I guess maybe - maybe I should move on. You know? I’m tired of - of waiting for something to happen.” You pinch the bridge of your nose, leaning forward in your chair. “I can’t even tell him how I feel. What’s the point? And he’s my best friend, so like - how can I live with him rejecting me?”
“But how will you ever know if he does feel the same way? Y/N...” She pauses. You wait as she fishes something from the back pocket of her jeans. And your heart swells as she places it on the coffee table in front of you. It’s the bracelet that Steve had gifted you on your seventeenth birthday: a thin, silver chain, with your initials engraved into a small charm. You had been looking for it for weeks, afraid that it would be forever missing. You take it into your palms with a featherweight touch, fearful that it would break despite how strong the material was. “You left it at my house.”
Robin studies the smile on your face. She notices the peaceful rise and fall of your chest, the child-like and innocent glistening in your eyes as you lock the bracelet into place. “I think you should tell him, Y/N.” You open your mouth, interrupted as Robin continues quickly. “If he does reject you, so what? At least you tried! He’s an absolute dingus if he does, by the way. But I have this - this thought that he feels the same. It’s like he hasn’t realized it yet, but it’s there.” She places her hand over her heart, words sincere and sweet.
Maybe Steve was lost, too. Not yet found. Not gone. Just lost.
The abyss in your heart doesn’t feel as deep and dark anymore. So, you look up at Robin, eyes brimming with fulfilled tears.
“Thank you.” You stand up to wrap your arms around her, pulling her close. She pats your wrist, eyelashes fluttering against her freckled cheeks.
“And if anything, you could always date me.” She jokes, playfully pushing your hand away as you go to help another customer.
Her advice did give you some peace of mind.
But honestly? The fear and the doubts, and the overwhelming emotions hadn’t really downsized at all.
Your heart still aches for Steve Harrington.
You feel it most at night, laying in your bed. When you’re wide awake, mind buzzing with thoughts: thinking of him.
You feel it more when you wake up from a dream. But the dream is one of those kinds, where everything feels realistic and authentic. Nothing could feel better than that.
Yet you feel it even more when you realize that dream, was simply just a dream - nothing more - and Steve never loved you like that in reality.
Nothing felt lonelier than the profound hole that dwelled in your chest.
Your own imagination can kill you, sometimes.
“Harrington!” Robin hoots as your charming friend walks into the shop. You blush when you recognize that he’s wearing the windbreaker you had given him for Christmas - red and white and all ‘Valentinesy.’
“Buckley! Y/L/N!” He grins, fist-bumping Robin before he makes his way over to you. You rest your forearms on the counter, leaning over the register to meet his gaze. That’s when you notice he has something behind his back, and he whips it out quickly when he realizes you’ve seen it. “For you, pretty girl.”
Roses.
But weren’t roses outdated?
Despite the lingering memory of Steve mentioning something about no longer liking roses, you take the small bouquet with a cheerful smile, thanking Steve as you place them in the empty vase behind you. “They’re gorgeous. So sweet, Steve Harrington.”
Maybe he wasn’t going on that date tonight.
“Yeah, I wanted to get you a little something before I stopped by.” He glances around, over your shoulder and into the back room. He lowers his voice, brows raised. “Did you save me the flowers?”
Oh. That’s what he wanted.
That’s why he came.
Not for you.
But for Jennifer.
“Uh, yeah.” You lock eyes with Robin, who waves goodbye to you supportively. “They’re in the back. C’mon, lemme show you.” Steve follows you, grinning widely like a child on Christmas. He’s humming a song under his breath, and you’re glad that he’s happy. But at your expense. “You better be glad that I was able to save these for you.” You pass him the handmade bouquet, filled with the vibrant, gorgeous blue of Forget-Me-Nots. “They’re not in season anymore.”
He pulls you into a side-hug, one hand clutching the root of the bouquet while the other touched your back. “Thank you. Thank you.” You step away, crossing your arms against your chest as you shush him. “I’m serious. I’m happy you did this for me. And I know that it must’ve been a hassle for you, so let me make it up to you. Tomorrow? I’ll take you to that cool garden tourist place thingy that just opened up.”
“For sure. I can’t wait.”
Is that all your friendship was anymore?
A returning of favors? Oweing one another? Paying what was due? Bullshit.
“Anyways,” You start, rubbing your palms together. “Are you excited?”
“For the date? Hell, yeah.” He bobs his head, leaning against one of the metal racks with shoes crossed. “Like c’mon, how long has it been since I’ve been on one of those? Hope I can keep her interested long enough.”
You wouldn’t need to talk and I’d still be interested in you.
“You’ll be fine, Steve.” You reach over his shoulder, fixing one of the potted plants. “You’re a charmer. I’m sure you’ve already got her wrapped around your finger.” You wink teasingly, placing your hands lightly on the sides of his neck.
You’ve got me wrapped around your finger.
Steve kisses the side of your head, a gesture that you had always been accustomed to throughout your friendship. “Thanks for being there. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
I’ll always be there for you, Harrington.
“Yeah! Call me! I wanna know how the date goes,” You chuckle, a hint of sadness lingers in your eyes, but Steve doesn’t notice. He bids you farewell with another embrace, squeezing you tightly.
Maybe he could hear finally your heart crying out to him.
Briefly, you shift forward to go after Steve, hand barely raising from resting on your thigh. But you don’t go after him. It wouldn’t be right.
How do you kill a feeling?
Steve was just your best friend. That’s all that it was. It must be better this way.
Once the day ends, you drive home.
The gloom loitering around the sky and greying clouds adds onto your sadness. You feel lonely. You are lonely. What do you call that numbing pain in your chest when you’re in too deep for someone? Was there even a word to describe that?
Your parents’ house is quiet - left home alone from being on a business trip.
Hell, maybe even your own parents were forgetting about you.
You’re sitting in the living room, surfing through channels aimlessly on the television. Valentine’s Day has never felt any worse. You’re cozied up on your couch, blankets wrapped around your body as the fireplace crackles softly in the background. You snack on a tub of ice cream, smacking your lips at the taste of chocolate.
It still tasted bitter.
You’re watching one of those old romance movies from the 60s, eyes blinking widely as you bite onto your spoon.
You feel tears well up in your vision as the two actors on screen kiss, lips pushing together passionately as their hands roam each other’s bodies. You sniffle, pulling the spoon out of your mouth, dumping it into the empty container in your lap.
You’re a sobbing mess by the time the movie ends; your head hurts and your body feels overwhelmed with unforeseen exhaustion.
You close your eyes.
Darkness.
-
You jump from the couch when you hear a loud, persistent knock at the front door. Rain pours heavily outside as it nears midnight. You groan, shutting off all the lights to go sleep upstairs.
But the knocking at the door doesn’t stop. The windows shake with fear as wind begins to pick up strength. You carefully step down the staircase, cautious as you unlock the front door.
“Steve?” You breathe out.
It’s like the oxygen has left your lungs as soon as you look over the state of your best friend.
His jacket is drenched, thick hair sticking to his face as he squints through the night. Shivering from the frigid weather, his lips turn to a disconcerting shade of blue.
He’s crying.
You can clearly see shades of red blooming around his eyes through the pouring rain. He struggles to stay upright, and you usher him inside immediately. He can barely get any words out, breathing heavily.
“Steve, what... oh, my gosh.” You wrap yourself around him, pulling him under your arm as you take him to sit by the fireplace. You’re peeling his jacket off of his arms, flinging the wet material aside before you re-light the fire. No words are exchanged between the two of you, mostly a few gasps and concerned gazes from your end. You’re tugging Steve’s shirt off of his body, throwing it into the pile of his other ruined clothes. You take the blanket from the couch, dabbing at his cold skin and wrapping it around him. You pull him into your lap when you sit down, unsure of where to start. “What happened?” You run your fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp as you let your other hand rub at his forearm. “Steve? Are you okay?”
He lets out a strangled sob, bringing a hand up to hide his face. Steve trembles against your body, burying his nose onto your warm thigh.
The rain patters harshly against the house - and now you know why.
The angels were crying with him.
“Shh... it’s okay. I’m here.” You soothe him, fingers dancing across his spine. You lean down to plant a kiss onto the freckle on his bare shoulder, closing your eyes. “Let it out, Steve. Let it all go.”
You feel for him.
A teardrop rolls down your cheek, melting into Steve’s skin. He’s clawing at your shirt as he moves to sit up higher, trying to bring himself as close to you as possible. You don’t say anything as he embraces you with a bone-crushing touch, tightening around your ribs.
“She didn’t like me.” He cries through a small, hoarse voice.
“Oh, Steve.”
His hair is dripping wet, drops dampening your shirt. It’s messy. You’ve never seen anything like this - not from Steve, anyways.
Snot pools around his nose, sticking to the ends of your hair along with his saliva. His nails dig deeply into your sides, holding onto you for dear life. Your lips lightly press against his forehead, lingering there as you wait patiently for him to continue.
You start to feel his body warm up from the heat of the fireplace. He no longer trembles as much, but his hands still remain clenched tightly around the fabric of your shirt. You can feel the soreness in your legs from how heavy he is, but you push through - enduring it for Steve.
“She, uh,” Steve looks at you. His cheeks are stained with tears. A sight that breaks your heart. “She called me stupid. And - and she said I wasn’t funny, and I wasn’t even that cute to begin with.” You push the hair away from his eyes. “She said that she went to high school with us... and that this - that whole date was just a way for her to get back at me. I don’t remember what I did, Y/N. How can I not remember what I did?”
Steve sobs again, hyperventilating into your chest. “Breathe. It’s alright.” You coo, resting your forehead against his. “Steve, that was high school. We all were - were different people back then. Whatever happened with Jennifer during that time should’ve been forgiven.”
“I was an asshole, Y/N.”
“Yeah, then.” You huff, still embracing him. You raise your brows, the fire illuminates your face as you continue to speak. “At some point, we have to let go of the past, I guess. People can be unforgiving, Steve. And if Jennifer is one of those people, then forget about her, you know? There’s always room to change or make mistakes.” You try your best to console him. “You’re different now, Steve. She shouldn’t be messing with you like that. No one should.”
He stares blankly at your lips, before his brown eyes flicker up to meet yours.
“What if nobody really likes me?”
The question strikes a dark place in your heart. And you have to glance away to keep tears in.
“Y/N, what if - what if I’m destined to be alone and nobody will ever love me as much as I love them?” Silent tears roll down his face as he loosens his grip on you. “What if you don’t even like me?”
“Don’t you dare say that.”
“Y/N, why the fuck do you still like me? I’m - I’m horrible.”
If only he knew.
“Steve, you’re my favorite, favorite thing.” You shake your head at him, bewildered that he would think like that. “You make me feel so safe. And complete. You’re my best friend. I couldn’t live in a universe without you.”
He starts with a scoff, and you’re terrified of what he says next. “But I want - I need someone who will love me, eventually. Someone who can give as much as I do.”
Ouch.
You remain quiet. How can you help Steve when you feel the same? Only, the feelings were directed towards him?
Steve wipes his nose, pulling away from you. He chuckles. “Do you believe in soulmates?”
You chuckle too, but sadly. “I like the idea. I believe there’s someone for everyone. Someone who’ll love you despite anything.”
It’s me. I’m that someone.
“Do you think we all have soulmates? A person for each of us?”
“I do. I really do.” You turn your head away from him, staring into the crackling fire.
“Maybe some of us don’t get a soulmate. Kinda like - like natural selection.” He shrugs, fingers picking at the thread of your carpet. “Maybe some of us don’t get to - to, I don’t know, experience being loved.”
“But sometimes it’s not about being loved by someone else.”
A soft, barely visible smile lingers on Steve’s face.
“Hey, I’ve never asked you this. Not in a while, at least.” You hum in reply. “Do you like anyone?”
“Right now?” He nods. You let out a small exhale through your nostrils, scoffing. “Yeah. I like this - this guy a lot.”
“Does he like you back?”
Steve doesn’t ask who it is.
Maybe he knew.
“I don’t think he does, Steve.” You caress your own jaw, finding comfort within yourself. You feel Steve’s eyes on you, and you suddenly feel extremely vulnerable as you decide to look back at him. “I’ve never asked him if he does. I don’t - I don’t wanna ruin what I have with him. I think that... I’d rather suffer myself than... than lose him, you know?”
“You should tell him.” You close your eyes, turning away from him with a sad frown. “Listen. Anyone would be lucky to have you, Y/N.”
“Steve...” Your eyes are pleading, scouring his face in hopes that he’d realize. “Steve.” His eyes begin to widen when he hears the shattering crack in your voice. You don’t fail to notice how he moves his hand slightly away from you.
He knows that look anywhere. It’s the look that Robin gave him when she admitted her feelings for Tammy Thompson. It’s the look you give someone when you say something a little too scary and painful.
“No...” He laughs. You start to cry, clutching your hands to your chest as you scoot further away from him. His face falls when he watches your drops of tears plummet to the ground. “Me?”
His voice is almost condescending.
“I-I... Steve, I-“
“Y/N. We’re - I can’t do this.” He stands, nearly losing his balance. You don’t follow him, leaning against the couch as you bring your knees to your chest.
“This is what I was afraid of. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” You ram your fists to the sides of your head. Your cries are distressed, echoing throughout the house.
The abyss in your heart has enveloped you. You feel sucked in, screaming for help as you’re dragged into the darkness.
Heartbreak.
Was it too late to un-love someone?
Steve paces around the living room, hands on his hips as his red eyes dart around the room.
“I get it, if you don’t feel the same way. We’re supposed to be best friends.”
“Y/N, I don’t - I don’t-“
“I know.” You whisper huskily, leaning into the couch. You don’t look at him.
“I think I should go.” He says shakily. He pinches at the skin in between his eyebrows, stuttering over his words as he puts on his shirt and jacket, still soaked from the rain. “Thank you. For the, uh... for the help.” You don’t reply. Steve sees the broken shell of his best friend. And yet, he’s too shocked and selfish to fix her. “I’m... I’ll see you around, Y/L/N.”
“Okay.”
And he leaves. Not once looking back at you or to ask if you would be alright. You lay there, head resting on the couch cushions as the fire hums a heart-wrenching ballad. You can’t breathe.
You walk with wobbly legs up the stairs, taking deep, uneven breaths as you open your bedroom door.
Your room feels wrong. And your bones shift in your skin as you throw the covers off of your bed, angrily stripping them away from your mattress and letting them parachute onto the floor.
You are the abyss.
It no longer resides in your heart.
But inside and around you, floating through your veins.
-
Your eyes are grey with color as the answering machine beeps with another useless message.
‘Hey, Y/N. It’s Robin. I haven’t seen you in like a month, how are you? Uhm, I wanted to call and see if you were doing okay. Yeah. So, if - when you aren’t busy, call me back. Please? Thanks. Love you.’
Beep.
‘Y/N! This is Dustin. Dustin Henderson. Steve’s friend. Yeah, okay, hi. Ow!’ You hear a rustle on the other end of the line. ‘Anyways, we - I was wondering if you wanted to come to the movies sometime with me and Robin... and uh, Steve. Hope to hear from you. Kay. Bye. Dude, you need-‘
Beep.
‘Y/N. Hey, it’s Steve Harrington. It’s Steve. Yeah, uh... call me? I-I... just call me back when you’re free. Right. Take care. Miss you.’
The answering machine no longer blinks red.
You feel exhausted. Moreover, you look exhausted. Your face is pale, aching to see sunlight. Your nose is runny from a cold, throat starched for water. You haven’t been to your job in weeks, halting the business temporarily until your parents were to come home.
It worries Steve when he tries to drop by the florist shop, finding it empty and pitch black inside. He can see the roses that he gave you on Valentine’s Day, wilting in its porcelain vase. He tugs against the glass door, sighing when he finds it locked. Obviously, he could hear you say. He reads the handwritten note on the window:
‘Closed. Flowers are not available for sale. Come back another time.’
Steve knew you had to be at home - hurt and healing
He runs into Robin as he walks hastily to your house, and he sees the angry stare that his friend sends him from the end of the sidewalk.
“What the hell are you doing here, dingus?” She snaps, pressing her finger into his sternum.
“I fucked up, Robin. Big time.” He glances at your bedroom window, hoping that you were in there somewhere. “I wanted to apologize to her.”
“Not right now. Go away.” She brushes past him, hitting his shoulder with her own.
He really has fucked up.
Robin sighs in pity when she glances back at her friend, relaxing when she sees the genuine defeat on Steve’s face. “You can’t just waltz in there and apologize. She’s hurting, Steve.”
“I know. I feel horrible.”
“She’s in love with you.” Robin admits. She feels a bit bad for saying it to him, when you should really be saying it - but she’d do anything to save you from feeling any more pain. “I’ve seen her through her best... her worst days - and yet it all comes down to you. Oh, Steve did this for me. Steve did that.” She mocks, tilting her head from side to side as her lips twitch upwards. “She’s your best friend. And she loves you more than anything. What more could you possibly want than that?”
Steve chews on his bottom lip anxiously, hands feeling around in the pockets of his jacket.
“She isn’t expecting you to love her back, Harrington. If that’s what scares you.” Robin places a friendly hand on his shoulder. “She just needs to know that you’ll stay. No matter what. And if you do have feelings for her...” She dips her head down, meeting eyes with him. “Then don’t be afraid to tell her. It’s only Y/N.” She turns on her heels, stepping up onto the porch to ring the doorbell. “You should probably go. Figure yourself out first before trying to help her right now.”
He knows she’s right. With slumped shoulders, he drags his feet off of your lawn. He glances back instantly when he hears the quiet hymn of your voice, and sees your face before you shut the door behind Robin. He tries to wave weakly.
But you don’t look at him.
Not this time.
Another two weeks pass by before Steve catches sight of the fluorescent lights in your shop. And he sees a familiar figure working the register.
Without hesitation, Steve swerves onto the emergency lane, tires screeching as he pulls to an illegal stop. He nearly gets run over by a speeding car, but the adrenaline is too much for him to care about anything else right now. He sprints past the road, bumping into a few strangers as he swings open the shop’s door.
“Y/N.” He pants out. His hair is wind-swept, brown curls falling against his face. “Hi.”
You look up from the register, knocking over a cup of pens when you recognize the handsome face. “Steve.”
He rushes over to help you, attempting to pick up the fallen supplies. But you’re quick with your movements, scooping all the pens back into their designated cup by the counter before Steve can help you. He then sees the dirty handprints on your unwashed green apron, realizing that you had only just gotten back from your break.
“Hi, again. It’s, uh, it’s me.” He scratches the back of his neck nervously, adjusting the collar of his shirt when he feels it fit too tightly around his neck. He doesn’t know what to do with his hands, so he crosses his arms against his chest, trying to seem as casual as possible. You’re giving him a weird look, but he can just make out the anxiousness in your pupils. “I wanted to... say sorry. I panicked that night. When-when...”
“When I told you how I felt.” You finish, running your hands up and down your jeans.
You both are lumps of awkwardness, unsure of where to look and what to do with your bodies. You mimic Steve, holding your arms against your ribs as you lean onto a table.
Steve’s just glad you’re actually talking to him after all those weeks. It seems like he’s just met you again: the awkward fidgeting, the ramblings, the way his hands shook after speaking to you - it felt exactly like the day you met.
He remembers it all too vividly.
“Is that all?” You ask, putting your hair up and away from your view. Steve doesn’t hear forgiveness in your tone. He should’ve known it wouldn’t have been that easy, that fast.
“No,” He says. He taps at his bottom lip, before wagging a finger at you. “You don’t happen to have more Forget-Me-Nots, do you?”
Steve visibly cringes when he hears the dramatic scoff you give him. “Yeah. I do. They’re in the back. Why?”
“No reason.”
“Did Jennifer make amends with you?” You question uneasily, stepping into the other room to grab the flowers for him.
“No, not her. They’re for something else.” He shrugs as a matter-of-factly. “Here. I’ll pay for them?”
“Take them. It’s fine. I don’t have a use for them anymore, anyways.”
But they‘re your favorites.
Unless they aren’t anymore?
“Of course. Uh, I’ll - I’ll catch up with you soon.” He looks down at the precious potted flowers, holding them delicately with his two hands.
He makes a beeline for the exit, before he hears you call out to him reluctantly.
“And Steve?” He turns, eyes blinking with interest in what you have to say. “Take care.” He grins. “Of the flowers.”
Okay, damn. So much for forgiveness.
“I always do.” He shrugs with one shoulder, flashing a lopsided smile. He hesitates to open the door for a second, but he does, running across the busy road with the pot of Forget-Me-Nots.
He’s going to make it up to you.
-
March.
It’s a cold morning in March when Steve finally gets himself together. He sits on the ledge of his bedroom window, eyes trained on the well-cared for pot of Forget-Me-Nots placed in front of him. They bloom gorgeously; seemingly, they are the only pop of color that remains in Steve’s messy room. He smiles, eyes crinkling with peaceful nostalgia when he glances down at the wrinkled piece of paper in his hands. He reads over the words, whispering them to himself as he tries to get them right.
It’s the longest he’s ever gone without seeing you. His feelings, as usual, are a jumbled mess of emotions. But he knows, that with due time, if he were to love you - more than a best friend - then it surely would be destined to happen.
He looks back into his room and away from the window. The wall across his bed is plastered with pictures, the majority of them are of you and him together. From the beginning of middle school, to freshman year in high school, to junior prom, to graduation - you’ve been there for him through everything. Every milestone, every heartbreak, every achievement and every breaking point.
Steve can’t help but ask himself if he’s been there for you through thick and thin as well. He wonders: has he been looking down all the wrong roads this entire time? Was he not giving as much as he took from you?
Holding onto the worn piece of paper, he folds and stuffs it in the back pocket of his jeans before he takes the pot of flowers carefully into his grasp.
Steve drives in his car, beating every stoplight and doing almost every illegal thing a driver could do. He sighs in relief when he sees that your curtains are drawn, along with your open bedroom window.
Classic move.
He parks his car recklessly on your lawn, definitely ruining the freshly watered grass with his muddy tires. Memorized like the palm of his hand, he climbs up your roof, being cautious not to step on the loose tiles that led to your window whilst balancing the Forget-Me-Nots under his arm. He’s out of breath when he finally gets up. He sees you through your window, nose buried in a book - unaware of his abrupt arrival. Steve crouches, tapping on the glass with his fist.
Your head snaps up. Glancing around your room, you sigh as you stand up. Steve helps you raise the window lift, grinning boyishly when it stays upright. There’s a glow in his eyes that you can’t place. Steve knows that you won’t let him in, so he takes a seat on the flat surface of your roof, placing the pot of Forget-Me-Nots on the window stool that separates the two of you.
“What are you doing here?” You ask. Steve recognizes the bump in your voice - the genuine curiosity, free of malicious intent. “You can’t be here, Steve. My parents... they-”
“I won’t waste your time. But I do need you to hear me out. You can’t say anything, alright?”
“Steve, what-” You shake your head in confusion, but Steve shushes you, motioning you to sit down as well. And you do. The flowers block part of Steve’s face, but you don’t care to move it - wanting to hear what he has to say.
“I’m gonna read you something that I found in my room.” You lean forward, placing your chin in the palm of your hand with sincere regard. “It’s a note. From you to me. In eight grade.”
A year after we first met.
Your face softens. Because you know exactly what this note contains. Steve clears his throat as he takes out the note from his pocket, smoothing down the rips and the wrinkles. The ink is smudged, messy and hurried but there is something genuine laced within those words.
‘Dear Steve,
You are truly one of the dumbest people I’ve met. So dumb, that you can’t realize that I literally have the biggest crush on you in the world. I like you. More than I like chocolate ice cream and more than I like move night. I could spend forever with you - that is until you make me just as insane as you. I’d donate my own braincells for you. I think I might love you. What even is love? You are too cool to be my friend. Too cool to be my partner in crime. And definitely too cool to be my Anyways, I’m writing this because I have too many feelings right now. Maybe it’s just hormones. Maybe it’s one of those things. But just know, that I’ll be here for you - no matter what - despite the teasing, or the dorky jokes, or the number of bad movies you always make me watch. I’m here. And I love you.
(Like a friend, of course)
Your best friend, Y/N.
By the time Steve has finished reading, his eyes are watery. He chuckles at himself, glancing at the paper one last time before he folds it neatly back into place. “I found it in my backpack.” He briefly waves it in the air. “I... you must’ve mixed my backpack up with yours because-”
“Because we had matching backpacks.” You smile sentimentally. “And everyone thought we were - were complete nerds for matching.”
“Yeah, they did.” He passes the letter to you, but his hands envelop yours when you attempt to take it. His fingers draw shapes on your skin, and he pulls your hands closer to him. “Letters are meant to be read, Y/N. And not only that, letters are meant to be answered.” He pauses, “And years later, I finally have an answer to that letter.”
“If this is you feeling - feeling pitiful towards me, for what I said...”
“It’s not. This is how I really feel. I’m doing this because... because I’m not lost. Not anymore.” He tightens his hold. “Y/N. You are truly one of the most unique, smartest and loving people I’ve met.” He chuckles, feeling his throat tighten at his words. “I never - I was selfish for never realizing how much you care for me. Not just as a best friend, but more. And yeah, it took me forever to - to realize that, but I was scared. Part of me has always had a crush on you. And what you told me on Valentine’s just - it shocked me. Because I was never looking for love in the right places. Love was in front of me, all along. She was sitting in the passenger seat of my car, watching terrible movies at the drive-ins, and wearing matching backpacks with me. I didn’t see it because I was too busy trying to see you as my best friend, rather than - rather than a soulmate. I’ve always loved you, Y/N. We grew up together. And you helped make me who I am.”
You can only look at Steve with doting yet astonished eyes.
The abyss in your heart...
It was finally releasing you.
“Steve, you-”
He holds a hand up, clicking his tongue. “I’m not done.” You nod for him to continue you, placing your other hand over his. “I remember the story behind Forget-Me-Nots. How it’s always had a special place in your heart.” He lets go of your hands, reaching for the flowers instead. He examines it, before he looks up to you with a grin. “A man saw beautiful blue flowers growing on this - this weird plant. And so, he jumped into water to get the blue flowers for his love. Although the current was strong, the man crossed the river safely and got the flowers. But on his way back, he was taken away in the water. Yet before he disappeared, he threw the bouquet of forget-me-nots to his love. She wore these flowers on her hair until the day she died and never forgot about him.” He takes a deep breath, before handing the flowers to you. “Every time I looked at these flowers, I-I thought of you. And I kept them alive. Isn’t that crazy? They’re still alive.”
Your lips pull into a shy smile as you duck your head to smell the flowers. “You’re unforgettable, Y/N.” He reaches over, caressing your cheek. You sigh into his touch, letting your eyes flutter shut against your skin. “I want you to remember that I’ve always loved you. It just took me a little while because well... I’m an idiot.”
“You are!” You laugh, giggling into his hand. He leans into your room, pressing an innocent kiss to the top of your head. His lips stay there, and he smiles into your hair. “Steve?”
“Y/N?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He rests his forehead against yours. “Let’s stay like this forever. I wanna remember this. I want you to remember this.”
“I would never forget it, Steve.”
Unforgettable.
#steve harrington#steve harrington fic#steve harrington fanfic#steve harrington fanfiction#steve harrington x reader#steve harrington x you#steve harrington imagine#steve harrington one shot#steve harrington fluff#steve harrington angst#stranger things#stranger things fanfiction#stranger things fic#stranger things fanfic#stranger things x reader#stranger things x you#stranger things imagine#stranger things one shot#stranger things fluff#stranger things angst#x reader
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&&guests may mistake me as (danielle campbell), but really i am (spencer jean + cis female + she/her) and my DOB is (03/15/1997). i am applying for the (event coordinator) position as part of the EHP and would like to live in suite (209). i should be hired because i am (empathetic, honest & selfless), but i can also be (pessimistic, fearful & indecisive) at times. personally, i like to (blog & drink wine) when off the clock, but that won’t interfere with work.
tw; rape, abusive relationship.
Born on the West-side of the city.
The youngest of 4 kids.
Her whole family didn’t have much growing up. Both parents worked weird jobs to get them all through financially.
She was really close to her older cousin, Dan from a very young age. He would take her out often and they got very close.
Most of the family didn’t think much of it until Spencer turned six, and even then it was just weird glances occasionally from family members.
Spencer herself felt like Dan hung the moon in the sky. He was always kind to her and never made her feel stupid. Plus he was older and gave her so much of his time so it always made her feel special.
It was not longer after her eighth birthday that Dan pulled her to the side and said he wanted to play a new game. She was hesitant at first to give him what he explained as “special touches” but he insisted that it would make him very happy, and she always wanted him to be happy.
This “game” went on until she was eleven. She explained it to her father who was horrified after he realized what this game was. He confronted Dan, who was now eighteen, and he denied it.
Not longer after, Spencer’s three brothers paid him a visit. He was found in an alley all alone the next morning, completely naked and unconscious.
Spencer felt like a husk after she no longer had any contact with Dan. So much so that she began to lash out and she wasn’t the bright and happy child that she had been.
Her mother and father started looking into programs for her but quickly realized that they couldn’t afford any of them. After much conversation and tears, they decided to pack her up and send her to her mother’s widowed sister, Maggie.
Maggie was always very eclectic and outspoken and she’d been lonely since her husband died before they could have any children together. She was so excited to have Spencer come stay with her that she gave her her own completely furnished room with a computer and TV.
Spencer was very hesitant to leave her parents and brothers. She knew that their home wasn’t much, but it was home. Maggie lived on the rich side of town and she wasn’t completely sure if she’d be able to fit in over there. Her mother and father both explained to her that she could come visit whenever she wanted and her brothers would come by as often as they could.
After reassurance from her parents, Spencer packed up the very few belongings she actually cared about and moved in with Maggie.
The first few weeks were a whirlwind of shopping trips. Maggie worked from home for a high profile company and her husband had left her a rather large fortune. And Maggie already adored Spencer and spared no expense for her niece. New clothes, games, furniture for her room. Spencer wasn’t exactly comfortable with all the money she knew was being spent, but she already felt as if she could trust Maggie more than anyone else she’d ever met.
Maggie got Spencer into therapy not long after she moved in. Her therapist explained as gently as she could to Spencer what had happened to her. No one up until that point had explained to Spencer that what Dan had done was wrong, because they didn’t really know how. Maggie had to take her home in tears after that specific therapy session.
Spencer’s therapist suggested different activities to help her cope. She began painting, writing, playing various instruments as well as throwing herself headfirst into her academics all while adjusting to her new life with Maggie.
Under Maggie’s guidance, Spencer breezed through middle school. She made a small group of friends and socialized fairly often in and out of school. By eighth grade, she was in all honors classes and even there she was requesting harder and more complex assignments.
Spencer visited often with her family and grew extremely close to her brothers. Her father often still blamed himself for her relationship with Dan but her mother often scolded him for this as lovingly as she could. As they watched their daughter flourish with Maggie, they both knew that they had made the right choice for her, even if sometimes it didn’t feel that way.
Her freshman year of high school, Maggie requested the school test her for her grade level versus just putting her into freshman classes. Maggie knew that Spencer had much more in her mind than she often led on, and insisted that she be tested. To Spencer’s shock, she tested out of both freshman and sophomore year. According to all of her test scores, she was at a junior year level. She was signed up for junior year classes and started her first year of high school.
Spencer was terrified of the potential bullying this situation would be her into, but much to her surprise, she made many friends with her upperclassmen peers. They often came to her for advice and homework help.
She graduated Valedictorian at the age of sixteen. She had colleges seeking her out before the end of her junior year but she didn’t want to leave Maggie. Over the five years she had spent with Maggie, they had grown very very close. Spencer adored Maggie and the little routine that they had just naturally fallen into.
Spencer took courses to become an event planner/coordinator. It was something she’d always enjoyed helping with as a kid and teenager so she figured why not. Plus living in the Chicago area, she knew there would never be a shortage of people needing an event coordinator. She was able to get all of the certifications she needed in a little less than a year. At seventeen, she began going to the University of Chicago. She majored in Psychology and minored in Visual Arts.
College for Spencer was amazing. She started dating not long after she started attending University because in high school she felt like it just wasn’t the right time after all of her trauma and hung out with the potheads on campus.
She met a guy named Tanner on her first day of classes. He was her ideal man, or at least what she thought it was. He held doors open for her, brought her flowers, and held her hand around his friends. But not long after they started getting physically involved, he started to feel like he had some entitlement to her. He started to convince her she didn’t need to spend time with her family and more importantly, Maggie. He started keeping her at his apartment as often as he could. And quickly, it turned physically abusive. He started to convince her she wasn’t worth any of the time anyone else but him was giving her.
Spencer was finally able to sneak away and see Maggie for a weekend. She was telling Maggie what had been happening and she watched her get angrier than she had ever seen her, even after telling her everything that had happened with Dan when she was a kid. Maggie drove her back to Tanner’s apartment and helped her collect her things, as well as reporting him to the campus.
Tanner did attempt to contact her after he was expelled from the University but Maggie was quick to help her get a restraining order just in case.
Spencer graduated with her degree at the age of twenty-one and on the dean’s list. Her whole family showed up for her graduation and she was given a bouquet by each of her brothers.
Her parents offered for her to move back in with them, but she politely declined. She wanted to stay with Maggie and help her with whatever she could.
Maggie would bring Spencer to the Malnati when she had bad weeks at school for a small get away, so when she found out they were hiring, she jumped on the opportunity as quickly as she could.
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Karasuno’s last party
Hey hey hey! Cookies!
This is my gift for @theorangecourt‘s anniversary event! I can’t believe it’s been a year minus 1 month
I hope you like this! It’s 2.5k words of Karasuno fluff and being dorks (plus it ended up being a balm to cure recent manga induced injuries what do you know).
Basically Karasuno’s third years are graduating and the team wants to do something for them! So what’s better than throwing a slumber party?
After Nationals, Karasuno’s third years are left with no more excuses to continue being on the team. Through February and March, the four of them are too busy with their exams, job hunting, college applications, and all the responsibilities that convey being a senior student in high school a step away from graduating. It’s difficult enough for them to squeeze some time to meet their underclassmen in the halls. Suga likes to visit the 1st years’ classes while they’re on lunch break, Kiyoko texts regularly with Yachi offering advice (she knows Yachi would be too embarrassed to “inconvenience” Kiyoko like that), Daichi tries to keep his distance slightly from Ennoshita since he doesn’t want it to seem like he doesn’t trust Enno with the team. The one who has slightly more time to come by is Asahi, he even manages to stay and practice sometimes whenever Take-chan doesn’t berate him for it.
No one doubted that the new starting team would be as good as how it had been with the third years, but their absence is felt. Not so much as how they play in court (though obviously they still have a ways to go before getting properly in sync) so much as the hole they left in the team dynamics. Everyone misses them, some more vocally than others, and it's such a waste that they were taken from the team so abruptly without even a proper goodbye!
Hinata tells Kenma all of this during one of their usual text convos, he would really want to have a bomb-ass party so they can send off their senpai properly! He knows Tanaka and Noya would help him, although maybe the rest would be a little reluctant to comply with any of their crazy plans. Still! He wants the team to do something special for them! And that’s when the idea pops, how about they have a training camp!
He tries to be sneaky and tell Kageyama first but he's soon caught by the rest of the first years. Yamaguchi and Yachi think that's a great idea! Though Tsukishima is soon to destroy any of his enthusiasm. "We're almost at the end of the year, where could you fit in a training camp? Plus, the third years are too busy as is". Hinata's solution is to host the training camp after school ends duh! And in his moment of bravado to prove Tsukishima wrong they go to Ennoshita.
"It's ridiculous."
"It's genius!"
"In fact, it is ridiculous." Ennoshita turns down Hinata's idea without a second thought. "Tsukishima's right, even if we could fit in a camp the third years wouldn't be able to participate."
Not officially at least, so Hinata hangs on to that, "But what about a non-official training camp? The weekend after graduation?" That doesn't sound too bad honestly, and if it's not official Ennoshita has no saying in denying it and so, they go to Ukai and Take-chan. After some initial reluctance, they manage to convince them and so, the only thing that's left is to get the third years to agree. Fortunately, they agree to it! It sounds like a good idea and the best way to celebrate.
Since it’s not official they all have to chip in with a little contribution, even the neighbors association and family cooperate to make the whole thing possible. They booked rooms in the same inn where they stayed for the golden week, Ukai brings snacks and drinks from Sakanoshita and Shimada also gets stuff from the supermarket. Akiteru offers his old TV and console for them to play and watch movies, Takinoue lends them a karaoke set and helps set it (with the inn’s approval ofc) and Saeko brings proper food from her job.
They have a slumber party! They play Mario Kart, Daichi and Tsukishima are the ones always fighting for the first place. Usually, when he plays at home with his family since Daichi is the big bro he’s used to utterly destroying his little siblings in any and all videogames. Subsequently, even if Akiteru was always a big softie with Tsukki, as any respectable older sibling, he had no mercy when it came to games. So for both Tsukki and Daichi, it feels like something personal and somehow this petty rivalry ends up in the whole team dividing into two teams for the rest of the night. Older siblings vs younger ones, with the only children being picked in the end as if they were forming dodgeball teams.
So we have the Older sibs team comprised of Daichi, Hinata, Asahi, Kinoshita, Noya, Narita and Kiyoko. And the younger sibs: Tsukki, Tanaka, Yamaguchi (he also had to suffer Akiteru’s gamer bloodthirst), Suga, Ennoshita, Kageyama and Yachi
For the first few rounds after they started playing in teams the YS were winning everything. Not even 20 minutes into it Kinoshita had to stop Noya from trying to leap at Tsukishima and get rid of his smug grin and snarky remarks. It’s getting late and someone is going to end up getting thrown a real banana to their head so they decide to start with karaoke early. Both because they don’t want to be too much trouble for the owners but mostly to have everyone at peace and far from using their controllers as actual projectiles. Also, they do have to wrap up everything early since Take-chan managed to get the school gym open for the next day so they can have one last practice as a team.
Somehow they manage to turn karaoke into a competition and despite Asahi being timid as usual, the pure raw of Noya (with Kinoshita as his second vocals), feral Suga, Hinata’s...well all of him (it seems like he injected pure sugar into his bloodstream) is enough to beat the others in any screaming competition. “It is not a screaming competition” Daichi tries to settle them down with no luck. Also, who would’ve known Kiyoko and Narita knew the lyrics to all of the power rangers intros huh.
On the other hand, Tsukki outright refused to sing, Kageyama trips over his own tongue and they found out how tragical his timing is outside of volleyball, Yachi looks like he’s going to get a heart attack and drench her clothes in sweat. That is until Tanaka tells her they should do a duet. “But I don’t even know this song!”, “Don’t worry! It’s screamo so just let it all out” and MAN does she let it out, they won that round no doubts. Other than that Ennoshita is pretty mellow, and Yamaguchi does have a nice voice but this is a war and he’s going to need more than that to win.
Now they’re 1 to 1 and they definitely should go to sleep now but they can’t leave the score like this. So they try to settle it with a quick and simple game of charades. Oh, but how foolish were they.
Since this is technically a celebration for the third years the team decides it’s only fair to have them write the papers down. They use movies, shows, obscure references no one will guess courtesy of Suga, the team members themselves, anything they can think of.
Surprisingly it is not as chaotic as it could be, somehow they get so focused during their rounds to start bickering with the other team. The MVP definitely is Yachi, from the first action the player does she starts shouting any and all the words she can think of, it would sound as if she’s making random guesses but since she has so much attention to even the smallest of detail her guesses end up being accurate more times than not. Tanaka does pretty much the same but his guesses are way off, although he makes up for it being incredibly expressive whenever his turn to act out the charade comes. Another scary addition to the YS team is Ennoshita who is able to guess every single movie before the player in turn even finishes acting it and though no one other than Suga himself gets his own references since some of them are cinematographic Enno manages to hold a candle to those.
Somehow Tsukki gets too caught up in the whole thing that he forgets to wear his usual uninterested façade and plays seriously, he even gets angry when Kageyama fails to guess most of the references. “That’s milk? Cheese? A cheeseburger?”, “IT’S TOAST YOU ABSOLUTE MORON”. Needless to say they lost that round by default but watching poker-faced Tsukki get genuinely worked up is worth it. When Yamaguchi gets ‘Kageyama’ he ruffles his hair over his eyes to look emo and brooding, puts on a scowl and starts making tossing noises. For a hot 10 no one talks, not because they don’t know what the word is, but because they know and don’t want to laugh so loud in front of Kageyama himself. Which is really difficult since Kageyama himself is completely oblivious and genuinely trying to figure out what Yamaguchi is hinting at until Tsukki snaps and shouts “IT’S YOU, DUMBASS”. The team can’t contain their laughter as Kageyama replies with an undignified “Huh?”. “Being around Kageyama has rubbed off on Tsukishima” Hinata quietly tells his team but Tsukki’s ears are sharp as ever and he throws his stare as daggers to Hinata.
For the other team is easier, at least in the sense that there’s no incessant bickering most of the time. But it doesn’t help that the team’s collective braincell is mostly concentrated in the other team. Whenever someone gets Suga’s cards come up the one who reads it spends more time struggling to get what it even means than actually acting it out. “But you were there when he wrote them!” “I didn’t have a clue back then and you expect me to know what it means right now?”. Asahi is better guessing than acting out, though his volume leaves much to be desired and Noya ends up being his megaphone, although he shouts everything and it is barely intelligible. He’s also the ultimate hypeman, cheering everyone up and clapping everyone's backs when they have to stand up to act. However, he’s too focused he ends up scolding the players when they’re not being clear or enthusiastic enough. Hinata is pretty good at acting out but he lets out to many onomatopoeias when he’s supposed to be silent. At first they were giving him penalties but poor thing did it so often they just decided to cover his mouth with a sleep mask whenever it was his turn.
Despite Daichi’s confidence, he’s not exactly what you would call hip with the kids so he stays silent with a deep frown like even understanding the words themselves presents a struggle. That’s just excuses though, whenever he’s in the place of acting he spends more time thinking about what to do than doing it. “BUT YOU WROTE THAT ONE????” “I thought it would be difficult to the other team! I didn’t take a second to genuinely think about how to act out air salonpas!”. It doesn’t help either that he likes to point at stuff which is against the rules, and Suga is quick to let him know by making loud buzzer sounds from his side of the room. The job of guessing is relegated to Kiyoko, Kinoshita, and Narita. Each of them has their strong points which balance each other, still, more than one time they ran out of time because they started arguing in the middle of a charade about what it could be instead of just shouting it like any other normal person!
Overall! The team that managed to keep it together better was...
...
....
.....
The younger siblings.
Hinata feels both Tsukishima’s and Kageyama’s insufferable stares, he instinctively turns to them and witnesses as their faces twist into matching disgusting grimaces, he also catches a glimpse of slight grins in Yamaguchi and Yachi’s faces. Suga comes up to the other three years and tells them to pick up their slack! How is it that all these kids could beat ‘em but he does admit that it would’ve been difficult if it had only been up to him. Noya is kinda bummed but he’s quick to get over it and bring the other two second years to congratulate the other team! He high fives his bro and Suga and pats all the first year’s heads (despite Tsukishima’s reluctance). Narita sighs fondly at the scary 1st years and Kinoshita gives everyone a thumbs up. Noya comes up to Ennoshita and gives him an enthusiastic slap on the back, “Good job Chikara! as expected from our captain!” Everyone falls silent.
The tension is so thick it could be cut up with a knife, no one dares to break the uncomfortable silence, least of all Ennoshita who looks so mortified he might faint at any moment.
Finally, Daichi is the one to step forward and he moves until he reaches Ennoshita grips his shoulder with a firm hand. “Yeah, the team is in good hands.”
Somehow that feels like a punch to Ennoshita’s gut and he moves his face downwards as faint sobs leave him. Just like that, one after the other, quiet sobs can be heard throughout the room. Tears dampening cheeks but never quite reaching the ground. They’re sad tears, happy tears, tears born from frustration and relief and longing, shed for the regrets of the past and the vast unknown that is the future but most importantly they are being shed at the present moment. No one acknowledges them, but no one really needs to. During the past three years Daichi, Kiyoko, Asahi, and Suga have shed lots of tears for different reasons and they know that they’ll continue crying for as long as they keep on fighting.
These waterfalls are not dampening the evening, quite the opposite, they’re the perfect conclusion to their high school career. The four of them helped rebuild this team from the ground up, each of nurturing in their own ways. They all have regrets and things they would’ve done differently but seeing right now their wonderful teammates and everything they’ve achieved together they can have closure and come to terms with saying goodbye and trusting the fruits of their hard work to the next generation.
Eventually, the cryfest stops and even though they try to joke to lighten the mood the 14 of them are left exhausted. They try to clean up some and get ready to take a quick bath and get to sleep.
The next day starts on a better note, they’re all excited for their last practice as a team and vigorously fill up their stomachs before giving it their all.
They warm-up and practice serves as always, or better said as ‘in the old times’. They have enough people to go 6 vs 6 and so they play as many sets as they can. Suga teases them, Daichi tells them to cut their slack, Asahi encourages them and Kiyoko supports them from the sidelines.
They lose track of which team ends up winning, especially since they kept switching members every few sets but who cares about that.
They got to play like they always wanted to, giving it their all, as a family.
#haikyuu!!#hq!! fanfic#hq!! drabble#hq!! spoilers#haikyuu!! spoilers#the orange court exchange#my writing
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more!
★★★ Here I Am, Honey by luckie_dee
When Blaine Anderson visits Kellerman's Mountain Home with his family in the summer of 1963, he isn't expecting anything more than days in the sun and games of croquet, but when he and his cousin Rachel meet the staff dance instructors, his plans get thrown for a loop. Blaine's family vacation might just end up being the time of his life. A Klaine Dirty Dancing AU.
Another Life by wintercreek
It’s a typical Wednesday. Except for the part where Kurt’s in a suit, wearing the glasses he got last spring but usually only wears just before bed and in extreme contact solution shortages, and miming some sort of imperious dialog with an empty chair.
you go to my head by regala_electra
Cuddly tipsy friends celebrating and enjoying inappropriate times together.
life tearing at the seams by regala_electra
It’s amazing how the right distressed designer wear can be mistaken for something one of the dangerous kids would wear. Kurt Hummel, one of the outcasts of McKinley High, dreams of leaving Lima behind. Then Blaine Anderson transfers during Kurt's senior year.
Pavlovian by rospeaks
Kurt uses kisses as positive reinforcement without even realizing it. This is very detrimental in the kitchen, unfortunately.
Somebody Kind by robotsfighting
Kurt is sick; Blaine is very insistently helpful.
To the Moon and Back by idoltina
Blaine Anderson is four when he decides he wants to be an astronaut.
Since The Day We Found You by robotsfighting
The Hummel-Hudson house feels like home to Blaine, in a way that his own house never has.
education in harmony by blackmustache
Blaine doesn't meet Kurt during his sophomore year at Dalton - but fate intervenes and makes sure they still cross paths a little later in their lives.
Lamb in The Wood by idoltina
Six years after New Directions graduates from William McKinley High School, Kurt and Blaine share an apartment in New York. In the early hours of the morning, a phone call from Quinn rocks their world.
• warning for character death (artie)
Intertwined and Overrun by idoltina
Blaine is nineteen and home for the summer, a newly minted college sophomore. The hospital lights are blindingly bright, but the world has never been darker.
Let it Snow by santaklaine
Kurt pinpoints the very moment his heart stops while on vacation at a ski resort with Blaine over the holidays. The vacation gets better after that.
Life and Times of Author B.A. Dalton by oncetwiceforevr
Blaine Anderson (aka B.A. Dalton) is a writer from Los Angeles. Kurt Hummel changes him.
The Boy on The Seesaw by regala_electra
He’s gay. It’s not the end of the world. He’s pretty sure of that, at least he thinks so, and he’s trying to figure it out, but deep down he always knew, even before he had a real word to put there, pinning over his heart three letters gay and the world’s changed forever. Blaine Anderson's life as seen through several memorable summers and a conversation before his 16th summer vacation.
It’s Only Time by warble_on
The summer before Kurt is to leave for college in New York, he creates a way to keep close to Blaine when they’re apart.
Runner!Klaine verse by YourFairyGodfather
Kurt is running his very first marathon for Reasons (and they're really good ones. Probably). Blaine is a marathon junkie with a total disregard for how good looking he is at seven in the morning (or in spandex pants). It's a good thing they're made for each other, because there are 26 more miles to the finish line.
In the Haze by oncetwiceforevr
Blaine Anderson is a firefighter in NYC. One day, he meets Kurt Hummel. This is their story.
One’s Impossible, Two is Dreary by Lokei
Kurt’s voice in his ear is warm and evens out all of the jagged edges on Blaine’s insides. “I’m back early from Callbacks and wanted to make sure to respond to you before it got too late. Care to explain this text?”
In Sickness and in... by flaming_muse
There’s just Blaine, his hot pillow, and the heavy winter clouds pressing down on his chest. Futurefic.
Not The Boy Next Door by wordplay
Blaine Anderson is a struggling musician with a new job. This is the story of everything he finds there.
• fic is kinda incomplete without the images but they’re still within the pdf/epub, *here*
One Foot In Front Of The Other by apropensityforcharm
6x11 reaction. In which Blaine’s first day at NYU isn’t too great, until Elliott shows up.
History Books Forgot About Us by apropensityforcharm
6x05 reaction. Ten teeny tiny moments of beautiful, ordinary love between Kurt and Blaine. Inspired by the Heads Up game in the elevator.
★★★ Stunning and Cadaverous by rm (arem)
AU. Blaine's back home in Lima because his father is dying. He meets Kurt for the first time in the Lima Bean when he accidentally spills coffee all over him. Turns out Kurt's a funeral director. But that's not really the strangest thing about either of them.
Eventually I’ll Get the Guy by mailroomorder
When Blaine goes to college and moves into the dorms, there are a few things that are more difficult than expected; it's hard to jerk off when you're living in a dorm surrounded by people, and it's even more frustrating when the person you're fantasizing about is your roommate.
Extended Families by imaginentertain
Blaine has an interesting relationship with his boyfriend's father
that was then; he is now by villiageidiot
Now that there's Blaine, everything's different.
Ink verse by orphan_account
Meet cute AU: Blaine is a florist and Kurt is a tattoo artist from the shop next door.
To Shake the Pride of Angels by Cimmerians
Kurt and Blaine have never met. Until they do.
Puppy Kisses by hdarchive
He’s determined to be the most romantic husband in the entire world, chocolates and roses and puppies included.
unexpected by klaineanummel
Blaine Anderson was just about the last thing Professor Kurt Hummel expected out of a TA.
• one of the softest blaines written i wanna cry just thinking about him
TattooArtists!Klaine verse by alilactree
On My Way (To You) by MakerOfAnarchy
Blaine pines after Kurt Hummel for an entire year before fate steps in and gives him just the nudge he needed.
Encounters by orphan_account
Kurt and Blaine have a one night stand at a club. Then they start to see each other randomly around the city as if some strange force keeps trying to bring them together.
The Littlest Vows by rainjoyswriting
Blaine is afraid of spiders. Kurt helps.
Cooper Anderson, D.D.S. by luckie_dee
Blaine has a loose tooth, and Cooper plans to use it to further his future career as an actor.
Someone Marches Brave by Lexie
The aftermath of multiple elections isn't easy to handle.
Starcrossed by thefatesallow (orphan_account)
It is the Fourth Quarter Quell. Kurt, the Victor of the 98th Hunger Games, is braced to return for his second year as a mentor. All he hopes for is a quick Games so he can return home and battle his nightmares until the next year. But then Blaine Anderson is reaped.
The Sky Could Be Blue by JudeAraya
Relationships with the Winged are as close to illegal as can be, but when Kurt Hummel hires Blaine Anderson to walk in his runway show, neither can deny their instant chemistry.
Testers by gleeficarchivepseud (andyetilienot)
Kurt and Blaine find a new way to make money on the side.
(We’ve Got) Obsessions by gleeficarchivepseud (andyetilienot)
“Tested” reaction fic.
A Mild Case of Vampirism by icedwhitemocha
sometimes a teddy bear is just a teddy bear. this is not one of those times.
What They Say About The Third Time by a_simple_rainbow
Blaine is a cinematography student who agrees to help some classmates out with their end of semester project. Kurt is a fashion student who agrees to help his high school friend, Artie Abrams.
Hate On Me Hater by rospeaks
Kurt and Blaine are fashion critics in competition with each other.
• p much just pwp lmaooo
Mistaken Identity by kurtiepie
"How do you accidentally do something like that?" After a long day, Blaine comes home to find that his friend and roommate Sam has accidentally set him up on a blind date.
The Tune Without The Words by FyrMaiden
It's not Blaine's wings which make him special.
Down To The River by FyrMaiden
Faith is an important part of Blaine's life, and he doesn't want to lose it.
Fire Forged Friends by kurtiepie
"This is the worst bitter rivalry Kurt has ever been a part of." After coming to the conclusion that she would rather be fear than play nice, Rachel corrals the New Directions into a fiercely competitive new mindset. Kurt doubts her methods, but goes along with them -- until the Warbler's leading man sends him a message, telling him it's 'crucial' that he sees him.
Soothe by Ladylywrites
Blaine has a nightmare and calls Kurt.
All Your Curves And Edges by Ladylywrites
Set after 'Tested'; Blaine opens up a little more about his feelings in the after glow of making up.
Blaine Anderson, Guerrilla Knitter at Large by madamemonday
Blaine knits!!
Nine in the Afternoon by hedgerose
Growing up and growing together.
Clandestine ‘verse by DasWarSchonKaputt
The first words Kurt Hummel ever says to Blaine are, “Take the shot.” (spy!klaine)
All My Numbers by sweetiejelly
Eight years later, at the urging of their friends, Kurt and Blaine try speed dating. It doesn't work. Until it does spectacularly.
We Should Be Woo’d by flowerfan
Sam turns to Blaine for advice on how to help Spencer woo Alistair, but Blaine and Kurt are a little busy…
want to be wanted by sxndazed
"What are you afraid of?" He looks up and meets her eyes. She'll prod until he answers, but she wants him to answer without having her do so. He sighs. "I'm afraid of not being enough."
Under Your Spell(ing) by notthetoothfairy
Emotionally isolated skank!Kurt approaches Blaine at a church youth group meeting, and somehow ends up with more feelings than he can handle.
And now here they are by tinysocieties
“I can’t wait to read it,” Blaine says, his expression open and sincere. Kurt feels fond all of a sudden. He can already tell it’s going to be a problem.
Emotions in Limine by whenidance
Lawyer!Kurt, Paralegal!Blaine
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Coming of Age
University wasn’t necessary for them. It was a weird thing, honestly, in this day and age in Japan. With heroes and Quirks rampant and in abundance, a lot of schools that offered hero tracks still recommended a university education immediately following.
But not UA students. The best of the best. Almost always guaranteed internships with hero agencies, the likelihood going up if they did well in the sports festivals throughout the years, and the provisional licensing exams.
Lucky for Bakugou Katsuki, he did well at everything. And now that the legal age in Japan was eighteen, and he was literally days away from turning said age, he was...
He’d never admit he was unsure about what was coming next. He already had internships lined up—maybe not as many as Deku or Icyhot—so it wasn’t like he was worried about his opportunities. He wasn’t thinking he was making the wrong choice not going to university. He was a hero. He was going to be a hero. He was going to beat everyone and be the number one hero if it killed him—or someone else.
But besides the hardheaded idiot that hadn’t stopped following him around since first year, and his old hag mom who for whatever reason always had his back, Bakugou felt....alone.
He tried not to let it bother him, and he was sure it didn’t have anything to do with the fact that Deku always got everything.
And this wasn’t about internships or All Might’s damn powers.
Well.
Not anymore.
No, it was about....her.
////
The alarm rang in his bedroom. Graduation was done. Bakugou was back home until his internship began and he was boarded by the company who had chosen him. They were willing to work with his wildness, and three years of Aizawa-sensei giving him dorm-cleaning duty for each ridiculously outrageous bout of angry fighting had mellowed him. Some.
But Bakugou didn’t want to get up today. He didn’t want to be eighteen. He had been preparing for this his whole life. He was intelligent, and sincerely wanted to be a hero. He was ready for the responsibility of it. But the anger and insecurity still burned deep inside him.
He never thought he’d add loneliness to that list.
“Kuso,” he growled to himself as he turned off the alarm and picked up his phone. His damn stupid, sentimental classmates were already sending him birthday texts. Kirishima, Kaminari, even Icyhot had managed a cultured, stoic many happy returns.
Pretentious hot-cold asshole. “Just say happy birthday, teme,” he grumbled at his phone and then slammed it down.
Nothing from her yet. But she was probably being paraded around by Deku like some trophy china doll. Being showered with his stupid, overthought gifts and blabbed at about all of his ridiculous hero analyses and theories.
He groaned and massaged his face, roughly, his hands falling back down to his sides, his palms making irritated little sparks as he thought about her stupid, ridiculous, annoyingly pretty round face stretched in a moronically romanced smile at Deku’s lame attempt at existence.
All Might’s power, Bakugou’s dream school of UA, more internships than him even though he won the sports festivals almost ever year. And now her.
Deku really did get everything.
Squeezing his hands into fists to stop the sparks, Bakugou climbed out of bed and got into the shower, ignoring his mother yelling down the hall that she was making him a special birthday breakfast whether he liked it or not.
In all honesty, he had started liking her first year, though he’d all but denied it then. She was strong—she put up a fight when no one else had. She had a reason to fight, a purpose. She wasn’t just a frail girl.
He’d pushed those feelings down at first, swallowed them, pretty much assuming by the fact that she was attached to Deku’s hip that she’d just end up his girl. And honestly, Bakugou had no time for any of that if he was going to be the best.
But as the years at UA had trekked on, he found himself paired off with her a lot more than he’d anticipated. In fact, if she wasn’t with Deku, she was with him. And when she was with Deku, she was usually also with Four Eyes, too. The truth was, she chose to be alone with Bakugou more than ever with the other two, doing tasks around the dorms together, sparring together, doing projects together (if and when Deku or Four Eyes couldn’t.)
And she had the stupidly annoying habit of constantly talking to him about Deku, or asking his advice about being a hero, or talking about her parents. And she had the damned nerve to ask the same of him, as if she actually cared as her stupid, annoying, adorable round cheeks stretched into a curious smile, and all while becoming Deku’s girl?!
Bakugou punched the bathroom tile and flipped the shower off with a harsh creak as he stepped out and threw a towel around his waist with a growl and a curse. It wasn’t fair. He just wanted to graduate and become the best. He didn’t need any emotions getting in the way—even if she was his perfect girl (both his equal and his opposite in all the best ways).
He didn’t need to go into eighteen feeling both accomplished and lonely as hell.
He was snapped from his thoughts when he heard someone knock on the bathroom door. He whipped the door open, expecting his mom trying to force her rubbery eggs on him (which wasn’t at all true; she was a wonderful cook and she’d taught him.)
Instead, he found a stupidly, annoyingly, irritatingly beautiful round face staring back at him, framed perfectly by the swoop of her dumb brown hair that somehow managed to make her look even more incredibly pretty and always smelled like fruit.
It was her.
“Marui kao,” he breathed in surprise—‘round face’.
Uraraka Ochako smiled back at him, her hands clasped behind her back, her round, pink cheeks flushing an even darker shade. “Konnichiwa, Bakugou-kun...um, you’re...in a towel...”
Bakugou, who couldn’t stop his guard from dropping around her, also blushed and scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You’re the dumbass who knocked on my bathroom door. Chotto matte.” He stepped down the hall, and into his bedroom, emerging ten minutes later in a pair of jeans and a black v-neck, his biceps pushing on the seam of the tee’s sleeves. “What are you doing here, kao?”
“I have an internship interview today but I wanted to give you this in person. It’s important,” she said, and her hands finally came from behind her and held up a black gift bag, a red card barely peeking over the top edge. “Happy birthday.”
Bakugou’s eyes widened, and he froze for a moment, trying to register that not only has she bought him a birthday gift but she had gone out of her way to deliver it in person. “I—“
He never finished the half-formed thought when Uraraka checked her watch and looked up at him, “I have to go. I hope you like it. See you soon.” She smiled and turned, rushing back down the hall the way she came. He watched her back, heard her compliment the scent of his mom’s cooking, and then finally the sound of the door closing behind her.
Sitting down at the table, he cursed at his mother when she shoved a plate of breakfast in front of him. He ignored the food and pulled out the card from the bag, opening it and pulling out the note.
Katsuki,
It’s not how you think it is with Deku-kun.
Please come meet me tonight.
Happy birthday.
-Ochako
Bakugou pulled his gift out of his bag, and despite his usual steely, aggressive behavior, his face stretched into its usual grin—if not a little warmer—and he dug into his mother’s eggs, unsurprised when they were, in fact, delicious.
/////
The UA stadium was quiet at night, and technically Uraraka wasn’t supposed to be there, as she was no longer a student, or competing in a festival.
She heard the heavy footfalls coming up the pathway into the seats behind her, and she would’ve been worried, except she was Uravity and the steps were familiar.
“You found me,” she said as she smiled at Bakugou when he approached her, sitting down in a seat next to her.
Bakugou scoffed, and then smirked. “This is the first place we ever fought. Figured if you have something important to tell me, it’d be here.” His red eyes turned and looked at her, a fang-like tooth visible in his grin—a little cocky, a little friendly and warm. “You’re mushy like that, kao.”
“And how do you know I’m going to say something mushy, hm?” She asked with a smirk of her own, still looking out at the dark stadium, remembering their first fight fondly.
He held up the note, and his birthday present—a small vile on a piece of twine with little gray rocks in it. “You know, I know everyone expects me to be a dumbass, but symbolism isn’t lost on me. I just ain’t IcyHot or Deku, where I outwardly analyze that shit every second of my life.”
“They aren’t the rocks you blasted away during our fight, but I was hoping you’d get the gist,” she said, her brown eyes sliding and meeting his. “Thought you could use some good luck before you started your internship. A reminder of how strong you are and have become. And a reminder I could still surpass you.”
He snorted and rolled his eyes. “Sure. Is that all you wanted to sa—“
He was cut off when she grabbed him by the edges of his jacket and pulled him in, their lips meeting heatedly, battling, moving together, learning each other, before she released him with a small sigh, and looked away.
Bakugou was quiet, speechless, and then he cleared his throat. “Your note.”
She nodded. “Deku-kun is my best friend. But he isn’t my boyfriend. Those are rumors started by tabloids because Deku-kun being All Night’s actual successor is such a big story right now. Him getting scouted and offered internships is big news and we’re always together but I didn’t want you to think that because the truth is, even though I liked Deku-kun in first year, the more you and I were together, the more i—“
She was cut off by him, suddenly, her small, powerful body being pulled roughly into his lap, and his lips finding hers again, the battle commending for several moments before his mouth released hers and his lips tugged upward in a triumphant smirk. “So you’re telling me I best that damn bastard Deku?”
Uraraka rolled her eyes. “If you say it like that, I’m dumping you on the spot.”
Bakugou laughed outright and pressed a warm, sweet kiss to her shoulder through her shirt. “Fine. But I still won.” He tightened his muscled arms around her and mumbled something.
“What was that?”
Bakugou rested his cheek against hers. “Said I think this is a better win than any top internship,” he repeated, and smiled against her skin, “but that never leaves this stadium, marui kao. Never.”
Uraraka’s face brightened affectionately, and damn, if she didn’t look pretty. Stupidly, annoyingly pretty. She touched his spiky hair, lifted his chin with her gentle, powerful fingers, and pecked his lips—a silent thank you for the compliment of being that important to him. She kissed him again, and again, and again, each peck a thank you for the years of friendship and putting up with her. A promise that his soft side would stay between them.
And then, with her stupidly pretty smile, and her annoyingly pretty round cheeks, and her amazingly, incredibly prettt voice, she leaned in, hugged his shoulders tightly, and whispered,
“Happt birthday, Katsuki.”
#kacchako#kacchaco#katsuki x ochako#katsuki x ochaco#bakuraka#bakugou#uraraka#bakugou katsuki#uraraka ochako#uraraka ochaco#my hero academia#bolu no hero academia#mha#bnha#fanfiction#writing#my writing#mine#fan fiction#anime fanfiction#wooo its been a while since ive written anime fanfiction#first bnha fanfiction#i hope it isnt lame
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Don't let the NCAA off the hook for Zion Williamson's exploitation
Zion Williamson’s (thankfully minor) injury on Wednesday night launched a flurry of activity from the hot-take industry. There were the obvious ones (in which I participated) like “gosh, I hope Zion Williamson has loss of value insurance.” And then less obvious ones like “isn’t it an outrage that NCAA rules prohibit Duke from providing that insurance with Duke’s own money (they have to use a special NCAA fund and if that’s empty, no go).”
These were generally pro-athlete and more or less correct.
But the worst of the bunch, the absolutely most suit-sniffing, barely-whisper-truth-to-power-and do-so-while groveling sort of take is the “this is not the NCAA’s fault, not at all” approach.
The NCAA itself took this approach, because of course they would.
https://twitter.com/NCAA/status/1098995124741332992
https://twitter.com/NCAA/status/1098995126117064705
So if you are a journalist, and a billion dollar industry claims to have no role whatsoever in denying athletes their market-rate of compensation, you have a choice. You can dig in and see whether that’s true, a bad spin of a barely true thing, or a bald-faced lie. Or you can just adopt that approach, more or less un-researched. Unfortunately, the latter was all too common among the hot-take sports crowd.
But besides these sorts of journalists being complicit in the exploitation of athletes by perpetuating the propaganda of the NCAA, here’s why it’s also just plain false that the “real problem” is the NBA/NBPA rule known as one-and-done. It's important to recognize that while many parties are arrayed against the economic welfare of athletes, when people say this is all the NBA's fault, it's missing the crux of the issue to focus on a side effect.
First, the NCAA is not telling the truth when it claims to have nothing to do with one-and-done. One-and-done is a legally validated rule, tested in the courts through the NFL equivalent rule (which is basically three-and-done). That rule was declared illegal by a federal court in 2003, but the NFL appealed and had the ruling reversed. During the appeals process, the NCAA decided to inject itself into the legal process. It could have stayed neutral. Or it could have supported athletes’ rights to go to the NFL and the NBA whenever they want. And if they had done that then I guess I’d agree that they were not at all responsible for one-and-done. But they did not do that. Instead, what they did was actively tell the courts that college sports NEEDED rules like one and done, and please do not make them illegal.
Don’t believe me? I’ve got receipts.
On April 12, 2004, the NCAA filed what is known as an “Amicus Brief” – a “Friend of the Court” statement where a party that is not a part of the lawsuit nevertheless advises the Court what it thinks. Sometimes courts ask for amicus briefs, to get a sense of what the ramifications of a decision might be. Other times, parties just volunteer them. Here’s what the NCAA told the court:
If you can’t read through the legalese, let me translate for you: Please make it legal for the NFL (and any other league like the NBA) to tell 18 year olds they cannot play professionally. If you don’t, we might lose our best athletes unless we pay them and that would really suck.
And so, with this advice from the NCAA in hand, the appeals court struck down the ruling that three-and-done (and other rules like it) was illegal, and declared it totally legal for a league to collectively bargain with a union to make rules like one-and-done.
So that’s how false it is to say the NCAA had nothing to do with one-and-done. Nothing to do with it other than going out of its way to tell the court that made one-and-done illegal that it ought to make it legal, and that the future of the NCAA hinged critically on making rules like one-and-done permissible.
So fast forward to today, and the NBA and the players’ union, the NBPA, have a valid collective bargaining agreement (a CBA in the labor law jargon) that says you must be one year removed from high school to play in the NBA. Like it or not, the law has blessed this. And yes, the NBA and NBPA can change this rule (and in my view should change it) but (1) it is the subject of actual bargaining between owners and athletes, and thus (2) it is a legal rule, and of course (3) the NCAA went out of its way to make it legal.
But more importantly, this NBA/NBPA is not the main reason that college athletes are being exploited economically. Far more harmful to the athletes, both for those who would have gone to the NBA directly from college and those who might never play in the Association at all, are the NCAA rules themselves, the ones that say schools cannot compete for athletes using payments above a fixed level, with that level equal to a scholarship plus $2,000 to $6,000 dollars in cash.
Note – I am not saying college athletes don’t get paid at all – quite the opposite. They are paid. They get a value in the form of a scholarship and on top of that they get paid in cash, around $3,500 a year on average. What I am saying is they are not paid what the market would pay them, if schools like Duke didn’t agree, every single year, with schools like Kentucky that they will not compete for talent like Zion Williamson with the full vigor of a real, uncapped market.
And unlike the sort of caps the NBA and NBPA collectively bargain, the NCAA cap is not bargained at all. Rather, one side of the equation – management, in the form of the schools and conferences that make up the NCAA – colludes among itself and presents the price cap to athletes as a take-it-or-leave-it offer by a monopolist.[1] Which, on its face, is an anticompetitive act, suppressing the payment that thousands of athletes would get without the cap.
Don’t believe me? Well, let’s remember back all the way to 2015, when an appeals court confirmed the 2014 ruling in O’Bannon which said that the cap the NCAA had in place from 1976 to 2015 was illegal. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled (and the Supreme Court chose not to overrule) that in the NCAA rule was “patently and inexplicably stricter than is necessary” and “an antitrust court can and should invalidate it and order it replaced.” In other words – the cap was illegal.
So the NCAA adopted a new, slightly more generous cap, which is why college athletes now get paid in cash as well as in-kind. That $2K - $6K I mentioned above? Yeah, you can thank the antitrust laws for that.
But the thing is, the court didn’t say that just because the cap was looser now that it was automatically ok. And so four years later, the new cap is back in court, awaiting a ruling from the same district court where O’Bannon was heard. In that case, we’re just waiting for the ruling but the judge (Judge Claudia Wilken) has already told us what she thinks:
What I think Judge Wilken meant was that it was clear that the current cap on compensation had an “anticompetitive effect” on thousands of athletes. What does that mean? It means there was lots of evidence that thousands of athletes had gotten less money under the current rule than they would have if there had been no rule (or a less restrictive rule).
And one of the experts in that case, my friend and business partner, Dan Rascher testified to that exact effect. He explained his conclusions recently to the New York Times.
And this is what I think the real story is. Namely, that without the NBA/NBPA rule, which is legal, a dozen people or so would each earn millions of dollars more for one year. But without the NCAA rule, which is likely illegal, thousands of athletes would each earn tens or hundreds of thousands more – which is a far larger extraction of wealth – and the only parties responsible for that are the NCAA and its member institutions.
So when the hot-take crowd gets confronted with these sorts of facts, it’s fairly typical for them to fall back onto “ok, well, hot shot, you can complain all you want but no one has proposed a viable solution.” This is what I call the “what’s your plan” fallacy, namely that it’s not enough to point out where the real blame lies, it’s the requirement of the people who see the problem to also lay out, in full and glorious detail, how to fix it, or else the current rules get to stay in place forever. It’s something like the economic version of that tourist t-shirt, “the economic exploitation will continue until someone outside the system invents the perfect solution.”
But the “what's the plan” framing – where we have to agree on a fix before we can even entertain the possibility of ending a bad system – is bogus. You don’t keep letting a company pollute a river just because you haven’t figured out where they can properly send the pollution. You tell them to stop polluting and let them figure out what to do.
But even though it’s not the responsibility of the people who point out the problem to propose a solution, the secondary hot-take that “no one has offered a solution” is also just plain wrong. I myself have laid out at least three plans that would all fix the problem.
Eliminate the NCAA cap and let each conference set its own cap in competition with one another. This is the requested relief in the current case in front of Judge Wilken and was first proposed by me and Daniel Rascher (the professor quoted by the New York Times above) in 2000.
This would allow each conference to decide how much they think makes sense to offer in pay but require them to put that offer into a market where other conferences could pay more, and let the market decide, for each athlete, what a fair exchange of benefits for services is. It’s basically, you know, the way all markets work except it treats the conference as the unit of decision making rather than each school (and rather than allowing the NCAA to create a cartel[2] of all conferences, like they do now).
You can do a half-measure and end the cap on third-party payments to athletes. This is an inferior solution, because it opens up half the market – the market for athletes name, image, and likeness rights, but it leaves in place the cap on the other half of the market, the market for athletic services. In the long run, athletes will do about as well, but as appealing as this solution is – sometimes it’s called the Olympic model because it’s how Olympians are primarily (though not entirely) paid for their participation in the Olympics – it has problems. The biggest is that if compensation moves outside of the university environment, it is more likely to skirt Title IX.
That is, if athletes were paid for their services by schools or conferences, as in Plan 1 above, it’s very likely that the pay would be subject to Title IX matching. Roughly speaking, this would cut the market rate for male athletes in half and push up funding for female athletes accordingly. But if it’s Nike hiring Zion Williamson to do a shoe deal, it is much less likely there would be any need for a Title IX match. If you think Title IX is good, you should prefer Plan 1 to Plan 2, but either way, you’ll get to a market outcome that is less exploitative than the current system and works more efficiently to boot.
At least two States are adopting this approach now, Washington and California. You can read about these efforts here:
CA:https://theathletic.com/800397/2019/02/04/thompson-new-law-seeks-to-allow-california-collegiate-athletes-to-get-paid-for-use-of-their-name-image-and-likeness/
WA:http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2019/feb/21/outside-pay-for-college-athletes-gets-committee-ok/
There can be competitive entry by a rival college basketball league that considers “Amateurism” to be a problem that needs solving rather than a positive element of the sport. This is why I am proud to be a part of the executive team of the Historical Basketball League, the HBL. Because Amateurism is a Con.
I can already hear some of you asking:
WHAT IS THE HBL?
In June 2020, the HBL will launch in 12 cities across America and will work with the HBL Foundation to provide full scholarships to the cream of the crop – the top 150 or so college basketball players – to play for the HBL. In addition to those scholarships, which cannot be cancelled for injury or even if the athlete leaves for the NBA, the HBL will also pay athletes $50,000 to $150,000 and allow athletes to fully commercialize their name, image, and likeness. In other words, if the courts and society can’t force the NCAA to adopt Plan 1 or 2, the HBL is going to do it for them, buy up all the best talent, and show the world that labor markets aren’t exactly rocket science – the league that pays the best is going to get the best talent and they get the best ratings and then get the most revenue.
Now, to be clear, there is a lot more that is cool about the HBL. We are thrilled that fifteen-year NBA veteran David West has taken over our basketball operations, and Ricky Volante, Keith Sparks, and I are eager to work with David to make the league a success. Please check us out at HBLeague.com.
We’ll be playing our games in the summer to minimize the conflict between school and sports. Our athletes will be true students from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and then professional college athletes during the summer. We’ll focus on appropriate high-performance training, professional nutrition, and proper strength and conditioning. We’ll play by NBA rules and teach NBA schemes. We’ll be working to provide our athletes and their parents with financial literacy courses, public relations training, business courses, etc. We will holistically develop the whole person and send our athletes to the NBA and to other professional leagues across the globe – far better prepared for life on and off the court, and far better prepared than anything the NCAA provides today.
And no, the HBL is not going to ask the NCAA for permission to compete against them, or to agree on the optimal salary. The biggest fallacy of the “what’s your plan” hot take is that it assumes we need a plan at all. It implies athletes can't be subject to the same rules as everyone else. They can. By entering the same market as the NCAA – the college basketball market – what the HBL is saying is let’s just let the market do its thing.
In some sense, that's the common thread for all of the solutions, which is to recognize that we don’t have a plan for how we pay athletic directors, and no one worries why not. Just treat athletes like all other humans. It will all work out fine.
[1] Ok, to be technical it’s actually a monopsonist, which is just a fancy way of saying a monopolist when the monopolist is making the payments – like when it buys supplies or pays workers -- rather than charging the money. But that’s not important, I just want to make it clear I know the difference
[2] An economic cartel is not a drug cartel. To be an economic cartel you just have to get together with your potential competitors and agree not to compete on price. For example, you could get all 350+ D1 schools to agree on how much to pay athletes for their services, and this would make you a cartel. I’m looking at you, NCAA.
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Snow day Prompt: Bittersweet meeting *p1*
“Looks like it'll be a big storm. Don't think the others are coming today.." The seventeen year old stated as he looked at the start of snowfall.
Part of him wanted to leave as well but his pride as club leader president wouldn't allow him, you never know who might need some assistance or help in this school, which is why he created the 'Crystal gems'.
From student counseling to school events to setting parlays between students, the Crystal gems goal is to make every Diamond high student as smooth as possible. Which is why they, for the most part, butt heads with student council every so often.
The SC feels that the CG overstep their boundaries at times. Though they cannot deny the good they have done. Even if their methods come off as questionable. It's less animosity and more of a rivalry between the two on whose better for the school. Still they get some funding from the treasury cause they are an official club, that get results.
“Universe..Shouldn't you be heading out?” a gruff voice called out to him. He turned to see three girls standing in the hall, looking in.He gave them a small smile before taking a seat on the club rooms sofa.
“Awe...You're worry about me Jasp, That's sweet of you cuz.”
The girl in question scoffed lightly as she hid her small smile under her orange scarf. Tall and muscular but also very feminine, with wild white hair, gold contacts and faded brown skin with white stripes of vitiligo; which only made her more exotic.Her name’s Jasper, vice president of the student council and his younger cousin.
Behind her stood two others. A slender woman of average height and a swimmers build. Her ocean colored hair and dark sand colored skin, with striking eyes as blue as her namesake Lapis lazuli. She was the secretary of the student council and scuba team Captain.
The last part of this trio was small and shapely, just braking five feet, five-three with her gravity defying, greenish-blonde hair, a natural light tan, her infamous goggles over some of the brightest green eyes you'd ever seen. The student council treasurer and fire cracker, Peridot.
all three were dress in the standard academy uniform( White blazer, yellow blouse, pink tie and blue skirt) under their wool, leather and down coats, respectively.
“Joking aside, she's right Steven..We're supposed to be getting a few feet through the night. It's best if you head home now, before it gets worst...We’d wait for you, if you want.” The bluenette suggested with a small smile.
“Tempting, but I still have some work to finish, beside you never know who might need some advice.” Lapis’s smiled faltered a bit at his refusal.
“Told you, he'd say no. Him and Boss are both the same.” Peridot sighed exasperatedly
“So, the President still here as well? That works in my favor, there something i wanted to discuss with her.”
The three girls looked as Steven to rub his chin and a small smirk appeared on his lips. While Peridot grinned, almost cackled; Jasper sent Lapis a apologetically knowing glance, who in responded in a slight wave. Jasper cleared her throat before walking up to Steven,her left hand open and free, her right held the keys to her car.
“Your keys, give’em here Steven.”
Steven would have argued a bit, but the fact that she used her ‘family’ tone and gave him the look she always did when she was worried about other, left him no resistance. He dug into the back of his slacks and produced a key to his motorcycle with a small pink lion plush on one of the chains. The two exchanged keys, before Jasper headed to the locker in the far left and grabbed three helmets and some goggles from it. She passed the green one to Peridot, a blue to Lapis and kept a large orange one and the goggles for herself.
“Don’t stay too late Steven…”
“And you don’t go too fast on lion…” He turned towards the other two “Make sure she don’t break 25, just because it’s not that bad yet and I had the tires redone for the season, dosen't mean your perfectly safe.”
Lapis and Peridot gave their word, despite Jasper protest of being a responsible driver. A protest that ended shortly after Steven admitted to trusting her with his ride, making her feel a bit smug.
“Alright guys, we should head home before we all have to load up in Jasper tuna can of a car.”
Jasper growled at Peridot’s comment before giving her cousin a quick one armed hug, Not to be left out; Peridot gave the young man a quick friendly hug causing the tallest girl to roll her eyes and Steven to chuckle. He blushed when he heard Peri whispered something into his stomach and the sly look on her face didn’t help. He shook his head as she broke the hug and basically skipped out of the room once again joking about Jasper car when she was a good ways away, causing Jasper to chase after her. Lapis and Steven looked as the two took off, when they heard Peri yelled.
“MAKE SURE TO TAKE THE PRESIDENT HOME AS WELL, GOOO~OOD LUU~UUUCK!”
“I better go before she kills Peri.”
“Yeah,that’s a good idea. Get home safe, Lappie.” Red face and head down, Lapis delivered a weak trembling punch to the boys stomach.
“You rejected me already, so save that charm for her...I’m rooting for you”
With a small kiss upon his cheek and a wipe of a tear, Lapis ran to catch up with Jasper and Peri. Steven shook his head with a sigh as he turned around and laid on the couch. He watched as the snow lightly fell, with a peaceful look, dozing off as he did.
It was a melodic sound. A familiar one as well, he’d recognize it anywhere on earth. A simple feminine humming from his left. He turned towards it and saw a indian-american woman of his age sitting on the loveseat. Pad and pen in hand and headphones over her head; humming to a song on her mp4.
That natural walnut skin, shiny black eyes; long curly brown hair that flowed like a waterfall that cute slightly pointed nose and those small yet full lips. She was a bit taller than lapis, curvier than Peridot; and strong...not Jasper strong, but a fencer and athletic build. She sat, one leg over the other, in an alternative school outfit (pink blazer, yellow skirt,blue shirt, and pink tie). The Student President of Diamond Academy, tennis and fencer all star; Connie Maheswaran.
“That uniform fits you very well.”
“Why, thank you” Steven shocked and red face allowed Connie arched an eyebrow and smirk at CG leader. Steven sat up with a stretch and a crack of the neck.
“Time?”
“Only fifteen to five.”
“So..30 minutes, see you made yourself comfortable; Ms.President.”
“Was waiting for my best friend to wake.” Connie pulled her head phones down to her shoulder as she watch him get up and walk behind her and gave her a small hug, which she returned by squeezing his left bicep.
“Tea?”
“ Green, please.”
Giving her a smile the seventeen year old released his hold, a bit reluctantly, before going to the mini fridge getting two bottle of spring water, four tea bags from a nearby locker; and turning on the electric tea kettle that Pearl, one of the club members; brought for the room.
“So really what brings you to the room? And how long have you been here?”
“No reason. Just making rounds saw you here in this nice warm room, decided to come in for a bit. I’ve only been here for about 10 minutes. Is that ok?”
“All are welcomed, but you get special privileges; like this tea.” Steven pointed to the kettle with a smirk. Connie place three fingers on her blouse and gasp in exaggerated fashion.
“Talk about the V.I.P treatment.” She sent him a half smirk. “You wouldn't be trying to get something from me, Right Mr, Universe.”
he let use a low chuckle as he handed her a mug, and sat back on the couch. “Now whatever gave you that idea?”
“That chuckle for one, and the fact that you left a list of funds proposals on the table.”
“I swear they are all needed.” The pace of that statement caused the president to arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips.
“Uh-huh and what pray tell, does these items have to do with your club activities?”
“As you know, our club was main goal to ensure that our fellow students have a pleasant school life...Which we have done very well.”
“Methods aside..Sure.”
“Negotiations doesn't always work with words alone..sometimes games need to be played, parlays need to be made-”
“Classrooms need to be close off, dances need to be unofficially hosted; disguises need to be worn.”
“We always brought the costumes back in pristine condition” Connie stone face made him sigh. “ok, working condition.”
“and the fighting?”
“Oh, like you never used your skills outside of an match.”
Connie shrugged, a small toothy grin on her face. “The S.C does double as a disciplinary committee.. You guys don't.”
“Fair enough, but you can't argue that we have gotten results-”
“Steven,I'm not going to deny your proposal for these items... Though, I don't know why you don't talk to the headmaster themselves..you are related after all.”
“No way. Last Thing I need is people thinking I am privileged.
“....Just choose some soon, ok?”
the spontaneity of the statement and tiredness of her voice aroused suspicion in him. He scooted over and patted the cushion next to him. She took the lifeline quickly as she sat beside him, leaned on his shoulder and grasped his hand, he did nothing but intertwined his fingers with hers.
“You doing ok, President?”
“Just tired of talking shop, is all. Been planning the winter formal and been dealing with disputes between clubs.”
“You could send some of those disputes over here.”
“and have Jasper be on my case..no thanks, I choose peace... but the dance we could use a little ---.” Connie growled mid sentence, facepalming as she did.“No.. No more talk of S.C. work.”
Steven looked on with a smirk at her antics. “Sorry..So how has things been with you, personally? Still dating that Jeff guy?”
“Wow...weeks since we really spoke and that the first thing you ask, wait... how did you know I was dating...ANYONE?”
“He did come to us for advice...Though I was sick for that week. Garnet took control of that one…”
“and…”
Steven looked at her and rubbed the back of his head. “ On my day back, I caught you two giggling and such afterschool..You wasn't were we usually meet up for our ride home. I saw you two and was quick to figure what was going on.”
“Oh… Steven, I'm so sorry I-”
“Hey, No problem you don't have to tell me everything..I mean he's your boyfriend… you have, nothing to be apologetic about. Heard he's a good guy…” Steven glared and his voice, chilling “He IS a good guy..right?”
“I guess? We were only together for a month before I broke it off.”
“Ooo..May I ask why?”
Connie shrugged with a sigh. “Wasn't actually attracted to him, but I figure I'd give the guy a chance. He has good ambition, wanting to go into film and such a nice guy but...just no real spark between us.”
Steven nodded. “It's like that sometimes”
“True...I'm mad at you though.” Connie playful pokes called the bigger teen to laugh. “Six weeks and no hang out, no rides on lion; no games night” What started off as jovial and teasing, ended serious and cool. Connie frown was pronounced and her eyes sharp. “and why? cause some guy that didn't even last a whole month…”
Steven glared back just as hard. “You didn't exactly try to talk to me too much either.”
Connie growled slightly at this before sighing..this was not what she wanted. “You're right..I wanted to talked to you, but something happened…other than jeff”
“Oh..and what was that?”
“You rejecting Lapis…”
#connverse fanfic#teen connie maheswaran#older connie#connverse#connie maheswaran#connverse bomb#connverse-bomb#steven universe fandom#steven universe fanfiction#teen steven#older steven#steven universe#highschool au#long reads#lapis lazuli#steven universe au#steven universe fanworks#snowday#bittersweet#angst#with happy ending#please read and review#please read and reblog#this ran away from me...it was supposed to be much shorter..and happier
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Abducted in Plain sight: Documentary Review
Abducted in Plain Sight is a Netflix show. It’s about a family in Idaho and the evil they befriend. The Broberg family consist of Jan Broberg, Bob Broberg, Mary Ann Broberg, Karen Campbell, Susan Broberg. The story also centers around Robert “B” Bertchtold. Literally the most bizarre shit I have ever watched. “B” is married to Gayle, and the couple has 5 kids. Their names? I have no idea. The documentary possibly told us, but I was much too wrapped up in B’s conniving pedophila. This guy was the original pied piper of “R&B”. You see B lived a double life, one in which he loved children in a way only a pedophile could. B moved into the Broberg’s neighborhood in 1972. B was really charming guy, and that’s an understatement. After the meeting with the Broberg’s the first time, B mailed a card. It said, “I enjoyed your family”. They didn’t have a clue what was coming. Bob Broberg was thrilled about the card. He said, “B was a sharp guy”. After rewatching the documentary, I see that Bob may have had the hots for B. The signs were there. Me personally I’m thinking, don’t enjoy my family bruh. Hell wrong with you.
B took a special liking to Jan. He adopted a “Get Jan or Die Trying Mentality. He really didn’t give a fuck about who stood in his way either. My wife? Pshh. My kids? Fuck them kids. It’s all about Jan, baby. B would pick the Bertchtold kids up in the mornings. For what? I have no idea. B kept recordings of his inner most thoughts about Jan. During one of these recordings he admitted to kissing and telling Jan he loved her. Bertchtold laid his pedo game down flat. He wasn’t even trying to hid the shit. He called Mary Ann Broberg one morning and said, “I want to take Jan out horseback riding”. Mary Ann was hesitant, but Jan was persistent about going. Eventually Mary Ann concedes. This was 1974. On the drive to the stables B gives Jan an “allergy pill”. We later find out it was a sleeping pill. Instead of taking Jan horseback riding he abducts Jan for the first time. Yes, the first time. Stick with me. Jan doesn’t make it home that night. Under advice from Gayle Bertchtold they do not alert the authorities. They actually waited days before getting the law involved. They didn’t want to upset Gayle. *insert blank stare*. 5 days go on and the FBI were eventually contacted.
Fast forward. The FBI gets involved, and starts digging into the Bertchtold’s life. We get to meet Joe Bertchtold, who basically told us his brother wasn’t shit. Joe explains that B attempted to molest his younger sister when he was 12. Jan gives us a flash back before the abduction about sleeping at the Bertchtold’s. She recalls waking up panties around her ankles with B touching her. He explained that she tossed and turned all night. That’s the reason her panties were down. B didn’t just want Jan though. B wanted to divide and conquer the whole family. B went at Mary Ann’s neck. Spoon feeding her compliments. Next thing you know B was feeling up ole Mary Ann. Boy was she excited about it. Mary Anne was hot and spicy over Bertchtold. Here’s where the ride gets tricky. One day B went to visit Mr. Broberg at work. He goes on to tell Bob that his wife not upping that cat how he like. My man told Bob let’s go for a ride bruh. He goes on to explain that he needs to have sex. Now remember earlier when I noted that Mr. Broberg was hot in the pants over B? Yea. So B asks Mr. Bob, “can you give me some relief?” This shit is honestly shocking. Mr. Bob goes ahead and give B a good old fashioned band job. Bruh.. this shit is insane. Yes. You read that right. Mr. Broberg beats that mans meat in the front seat on lunch. B was playing Bob. All this shit was to get Jan.
While B has Jan abducted he inputs a white box in the motor home he is keeping her in. The box relays an alien voice. The voice tells Jan she has a mission. The mission is to have a baby by a male companion by the time she turned 16, who is later revealed to be B. Zeta and Zethra revealed that Jan was part alien. If Jan did not complete this mission her sister Susan would take her place. Aliens also explain that if the mission isn’t completed they will kill her family. So from this point Jan thinks she’s an alien. She can’t get close to her dad. She can’t talk to her family. B marries Jan in Mexico. She was 12. Eventually the FBI find Bob and Jan in Mexico, he is arrested and she is transferred home.
Damage was done. Jan believes she has a mission to complete. She hates her family. B somehow got Jan’s Mom to put this girl on a plane and send her to B in Utah. WYLD. Bruh her moms was dumb as a box of rocks. Some where in the story Jan gets back. B continues to contact Mary Ann. Mary was already curious about B. So he asked her what that cat was about. She showed him. He basically used this to split the family up. B convinced Mary Ann to move out. She was gone. That outside dick keep them hoes sick. Keep in mind this is after he fucked her husband and Molested her child. Mrs. Broberg still decided to pop it for B. That’s a wild girl. Baby left the whole family for the pedo peen. Mean while ole B called Bob, Mary’s husband. B’s telling him I’m going to take your kids away etc etc. Mary Ann comes back to her senses, she goes back home. B get his wife Gayle to meet with the Broberg’s. She had them sign affidavits saying, B and Mr. Broberg engaged in the horizontal mambo. All charges were dropped. This man basically was waking around Scott free. I think he spent 10 days in Jail after kid napping Jan 3 times. Eventually Jan turns 16 and not pregnant. She starts to realize B lied about her not being an alien. Sigh. B eventually does get arrested for posing as a CIA agent. He forges paperwork saying he’s Jan’s parent and enrolls her in a catholic school. This violated his parole. B was acquitted on kidnapping charges due to mental defect. White privilege is a mother. Never mind.
Boom. Fast forward years later. Jan and her good for nothing maw release a book about the experience. B threatens to sue them. Jan files an injunction. Jan sees B for the first time in 30 years in court. Bertchtold tells Jan to her face this story is an out right lie. B denied all accounts of the story while looking Jan in the face. A total piece of shit scum bag. The pedo privilege was so enormous in B, that he confronted Jan at a woman’s conference. B drive up to the Conference and ran over Jan’s security. Bertchtold was arrested and charged with 2 felonies and 2 misdemeanors. Found guilty in court and scheduled for sentencing. B decided to commit suicide rather than sit in jail. Good riddance.
Honestly you will just need to watch this doc. It was really too wild and bizarre for me to summarize. I felt like I needed to tell the story back to convince myself of what I watched. There’s no proper ending. The end.
#abductedinplainsight#netflix#janbroberg#robertbertchtold#writer#neworleans#writingprompt#blackwriters
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kindness | billy hargrove
a/n: yeah this came out of nowhere. if ya’ll want more billy i’ll be happy to oblige! this is a low-key sad one (tw: abuse) but it’s cute and soft and i really like it, please tell me what you think!! [masterlist]
synopsis: billy and y/n have been hooking up for a while, but one night thing’s get a bit too real and billy experiences something he hasn’t in a while.
Sweet talker – the opposite of Billy Hargrove.
Boy spends far too much time smoking, drinking and cursing for his mouth to be anything but dirty, but Billy wouldn’t have it any other way. He won’t lie, he’ll admit that sometimes he enjoys the fear he instils in people.
Sometimes he thinks it’s just a bi-product of his father’s own fucked up tendencies, but Billy doesn’t really like to think about his father all that often, especially when he can be thinking of something else – like how sweet Y/N looked in English today.
He was going to skip, going to drive out to his special spot he’d found not too long ago – the people of Hawkins don’t like going into the forest anymore, not after that Wheeler boy went missing, so he has most of it to himself, and he can take the few delinquents that stumble in – but he saw her donning a skin tight skirt and thought he’d go and see just how skin tight it really was.
Y/N doesn’t really mind him ogling either, especially after what happened at Jimmy Kid’s party last week, and what happened the day before, and the week before that. It’s an ongoing cycle, the pair of them – going at it like bunnies and then not really speaking.
He assumes that Y/N doesn’t really mind, her goody-two shoes friends would probably disown her if they found out she was fooling around with Billy Hargrove, plus Billy doesn’t really plan on making friends, not when he plans on skipping town once this year is over anyway. California holds most of Billy’s hopes and dreams.
There’s something about the sun and the sea that give him something to hold onto. In Hawkins, all he’s got is rumours and small town gossip – and the grey is starting to depress him. He’d tell Y/N all of this - let it go from his clouded mind – if he thought she could be bothered to listen. Y/N seems like the type of girl to listen to people’s problems, sure, give them advice when needed (at the sake of her own mental health, probably) but there’s something about their meetings that makes Billy think it’s all just sex to her.
Plus he’s almost sure she already knows he’s not as hard as he makes out, she’s seen the bruises, and Billy’s not sure if she believes the ‘ah, I got into a fight’ story anymore. Yet she doesn’t ask him, and Billy’s just fine with that. Doesn’t need love, not the romantic kind anyway.
Yet he can’t deny what he felt when Y/N turned around in English and saw him staring, sending him a small smile before giving him a look that read ‘what cha looking at, Hargrove?’ with a wiggle of her brows (she was chewing on her pen too – Billy nearly exploded).
He’d denied it later on in bed that night too, denied it all the way to school the next morning when Max was yelling at him to ‘Turn it down!!’, but he couldn’t hear her over the voices in his head. Y/N’s voice was pretty loud when she wanted it to be.
Billy likes to believe that it wasn’t butterflies, likes to believe that whenever he sees her his heart doesn’t beat a little faster, but he can’t deny it any longer when she’s laying asleep next to him one night, looking like she doesn’t have the weight of the world on her shoulders.
She’s got one hand under her pillow, head mushed into the cotton while she dreams and Billy’s thinking that if he could feel anything in the world - it would be the peace she feels in this very moment. She’s stolen his top, leaving Billy shirtless as he smokes, fidgeting with the packet of cigarettes he’d stolen from him dad just hours ago after he’d stormed out. Y/N’s room is soft and cosy, it’s ordered, but there’s spews of mess every now and again, like a collection of pens tipped out onto the floor, or books open and glasses leaking water onto make shift coasters.
Her room is a lot like her, and Billy’s staring at her when she wakes up – blurting awake like his alarm in the morning. She doesn’t move for a couple of moments, finding reality hard to get used to, but after a while she blinks up at him and gives him the most un-filtered, brilliant sleepy smile he’s ever seen. It’s a lot, and Billy’s heart collapses into itself.
He smiles back, and it’s so calm he nearly cries, but it’s gone as fast as it began and he’s going “Enjoy your nap? Didn’t think I’d worn you out that much” with a raise of a brow. He breathes a laugh when she rolls her eyes “Whatever, Hargrove – don’t get ash on my sheets my mum will spaz”
“Yes ma’am”
And it’s silent for a while. Quieter than Billy’s experienced in a while, like her being awake somehow settles everything. Like those shitty games Max plays at the arcade, the slots have aligned and Billy feels like he’s just got the top score.
He almost smiles, but then he hears “Does it hurt?” in a soft and delicate voice. It’s so tiny that he barely hears it at first, but then he feels a slight tickle on his side and he sees her tracing his latest bruise. She doesn’t look up at him in fear he’ll burst, and there’s a flash of panic inside of him for a second – like the feeling of putting a cigarette out with your thumb.
He thinks of all the ways he can get out of this situation, and he’s about to leave, about to be cliché Billy and yell at her ‘Ain’t none of your business!’ but instead, he replies with “Not anymore” and he adds “There’s worse things than pain” before putting his cigarette out in the empty glass sitting on her beside cabinet.
She’s chewing on her bottom lip when he looks back down at her again, and he leans his head on the head board and watches her trace the purple. He’s never felt something so delicate. So he moves, brushes her off so her hand falls back down on the mattress and he’s coughing “I’m gonna split”
Billy shoves himself off of the mattress, bends and picks up his jeans, and he’s about to put them on when she clasps his hand from the bed. She yanks a little, gets his attention and he turns – sees her sitting on her knees on the edge of her bed. It’s enough to make him question his reality – is he asleep?
Feels like he’s living in one of those scenic, atmospheric lullabies his step – mum plays every night before bed. The moon highlights the side of her face, letting Billy see the remnants of sleep that still lay in her skin, and then he sees her move her hand.
He doesn’t flinch. Billy knows this hand would never hurt him, not physically anyway. She lifts it to his cheek, settling her thumb just below his eye and she starts to trace his skin like they’ve known each other for years.
He settles into her touch, and before he knows it he’s reaching up to clasp the hand and hold it there against his skin, and then he’s moving forward, taking her lips in his and tasting the cherry coke they shared earlier. Billy clutches her head in his hands and she’s doing the same, settling against him like headphones that fit just right, or when his Walkman slips into the next song seamlessly.
It’s when he’s sucking on her bottom lip that she pulls away for just a second, bobbing her mouth against his as she whispers “You can come here anytime. If you want to get away from it all” and Billy waits a second before he nods at her words – waits just enough time to get used to the feeling of kindness for the first time.
#billy hargrove#billy hargrove x reader#billy hargrove imagine#billy hargrove oneshot#billy hargrove writing#stranger things#dacre montgomery#dacre montgomery x reader#dacre montgomery imagine#my writing#mine#stranger things imagine#angst#fanfiction#imagine#one shot
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