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cafeinthemoon · 3 years

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The Leaves of Her Garden – Chapter XVII

Title: The Leaves of Her Garden

Genre: Fanfiction

Pairing: Madara Uchiha x reader

Rating: Mature

Word count: 2901

Chapter (s): 17/?

N.A.: Man I missed this face 👇 so much

Read the previous chapters here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Interlude, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16

Symbols: ⭕ | ➕ | 🖤 | ▶▶

Chapter 17 - Susano’o

The first week passed and the second one came at last, and with it came the sensation that you were not going to reach the level of excellence you intended when you asked your husband to teach you the shinobi ways. It’s true that you were now up to a physical fight and could decently use small weapons, and that currently he was teaching you how to climb trees and to overcome obstacles, but that wasn’t enough, not for you. You haven’t talked about this yet, but you knew that if you wanted to offer yourself real protection, you’d need more.

This preoccupation of yours was interfering in your concentration during your daily activities and even waking you up at night. Sometimes, your heart was taken by some anxious sensation and you would stop what you were doing at the time and look around, wondering what you’d do once you’d see yourself alone in that big house, without knowing what could happen next: a house without its owner was always vulnerable, whether with or without the presence of guards.

When those episodes happened, your ears would work with twice their capacity, and you would feel you were able to hear the sound of a leaf falling outside your room; you also sensed there were people near, some of them just passing by, others standing for a while. Almost all the times they were in groups, and there were differences between these groups as well: the members of some of them had stronger presences, easier to detect, while the others felt… average.

This started by the time you initiated your training. At first you supposed to be just a consequence of the exercises, but as the days passed, it became stronger, and now you couldn’t wait to speak to your husband about it.

There was a morning when you were sitting on the porch, alone, thinking about all of this while waiting for Madara to come and take you to the garden. It didn’t take much time until you sensed his arrival: you looked aside and there he was, walking towards you and taking a sit by your side.

He greeted you with the usual kiss on your temple, but this time he made it longer, warmer, as if he sensed a necessity of assurance in you. When he spoke, you understood this was precisely the case.

- You look pensive today – you felt his fingers brushing you hair behind your ear – What is it? A bad dream? Tiredness?

You sighed, uniting your hands on your lap.

- No. It’s nothing like that. It’’s just that... There are so many things in my mind now that I don’t know where to start. The least I can say is that I’m frustrated.

- Frustrated? – he raised an eyebrow.

You just let out what was bothering you.

- It is my training. I feel like no matter how hard I work, how much I concentrate on the exercises, it doesn’t seem to be enough. I am always missing something, always not being able to perform as good as I should – you turned your eyes to him and took his hand in yours – Please, don’t think I’m saying that this has something to do with you or your methods. That’s not the case. It’s just that when I asked you to teach me, I thought I would become more…

You paused, seeking for the right word, and Madara smiled.

- You would become stronger?

- No… Not stronger, but more… assertive. Less insecure about myself. Instead, I just gained more anxiety. This… – you sighed – This wasn’t what I planned!

That was his time to sigh. Still brushing your hair, he spoke in an apologizing tone:

- Maybe I failed in not telling you that this anxiety you are experiencing is the price for a shinobi’s growth. I am sorry for that, girl.

- What do you mean?

Now he was serious, as you rarely seen him before.

- What I am telling you is that as much as you become an experienced ninja, the harder it will be for you to feel in peace, with yourself and the world. No matter how much you desire peace, you will become so used to conflict that you will soon realize you cannot live without it.

You noticed he was talking about his own life in the battlefield. You didn’t have a life like his, but you met people who had, and you could see how much it have costed to them. That wasn’t what you wanted for yourself, though.

- But I don’t want to become a soldier – you argued – I just want to protect myself.

You sensed his eyes turning on you with such intensity that you had to look away. You felt his hand caressing your hair while he spoke.

- Protecting yourself and being prepared to face conflict… They are the same thing, my girl.

You spent the next minute in silence, until Madara broke it with a question that wasn’t unexpected at all.

- Speaking of this… This anxiety you said you are feeling. Could it be anything more than just apprehension?

You raised your eyes to him, waiting for an explanation.

- Yes. I’ve been noticing your restlessness these days, and I have my suspicions about it. But I want to hear what you have to say – he narrowed the space between you, as if you were about to share some sort of secret – Tell me. Have you been noticing some strange symptoms after your lessons started?

Your first thought was to question how he knew about this, but he already answered that for you, so you just gave him a confirmation.

- Yes. Specially at night. It’s like I can… feel things happening around me. I hear the lowest sounds, I see the smallest details. I also sense when there are people around, even if they are out of my sight. When I lay down to sleep, I can feel them walking around the house. I feel when they approach and when they leave. I only fall asleep when I’m tired of feeling their presences – you turned to Madara, seeking for answers – I’ve been wanting to tell this to you, but I didn’t know how.

Your husband meditated in your words for a moment, then turned to you with an enigmatic smile.

- All of this is so interesting – he stood up, then offered his hand to you – Come with me. I have my theory about your case, but I want to try something first just to confirm it.

You accepted his hand and he helped you stand up before walking you toward the garden for your morning training.

That time you went there walking, and you honestly found it better than being teleported: you enjoyed the opportunity to appreciate the nature around you as you walked, the trees marking the way, the grass under your sandals, the small animals sneaking around the bushes. You enjoyed feeling the life revolving around you, as if you were part of it as well.

But you haven’t walked that way in days, so a difference was noticed regarding that strange transformation in your senses: the smells were stronger, the sounds were louder and even the movements were felt with an intensity that scared you. And among them, there was one that caught your attention: it was subtle, but fast, well led, as if it was planned; if it indicated someone’s presence, the person knew exactly what they were doing.

You swallowed. It was getting closer, but no sound was detected, so you couldn’t do anything about it. It could be just in your head; besides, if it was real, Madara would already have noticed, but he didn’t say anything. You approached him, trying to walk as close as him as possible, but the sensation wouldn’t go away. It would only grow, just like that night you crossed the grove, fleeing from Hiroshi.

Until it became unbearable.

You stopped, looking around with your kunai in hand.

Madara turned to you, calm as always.

- What is it, y/n?

You sensed the blade trembling in your palm and clenched your fingers tight around it.

- I don’t know – and thinking of a way to put the sensation into words – It’s like… Someone is here. Following us.

- Someone? – he came to your side, looking at your surroundings.

You shook your head to confirm and spoke lower, unsure if the person could hear you.

- It’s like when I was lost in the grove, before Izuna-sama found me. But this time is worse.

Your husband looked at you in silence, but you didn’t have time to find out the meaning behind his look: a sudden sensation of alert woke up your senses and made you move the blade before you; you couldn’t even think of what you were doing. Only when you heard the sound of metal you understood that you just deflected a kunai. You looked and saw the enemy’s weapon lying on the grass, not so far from you. The next thing you heard was a laugh. You looked ahead, worried about what you’d do next, only to find Izuna coming to join you on the ground.

- So… it was just like you told me, Aniki – he stopped beside Madara, his arms folded, in his eyes a curious gaze toward you – We have another sensor in our family.

- Yes, but she is still a baby – his brother replied with a smile – There is so much I will have to teach her, and time is not our ally now. I will do what I can, anyway.

You were lost in that conversation, and it showed in your face and in your next words:

- I am… a sensor? What does that mean? – and turning to your husband – What will you have to teach me?

Izuna laughed.

- At least she’s a curious baby, Aniki.

You gave him an irritated look.

- Please, don’t talk as if I was not here, Izuna-sama. I need to know what you are talking about if it has something to do with me.

He raised his eyebrows like someone who didn’t believe what they just heard.

- I let you alone with my elder brother for a few days and you become this audacious?

That time, Madara was the one who smiled.

- Y/n, maybe it is time for you to cut off the -sama when you speak to my brother. Izuna-kun would fit him well – and widening his smile – Or even Izuna. You choose.

You stared at him for a second before understanding what he was doing. Then you laughed.

- I don’t want to break his heart, so I think I will choose Izuna-kun!

Izuna was so angry that you thought he was going to start a fight with his brother.

- So I come here to help you, I do everything exactly as you say, and this is what I get in return? You know I can’t stand ingratitude!

- Thank you for helping me, Izuna-kun.

Your interruption was so sudden that both the Uchiha turned to you.

- Thanks to you, I understand the importance of keeping up with my training better than before – you explained – It is true that I managed to deflect the kunai you threw at my direction, but my reaction was too slow. I need to work on this.

Izuna stared at you for a moment, but soon his seriousness was replaced with a smile.

- I would never agree with this if it wouldn’t make a difference, you know?

He asked his brother permission to leave, and the other said yes. Your eyes barely followed his movements before he disappeared among the trees, but you still sensed his presence diminishing until he was out of your reach.

You turned to Madara and found him observing you with a satisfied smile.

- So we can say we both won today. I confirmed my theory and you learned a new lesson.

This second mention of a theory revived your curiosity about the previous conversation between him and Izuna.

- Tell me… What were you and Izuna-kun talking about? What is a sensor individual? I remember hearing you say you were a sensor once, but you never explained it to me. Is it… something bad?

- It depends on your current situation – he replied with a smile – If you are in the battlefield or lost in a hostile environment, persecuted by enemies, it is something good. If you are lying at night, trying to sleep, but the guards won’t stop walking around your house, it is bad.

Madara approached you and soon you felt his fingers brushing through your hair, an imitation of the chakra flowing all over your body.

- A sensor is an individual who can identify and track chakra signatures of other creatures. The signature is what you would call someone’s presence. There are countless types of sensory abilities in this world. Some people can activate and deactivate them as they please; others can’t do that and sense things all the time. There are people who can differentiate signatures of a human from an animal’s, of a child from an adult’s, or even a clan from another using their abilities. Of course one needs special training to develop such capacities, and this takes time, which we do not have right now.

- So what are we going to do about this?

He thought of it for a moment.

- From what I observed, you are the type who cannot deactivate your ability and can track people by their distance. You can also recognize some people’s signature, right?

You nodded.

- I can easily identify you and Izuna-kun. Your signatures are different than the others’. But all the shinobi’s signatures are different from the common people when I sense them. Yours are always stronger – you shrugged – That’s why it’s hard to sleep at night when I can’t help sensing the guards around the house.

With a smile, Madara passed his arms around you; you rested your head on his chest, listening to his heartbeats while he spoke.

- In this case, let’s start teaching you how to manage this – he touched the back of your head as to help you with your concentration – Instead of trying to sense everything at once, let’s try to sense one thing at a time. Starting with this.

You raised your eyes to his and held your breath when you noticed that the pattern of the Mangekyou Sharingan has appeared. You haven’t seen it since the wedding night; if he was using it this time, it could only mean something important was about to happen.

Soon you found out it was. You saw him making hand signs, still embracing you, and from his mouth came out a word you never heard before.

- Susano’o!

Before you had the time ask yourself what kind of jutsu was that, a bluish barrier quickly formed around you two. At first, you thought it was a sort of a rounded wall, but as it completed itself, it looked more like a body: firm structures surrounded it like ribs, and others above as shoulder blades. As this new body closed itself around you, it became impossible to sense anything outside it, whether it was an animal running among the trees, the birds flying or any people who eventually were at the garden’s surroundings taking care of their own tasks: the only thing you could sense was your own chakra and Madara’s, this latter seeming to extend itself to the blue structure as if they were just one.

- Do you like it? – he asked with a muffled laugh – This is the Susano’o. It works like a supreme armor, through which nothing can pass unless I want. Only the Mangekyo bearers can use this technique.

- And you are using it to block any chakra signature… – you commented while looking around, trying to see through the Susano’o’s translucent body.

- So that you will not have any distractions while you learn to manage your focus.

You didn’t reply immediately. Moving away from his arms, you walked toward the barrier, where the signature was as strong as in the center. When you stopped in front of it, the sensation was almost unbearable: you felt like it could push you back if you gave one more step at its direction. You closed your eyes and without thinking much of it, you raised your hand to touch it.

There was nothing solid in that structure, yet you couldn’t make your hand pass through it even if you tried with all your strength. You were able to see through the blue wall, but it would still obstruct your sight and modify anything you looked at.

You looked around yourself and above, where you noticed that the humanoid aspect of the Susano’o didn’t resume to the ribs – it had arms and a head too – and thought it could be the perfect prison as much as it could be the perfect resort.

You turned back to your husband, who didn’t take his eyes off you during your examinations.

- All of this… made of pure chakra… – and with a smile that managed to bring a distinct bright to his eyes – Of course I would love it. It’s beautiful.

#naruto fanfiction #madara #madara x reader #madara fanfiction #madara uchiha #madara uchiha x reader #madara fanfic

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ashtheshortstack · 3 years

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beautiful disaster - ch 2

Rating: M Ship: Kyoru Chapter 2/5: “I want to please you.”

Tags: Fluff, Smut, Learning intimacy, Virgin Dorks, Post-Curse, Manga/Anime Spoilers

Tohru was floating the rest of the evening. There were so many times she had to hide her smile while cooking dinner. Never before had she experienced something like that. Something so… she didn’t even have a word for it. Nice? Pleasurable? Her body had been so warm and tingly from Kyo’s touching and exploration.

Of course, Tohru knew how sex worked. She was a bit dense, she could admit, but she wasn’t stupid. She’d read books. And Kyoko had explained to her once her period started what it meant to be a woman. The birds and the bees talk had confused her to no end at first, but she eventually understood. Her mother had found her innocence through the conversation to be humorous, laughing behind her palm as she explained how babies were created to her teen.

Granted, Tohru hadn’t really thought she’d fall in love. Her mother had always been her top priority… the most important person in her life. The one she loved the most. Tohru could never have imagined abandoning her to be with someone else. Even after Kyoko passed, all she could focus on was achieving the goals she and her mother had set for her. Tohru wanted to work. Wanted to earn her way in the world. That’s what they had agreed upon.

But Kyo changed all of that. Kyo opened her world up to so many more things. Of course, she had planned to find a job when they moved. It would be a little different from the original plan, but not too much. Having Kyo by her side made it better. Made her feel whole.

Tohru felt her cheeks heat as she thought of their encounter again. She tried to focus on stirring the stew, but her mind kept wandering elsewhere. Into uncharted territory. She never knew just being touched could set her skin ablaze. Could overwhelm her and make her heart pound. The pleasurable feelings that had coursed through her were unexplainable. Would Kyo feel like that if she gave him the same treatment? She wanted to. Kyo deserved to feel those things too. He deserved everything…

“Honda? Are you feeling well?”

Tohru yelped when Yuki’s voice suddenly yanked her from her thoughts. “I-I’m fine!”

“Are you sure? Your face is flushed.”

Panicked, she touched her cheeks. “I-Is it? It must be from the hot stew! Can you watch it for a moment Yuki-kun? I-I’ll be right back!” she sprinted out of the kitchen quickly before slamming the bathroom door behind her.

She quickly splashed cold water on her face. Breathe. Breathe.

There was a knock.

“Tohru? You okay?” came Kyo’s voice from the other side.

Swallowing, she nodded. “Y-Yeah, I’m fine. J-Just needed some cold water.”

When she opened the door, Kyo was there with a concerned look etched on his features. “I-If earlier was too much for you we don’t have to--”

“No!”

Blinking, his cheeks flushed as he stared at her stunned. “What?”

“I want to. I want to do that again.”

Kyo swallowed thickly before giving her a tiny nod. “Okay,” he murmured and leaned in to give her a small peck on the forehead. They stayed like that for a moment, Tohru leaving her forehead resting against his chin. The affection he showed her was always comforting.

The sound of Yuki clearing his throat sent them flying apart.

“S-Sorry!” she screeched before zipping past both of the boys and back to the stove.

She needed to calm down. She had to calm down.

If Yuki suspected anything, he didn’t act like it at dinner. Thankfully. Tohru was grateful he wouldn’t call her out on the public displays of affection. The last thing she wanted was to make Yuki uncomfortable in any way.

When she finally retreated to her room for the evening, she quickly changed into her pajamas and slipped into the covers of her bed. She snuggled into the warmth, letting the memories from earlier in the day sweep through her thoughts. Tohru rolled onto her back, touching her lips with a small smile, remembering how tender and heated the kisses were that she and Kyo shared. She wanted that again.

Suddenly, she was very excited for their alone time after school tomorrow.

Kyo seemed jittery the following day. She understood… Tohru felt a buzz floating through her as well. The feeling of being with him was addicting. She had already wanted to touch him all the time. Always be close to him, lean on him, hold his hand. But after the day prior, there was so much more of that desire.

She didn’t know the new feeling was noticeable until Ou-chan pointed it out.

“Hey, Tohru. You alright? You seem even spacier than usual today.”

Blinking, Tohru looked up from her desk. “Oh! Um. I’m fine!”

Ou-chan gave her a look, cocking a brow. “This doesn’t have to do with the fact you and Carrots were home alone yesterday, does it?”

“Oh my, well this is news,” Hana-chan mused.

Tohru gave a frantic wave of her hands. “N-No! It’s not!”

“Hey,” Ou-chan bent down in front of her desk. “There’s nothing wrong with it, alright? I just wanted to know what was up. You can talk to us about it, you know. There’s no judgement here. I just want to help you out.”

“Are… Are you sure?”

Hana-chan took her hands. “Of course, Tohru. We want to help you through your first relationship before you leave us.”

“And if Carrots does anything we don’t like… we can rough him up a bit,” Ou-chan grinned with a crack of her knuckle.

“O-Oh, um, please don’t,” Tohru murmured as she felt her cheeks heat.

Ou-chan chuckled and patted her on the head. “Ah, don’t worry. We won’t hurt him too badly.”

Tohru knew Ou-chan was teasing… but part of her thought she might have been serious. She hoped her best friends didn’t actually beat up her boyfriend for anything.

“So,” Hana-chan said as she took a seat. “What’s been going on?”

Feeling the flush on her cheeks, Tohru glanced away as she tapped her lip. “I-It wasn’t much. We--We didn’t, um…” she trailed off. How on earth was she supposed to talk about this?

Ou-chan smirked. “Things were just a little handsy?”

Tohru bristled at that. “Uh! Maybe!”

“Did you touch him?” Hana-chan asked, stoic as ever. How could she ask such a thing so easily?

Shaking her head, she fiddled with her thumbs. “Um, no, actually. Yuki-kun got home so I needed to start on dinner so we… yeah.”

Ou-chan smiled. “Did he make you feel good?”

“Yes,” she squeaked.

Ou-chan stood, stretching a bit. “Then that’s all I needed to know,” she stated before taking her seat.

Tohru felt her brain frazzle from the interrogation she just received. Kyo was busy chatting it up with his fellow classmates, so she silently prayed he hadn’t caught any wind of the conversation between her and her best friends. That would be so embarrassing! Maybe, that’s what he meant yesterday about girl talk. Would Kyo be uncomfortable if she told Ou-chan and Hana-chan what they did? Maybe she should ask him?

As she and Kyo walked hand in hand back home, anticipation bubbled through her. She was so nervous. She didn’t know what to do. What they had done before was rather spontaneous. Would it be different now that they were expecting something to happen between them?

“Hey,” Kyo’s voice distracted her from her worries as she looked up at him. Clearing his throat, she could see the light flush on his cheeks. “Ya don’t need to worry about us-- doin ’ anything if you don’t want to. Yesterday was really, uh, a surprise for both of us, I guess. I don’t want you thinking that just because we both want to do that again doesn’t mean we have to, ya know?”

Tohru had never seen him talk quite so fast. Or so rambly either. She appreciated his worry. And it always amazed her how Kyo could read her like a book. How he always knew what she was thinking, what she was feeling or planning.

“I-I know. But I’m okay. I want to.”

“Really? You sure?”

“Yes.”

His cheeks flushed at her admission. Tohru watched him as he swallowed hard, just as nervous and jittery as she was. Clearly, neither of them had a clue as to what they were doing. Or what they would do when they got home. But Tohru couldn’t help the bubbling excitement of anticipation inside her stomach. Her heart fluttered, chest tight. She wanted this. Wanted to be with him more than anything. Yesterday, she’d given Kyo her word that she’d take care of him. That it’d be his turn. And Tohru had every intention of seeing that promise through.

They were on her bed that day. Probably the better option considering that her bed was much bigger than his futon. Kyo hovered over her, his lips melding with hers. Kissing Kyo lit a new fire inside her she hadn’t even known existed. Tohru didn’t know how to want someone. How to desire another person like she did Kyo. There was a pounding heartbeat in her ears that throbbed throughout her veins. The only thoughts her brain could form were about him. How nice he smelled, how soft his lips were, how gentle his hand was on her hip.

Kyo flattened his body against hers, and Tohru nearly swooned. The feeling of him pressed against her still took so much getting used to. For so long, she was unable to touch him like this. To feel his chest pressed against hers. And now she only wanted it more. The thought was selfish and greedy. She knew she wanted Kyo to herself too much. She hoped that no one would be upset with her for hogging his attention all of the time.

Tohru shifted beneath him, her thigh brushing against the growing bulge in his pants. Kyo groaned against her lips, a sound she had learned was a pleasant one. She repeated the motion and earned a small hiss from him as he pulled away from her lips. An apology was at the tip of her tongue, but when she opened her eyes and saw him panting with half-lidded eyes, the words swept away from her. There was a fire in his amber eyes, pupils blown so wide they almost resembled the cat-like slits he used to have sometimes.

His hot breath fanned her face, his cheeks rosy from their heated kisses. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she sighed. “I want to please you.”

Kyo scoffed lightly. “You can’t say things like that.”

“It’s the truth.”

Shifting, he gave her another kiss, soft and chaste that time rather than urgent and hurried as their lip-locking had been previously. Kyo cleared his throat. “I-I, uh, should probably take off--” he trailed off.

Tohru glanced down a moment and realized suddenly that neither of them had changed out of their school uniforms. What if they wrinkled them!? Her evening would be spent ironing out clothes for sure. Yuki-kun and Shigure-san would be awfully suspicious.

“Hey.”

Her eyes locked with his after he spoke.

“Quit thinking so hard. I’m gonna take them off in case things get, uh, messy.”

Tohru nodded, unable to speak. Her throat was tight as she watched Kyo lean back and undo the buttons of his pants. She’d felt him through his pants the day previous… but seeing the increased size of his bulge when it was no longer confined in his uniform made her heart leap into her throat. She’d never… seen male anatomy before. Not in person anyway. What was she supposed to do?

Tohru already felt herself panicking even though his manhood was still covered by his underwear. It looked a little funny, if she was honest. He was still wearing his uniform shirt. Swallowing, she gathered as much courage as she could and gripped the material of his shirt.

“Can you… take this off too?”

Kyo’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Y-You don’t have to! I-I just thought it may make things easier.”

She was so stupid! Of course, he wouldn’t want to move things so quickly. He’d already taken off one article of clothing, and yet there she was asking for more.

Kyo gave her a once over… before leaning back on his haunches and slipping both his uniform and undershirt over his head. He tossed them aside onto the pile on the floor with his trousers. There was a light flush kissing his cheeks as he crawled back over her.

“Better?” he asked, his voice a bit hoarse.

Tohru nodded hesitantly. “Y-Yes.”

There was a gentle gaze in his eyes as he looked over her. With a slight smile, he leaned back in and caught her lips with his own. The kisses were soft at first. Gentle and caring just as he always was. But they once again escalated. Tohru cupped his face as his lips slanted against her own. She really wanted to touch him. Maybe, that was needy of her… but she wanted to so badly.

Her hands drifted lower, along his shoulders first. They were so built and strong and smooth under her touch. Her fingertips ghosted his skin as she traveled downward along his chest. His skin jumped beneath her fingers, but Tohru found that only to spare her on further. When she reached his abs, she admired the taut muscles that were so firm yet so soft. She’d never felt someone else’s skin like this. Never touched someone so intimately. But Kyo’s tender kisses never ceased, so he didn’t seem to have a problem with her exploring.

When she reached the v of his hips, she felt the light dusting of hair along his navel as she brushed his knuckle across it. Gingerly, she dared herself to move forward and keep her promise as she dipped a finger beneath the waistband of his boxers. Kyo’s lips stilled against hers, and Tohru momentarily thought maybe she’d done something wrong, but instead he buried his face in her nape taking a few solid breaths as she touched him.

Tohru continued her journey downward. She brushed past the coarse hairs along his public bone before reaching his length. Cautiously, she took hold of him.

“ Shit, Tohru,” he gasped against her.

“S-Sorr--” her grip began to loosen.

“ Don’t apologize,” Kyo grunted.

Tohru was unsure what to do. She was touching him, but what next? Timidly, she moved her hand along him in slow strokes. His skin was so hot and hard but softer than she imagined. Kyo groaned again before pressing a kiss to her neck, a sensation she hadn’t been expecting at all. The feeling caused her to gasp, squeezing him a little too tightly. He yelped, and Tohru quickly retreated.

She sat up quickly, nearly knocking Kyo off the bed. “Sorry! I’m sorry! I-I don’t know what I’m doing and--”

“Oi, stop it,” Kyo retorted quickly. Sighing, he sat up and pushed himself away from her. “Let’s try this another way. Like yesterday?”

Tohru nodded hesitantly, watching as Kyo shifted and fell onto the bed beside her.

“I’ll lay on my back and you can reach me easier, aight?”

“Okay,” she murmured.

Tohru laid her head on his chest, his skin warm beneath her cheek. Reaching downward, she decided to be just a bit daring and make this easier on both of them movement wise. She tugged his boxers down slightly, revealing his length to the room as it bobbed slightly. Tohru nearly squealed at the sight of it. So strange… Nothing like she thought it’d really look like in person.

“Oi, don’t stare at it,” Kyo squeaked.

Tohru quickly looked up at him seeing his face completely red. “Ah! Sorry.”

“N’ stop apologizin’,” he muttered.

Tohru wanted to do this for him. So she took him gently into her grasp, rubbing the skin gently so as to not hurt him. She heard him sigh above her, and suddenly his hand clasped over her own.

“Like this,” he said and used her hand to stroke himself up and down.

Tohru’s eyes widened at the motion. That wasn’t exactly what she thought was required of her, although, she didn’t know what she expected. He squeezed her fingers around him, causing her to tighten her grip just slightly.

“Yeah,” he breathed, “like that.”

She continued the movements, stroking him from base to tip, following his motions. He released her hand and she continued on without his guidance. She realized that different speeds garnered different reactions. The little soft groans and moans he let out only fueled her desire to pleasure him. As she increased the speed of her movements with a flick of her wrist, she noticed him breathing harder. He panted and whined, making all sorts of sounds she never would have expected to come from the man she loved. Kyo gripped the sheets, teeth clenching. Tohru swallowed at the sight, somehow it only made heat pool in her own gut.

“ Fuck, Tohru.”

Tohru nearly yelped when he came as it took her by surprise, taking her out of her own arousal.. He spilled on his chest and some oozed over her fingers. She tried not to be grossed out. It only made her curious, if anything.

Kyo huffed a breath, sitting up on his elbows. “Sorry, shoulda warned you about that,” he blurted.

“No, no! It’s okay. Wait here, let me get you a towel!”

Tohru quickly left the room, careful not to touch anything with her soiled hand. She washed her hands before grabbing a cloth and soaking it with warm water. When she returned, Kyo hadn’t moved just as she instructed. His amber eyes watched her as she cleaned his essence from his skin. She’d have to wash that cloth carefully. The last thing she wanted was for their housemates to know of their slowly budding intimacy.

When Tohru returned after placing the cloth with the dirty laundry, Kyo had righted his clothes and had apparently gone and grabbed a pair of sweatpants from his room. He lounged on her bed, making Tohru smile as she reentered the room.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi,” she replied as she slipped onto the mattress beside him.

“You okay? Not scarred for life or anything?”

Tohru giggled at that. “No.”

Kyo pursed his lips for a moment, cheeks pinking a little. “You, uh, need me to touch you too?”

Tohru’s face went hot. “No, no! This was about you, Kyo.”

Snorting, he shook his head. “This isn’t about taking turns, Tohru, it’s about the feelings, right?”

“I guess you’re right… b-but I should get started on dinner soon. But I…” she trailed off, glancing away shyly. “I really liked this. I want to continue, if you don’t mind.”

Kyo smiled slightly. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

#kyoru #kyo x tohru #kyoru fanfic #kyoru fic #kyoru smut #fruits basket #fruits basket fic #fruits basket trash #kitty rice ball #ash writes #beautiful disaster

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pinky-the-elephant-room · 3 years

Text

Rejuvenate

AN: @liliesoftherain @keishiins I’m reuploading this because Tumblr hates my guts. I got the idea from Ronda Rousey stating before her matches she would have intense sex with her husband. I was intrigued with the idea and wondered how many athletes do the same thing? Anyway enjoy this request

❉ Warnings: Praise Kink, Sub Bokuto, Bondage, and little bit of Breeding kink at the end? Bokuto x Fem Reader.

❉ Disclaimer: Sex is not a cure for mental illness. Since we don’t know why Bokuto has mood swings I played around with the idea. Please don’t take this seriously.

❉ Summary: As part of the Jackals, Bokuto no longer had the luxury of messing about in this matches. But little did his teammates know he had someone special picking up the slack at home.

❦❦❦❦❦❦❦

t’s not until you lose something that you start appreciating it for what it was. For Bokuto, it was his team, and more specifically, it was his setter Akaashi. He never realized how bothersome his mood swings were because he was too busy dwelling on his emotions. But when he started playing professionally, Bokuto no longer had the luxury of his teammates looking after him anymore. Technically, Tsum Tsum did his best (best meaning he just ignored him until Bokuto’s mood settled), but he was unsatisfied. He was starting to hate that the tiniest things would unsettle him and affect his play.

He tried everything from calming teas and even listening to rain ASMR before falling asleep. But his mood swings kept happening. Bokuto was at the end of his rope so much so he decided to visit Akaashi at his college. He had sent him a text letting him know he would drop by; hopefully, his old teammate would have something for him.

The university itself was pretty large and was known to attract international students from across the globe. Even now, Bokuto could see several foreigners staring at him in curiosity, but he just shrugged it off, thinking it was his eccentric hair (but really, it was his frantic pacing).

His face brightened when he saw his friend leisurely walking towards him.

“Bokuto-san, how have you been?” Akaashi inquired.

“Akaashi! Your school is so cool! I should come here more often,” Bokuto said while excitingly looking left to right.

“Please don’t,” murmured Akaashi, who was promptly ignored by Bokuto.

“Keiji! I thought I told you to wait for me,” a feminine voice called out.

Bokuto turned around to see a girl with a womanly figure walking towards them.

“Gomen, Y/N. I thought you already went back to class,” Akaashi replied to the girl.

Bokuto looked at her fascinatingly. She was beautiful, to be frank, and her beaming smile radiated happiness.

“Oh, who’s this?” she asked, looking at Bokuto directly, making him more nervous than he had felt in a while.

Akaashi turned to Bokuto only to narrow his eyes at his smitten face.

“This is Bokuto Koutaro. He was the captain of the volleyball team I was on in high school.”

She let out an excited gasp. “The Bokuto? The one you comp-“

“Anyway, this is Akaashi Y/N. She’s my cousin,” Akaashi cut in, confusing Bokuto.

Y/N sent a teasing smile to Akaashi.

“Our mothers are identical twins, and we were born in the same year. So, we’re more like siblings than anything. I should be calling him Keiji-ni, actually. It’s nice to meet you, Bokuto-san!”

Cousins? Now that she was closer, he could see the resemblance. They had the same dark hair and bright blue sharp eyes. But Y/N’s hair was longer coming down to her waist, and her eyebrows were neatly trimmed, unlike Akashi's. She also had the pinkest pair of lips Bokuto ever had the pleasure of seeing, or was that makeup? To be honest, he could never tell.

“What do you think, Bokuto-san?” Y/N asked him hopefully.

She had asked him a question which Bokuto wasn’t even listening to. Too busy staring at her animated face the entire time.

“Not today, Y/N. Maybe some other time. Go to class,” Akaashi said, almost sternly.

She pouted and said, “Fine! I’ll see you later, Bokuto-san.”

Y/N bowed politely, to which Bokuto scrambled to return before she walked away.

Akaashi muttered, “Don’t even think about it. She’ll eat you alive.”

His yellow eyes still on the retreating figure of Y/N, Bokuto distractedly replied, “what do you mean by that?”

His former teammate opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind.

“Do what you like, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Bokuto should have listened to the almost ominous warning by his friend, but he was too excited.

“You mean it?! Can you give me Y/N’s number then?”

Akaashi grimaced; nevertheless, he fetched his phone before complying with his former captain’s request. The two friends talked for a while before Akaashi had to leave for his class. By the time Bokuto had arrived at his lonesome apartment, he had realized he had forgotten to ask Akaashi for the advice he initially sought out him for.

Still, he considered the day to be productive and successful while staring goofily at Y/N’s number.

Over the next couple of weeks, Y/N and Bokuto exchanged texts. When he had first texted her, she was cordial and pleasant. As his interest became fairly apparent over time, Y/N responded to it with the utmost enthusiasm. Thankfully, Akaashi didn’t seem too opposed to it; instead, he made Bokuto promise to treat his cousin well. They had been dating for only a month when she asked him to take it a bit further. He honestly thought she was a virgin and was quite speechless at her question. Y/N was a petite and genial individual; in fact, Bokuto often worried that he would eventually drive her away with his boisterous attitude. And so, he was adamant about taking it slowly with Y/N. Only for her to flip the script and proposition him.

❦❦❦❦❦❦❦

“Did you have fun?” he asked earnestly after another date,

“Of course! Next weekend I'm free, so we should go out again,” Y/N replied cheerfully, swinging their interlocked hands.

Bokuto watched her closely and leaned in for a kiss.

She didn’t back down and instead tugged him closer. Their lips connected just barely before she moved back, but it was enough to entice him.

“Bokuto-kun, do you wanna come in? My roommate’s with her family for the weekend,” Y/N proposed.

He swallowed nervously and nodded. Her dorm was a standard two-room affair but standing in there, Bokuto felt such dread and excitement in the pit of his stomach.

Y/N took her time while removing her hoody before, with a teasing smile, she tried to help remove his jacket.

“You’ll get hot if you keep this on,” she cooed while pulling down his zipper.

Bokuto’s heart started racing out of control when he felt her small hands unashamedly caress his toned upper body in the guise of removing his jacket.

He distinctly heard something hitting the wooden floor but was way too preoccupied with helping Y/N unbuckle his belt to notice.

That night Bokuto was never so glad in his life to be wrong. She was no virgin. The way she roughly yanked his hair and demanded him to be faster and harder. It was hard to imagine Y/N not having prior experience. Despite him clearly being on top, it felt like she oversaw the entire affair. The praises that spilled from her mouth each time a particular thrust compelled her to see stars caused him to feel like he just scored a winning point in the finals. Her sleek legs that wrapped around him prompted him to renew his smooth but rough rhythm. Y/N eventually kept having to rewrap her legs each time he pulled out before she gave up and just splayed her legs to the side. That made it easier for him to reenter but strained Y/N’s muscles. She didn’t seem to care too much, though, as her nails embedded into his back. Bokuto lost count after her sixth orgasm and his fourth. The night continued into the early dawn. He barely slept, yet he found himself not caring after possibly having the best sex of his life.

❦❦❦❦❦❦❦

Bokuto felt at ease as the whistle blew and signaled the end of the match. The Jackals bowed to their devoted fans, and he could feel his teammates’ eyes on him subconsciously. Tsum Tsum was whispering lowly to Sakusa, who didn’t seem to be paying too much attention to whatever Tsum Tsum was saying. Even Hinata seemed subdued despite them winning the game. But Bokuto wasn’t bothered; he was satisfied. Y/N was out there in the bleachers waiting for him. Now that he won, she owed him a night of relaxation and back massages.

Even in the locker room, it was hushed, and only the bangs of the lockers resonated in the quiet.

Bokuto turned around when he felt someone tug at his uniform.

“Oh, Hinata! Good game, and that smash at the end was great. But you still have a long way to go before you can catch up to your teacher,” Bokuto loudly complimented while slapping Hinata’s back harshly.

“Ne, Bokuto-san, can I ask you something?” Hinata nervously inquired as he rubbed his back.

Bokuto looked at the younger boy and realized he was acting weird. Hell, he could tell all his teammates were listening to their conversation inconspicuously.

So, he just shrugged and motioned Hinata to go ahead.

“How come you’re so focused nowadays?”

Bokuto could almost hear the underlying question, ‘why haven’t you turned into emo Bokuto lately?’

Tsum Tsum, who had a towel in hand on route to shower, stopped to listen in. Even Sakusa, with his wet hair, stood by and didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave.

“Well, Hinata...” Bokuto began as his thoughts drifted back to last night.

They stumbled blindly through his dark apartment, not bothering to turn on the lights. Y/N let out a shriek of delight when Bokuto hoisted her into his arms and went straight to his bedroom.

He pushed back her hair and sucked wherever her neck was visible.

“Y/N, babe, want you right now. No. I need you,” Bokuto corrected amid his trailing kisses.

She grabbed the back of his dyed hair and pulled.

“On the bed then. I’ll grab my goodies,” Y/N encouraged.

He cocked his head in confusion at the mention of goodies but tugged off his shirt and shorts in a hurry. Bokuto tossed his clothes somewhere at the side of the bed, where he could find them easily in the morning before making himself comfortable on his bed. He could hear her fiddling in his bathroom but waited patiently. Y/N always rewarded him whenever he did precisely what she asked of him.

She stepped out of the bathroom, hiding something behind her back.

“Oh, did you start the party early?” she asked, eyeing his naked body with amusement and hunger.

“Yeah, but I’d rather you take off your clothes and join me,” Bokuto replied as he pointedly stared down at her white wrap dress.

“One sec. Let me show you my present.”

Y/N presented him with two pairs of silver handcuffs.

Bokuto tried to play it off coolly, but he didn’t think he managed as her cheeky grin widened at his flustered composure.

Y/N got on his bed and ordered, “Sit back. I want to see how good it looks on you.”

She didn’t even need to say please as he hurried to do what she asked. Placing a quick kiss on his forehead, she managed to get both his hands cuffed and attached to the bed frame separately.

“Now, the real fun begins. Do you trust me?”

“Do you even need to ask?” Bokuto joked.

While sliding down his body to make herself comfortable, she pushed his chest back down.

His soft member laid against his thighs. Which he supposed that Y/N wasn’t satisfied with because she immediately went to work.

Y/N started by placing her hands on his firm thighs to which in turn made Bokuto jolt. But settled down at the soothing touch of her slender hands. Slowly but surely, she started to blow on his member. Feeling her hot breath, he shivered and clutched the bed sheets. It seemed like Y/N was in a playful mood, and that usually meant Bokuto was in for a long night.

That grip only got tauter when she started doing eskimo kisses to his cock.

Bokuto let out a low “fuck” when he felt tentative kitten licks while she traced the throbbing, purple veins along his shaft.

Y/N pulled back his foreskin to reveal the head. She rubbed the tip spreading the watery precum before sucking. She reveled in the familiar intoxicating taste and then swallowed him whole until his cock hit the back of her throat. Feeling the need to gag, Y/N took his member out of her mouth.

“Ko-kun, you taste so good. Maybe I should keep this up all night?”

“No, don’t,” he gasped.

Bokuto let out a groan when he tried to pull Y/N’s hair to make her take him deeper. But the handcuffs prevented him from doing so.

She let go of his cock entirely and shimmed out of her dress. Her bra and panties were next to go, and Bokuto’s eyes never strayed from the moment she started getting undressed. Y/N made herself comfortable and settled on top of his right thigh.

He felt his thigh’s muscle flex instinctively when he felt the soft lips and coarse trimmed hairs of her cunt. She already complimented him multiple times on how much she appreciated his physique. But she was paying extra attention to his bottom half tonight, apparently.

Unfortunately, his situation only got worse with her grinding against his thigh.

“Please, babe. I- I can’t wait,” he stuttered, which was an accomplishment of itself.

Y/N only laughed and said, “Come on, Ko-kun. You can do better than that. Remember last time how you begged so nicely? You can do it again.”

Bokuto imagined her swollen clit sliding along his bare skin. Which, he wasn’t wrong about because each time her center dragged against his leg, it wasn’t hard to notice the wetness she left behind.

“Ko-kun, should I just get myself off like this and leave you handcuffed until the morning?” Y/N asked wickedly.

“Don’t you dare-,” he started but let out a yelp when she pinched his inner thigh.

“Don’t be rude! I was just kidding, but I might do it for real,” she warned as she aggressively humped his thigh.

“F-fuck! Fuck!”

Oh god, he definitely felt the fluid dripping down from her cunt now. Bokuto could even hear the wet squelching sounds as she slid back and forth.

“Ko-kun, I wanna ride your face,” Y/N panted.

Bokuto’s eyes lit up, and he replied, “Are you going to uncuff me?”

“Nah, I think you’ll do fine just like this.” She didn’t say anything more as she leisurely crawled up his body.

Usually, he would have held onto her thighs while she sat on his face. But now, he could not do much once he caught a whiff of Y/N’s distinct scent. When her pussy was near enough, he licked the puffy clit that stood out so readily. Perhaps that was all the encouragement she needed because soon Y/N was aggressively shoving herself into his face.

“That’s it. Lick it all up. Don’t let a single drop go to waste,” she cried out while simultaneously pulling his hair.

He could barely breathe from her cushy thighs and the way her hands purposely kept him in one place. But god Bokuto loved it whenever she got like this. He could tell from her unsteady movement and the heavy breathing, Y/N was close. Laying his tongue flat, he licked from top to bottom and finally inserting the tongue inside her cunt. She lost her mind, convulsing uncontrollably.

“Fuck me! I-I’m going to cum.”

Y/N started enthusiastically grinding, and suddenly, an outpour of watery fluid started running down his cheeks. Her soft moans escalated to piercing screams before yielding to the spellbinding ecstasy. Bokuto helped her ride it out by slowly sucking on her clit.

“Ko-kun, stop... Too much,” Y/N whimpered, pushing his face away from her overwhelmed pussy.

She scooted back a few inches and collapsed on top of his chest, trying to recuperate from her intense orgasm.

“Y/N, how did I do? Tell me.”

“Yeah, you were amazing. You were such a good boy.”

He felt lighthearted and incredible despite his erection still being prominent to the point of almost being painful.

Bokuto attempted to turn Y/N on her side so he could enter from that angle, but the handcuffs once again stopped him. He turned wide-eyed, totally forgetting about the cuffs attached to the headboard.

“Y/N help me out here,” he asked, kissing her sweaty hair.

She snapped out of her exhaustion to grab a pair of small keys on the nightstand. Y/N soon freed his hands, and he noticed his wrists were red from the metal straining against his skin.

Bokuto positioned Y/N in such a way that she lay on her side but was facing him. Her bangs were damp with sweat and stuck to her forehead. Still, she was visibly glowing, just like she always does after their sessions.

“My turn, ok?” he murmured, leaving love bites on her humid neck.

Sliding one leg in between her legs, he then encouraged Y/N to encircle his hip over the leg he just slid in.

Now Bokuto could easily clutch her firm butt while kissing her lips. With an erection that was now beginning to purple, he decided he had waited enough. With one swift nudge, her sopping entrance gave away to his cock.

“So good. I—” she stuttered as he hammered away. “Yes. So good.”

Y/N tucked her face away in his neck.

“You’re doing amazing. Keep going just like that, babe.”

His breath hitched at the ongoing praises, Bokuto’s skin becoming more heated by the second. His heartbeat racing out of control and tingles resonating down his back.

“I’m close. Gonna cum,” he groaned.

With a sensation that started at the base of his length before it coursed throughout his entire cock, the closer he got. Then as Bokuto got to the point of no return, he could no longer contain the inevitable release. He couldn’t control himself as his eyes shut and his body started shaking. He almost wished he could recount the entire experience, but Bokuto himself had blacked out right after he spilled inside of her.

He later would open his eyes to his body still on the side and entangled with Y/N. The deep-seated satisfaction from knowing he ejaculated inside of her left him bone-tired but rejuvenated at the same time. In no way were they ready for a pregnancy but god damn it if the thought didn’t leave him content beyond comprehension.

Bokuto snapped out of his flashback to Hinata, still looking at him expectantly.

And with a smirk that was uncharacteristic of him, Bokuto said, “Let’s just say I have a girlfriend who’s been taking real good care of me before each game.”

#bokuto x reader #hq x you #hq imagines #hq reader insert #hq requests #haikyuu!!#haikyū!!#haikyu x reader #haikyu x you #haikyu x y/n #bokuto kotarou #bokuto kotaro #bokuto x you #bokuto x y/n #haikyu fanfiction #haikyu fanfic

107 notes · View notes

itsboketto · 3 years

Text

output - gojou x f!reader

genre: angsty

warnings: cussing , mentions of sex , death , Utahime mentions

disclaimer: please excuse my terrible writing state, i haven’t written in awhile so I’m just getting back into writing :) also this is in no way to shit on gojou, we all love him 🏹 and yes, i’m aware i used a different anime AMV but the song & arrangement was too good to pass off. thanks for understanding!

WC: 3231

proofreaders/editors: Amanda , Aldu , Zero , & Flora | Thank you so much for fixing my dumb mistakes 👉👈 appreciate you 4 very much!

This wasn’t what was supposed to happen. He was supposed to stay with you forever, he was supposed to go down on one knee and wrap your finger with a diamond ring, he was supposed to have a family with you and have the happiest lifetime with you.

He was too late

A week ago

“Y/n-channn“ Gojou whined while throwing a fit on the bed you both shared. You gave a soft hum, rubbing your eyes with your hand, the flat side of your elbow slightly brushing against his soft fluffy white hair. “I want to eat breakfasttt!” he huffed, wrapping his muscular arms around your waist and pulled you into his chest kissing you on the top your head. “If you hold me like this I won’t be able to cook for you. Make up your mind babe,” you yawned, digging your face into his warm embrace. “What if I want both?” “You don’t get both.” “I’ll get both anyways!” “No you won’t.”. That’s how your everyday went.

He’d wrapped his arms around your waist as you cooked breakfast for him, propping his chin on your shoulder and humming a familiar tune. The way he always ends up making your heart skip a beat every time he looked at you with his breath-taking eyes. How he always was your first priority and always will be. He was your one and only, and you both knew that.

Nothing really concerned you when it came to Gojou. You knew he was always out trying to save others or train his municipals so you never worried about what he was doing.

Today however, he seemed a bit off. He woke up on his own, cooked his own breakfast (and yours), didn’t even try giving you the slightest attention, and just went out to work after he finished getting dressed. The only thing you got was a quick head pat and a “Have a nice day”. You knew things were getting troublesome at work and he was working really hard to train your younger brother, Itadori-kun, but it still hurt that he was giving you the cold shoulder. You ate the sandwich he left on the kitchen counter, thinking about what could've happened that made him so stressed out . You decided to wait until he got home so you can talk it out with him.

He didn’t come back home.

It started getting pitch black as you watched as the clouds flowed with the silent night. You already tried text him, call him, you even called your younger brother Itadori-kun but he seemed to be busy. You were worried sick, not because he wasn’t home, no, but about him acting strange this morning. The last person you called was someone whom you’ve been close to since childhood, Utahime.

“Hello?” she answered, picking up faster than you thought

“Utahime, I know it’s quite late to be calling but I need some comforting” you sighed, hoping she’ll agree to listen

“It’s okay, tell me what’s wrong”

You ended up staying on the call until the sun rose. You apologized to her for taking up her time and suggested to buy her a cup of coffee the next time they meet and she agreed happily. You fell asleep as soon as you hung up, exhausted from the overwhelming emotion you spilled onto your best friend.

The afternoon

The sun ray peaked through the window blinds, flushing into your living room, landing right straight onto your face. You rolled over to the side to avoid the sun light but in the process you nearly fell off the couch side. “Ah!! That scared me..” you grumbled while raising yourself up, yawning and extending your arms up to stretch out the sore bones. “What time is it?” you asked, twisting your head to check the clock; 12:09pm “SHIT I’M LATE” you cussed in a panic and zoomed to your room to get your prepacked bag and went to the kitchen to grab a slice of bread. You slipped out of your slippers and grabbed the keys hanging on the right side of the door. Assuming Gojou was back, you yelled back “Okay babe, I’m leav-” the front door unlocked. It pushed wide open revealing an image you’d like to be forgotten.

Another woman was clinging onto Gojou’s arm

Not only that, but he also reeked of alcohol as well. His face was terribly red and he couldn’t stay put. “Gojou~ I thought you said no one was going to be home” the woman hummed, looking at you with a smile. “Ah? I was sureee Y/n would beee at workkk nowww~” your boyfriend whined while using the girl as support for his heavy head. What the fuck was happening? Who is this woman? Why is he bringing her to our house? Is he serious right now? Too many questions flooded your head but there was one thing clear to you: get him away from that woman. “Um Miss, would you mind letting go of him? I can handle him from here” you gave the woman a genuine smile and stood in-between them, trying your best to drive her away. “Why should I let go when he brought me here, hm?” she didn’t try letting go, her grip tightened. “I appreciate your help, Miss. But he is seeing someone right now so it’d be best to leave” you tried to emphasize your lack of patience, not waiting for her to respond you yanked his arm away from her grip and immediately shut the door after the action. You could hear the woman cuss under her breath while dragging herself away from your unit.

You heaped Gojou onto the living room couch and removed his mask. “Gojou, what happened?” you asked, trying to sound as calm as you could. “Y-y/n? Why are you hereeee?” he asked, adverting his gaze as if he were hiding something. “Who was that woman?” you asked again but firmly this time. “W-who are you talkinggg abouttt?”. He wasn’t in the right state to answer any questions no matter how much you push him. You let out a heavy sigh and walked towards the kettle where the already boiled water was sitting. Pouring the water into his mug, you walked back to him and handed it to him. “Get some rest, we’ll talk tomorrow.”

Gojou left.

You woke up to a cold atmosphere. The sun was up and you’re alone on the couch. It took you a few seconds to remember what happened last time. “Gojou!” you said in an instant. You panicked, hoping he didn’t leave already. The bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, closet. He was gone. You groaned in frustration as you kneaded your fingers with your hair. Why does he keep leaving? What’s going on? Is he avoiding me? The questions just won’t stop coming and it began to impact you and your mood. You knew this wasn’t good since you had shift that night. “Fuck you Gojou...” letting out one last sigh before getting dressed.

“Itadori-kun, could you do me a favour?“

After the call with your brother, you grabbed your house keys and slipped into your sneakers. If he’s going to avoid you, then you’ll just have to go find him. Itadori sent you the address of the club he was at. You weren’t the least concerned about why he was there, all you wanted to know was what was happening. You stepped on the petal and drove to the destination.

At the club

You parked your car in the parking lot at the club. The sign read Sight Eight in bright neon lights. You were unfamiliar with the place, nonetheless the surroundings. Everyone seemed to be drunk off of whatever it is they are on, your heart paced faster the more you walked into the hell hole. It was crowded, too many people made you claustrophobic and stuffy, uncomfortable to the point you wanted to throw up. That didn’t stop you though, your mission was to find Gojou and leave immediately.

“Hey sexy, would you mind dancing with me?” “Damn, your body looks beautiful!” “Come sit beside me, you little slut.”

You couldn’t help but to feel terribly uncomfortable, the way the men stared at you, the way you were out in the open for any of them to prance on you. It was horrible. You didn’t understand why the fuck Gojou would even come close to this place, he never mentioned liking clubs at all and he knew too well that you hated clubs.

You looked everywhere, yet you didn’t spot him anywhere. He would’ve been easily seen because of his tall figure and white hair but he was no where to be seen. You cursed multiple times under your breath, why did you even come here in the first place? To suffocate yourself? You lost thought of your motive, knowing you’d need some fresh air, you walked to the back door and stepped outside.

And there he was.

There he was, devouring another woman. Not just any woman though. He was passionately kissing your best friend, Utahime.

“W-what the fuck are you doing Gojou..”

He snapped out of his actions, whipping his head to the side to see the person he hoped he wouldn’t get caught by. He saw as you also looked at Utahime with an expression he couldn’t figure out. You were tearing apart, the two most important people in your life decided to go behind your back even after all the lies they’ve told you.

“I-it’s not what you think, Y/n!” he panicked, Utahime sparing him regretful looks. You couldn’t understand what was happening. Was this a nightmare? Are you hallucinating? No. No you weren’t, in fact this is at real as it gets and that took your a few moments to take it in.

Gojou told Utahime to leave and apologize next time as he wanted to talk to you privately. “Y/n, I can explain-” he started once again. He tried to approach you, but you flinched at his step, you took a cautious step back, terrified of him as he would somehow hurt you just by walking closer to you. “I don’t want to hear your bullshit anymore, Gojou” you said quietly and ran for it. You pushed the back doors open, heart pumping from the adrenaline. You couldn’t care less about the judging eyes and nasty remarks, all you wanted to do was to get as far away from the man you used to call your one and only.

Your eyes burned from the tears, your sight got blurry to the point you couldn’t see properly, the sounds outside were practically silent. You looked down to your phone when it gave a notification sound. It was Gojou. Your blood boiled from the sight of his name on your phone screen that you stepped on the pedal forgetting you were on a red light.

The driver in front of you tried to stop you with the sound of his car horn. Beep beep beep! You couldn’t hear anymore. Ha! You were practically hysterical at this point. You didn’t even think twice as you slammed on the pedal, your hands moved on it’s own on the hand wheel and your head not thinking straight. You drove right into the traffic pole, almost barely missing the opposite car. The last moments you remembered were hearing an annoying ringing sound in your ear and blurry figures yelling at your motionless body.

GOJOU (song link : loop it!)

He didn’t have any particular reason for doing what he did. He was terribly exhausted from work and he needed an output to excite him before going back to the draining place. He’s already slept with many different women behind your back, always feeling disgusted towards himself before and after the many times he’s had sex with others. However, he easily loses his mind once he starts. This distraction was effective for him, which made him feel that the idea wasn’t so bad after all.

All he had to do was keep it a secret from you and hope that he never gets caught, right?

That was a horrible bet. Even more, he made himself defenseless to many others. He’s been used too many times to count yet he didn’t mind it because he knew it was going to make him feel better.

That one day he drank, he didn’t intend to get drunk. Someone must’ve put a drug in his drink when he wasn’t watching. He passed out on the 3rd shot. The person whom took him to a spare room at the party most likely fucked him while he was asleep. The next morning, he knew he fucked up. Walking up to a person that isn’t you. He wanted to go back to you as soon as possible but the woman was too hard to resist as she seduced him. He ended up drinking before going back home, the woman apparently found him drinking by her door.

He knew he was indeed suspicious at that point. Trust was something very important to you yet he broke it so easily. He didn’t end there, even though he already at the questioning stage, he didn’t stop. He continued to hook up with random women, sleeping with them, and then not going home back to you.

He knew this would hurt you. He knew his actions were more than unacceptable. But his addiction was too hard to handle.

“W-what the fuck are you doing Gojou..”

That voice, that setting, and that person were all enough to make Gojou’s world go upside down. He hoped it wasn’t the person he was thinking of as he whipped his head towards the voice’s direction.

It was you.

On instinct, he tried to cover the woman he was kissing right there an then. The person you were the closest to, the person you trusted the most, the person you called a best friend was the person that was pushed behind his back in attempt to hide her from you.

He was caught. And caught by the last person he’d like to be caught by.

He couldn’t think of any words, the only sentence that came out was “I-it’s not what you think, Y/n!” and “Y/n I can explain-”. Really Gojou? Was that the only thing you could mutter out? That sentence obviously did no better than what she just witnessed. He tried to approach you but of course you dashed the opposite direction. He ran behind you, trying to catch up to you but you were already in your car by the time he reached the cashier counter. He exited the club and yelled your name as if it would do anything to stop you. “Y/N!”

He reached into his pocket and called you, texted you, tried anything to contact you but you didn’t answer them. He groaned in frustration, sliding his back on the glass door then sitting himself down on the ground. Look at what he’s done. What was he supposed to do now? You probably won’t even let him in the house even if he begged. It was all over now. He made the biggest mistake of his life.

He dragged himself to the street and called for a taxi home. He stared out the window, wondering what will happen now. His eyes blurred from the burning tears. Just thinking of every outcome made him realize that you were never going to forgive him.

Bringg! Bringg!

His ringtone ringed! He excitedly flipped his phone on, only to face an unknown number. His expression immediately changed, was he too hopeful? Either way, he needed to pick up that call incase it was inportant.

“Hello? Is this Mr.Satoru?“

What? “Yes, that is indeed me”

“Hello Mister, this is the JLK hospital. Miss L/n had you saved as an emergency contact, I am here to inform you that she’s in our hospital.”

What? “What do you mean in the hospital-”

“She got into a car accident, Mist-”

He hung up the phone. He couldn’t believe his ears. Y/n? In a car accident? He yelled at the driver “JLK HOSPITAL. NOW!”. He was worried enough to the point he wanted to break the land under him.

At JLK

He threw the cab whatever he had in his wallet, not caring about the amount. All he was focused on was you. He pushed the front doors open, patients looking at him as if he were a mad man. He ran straight to the reception counter, panting in every word he spoke.

“Y-y/n! W-where is s-she!?”

The receptionist, frightened, tried to calm him down as he breathed in and out deeply.

“She’s in the emergency room-“

He didn’t blink for a minute, he dashed towards the emergency arrows, running through the quiet halls, only reaching the locked door at the end of the hall. He banged the doors, praying that you were fine.

“LET ME IN! LET ME SEE Y/N!” was what he yelled continuously.

Nurses had to hold him back from disturbing the doctors and nurses trying to save your cold and still body.

He sat on the chairs right by the doors, waiting for some kind of reassurance, some kind of comfort to tell him you were still with him.

The large metal doors open from the emergency room. He beamed up, looking for a relieved or happy expression from the doctor but there was...

Nothing.

“I’m very sorry Mr.Satoru” the doctor said, pained to even look at you straight. “She was found with a glass barely missing her right lung, she also suffered from a major head injury caused from the accident..” they said but judging by his expression they decided to stop talking.

“C-can I go s-see her?“ he stuttered

There you were. Lifelessly lying on the hospital bed, covered up with a white cold sheet. He took a few steps into the room, only then stopping mid-way. He had no right to go near you, he had no right to mourn for you, he had no right to associate with you. He knew that, but he needed to see you one last time. Approaching you, seeing how your face paler than snow and your body just as cold as ice.

He squeezed your hand, crying his lungs out. Screaming at you to come back to him as if that would help. He prayed for a miracle, somehow thinking you would open your eyes and wrap your arms around his broad back. Your head resting on his chest and how you nuzzled into his embrace. How you had small arguments with him and letting him win because you just loved him that much.

But that wasn’t going to happen anymore.

He didn’t even get the chance to say sorry. To tell you how much you meant to him, how much he loved you, and how much he wished he had spent more time with you. He kept regretting every decision he made, hoping you could somehow hear him begging for you to come back.

It took him hours to take in the reality. The doctors told him he had 5 more minutes before they had to take you away to the morgue. He shook your hand one last time, finally accepting the news. You were gone and he couldn’t bring you back.

“I love you, Y/n..”

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singingforthepromises · 3 years

Text

fruits basket manga lb (chs 131 - 133)

CH 131

We’re learning about the origins of the curse now. Oh boy.

The cat went to God first ;A;

omg the cat died first....

God saved it!

Oh, the cat didn’t want to have eternal life... and the others and God took that as rejection.... seriously? So petty, honestly. I love learning about how it happened but I’m just like... wtf. It’s like all of this generational trauma could’ve all been avoided if God and the animals hadn’t misinterpreted shit LOl

YUKI’S CRYING ;A;

I totally understand Yuki’s feelings here. It must be hard. You’re free, but you’re also letting go of something that was a part of you for so long, something that helped shaped who you are, no matter how negative a situation.

AH AJSFJSJF HE CAN HUG HER NOW OH MY GOD I TOTALLY FORGOT IM SOBBING

MACHI IS SO CUTE

She’s calling him by his first name KSFJSJFJSF

AHHH THEY KISSED! ENDGAME YUCHI! <3

“When did that promise turn into a curse?” What I’ve been asking since since the very beginning rofl

AKDGDKG KYO’S SHOWING KAZUMA HIS BARE ARM IM ;A;

KAZUMA IS SO HAPPY SJJDG

Haru and Rin!! <3

omg look at Tohru pulling on Kyo’s shirt how cute

is Tohru gonna see Akito? <3

SHE’S HUGGING HER! I LOVE THIS! I love that Akito can see that even after the curse has been lifted, Tohru wasn’t lying about being there for her, about being her friend. Akito needed this, honestly. I’m very happy with the resolution of their rivalry. I’m happy with how the curse broke.

“The Cat’s wish... wasn’t granted... until much, much later.” IM CRYINGGG

CH 132

Starting the last volume... this is so depressing, I don’t want this story to be over.

Akigure time, lol.

Oh is this the final banquet?

IT’S SO NICE TO SEE RITSU AGAIN!! <333

“Things might be a bit tense.” Oh, I’m sure. I don’t think it’s all going to be sunshine and daisies. Akito may be behaving a hell of a lot better and changed her ways, but there’s still a lot of pain here, pain that she directly caused. I’m interested to see how this is going to go.

LOL @ momiji calling Kyo a cheater we love to see familial teasing!

I love that they’re not all awkward around each other. It just goes to show that a lot of their genuine personalities poked through even among the curse. They all do have a bond, curse or no curse. And it’s very nice to see Kyo being actually included in that bond.

lool fucking Ayame, man. I love him.

Aww is Yuki kinda sorta looking out for Kyo around Ayame? I love this.

HAHA

“Akito’s ready to see you.” sfjsjfsj

OH WOW.

Look at her? She looks so pretty?

RITSU LMFAO

Oh, Shigure got her that kimono.

Yeaaah, this is what I’m worried about with Akigure as a ship. Akito’s better, but she still has a tendency to fly off the handle if she thinks she’s being slighted, and it makes me worried about how they would handle dispites and arguments without getting physical like that, you know? I’d hope that she’d do it less and less as time goes on.

“All of you are free. And this may come too late, but for everything... I’m...” Oh my god. Is she trying to apologize?

She can’t, though. It won’t come out. I bet she probably feels like sorry isn’t enough, in some ways. How do you apologize for a lifetime of suffering that you’ve caused, the trauma inflicted on other people?

I guess Akigure are official, lol. I mean, I’m glad that Akito’s getting a somewhat happy ending. Shigure, I still don’t like him but he’s a fantastic character.

Akito’s gonna stay at the estate and be the head without keeping anyone shackled to her. That’s as good of an ending as I could’ve anticipated for her. I’ll be honest: I still feel like she got off a little easy. She should’ve faced some legal consequences, at least. But I don’t dislike her like I used to. She’s definitely come around and I’ve partially forgiven her.

I’ll talk more about my feelings about Akito and everything once I’ve finished, but that’s where I am right now.

CH 133

AHHH KYORU. THEY’RE OFFICIAL!

loool who is Mayu talking about?

OH Yuki and the others know about Akito being a female now? Nice!

“I can’t believe I was so violent... to a girl.” KYO. MY BOY. Omg what a sweetheart? Honey, she was violent to you, too.

“The last thing I wanted was another guy interested in you.” LMFAOOOO

YUKI’S DYING

“The mood between the two of them has become somewhat gentler than before.” Somewhat? Girl, they’re friends now, and I’m loving it. It’s so cute.

“He beat the crap outta me.” YES LOL

“Kyo-kun smiles more than he used to. I’ve come to realize that this is his true self.” ;A;

oh my gosh THEY’RE SO CUTE.

How are they even cuter now that they’re dating?!

“Walking together, hand in hand, isn’t something that I’ll ever take for granted.” I’m cryinggggg. ;a; My babies.

NOT TALK OF A KYORU BABY MY HEART CAN ONLY HANDLE SO MUCH.

AND GRANDPA KAZUMA!! HE’D DOTE ON THAT KID!

What’s wrong with my bby girl Isuzu? :(

“Not everyone... is in the same situation.” Ah, yeah...

“How can you act like nothing ever happened? She did all kinds of nasty stuff to Kyo. And she hurt you a lot too. Those wounds will never disappear, will they?” I 1000% understand Rin here. I was waiting for this to be brought up!

Oh, Isuzu, my poor girl.

This might change later on, but as of right now, I don’t fully forgive Akito, either. There’s just too much that she did to too many people. Like Rin, like Yuki, like Kyo. Even Hatori. I’m generally a forgiving person, but I have a hard time with abusive characters. Maybe it’s from my own past, being a survivor of abuse. Being around it and knowing how they are just impacts you differently, I guess. I don’t know if it’s right to say that maybe people who haven’t experienced abuse are able to forgive easier.

I haven’t forgiven my abuser, and I never will. Do I still understand why they did it, why they are who they are, and do I still empathize? YES. I feel a lot for people. I feel a lot for Akito on a positive note, and I’m so proud of her progression. She’s a hurt woman who deserved better and who hurt people because she was in so much pain herself. She hasn’t been able to break free of her abuser or heal yet. She needs a safe space to do that, and she’s beginning to learn to be better and be a sweeter person. Tohru showed her that.

But like Rin, I can’t fully forgive her. If Tohru hadn’t done what she did, hadn’t reached out to Akito, Akito never would’ve changed. She would’ve continued to be horrible and not feel regret for the things she’s done. I appreciate that she was trying to apologize, though. And there are things that I’ve forgiven her for. It’s the worst indiscretions that I can’t. How she treated Rin and Yuki, specifically. I know that she was projecting with Rin. But Rin was a child and an abuse victim herself. Out of all of them, Akito could’ve related to her. Akito knew. She used that instead to hurt Rin, and that is the one thing that I’ll never be okay with.

“They’ll need time. A whole lot.” Yes. And even then, it may not be enough. Some scars run so fucking deep that even time doesn’t help. I’ve healed from my trauma. It doesn’t impact me anymore. I’ve learned how to cope and move on and now utilize those skills to help others. I think time will help, though, and it may allow others to forgive Akito later.

Distance is the key here, I think. If they’re not around her, maybe forgiveness will come easier.

Wow, Akito taking what she learned from Tohru and reaching out to the maid? We love to see it.

#fruits basket #fruits basket spoilers #fruits basket manga #fruits basket manga spoilers #liveblogging #abuse tw #because i discuss it

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ae0nx · 4 years

Text

FRUITS BASKET S2 EPISODE 16 RECAP!

It’s currently 7am here and I haven’t had a wink of sleep cos of insomnia and a racing mind so why not recap a Fruits Basket episode? Yayyyy - madness... aha! This was a good one.

Let’s gooooo

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

Lol, ‘You might be wondering how I got in this situation’

- Tbh, I could see myself doing the same as Uo just out of frustration at the fact that I was so worked up over someone I only met twice. I feel you, Uo.

- It’s super sweet and brave of Tohru would go to Sohma house despite Akito just so she can find Kureno for her bestie! <3 Obviously, Tohru is automatically Best Girl of the episode. If not every episode, tee hee

AHHHHHH! I CANT HANDLE HOW ADORABLE MOMO IS. AND HER SPEECH PATTERNS! ALL THE KUDOS TO HER VA, SAYA TANAKA. I can’t believe I wanna adopt an anime character as my child.

And like Tohru... I am tears.

Ok, this episode made me really understand this ship like A LOT MORE. I am seeing with my third eye now, I get it... (A/N: I’m tired) Their relationship is so gentle and so sweet and while I still lean to the more familial perspective of it, I can definitely see the more romantic side of it more clearly.

Momiji’s Dad is kinda the most nuanced parent out of all of the zodiac parents. I feel like most of the parents are extremes of the opposite sides of the scale of parenting. But with Momiji’s Dad, you can tell he genuinely cares about Momiji and looks out for him and loves him as much as he can BUT... at the same time he’s also making a kinda selfish decision by choosing to move on without Momiji with his newly formed family.

Of course it’s not so simple as ‘he’s just being selfish’ considering Momiji’s Mum is still there with her memory loss of Momiji just wanting to create a family with her husband, but... there is a certain level of coldness there in how bad he wants to protect the secret.

Oooo, I do love parallels. Have I made it clear that I love parallels?

Tohru!... :(... Her breakdown was so out of nowhere but I love that there was enough info to decipher that Tohru’s still dealing with her grief but is torn because there are also other issues going on with the people she cares about so deeply that she is kinda overwhelmed by all the pain. And it was portrayed in such a delicate way, it was heartbreaking to watch.

And Momiji’s gentle way of trying to get Tohru to explain herself and calm down without you know... saying ‘calm down’ was perfect and heart warming and I love them!!!

- I can’t decide who gets Outfit Appreciation this week cos I really adore Momo’s outfit but I also really adore Momiji’s outfit. So, I’m gonna go with both cos their outfits kinda go together and if they can’t be together in the anime then they can be together in my stupid outfit ranking, haha. 4 stars.

- Aha, Tohru doing secret investigating in the most Tohru way was great. I love her!

Who... is that... it’s not Akito... so... does that mean it’s... her?

Shit.

Hahaha, oh Tohru. She’s really in top form this episode. 🤣

I LOVE the way this sentence is worded in contrast to how it is expressed. I feel like it perfectly captures both Uo AND Tohru’s view of Kureno at the same time. The soft hearted, goofiness of the tone of his voice mixed with the cool and collected wording of the sentence.

GOD FUCKIN’ DAMMIT, KYO.

Why do you have to be heartbreaking and so fuckin’ cool at the same time?! And Tohru’s crying in response to that?!?! Like her body is just unconciously screaming ‘NO’?!?!?!

I can’t stand these crazy kids. <3

A FAVOURITE KYORU MOMENT!

Can we just stop and appreciate how comfortable and close with each other these two are now in comparison to Season 1? And how the roof was originally Kyo’s place but it’s now turned into ‘their’ place? Can you believe this is the same Kyo that was super embarrassed about cooking porridge for Tohru in Season 1?!?!?! I just... I just... *sigh* <3

‘What do you wish for Kyo-kun?’ ‘For someone to stop crying’

...I must retire now. Perfect. *chef’s kiss*

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

See you next week!

#fruits basket #furuba #fruits basket 2020

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srhlsx · 4 years

Text

Rewritten & Reposted March 23, 2021

MASTER | Ch. 7 |CHAPTER 8 | Ch. 9

A few days after your encounter with Bokuto at the corner mart, you were on your way home again from practice. A few girls from your team and a few members of the boy’s team were walking off campus, practices having ended around the same time.

“Absolutely not, that is completely false!” You laughed, looking at Daiki with a shocked expression as he tried to convince you that what he was saying was correct.

“I swear!” He yelled, looking to one of his teammates for reassurance. “Tell her, Shouta! Fukurodani locker rooms literally have attendants manning them.”

The teammate he was looking to, Naguri Shouta, looked bored with the conversation but nodded nonetheless as he walked next to you. “Haven’t seen it,” He said, shrugging casually, too cool as he always was. “But wouldn’t be surprised by it though, with their bourgeois lifestyle over there.”

“Fancy words will not win this argument,” You tugged a lock of his styled hair teasingly. “Plus, they are not all that over there just because they are an academy.”

Daiki continued to argue his point, insisting that the rumor he heard was true even though he himself couldn’t confirm it either. Shouta just continued to nod along casually, walking next to you to keep a safe distance from Daiki’s erratic motions, making little side digs at his captain under his breath that made you laugh.

“Proof or it’s not real!” You exclaimed as you all continued to walk through the streets, a few people from the group breaking away to their homes as you went.

“How am I supposed to get proof?” Daiki laughed, then his face lit up like he had the greatest idea in the world. “Hey, text Bokuto and ask him!”

You gasped, agreeing that it was in fact the greatest idea in the world, and pulled out your phone to do just that. You didn’t notice the way the other boy standing with you bristled slightly at the mention of Bokuto’s name, but when you looked up you did notice his expression quickly clear from a furrowed brow to his more typical blank expression. You gave him a closed eye smile while he returned with a half smile of his own.

“Can I walk you the rest of the way?” You tore your eyes away from the crosswalk sign to look up at Shouta waiting for you to respond.

“Ah, no no!” You waved him off with a grand smile. “It’s so out of the way for you. I will let you guys know what he says!”

After crossing the street on your own, you waved at Daiki and Shouta as you turned to leave. The two of them went their own direction, Daiki slinging an arm over Shouta’s shoulders and pulling him close to probably tell some kind of joke as they walked.

The further you walked, the less crowded the city around you became. You let your feet move on auto-pilot down the alley, and through the mostly abandoned park.

New Message: 5:22PM

Bokuto: Yeah right! I wish! You offering??

To clean up after a bunch of gross high school boys? I’d rather run the hill ten times!

Bokuto: No! Just me! Be my lil helper~

Bokuto: we can get u a cute outfit

Bokuto: like a maid cafe!!!!!!!!!!

Bokuto: BUT WITH MY NAME AND NUMBER

Absolutely not.

You rounded on a house, nothing fancy but obviously well taken care of, and took the steps leading up to the front door two at a time. You knocked out a familiar rhythm and waited patiently as a thundering of small feet met your ears from beyond the door.

Greeted by a pair of grey eyes, weathered with age, you crouched down to meet the height of your little sister, Yua, as she politely pushed past the older woman who opened the door to you. She started spewing off about things she had accomplished that day before you could even get a word out to her.

Further into the house, you could see your little brother packing up his school things into his bag. “Baba helped me with history homework today,” He called out as a form of greeting, walking past the old woman to start your short trek home. “She said she was there when it happened.”

“I said I remembered it happening, I wasn’t there Eiji-kun.” The old woman laughed, handing over your little sister’s bag as your two siblings began their descent down the stairs.

The older woman’s eyes crinkled as she looked up at you, tired but still happy. You appreciated this woman more than you could ever express.

When things began to go downhill with your mom you’d had to move homes to accommodate for the extensive bills that were coming one after another. Your own grandparents lived in different cities, but when one of your grandmother’s friends who lived in Tokyo heard what was going on she sprung into action like it was a second calling for her, even though you’d only met her a handful of times.

She was adamant about you calling her family, hence Eiji calling her Baba, and would accept nothing but thank-yous and dinner together once a week in exchange for helping your family when you needed it most. Between the time school got out for your siblings and you being able to leave volleyball practice, they would be safe at her home until you were able to collect them - every day.

“Thank you,” You nodded at your elder. “Tomorrow we have a practice match, so I may be a bit late picking them up.”

The woman waved a hand in front of her face absently, brushing off the extra time you had loaded on her suddenly. “No mind,” She said, rubbing your arm comfortingly. “I’ll make sure they have dinner then.”

You gave her hand a tight, but gentle, squeeze and turned to where your siblings had gone. You followed them to the apartment complex just a few houses down. Graffiti littered the lower walls, nothing too obscene but also nothing that was supposed to be there in the first place.

Unlike most apartment buildings, yours did not have any indication of who lived where via buzzer system. All the homes opened up to the outside, marked with floor numbers and unit letters, some were upside down so it could get a little confusing. It wasn’t the most glorious of living arrangements, compared to where your family lived before your mom had gotten sick, but it was home and you would make out of it what you could.

The small, digital clock on your desk let out a soft beep as it shifted over to midnight. You rubbed under your glasses at your eyes, blurring your vision slightly before focusing on the words of the book in front of you again. You had gotten a good amount of work done that night, knowing that tomorrow you’d be home late from your practice match and wouldn’t have nearly as much time to fit in school work after.

New Message: 12:01 AM

Bokuto: You didn’t tell me you had practice match w FA girls tom?

technically today… Slipped my mind! Forgive me!?

Bokuto: w kiss?

shoot your shot!

Bokuto: meet me after!!!!

Ugh fiiine - twist my arm…

Bokuto: oh hell yeah, gonna walk you home SO hard~

You’re disgusting?? - but curious about how you walk someone home “hard”

Bokuto: involves aggressive chivalry, you’ll see

The following message was an animated sticker of an owl tipping off the top hat he was wearing. You muffled a laugh behind your hand, glancing over your shoulder to make sure your siblings were undisturbed in their bunk beds. Satisfied you hadn’t woken them up, you said your goodnights to Bokuto and locked your phone after making sure you had an alarm set for the morning.

Down the hall, you could hear a set of keys jingle. The door to the apartment opened and shut, if you hadn’t been listening so intently you might not have heard it at all. A deep sigh echoed through the walls and you almost thought about getting up to greet your father as he finally arrived home, but something stopped you. Instead, you silently flipped the switch on your desk lamp and let the darkness flood the room once more.

As you sat motionless at your desk, holding your breath while a shadow passed beneath the door to the bedroom. The figure paused, hesitating a moment - you could imagine your father’s hand hovering at the doorknob, wondering if he should enter to see his children or not. The shadow continued to move, opening the linen closet and rustling around for what you knew were blankets and a spare pillow.

There’d been many previous nights over the last seven months when you’d woken up to your sister asking for a snack or a drink, and when you’d gone to the kitchen to fetch something for her you’d caught your dad sprawled out on the couch under a makeshift bed of old blankets. At first it made you sad, the thought that your dad couldn’t even sleep in the same bed he once shared with your mother.

Over the months though, as his work hours grew longer and longer, you started to form a routine of folding up the linens in the morning before your brother and sister could see that their dad was sleeping on the couch.

When the hall light finally turned off, you took that as your opportunity to get up from your desk and finally go to bed. You unclenched your hands, which you hadn’t even realized were in fists tight enough to turn your knuckles white. Since you shared a room with your siblings, you pulled the thin futon out from under their bottom bunk and spread out the blanket you had tucked away within it.

As you pulled your own blankets up to your chin, getting settled into your comfortable nest of warmth, you heard your little sister grumble sleepily. “Neechan?”

“What is it chibi?”

“You haff good dreams ‘kay?”

“You have good dreams too, babygirl.”

#bokuto koutaro #koutaro bokuto #haikyuu!!#haikyuu #haikyuu fanfiction #haikyuu!! x reader #bokuto x reader #fukurodani #hq!! x reader #hq!!#hq

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rosegrl18 · 4 years

Text

Day Twenty-Three - Antlers

@fatethreads, @iris-14cheonsa, @zarahjoyce, @quatresnuku, @princess-sas, @nopedontknow

(Finally! It’s up! It’s up under the cut!)

Day Twenty-Three: Antlers

Fandom: Mashin Sentai Kiramager

Characters: Juru Atsuta, Tametomo Imizu, Sena Hayami, Shiguru Oshikiri, Sayo Oharu, Muryo Hakataminami, Mabushina, Santa Claus, Santa’s Reindeer, Yodonheim

Pairings: Sena Hayami x Tametomo Imizu

The spirit of Christmas was strong around Kiramai Base. Muryo and Mabushina had put up a large Christmas tree in one corner of the base and decorated the rest of the base with lights, tinsel, ribbons, wreaths, garland, and some sprigs of mistletoe, one above the door leading into the base, one on the archway leading into the recreation area, and one hanging from the ceiling in front of the window of the Mashin’s hangar. Sena and Sayo had convinced Mabushina to join them in wearing Santa-style dresses, Sena’s in green, Sayo’s in pink, and Mabushina’s in white. Juru and Muryo wore red Santa suits while Tametomo and Shiguru wore their uniforms.

Juru sat on the couch, sketchbook in one hand, pencils in the other, and a glass of juice on the table in front of him. He was busy sketching away, drawing what was surely a Christmas-inspired scene, but no one knew for sure. Mabushina stood in front of the window of the Mashin’s hangar, talking to them. Muryo sat at the table, monitoring Yodonheim activity in the city. Sena and Tametomo were off in a corner of the room, playfully arguing about something, though no one knew exactly what they were arguing about now. Sayo was playing waitress and serving everyone Christmas-inspired drinks, eggnog, hot chocolate, and juices with fancy toppers. Shiguru was reading over a script that he’d received before the holiday, as he needed to be ready for when shooting resumed after the holidays. Suddenly, the table began glowing red and a beeping sound emanated throughout the room.

“Yodonheim seems to have made their move. The Jamenshi is in the middle of the city, but I have faith that you’ll be able to stop its dastardly plot. Kiramagers, move out!”

Everyone left immediately, rushing toward the threat to the city. It was Christmas, a time when everyone deserved to feel safe. When they arrived on scene, they noticed the Jamenshi had a sleigh-shaped mask, Sleigh Jamen. A man wearing a red suit, a red and white hat, a black belt, and black shoes ran up to the group of five and began pleading with them not to hurt the Jamen.

“Ehh, but Sir, it’s a monster and it’s attacking the city! We can’t just let it keep attacking!”

“Yes, but have you noticed its head? It’s a sleigh, my sleigh. Without my sleigh, I won’t be able to deliver any presents this year.”

“Ehh?! You’re Santa Claus! Well, in that case, we’ll do what we can to make sure Sleigh Jamen doesn’t rampage and you get your sleigh back after we take care of him. We’ll even help you with your deliveries!”

“Oi, Juru! We work for CARAT and we’re celebrities. It’s not our job to deliver presents. Now, let’s destroy Sleigh Jamen so we can get back to Coconut Tower. Let’s go!”

“Come on, Tame-kun! I think we should help Santa! He only does this once a year for all the kids, kids who we have a responsibility to protect.”

“Hayami-san is right, Imizu-san. You have a responsibility to protect Japan and all of the people within, including all of the children. You should listen to Hayami-san more often. She’ll appreciate it.” Santa winked, almost knowingly.

Tametomo’s cheeks reddened, which he attributed to the cold, not to him beginning to blush at Santa’s words.

“Oi, Santa-jii, we’re about to take care of Sleigh Jamen, so you might want to get somewhere safe.”

“Right away, Imizu-san. Good luck.”

“Alright, let’s go, everyone!”

“That’s my line!” Juru whined.

“Does it matter who says it?”

“Can we please take care of the Jamen before it becomes New Years?”

“Yes, Shiguru-san. Let’s go, everyone!”

The five transformed into the Kiramagers and began their rollcall.

“Shining Sparkling! Kiramai Red!”

“Precise Shooting! Kiramai Yellow!”

“Charging Lightning! Kiramai Green!”

“Unstoppable Blade! Kiramai Blue!”

“Incredible Manipulation! Kiramai Pink!”

“Arriving in a spark! Solving in a flash! Mashin Sentai Kiramager!”

The two girls were hefted off their feet as they formed their team pose, the Katakana of “Kiramai”.

“Don’t you dare drop me again, Tame-kun.”

“Hey!” He softened. “It wasn’t like I meant to the last time. I was just surprised.”

“Guys!”

“Right.”

They ceased the bickering and began focusing on the fight at hand.

“Kiramai Sword!”

“Kiramai Shot!”

The two fired off a slash and a shoot attack, respectively, but it didn’t reach Sleigh Jamen, unfortunately.

“Sleigh Shield!”

It seemed Sleigh Jamen had his own set of tricks, like creating a sleigh-shaped shield to protect himself from attacks.

“How do we get through that shield?”

“Maybe the Kiramai Buster would be powerful enough to break through. It’s got a bit more power than the Kiramai Sword and the Kiramai Shot by themselves. Combining them together might just give us the power we need.”

Juru formed his Kiramai Buster and aimed at Sleigh Jamen. He powered up his weapon before firing off a shot.

“Kiramai Buster! Fire!”

The finishing blast sailed toward Sleigh Jamen and his Sleigh Shield, but it didn’t break through the barrier. Juru knew the blast was powerful enough, which meant the shield was more powerful than the blast from his Buster.

“What now? Nothing we try works!”

“I have an idea.” Tametomo gathered everyone in a small group and began explaining his idea, hoping it would work. After the idea was explained, “Alright, does everyone know what to do?”

There was a chorus of resounding “yeses” in response.

“Alright, then let’s take Sleigh Jamen down for good!”

Tametomo aimed his Kiramai Shot at Sleigh Jamen again, as did Sayo.

“Kiramai Shot!”

Sena and Shiguru pointed their Kiramai Swords at Sleigh Jamen for good measure, hoping the plan was going to work.

“Kiramai Sword!”

“None of your weapons can break through my shield!”

“Maybe not individually, but how about all together?!”

“Kiramai Charge!”

All four Rangers charged up their respective weapons and fired their final attacks at Sleigh Jamen. The attacks were enough to finally shatter his Sleigh Shield, but there was still one final attack he never saw coming.

“Kira-Kiramai Charge!”

The finishing blast came from behind, giving Sleigh Jamen no time to react and no time to figure out what had happened. Sleigh Jamen exploded in a fiery ball of heat and gas, giving the Kiramagers a well-deserved win.

After their win, the Kiramagers de-transformed and ran over to Santa, who they’d found hiding behind one of the buildings. The man had no injuries on him and seemed alright mentally too.

“Kiramagers, you did a wonderful job out there. Now, I need your help to deliver all of my presents on time. Atsuta-kun had a wonderful idea.”

“Ehh?! You know about us?!”

“Imizu-san and Oshikiri-san are wearing some type of uniform and I watched you all transform from where I was hiding. It didn’t take me long to put two and two together. Not to mention, Muryo is a good friend of mine.”

“Just how many good friends does he have in high places?!”

“Just enough, Imizu-san, just enough.” Santa said with a cryptic wink and bright smile. “Now, are you going to help me make my deliveries? I’ll give each of you a wonderful present after we’re finished. You all deserve something nice after all the hard work you do.”

“We’ll help you, Santa-san!”

“Well done, Atsuta-kun, thank you! All we need to make the deliveries are the presents, my sleigh, and my team.”

“Your team?”

“Yes, the reindeer. Don’t tell me you forgot about my team?!”

“Of course not, but where are they?”

“They’re around, but they’ll all come running after I blow a special whistle. It releases a frequency only they can hear.”

Santa blew his whistle and soon thirty-six hooves could be heard, clomping on the ground all at once. All nine reindeer appeared, all lined up in formation, ready to fly.

“They’re so cute!” Sena was giggling like a gossiping school girl. Tametomo just rolled his eyes.

“How can they be cute? They’re wild animals. Wild animals aren’t cute. They’re smelly and have who-knows-what.”

Sena turned toward him and glared at him.

“Tame-kun, apologize. Now.”

“No. I’m not apologizing to the reindeer.”

The others were off to the side, observing the two argue.

“Well, in their defense, I give them daily baths, so they don’t really smell a lot.”

However, two of the reindeer were already sick of the arguing. Humans. Why did arguing need to be a thing with them? Why couldn’t everyone just get along with each other? The two reindeer broke formation, huffing in frustration, and stood behind Tametomo and Sena, respectively. Using their antlers, the two cervids pushed the arguing pair toward each other, only caring if the two eventually went silent. And, they did. Tametomo and Sena did go silent, but not because they’d stopped arguing. Well, technically, they did stop arguing, but only because their mouths were plastered together. When the two reindeer had knocked them into each other, Tametomo caught Sena, who was slightly shorter than he was, to prevent her from falling. However, when she looked up to meet his eyes to thank him for catching her, their lips accidentally touching in a very awkward open-mouthed kiss. The two fumbled for their words, but the reindeer just used their antlers to knock them into each other again. Now that the two humans were busy, they could relax with some peace and quiet before going back to work.

#mashin sentai kiramager #kiramager #cantellus/fatethreads #cantellus/fatethreads april prompt list

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neo-culture-mafia · 5 years

Text

NCT 2018 Reaction To The New Female Member Being a Sassy Assassin

...the first one like...threw itself away...fun times fun times...so let’s do this again! Make sure to read note at end and send in requests!

Requested by @wooyujinseol

Warnings: |Swearing| |Mentions of Killing|

Songs Listened to While Writing: Monster - EXO; As Long As You Love Me - Justin Bieber; Sober - Big Bang; Whiplash - NCT 127; Limitless - NCT 127; Drippin’ - NCT Dream; Mad City - NCT 127; Regular - NCT 127; Chain - NCT 127; WET - Flowsik x Jessi; Joke - RM; Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars; I’m Not Sorry - DEAN; Bonnie and Clyde - DEAN x Eric Bellinger

LEE TAEYONG

It was the case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. You worked at your shitty coffee shop job that only had a few people present at a time. Your other co-workers decided not to show up for the night shift, so you were now alone.

The bell rang, signalling that someone bothered coming in here. “Hello, what would you li-” “Leave. This is Neo Culture land for the rest of the night.” A man said that was in a fancy suit. You just cocked an eyebrow at the man standing in the middle of the ‘dining area’.

“How about you leave. This is my coffee shop.” You said and he sighed. He hopped over the counter effortlessly, and grabbed your upper arm. You didn’t even hesitate your actions as you grabbed his neck roughly and threw him onto the wall, pinning your other arm on his hand so he couldn’t move it. He was shocked you even had the guts to do this to a man you didn’t even know.

He smirked a sinister look as he looked down on you.

“Kiss my ass, prick. I think too much dye has seeped into your brain for you to think you could freely touch me like a hooker. Touch me again and I’ll have you 6 feet under in the span of an 5 minutes.”

_____________

MOON TAEIL

He had been coming back from an Boss meeting in Seoul. He was pumped full of soju and beer and was too ashamed to call one of his men for help. Taeyong and Johnny were overseas handling something so he was the main man running the place for a week.

He turned down the small street when a man came out, pushing him onto his butt. He landed with an ‘oof’ and he tiredly tried to stand up. “STAND UP OLD MAN!” The mugger yelled. Taeil slowly stood up, and shook his finger in the person’s face...well all 7 of their faces for he had been to intoxicated to tell which was a hallucination or the real deal. “For your information!” He slurred

You walked by and saw the guy pulled a gun. “I am younger than all of Girl’s Generation. I’mm ppracticcalllly a tteeeeen.” He said and threw his hands in the air. You giggled but then noticed the man cock the gun.

You didn’t think. “DAD!” You yelled and ran to the red haired man. They both turned to you. “Dad?” They both said at the same time. You ran up to him. “Dad, you weren’t supposed to leave the party.” You said and put his arm around your shoulder. You look to the man who stood confused, shoving his gun back into his waistband. “I’m sorry if he caused you any trouble.” You said and bowed, taking the gun in your boot and aiming it at him.

Taeil bowed with you, but he couldn’t come back up. He groaned. “Taking advantage of a drunk man. Pathetic.” You spat and pulled the trigger without thinking.

The mugger fell and Taeil finally came back up. “Who are you? How old are you? Why are you out so late?” He slurred.

“I could ask the same for you. I thought the retirement home had a curfew.”

_____________

SEO JOHNNY

He had refused your entrance to the Junior Forces like a bazillion times. Neo Culture was only accepting male recrutees. You had shown up to every location to have your paper literally thrown back in your face, crumpled.

“You know what I’m gonna say. Go.” He said and tossed the ball of paper on the floor next to you. Some men and boys ‘oooo’d’ at the scene. You grabbed the paper, straightening it out and walking back down the semi-long line.

You walked out of the unmarked location and turned the corner. You ran head first into someone. You looked up to see a group of boys you had waited in line with about a week ago. They were super cool before the papers were taken, and once they found out that they got in and you didn’t they used it as an advantage.

“Ew. It’s Miss. Reject...lemme guess...you got in?” Minhyuck asked and you rolled your eyes. You tried pushing past them, but he pushed you into the wall. “Answer my damn question, ping.” He said and you slapped him across the face, and leaned up to kick his chest with your boot. One of his friends grabbed your torso, so you used that stability to kick your feet up and kick the boy who was running towards you. Once he was down, you sent your head flying back and it met the others nose with a crunch.

They all were on the ground. “Little girl.” You turned to see the man who has rejected you too many times to count. He motioned for you to come over. You obeyed and walked over quickly. “How’d you learn to do that?” He asked and you looked back to the wheezing and in pain boys. “You learn in the streets.” You said and he nodded slowly.

He walked over to the boys and ripped their Junior Forces patches off their hoodies and walked back over, handing them to you. “Come on, we need your information.” He said turning you around.

“Fuck you bitch.” Minhyuck wheezed from the ground.

“Sorry, I don’t do that with animals.”

_____________

NAKAMOTO YUTA

You didn’t like people. It was easy to tell too. You removed yourself from crowds when you weren’t needed and you had no problem telling it how it is. People were just obstacles, and if you couldn’t get over them, you put one through them. You didn’t do ‘teams’ for other ‘team mates’ were just back-stabbing, loathing, and mean people who didn’t care if they left your ass behind.

You walked through one of the many markets in Osaka, needing to get your weekly supply of food and water. You wore a cold hard stare on your face as you traveled booth to booth.

“LET HER GO! HELP!” Someone yelled at the market entrance. You look along with every person in the market. A man and a woman fought over a crying baby girl. The man was forceful while the woman was gripping on for dear life. The little girl was no older than 4, and the tears in her eyes were just emotionless fear.

Everyone turned back to their own work to ignore the scene. You would’ve felt bad if you turned away because the woman was staring into your eyes, sending silent pleas. You groaned and threw your head to the sky. “Why do you insist in putting me in these positions?” You mumble.

You returned to Earth and ran over. You opened your arms and ran right between the adults. You approached at full speed and held the little girl close to your body as you ran through and she was released with a pop of her shoulders.

You stopped and returned the girl, afraid to be mistaken for another ‘kidnapper’. You set the girl down behind the woman and she wrapped both her arms around the girl, sobbing. She had her back turned as the guy saw it as an opportunity. He walked closer but you were quick to lay a high kick to his stomach, causing him to stop because of all the air being knocked out of him.

You kicked the man to the ground and the woman grabbed her phone. “Yuta. Market. Now. They tried to take Aiko.” She shaked as she straightened out the girls dress and hair bows. She held her close again. “They tried to ta-take her. My baby.” She sobbed and you actually felt a little emotion.

She hung up the phone and the man was still regaining his breath. “I’m gonna take him in the alley till someone shows up.” You said and she nodded. “Wait, can you actually stay here with me?” She asked and you were honestly conflicted.

“I’ll put him there and then I’ll be back.” You said and she hurridley nodded. You dragged the man by his ear, and had no problem laying a bullet through his skull.

You walked back, a few people running in fear because of the loud pop your gun had erupted.

You just stood silently behind the crouched woman and girl, resting a hand on her back. “Honey, hold my hand so they don’t mistake you.” She said and you cocked an eyebrow. “What? No-” She gripped your hand and you just stared at it. It had been so long since someone showed you this type of motherly affection.

At least 9 black SUV’s pulled around you all. You got protective and stood infront of the woman and little girl. One hand in the woman’s and one on the holster of your gun.

Men stepped out with even bigger guns. One man approached as you made yourself seem bigger and more intimidating. “Step back.” You seethed and the woman gripped your hand, now standing. “It’s okay. He’s my husband.” She said and you slowly nodded, staring the man down still. “Car. Now.” He said as he had his eyes set on you. The woman and little girl ran to the car with it’s door already propped open.

“You helped them. You helped me. It is greatly appreciated.” He said and you rolled your eyes. “Well I would’ve felt bad if I turned away.” You said and he nodded. “As should everyone.” He looked into the market. “Work for me-” “What?” You blurted.

“Not only was that the stupidest proposal ever, that was the worst ‘thank you’ I have ever heard...wow. ‘It is greatly appreciated’ like what?”

________

QIAN KUN (carried on from Taeyong’s)

He didn’t like you from the beginning. You had hurt one of his men. “She crushed his esophagus, then took all the money from his wall-” “His esophagus isn’t crushed, Jisung.” Kun said and Taeyong chuckled. “And my wallet is still full.” He said and Jisung sighed. “I liked my version better.” Jisung said and the 2 older boys laughed and the younger’s imagination.

“She cracked my neck...that was it.” Taeyong took a sip from the warm tea in his cup. “Go grab the girl.” Kun said and Jisung trailed out quickly. Jisung walked in not even 2 minutes later, holding his cheek and tears brimming his eyes while he keeps a safe distance between you and him. “What happened now?” Kun asked, his arms folded across his chest and his weight shifted onto one foot. “She hit me-” Jisung started and Kun was mad at the fact you had the nerve to be brought into their property and still hit one of them.

“He was whistling at me like a dog while he crouched down and patted his legs while telling me to come here.” You said and Taeyong choked on his tea while he tried to suppress his laughter. “Jisung you know you deserve that.” Kun said.

Jisung turns and walks out while vowing revenge with the death ray him and Chenle were currently building behind closed doors. Kun sat you down in a seat as he put on gloves and got cleaning wipes ready. You were going to be examined either way. It was base policy.

Kun looked at you and asked a simple question: “Am I aloud to examine you for injuries or are you going to hit me with a rock?” He asked. He didn’t expect your response to be so sassy and it made his heart flutter a little bit. He liked your attitude and your responses for it made a smile come onto his face suddenly.

“That’s a super stupid and illogical question...you should be asking what type of rock I’m going to hit you with...or would you like the mystery package?”

___________

KIM DOYOUNG

You had been a full member for the past week. Yet you and Doyoung had never officially met. He had locked himself in his office and work space, preparing for the huge mission coming up that every member and Junior Force would take part in.

So, Taeyong thought that you should be the one to deliver the supplies to him so you could both meet and be on good terms. Yet, both of you would not meet on good terms.

You traveled the base, eventually ending up at his work space door with the bag of supplies in hand and you overthinking your first words to him. He heard the knock and scowled. He walked over and looked through the peep hole to an unfamiliar person. He grabbed his gun, and opened the door quickly. He grabbed your throat and pushed you to the wall behind you. “What the hell, man?” You ask as you gripped his wrist pulling his wrist but it didn’t budge. “Who the hell are you?” He asked putting the gun to your temple. “The new member. I’ve been her for a week.” You said and he just looked at you. “You seriously didn’t hear about me?” You asked growing impatient at his restricting hand. “Obviously not, moron.” He said and you got more angry. You knocked the gun away out of his hands, and you grabbed his waist, bringing him closer.

You turned you both around so you were leaned against him. You knee was propped up against his hip bone and your arm held both of his hands against his chest.

He would find this turning on in the moment, yet when he finally gets rest and thinks back to this...he finds it infuriating. He was overpowered by a girl.

“I was bringing supplies for you. If you’re going to be a smart ass, make sure you’re smart. Otherwise you’re just an ass.”

_________

TEN

You were pppiiiissssssseeeeddd. Your spot had been taken in the huge dance show by the boy that just showed up to the academy 2 weeks ago. You had been dancing there since you were 2! Your mom had been a ballet teacher at the academy before she passed. The same place that you have, bled, sweat, and cried everything you have into...for what? To have your role casted to another student?! And who names their child Ten?! Like, honestly...this all seemed like a joke.

You walked the cold and dark streets alone back to the apartment you called ‘home’. “Hey sweet-cheeks.” Someone said coming behind you. You jumped a turned around to see a taller individual in a mask. You knew it wasn’t anyone you knew because you didn’t know anyone over 5′7. “Get off me.” You sighed and pushed the man off once you smelled the liquor. “I just want a good time.” He said and came closer. He put his hand on your neck and you yelled at him to stop touching you.

He tried leaning in to kiss you. You head-butted him hardly and he whimpered as he grabbed his nose. He grew angry and grabbed your arm. You pulled his arm tight, and used it as a step. You threw your legs around his neck and twisted his body down to the ground where his head met the ground with a crack.

You stood up and felt another hand on your arm, this one was more gentle. You looked to see Ten’s eyes. He seemed unfazed by the dead body laying between your legs. “Are you okay?” He asked checking your body. “Yeah. Fine.” You said straightening your bag on your shoulders.

He was super impressed as he watched the whole thing take place a couple meters back. He felt as if you hated him...well he knew you hated him. He knew you had good reason though. He wasn’t even a dancer anymore, he was here on a mission when all he wanted to do was get in a get out. Yet, after meeting you, he doesn’t want to leave...even though you want him to.

“Hey, we need to talk. Do you wanna go to your house?” He asked as he scratched the back of his neck. You sighed.

“Yes, and you go back to yours. Goodnight, Ten.”

__________

JUNG JAEHYUN

He’s had a thing for your personality for a while...well...personalities. You had 2 major ones that he always saw. One minute you were the cutest, bounciest, and bubbliest person in the world...the next you were the scariest, calmest, and serious person the next. It was scary how fast you would change...but he found it intriguing.

You were at the Member and Associates Dinner wearing the prettiest dress Jaehyun had ever seen. It hugged your body so perfectly and you looked like an angel that has descended down on a stair case made of diamonds.

You sat a round table filled with mostly men as you all talked about the mission most of you went on overseas in China. One of the men was new so you were a bit skeptical on how much he knew about the mission. He reached towards his wine glass as his blazer sleeve came up and saw the tattoo that made your head spin. The image that went against everything Neo Culture stood for.

You wasted no time in standing up, grabbing your gun from your thigh, and placing it on the guys forehead. This got the whole room’s attention in the matter of 3 seconds with no words leaving your mouth. You felt cold metal being pressed to the back of your own head. You sighed and shook your head.

Jaehyun saw the whole thing and watched your laughter turn into a scowl and then into the situation now. He was by your side in the matter of seconds. He saw you pull your gun and he hopped up from his seat. He watched as the other man next to you cocked his own gun and put it on your head.

Jaehyun reached in his jacket and pulled his own weapon, putting it on the other’s head with force.

“Honey, you’ve ruined it all. I was so close to bringing everything down.” The man said, running his hand up your thigh. “Just put the gun down and we can all work something out with my team? Yeah?” He smiled. You shook your head as Jaehyun was quick to say ‘no’.

The man tsked as his hand went to your inner thigh, trying to make you take your guard down. “I really hate you and your haste decisions.” The man said trailing his hands back up to your waist and pulling you closer to him.

You gripped his hair, and pulled his head up so he was staring straight up at you. You cocked your gun as Jaehyun quickly hit the second guy upside the temple, probably for questioning later. You put your gun under his chin and smiled.

“Lucky for you. I make haters my motivators.”

_____________

DONG SICHENG (WINWIN) (both of you are dating in this uwu)

He just saw you as cute. You were his little princess that always needed him to keep you safe. You were new to the team and he always took that into consideration. You knew hold to hold your own in and out of the club house, but to make him feel at ease, you let him baby you. You were right there next to him though, especially when he wasn’t the mentally best at some points. A lot of people took advantage of him when he was like that, so you were there to make sure he was grounded and okay. You were his escape.

You were walking down the hallway, piece of candy on your tongue as you flipped through a magazine filled with exotic lands; and their fashion trends in each. You savored the candy as is for the reason being that Winwin always hid the candy from you because of your ‘bratty attitude’ even though you never agreed.

Your skirt swayed as you walked along with Winwin’s shirt you stole and tucked into your skirt. Your holster band laid on your thigh for the simple fact that your boyfriend would throw a fit if he saw you walking around without it on.

You passed his office door and automatically back-tracked...it was closed...he never closes his office door... You drop the magazine onto the carpet and quietly opened the door. You thanked a higher being you bugged Winwin enough that he oiled the door so it wouldn’t squeak anymore. You looked to see Winwin behind his desk, hands next to his head. Infront of him stood his right-hand man. His gun trained on your boyfriends face.

“You are so dumb, Sicheng. I got so close and your mind was so far away.” He said and Winwin’s jaw clenched. “But that’s okay, ‘cause once your gone I get everything...the members...club house...names...and y/n.” He said and Winwin flinched out of anger as you jumped a little. “No.” You both said at the same time. You gave your position away.

You grabbed your gun, cocking it, and aiming it. The man turned around and kept the gun focused on Winwin. “Oh, hi princess. How much did you hear? We were just joking around.” He laughed a little. He slowly walked towards you as you took equal steps away. You shivered at the name. “Don’t call me that.” You spat. His smile and demeanor changed as he came towards you quicker.

“Now.” Winwin called and you closed your eyes, shooting blindly. You had closed your eyes, not wanting to see the man breathe his last breath. You have shot and killed someone before, but not in such close range. It was silence except for quick footsteps. Someone threw their arms around you. You still had your eyes closed as you wiggled from the person’s arms, throwing your hands over your eyes. “No, please go.” You said and they grabbed your waist with one hand, and the other hand rubbed your hand lightly. Your hands were pried away by your alive and well boyfriend. He was blocking the bloody scene with his body.

“You did amazing.” He said kissing your forehead. You wrapped your arms around his waist, holding onto him for dear life. He rubbed your back comfortingly.

“That guy needs a high five...in the face...with a chair.” You said and he chuckled. You looked up at him, “I was being serious.” You said and he grabbed your face, kissing your forehead again. “Of course you were, princess.” You both heard the quick footsteps from the hallways, probably the security members coming because of the gun shot. Your attention was brought back to his hand gripping your jaw roughly.

“Sweetie, are you eating candy?” He asked and you froze.

You said a comment that made you both freeze and his own eyes squint with annoyance; you were getting ready to run back to the candy stash before he could get there. You now understand why he hides the candy.

“Yes because I do whatever I want. If it makes me happy, then I do it and I don’t care.”

(OMG sorry not sorry I love writing about dom-ish Winwin. WayV being killing it already oml)

_______________

KIM JUNGWOO

Your attitude and sassiness is something he loved about you. You both clicked as soon as you were introduced to the team. You both were as equally flirtatious and sassy so it worked out well.

You both walked through the mall, getting to be normal people for a day. Both of you were getting annoyed by people though, so you both kept to yourselves and eachother.

You both sat outside the mall, drinking some coffee and relaxing with eachother before you both hop into the car as it takes you back to a life of emotionless murder and work. “I’m gonna go get 1 more coffee, want anything?” He asked and you shook your head no, both of you already knowing that you would just take some of his coffee.

“I’ll get the car ready and be waiting right here.” You said and he nodded, running back into the mall’s coffee shop. You got up, walking to the black car you both rode here. You turned it on, and started the music, turning it down low. Jungwoo always insisted on driving when you were together and you didn’t mind. Your road rage was unlike any other’s anyone has ever seen.

You stand up and close the door to see a man right there, waiting. You close the door and he grabs your waist, throwing you against the car. “Hey sweetie.” He said and put his hand under your shirt.

“Get off.” You said, knowing you couldn’t just take out your gun and shoot him in a crowded parking lot. He threw you against the car again, shaking your whole body. “Give me your keys.” He said and you shook your head. You hit the lock button that was located on the inside of the handle.

He threw you against the car again. “Now.” He said again and actually had the nerve to slap you a little. “I would suggest you leave.” You said and he slapped you again. “Keys. Now.” He said and you just gritted your teeth. You pulled your shirt up to reveal the butt of your gun. He chuckled and lifted his own shirt up, revealing the same.

I smirked and pulled mine up. “You don’t understand what you’re doing.” I said putting it to his chest. “Aw, Kitten is getting sassy.” He said taking it out and laying it on your chest.

“Get the fuck away from her.” Jungwoo’s gun was placed on the man’s forehead. The man just rolled his eyes, putting his hand on your waist again. “Fuck it.” You said and shot. You moved his gun away so his last reflex wouldn’t be shooting you.

He tumbled to the ground and Jungwoo stepped over him and into the car’s driver seat. You hopped in the passengers seat and buckled up, stealing a sip of coffee from Jungwoo’s cup. You said a comment that made the atmosphere fun again.

“He had more dick in his personality that he probably did in his pants.”

___________

WONG YUKHEI (LUCAS)

Both of you were flirty with each other since Day 1. He loved how blushy you would get but then come up with something that would make a hooker blush. Yet, when it was work time...it was work time.

You both walked through the enemy base, both in disguise as doctors. You could tell both of you fucked up because this place didn’t allow woman as doctors. So you were put between a rock and a hard place when you were questioned by a single guard. “Uh...” Was all you could come up with.

“Now.” Was all you said and you hit the guard in the temple, him falling to the ground. Other people became alert. “Oh no, he fainted. I got him, don’t worry.” You said acting, getting down low to him. You put his lips on yours and sucked all the air from his lungs.

You got up quickly and pointed to the guards around you both. “Watch him, make sure he doesn’t stop breathing. Me and the doctor need to go get the breathing machine.” You said and they all came closer to the unconscious colleague.

You grabbed Lucas’ hand and ran. You both ran out of the base and to your guys’ car that was hidden from sight. No time was wasted as you both got away with no one on your asses, thankfully.

You sigh and sit back in your seat. “So...how was your first kiss?” He asked with a smile.

“If you don’t shut your mouth, the next thing that will be coming out of it will be your teeth.”

___________

LEE MARK (carried on from Johnny’s)

He didn’t believe you were really a new member. When Johnny came to him saying that you were going to train, he legit laughed in both of your faces.

Most of the other boys were upset at their leader. If anyone should be understanding of someone and their willingness to be on the Junior Forces Unit; it should be Mark. Once Johnny himself was ticked off of Mark and his obnoxious self he decided something. “Who’s best at fighting?” Johnny asked and all the other boys caught on. “Mark Hyung.” They all said at once and Mark stopped laughing, feeling betrayed.

You both walked to the mat in the middle of the studio and you stood with space in between you. “To the death or...?” Mark trailed off as he looked you in the eyes. “Tap out.” Johnny said and you both nodded, stepping back more. You both got into starting position after bowing to each other out of respect.

“Start!” Johnny yelled. “I should’ve made popcorn.” Chenle muttered to Jaemin, and it got Mark’s attention. Mark turned his head to scold Chenle, but he was already swept off his feet by you.

He hit the ground with an ‘oof’ as all the air was knocked out of him. All the Junior Forces ‘ooo’ed’ and Mark turned over, trying to get back up. You were quick to put your knee between his shoulder blades, and grab both of his arms, going against the joints.

He fell onto his chest with a choked out sob of agony. “How the fuck am I supposed to fucking tap out now?!” He asked and all the younger ones laughed. You turned him over, straddling his chest and holding his hands above his head. He tried curling his legs up to hit you, but you were too far up on his body.

You ducked down so he was closer. You slap his cheek lightly and hold his jaw in your hand.

“I keep it real, honey. I’m not afraid to make enemies with anyone.”

___________

HUANG RENJUN

You both hated eachother from the beginning. Both of your attitudes contradicted each other and you both were perfectly okay with annoying eachother and then ignoring each other for the rest of time. He loved getting you all worked up and flustered, he found it cute.

Yet, when you were both locked in a bank vault on what was supposed to be an easy mission; you both were forced to talk. He actually was really into you...he just didn’t know how to show his interest without coming off as a huge asshole.

“It’s your fault we’re in here.” He said as you counted random money. “No it’s not. It was a joint mission.” You rolled your eyes as you stood up. He followed suit. “You took too long counting the money, Einstein.” He said and you got more flustered as he stepped closer. “You took too long decided where to start first.” You said and once he got closer, you began pushing on his chest to separate both of you. “You should’ve just grabbed it and gone.” He said backing you into the carpeted wall. You both started hitting eachother. Sometimes softly, sometimes with purpose of hurting each other.

He finally hit you in the collarbone and it hurt. You slapped him across the face. He hissed and pressed his body closer just to piss you off more. He hit your arms constantly. You used your foot and put it on his hip-bone, pushing him back.

His arms still reached you so he grabbed your wrists, you flailing your arms with the intent of whopping him upside the head. Your cheeks became blushed and you were boiling with anger. “You’re such a handful.” he sighed, getting lost in your angry expression and useless tactics.

“I know I’m a handful. That’s why you have two hands, dumbass.”

(RENJUN IN HATS IS A CONCEPT...FIGHT ME ON THIS OML)

_______________

LEE JENO (this one is a bit different) [Longer] (kind of carried on from Johnny’s)

You always pranked him or did something to piss him off. He loved it though. You both met in classes on base and you both made everything a competition. From doing homework to brushing teeth. He always let you win though, and at some things he didn’t need to let you win. You were fully capable of doing something and kicking ass.

He remembers when he made fun of people with bleached hair because you had just bleached your hair...he let his conditioner sit a little longer all night. He lifted his towel off his head to white and damaged mess. He grew to love it though. It was a thing only you guys shared.

He waited for you outside the meeting you were called into along with 3 other boys from different tiers, talking alongside Renjun and Jungwoo.

The door opened suddenly and you were brought out in the arms of an angry Mark. “What happened?” Jeno asked and you struggled to get free, blood pouring from your brow bone. “Let me at him. I swear I won’t kill him - this time.” You said as you were carried down the hall to the holding cell.

Mark set you down and he came back as you threw a fit from down the hall. “I need you to make sure I don’t kill him.” Mark said as he grabbed Jeno’s and Renjun’s collars, pulling him into the room; leaving Jungwoo confused.

The 3 boys sat in a line, their heads hung low in what seemed like shame. “I got it from here. I promise.” Mark said as Taeyong walked out with Doyoung and Johnny. Mark closed the door and locked it from the inside.

He paced around, trying to calm down. “What...happened?” Jeno asked. “Tell ‘em Minhyuck. Since you were the leader of this little operation.” Mark said and Minhyuck gulped.

Minhyuck and Jeno were never on the best terms, so he was probably scared as the older stared him down.

“We...we spied on y/n in the locker rooms after practice.” He said looking at his lap. “Wh-” Jeno started but was cut off. “And.” Mark spat from where he was leaned against the table. “And we took pictures of her.” Minhyuck continued quietly. “And.” Mark said louder. Jeno had his eyes fixated on Minhyuck and Minhyuck only. “And sold them to other Junior Forces outside of Neo Culture.” Minhyuck finished.

Jeno subconsciously started cracking his knuckles on each hand, starting the younger and weaker boy down. “And once confronted with this issue, how did you react?” Mark sighed. “By hitting y/n. She would’ve gotten to me first! Be first to the hit! I did as I was taught!” Minhyuck said as he stood up, his voice rising.

“I would suggest you sit your ass down.” Jeno spat and the younger just stared at Jeno, standing with his arms crossed on his chest.

Jeno chuckled, “You’re adorable. Think you’re a man by doing this?” Jeno said gripping Minhyuck’s collar, laying a punch across the younger’s face.

The room wrecked havoc. “Jeno off!” They all yelled. Jeno only saw red though. Until he felt the familiar and dainty hand touch his arm that held the boy’s collar. He looked at you in shock.

“Jeno, let him go.” You said and like a dog, he released Minhyuck’s collar. The boy scrambled back in his seat with the rest of his friends. “Don’t hit him anymore.” You said and his vision cleared back up from the previous 1 hue clouding his vision.

“It’s my turn.” You said and jumped on the boy. No one stopped you though as you laid hit on hit to the poor excuse of a Junior Force. You had murder in your eyes once you thought back on every painful thing you’ve learned.

Once he was gargling for air though, you were pulled off and picked up by Jeno.

“Why don’t you slip into something more comfortable, like a coma?”

(idk why i put this gif...i like his hair lol)

______________

LEE DONGHYUCK (HAECHAN) (both of you are dating in this btw)

You always were a loving a person, unless someone decided to cross you or someone you held close. This time this person came for you. Haechan always admired your loyalty and your feisty side. It was useful at most points in the line of the work, but at other points it just made you seem adorable for some reason.

“Spreading rumors about me? Seriously? At least you’re spreading something other than your legs.” You said as the girl took a shot at your face. “Ooo, gotta be quicker than that.” You said and she punched as you took her out from her legs. You both were on the ground. You were on top of her, punching her. She laid a few good hits as you felt the blood trickle down your cheek. People eventually began ganging up on you, but you were pretty good by yourself. People cheered and argued with eachother.

Once they got silent, you knew who had showed up though. You were picked out of the crowd and were now standing next to Haechan who had your wrist in a death grip. “All of you are pathetic.” He said looking at everyone, including you who now hung their head.

“No we’re not. But what’s pathetic is that the only reason y/n got into Tier one was because she’s banging half the boys there.” The girl said, refixing her ponytail. You lunged forward but he caught you before you slipped away and ended up killing the girl.

“First off all, you know that’s not true. Second, everyone knows that she earned her position of where she is today. Third, who are you? Because you have been here the longest and I have never seen you outside of Tier 8.” Haechan said and everyone ‘ooo’ed’. “Don’t make that sound, you are at the same level as her.” He said and everyone scoffed, rolling their eyes.

Haechan grew annoyed. “Okay. Wanna act like that to an older. Tier 9, 8, and 7: 5 laps around base then into auditorium for a long talk from Mark on respect for others. Water after talk. Go.” He said. Everyone shut up and started running. You began to run the laps but he pulls you back. “1) You aren’t even in those tiers. 2) You would only run and start another fight. 3) You’re getting that talk now.” He said picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder quickly as if you were a rag-doll. You hit hit back a couple times, but gave up. He began walking.

“Everyone talking about me. I have a damn fan club.” You said and he laid a stinging slap to your lower thighs and you yelped. “Shut it, Twinkle Toes.” He said and you gasped.

“If anything, I’m a stiletto in a world full of flats.”

____________

NA JAEMIN

You both clicked extremely well. You both loved ticking each other off though. It was one of your specialties. You were super sweet and caring, but when it comes to Jaemin, you’re mean but more caring than usual. He liked it though because he was the same way.

You walked down the hall of your classes, surrounded by some other girls of other tiers who needed advice for passing Ten or Kun’s classes. You were super compliant and sweet to them, being completely honest. You were on the way to your own classes, going to drop them all off first.

You were about to talk when someone comes behind you and pinched the back of your neck. You coiled into your self as the sucker you had just put in your mouth was taken out. You looked to see who it was when Jaemin walked by, putting the candy into his own mouth. “Thanks babe.” He said as he stole your coffee from your hand and left with a wink. You scowled at him and cringed at the nick name.

“Waaahhh. Bonnie and Clyde of Neo Culture. Cute.” The girls gushed. You rolled your eyes, knowing this was getting out to the rest of the younger students soon.

“Goodbye, ladies. Good luck on your tests.” You said as you rushed into your next class where Jaemin sat in his set next to yours, feet propped up onto your desk.

You walked over, pushed his feet off and took your seat. “Sorry babe.” He said and you rolled your eyes. You got your supplies out and the bell rung. You looked to the door, waiting for the teacher to arrive as Jaemin used your Notebook to draw random images.

Your gaze was drawn to the group of girl standing outside the door, making kiss faces and holding up finger hearts at the two of you. Jaemin saw and laughed, throwing his arm around you. “Awe look. We have fans.” He said squeezing your cheek a little. You laughed sarcastically, pinching his own cheeks.

“The only fans you’ll have are the ones you’ll use in hell to cool down. Speaking of hell, you’ll be there in the next 5 seconds if you don’t shut up and leave me alone.”

____________

ZHONG CHENLE

You were his escape once you two got close enough. You both were children at heart so when you guys were put on killing mission...it was...eventful.

You both followed the subject acting as boyfriend and girlfriend. It was easy cause you both were close. You went to get ice cream because the subject got ice cream themselves.

“One chocolate. One Strawberry, please.” Chenle ordered as you kept eyes on the subject. “Order 31!” The worker yelled. The subject was on the phone and his head perked up once it was called. “I’ll bring it to you sir!” I called, already ahead of the plan. He tried to refuse your service, but you grabbed the tray. You walked over and let the pill fall from your finger as you picked up the small bowl to set in front of him. He thanked you as you walked back to Chenle who held both the ice creams. “M’lady.” He said and handed it over to you.

“Would you like to sit outside, honey?” You asked and he smiled, nodding. All the older adults swooned over the younger ‘couple’. You guys took it as an advantage because a super innocent and truthful looking pair could not look responsible for the dead body that would be coming about in the next 5 minutes...right?

You guys joined hands as you walked outside and he pulled his chair out for you, letting you sit down. He sat across from you and you both looked at each other. You guys linked hands on the table. You saw Jeno and Haechan walk in, making sure the job was being done correctly. Mostly because it was Jeno’s poison that you slipped in and he needed to see if it played out correctly. Haechan...that was his job...decoy.

“Hyung. Closest get away route: come out of ice-cream store. Go left and turn down 5th street. Car is waiting on 22nd street right next to the salon.” Chenle said, acting as if you were on the receiving end. “Oh! Lele! We have to go pick up my little sister from school.” You said standing up quickly. “Let’s go then. I forgot, I’m so sorry, honey.” He acted as he stood up and took your hand. The older couples onlooking were filled by cuteness overload.

The door opened to a laughing Jeno and Haechan who didn’t pay you guys attention. You traveled in different directions of eachother. Yet before the door closed you heard the promising phrase of rushed panic. “Call an ambulance!”

You and Chenle walked down the street hand in hand. “Mission Accomplished.” He kissed your cheek before you both turned the corner and separated quickly.

“It was as if I was being kissed by sandpaper.”

(his reaction to your comment)

_______________

PARK JISUNG (this one is fluff i’m soooorrrrrrryy!)

You both were like Chenle. Both clicked as soon as you met and you were his escape. He has seen so much gore and blood as such a young age that having someone that can relate to him - helps. You both were put in a tough position at a young age that you guys only have eachother .. and Chenle who never leaves you both alone because he swears that you guys are secretly dating.

You and Jisung sat on the couch in the Tier 1 dorm and had a pad of paper each with a handful of markers each. “Okay next...draw eachother.” He said and set the timer for 1 minute. You both sat there, legs entwined with each others and comfy clothes adorned both of your bodies. The thought of training and homework both escaping your minds for the moment.

“and...done.” He said and you dropped your pen. “Okay I’ll go first.” He said turning his pad of paper around. He drew a bunny with a tutu on...holding a gun. You burst out laughing at the image as he went into detail with what his drawing represented. You turned yours around and his laughter broke the silence. You drew a big dinosaur with tiny arms, glasses, but the head was a mochi. He laughed, ripped it out and said it would hang in his room.

You both were interrupted by Chenle, Haechan, and Jeno coming back from their mission. Chenle walked in as the others went to their room to unwind and relax probably. “Awe look at the cute couple!” He said sitting on both of your legs. You both rolled your eyes. “You guys are so cute.” He said and pinched each one of your cheeks.

“Hyyyuuunnngggg.” Jisung whined and Chenle finally got up. “I’ll be in my room. Call if you need me.” He said walking down the hall. You guys were left alone. Jisung started putting the markers on his glasses frames. He wanted to see how many he could fit on the first rim alone.

“I’m sleepy.” You said crawling over and nestling yourself into the crook of the couch and his body. “Goodnight, loser.” He said as he continued to put the markers on his glasses.

You said a comment that made him take his glasses off, put them on the table, and took your position to an advantage to tickle you.

“I would slap you but that would be animal abuse.”

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

I personally like this version better than he first one I did...my opinion though. Eh, this was supposed to be up on New Year’s Day...but it’s 1:04 on January 2nd...it’s okay though...Deep breaths right??

Send in your requests please!

With Love and Best Wishes for the New Year 2019, ~J

695 notes · View notes

rhapsodosu · 6 years

Text

Psychotherapy, Chapter 3

[x] Chapter 3 has been re-written!

This is also in FF and AO3.

Summary: “After a long day of hearing my patients’ issues, I wake up and find a half-naked woman on my bed, staring at me like she had known me forever. Who is she? I don’t know. All I know is she changed my life in many ways.”

Chapter 3: Ichigo starts admitting his feelings to himself.

Pairing: Ichiruki, T/M, AU || Previous chapter HERE

A/N: So I have rewritten the third chapter now, again, I changed some plot elements to make it more fitting and added some major items to lead into the build-ups. Again, this is a slice-of-life kind of fic, but there’s more to Rukia’s mystery. 😊

I do not own Bleach.

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I don’t care if it seems wrong.

I don’t care if it looks rushed.

I don’t care if it’s crazy.

What I care about… is her.

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She’s mysterious and all. Compare her to an abstract painting, if you will. At first you cannot make out the details, but you would see yourself appreciating it more as you discover more things about it. And then you would be craving for more and more, looking closer and closer to see the finest lines, the smallest of strokes.

Don’t get me wrong though—not all things I find out about her is exactly ideal. Nobody is perfect after all.

But still, it’s Rukia… And Rukia's… Rukia.

Do you even get what I mean?

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Session 3: Guarded

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Rukia was the first thing that I saw on the corridor leading to my clinic.

It was all effortless: her dark tresses heavily contrasted with the white backdrop of the wall she was leaning against, and it made the milky skin on her neck stand out even more. I always thought that my type was different, you know those tall, curvy types that made men swoon. But this woman… she demanded attention without knowing it. From her stance down to the smallest movements of her lips while sucking on the end of a consumed ice pop, and with just that she stirred my rather healthy imagination.

I cleared my throat to drive away my thoughts and she lifted her gaze from her feet to my face in response.

“Oi, doctor. Took you long enough.”

“Those are for my kid patients, y'know. Can’t eat it as you wish.”

“Come on, Ichigo. Just this once.” She pulled out the lollipop stick from her mouth and wagged it before chucking it into the trash box at her side. Rukia’s eyes went brighter as she ran a look from my head to toe as if in appraisal, and then reached out to me to tug on my sleeve.

“I can’t believe you’re this old and you don’t know how to do this shit.” I realized she was fixing the folds of my dress shirt and did it more neatly than earlier.

“Amazing, smidge. Don’t you know this is very domestic? Aren’t you very domestic to me?” It was meant to be a tease. The smaller figure chuckled in response, mumbling something like dummy something something moron under her breath, and then took a step back with a finger on her chin.

“Hey, you look good on this. Pink button-down, denims, a fluffy pair of blue slippers and scowl that looks very well on your chiseled face…”

Then she took an effort of straining her legs to tiptoe—just to mock-punch me on the cheek.

“You’re a doctor everyone has the hots for. Except maybe me.”

Ah, this woman.

Rukia should consider herself lucky for ending up in my place, I decided. I wasn’t just getting possessive. If she behaves like this in front of another person with low self-restraint, then she’d surely be in trouble. No amount of judo would protect her from wild, rabid animals out there.

And I thank all of that is holy for not making that happen.

“Shut up. I don’t have the hots for you either.” I cringed away in faux disgust, although I might have been lying. She started laughing heartily—one of the few times that she lets her guard down completely—and it made her more fascinating.

But that’s just sometimes. And by that I mean just a fraction of a second.

Whenever I noticed it, she immediately snaps back to her unpredictable, unfathomable state. She does it in perfect timing. Every. Single. Time.

She stopped laughing when I darted a glare towards her direction, both her hands which were covering her mouth fell limply to her side and there was a ghost of an expression in her face that I couldn’t identify.

“Really? You don’t?”

I dragged my eyes off her and focused on something else. “Yeah, I don’t. So shut up. Why do you care?”

I went for the Claude Monet painting on the wall opposite her… but… I could tell she wasn’t ready to let it go. Ignoring her, by the way, felt like an itch. Try as you may to not pay attention to her but the itch would just get worse.

From my peripheral, I saw her quietly walk towards me, only to stop a foot away. Without looking I knew her stare was trying to pierce me, like she was digging deep into my thoughts, and then spoke her prophetic statement.

“It’s alright. People aren’t born ready.”

I fought so hard to not tell her anything. Yet. Things were getting physical, and I was trying to not give anything away to not appear indecent. It wasn’t all sexual. I wasn’t trying to get into her pants as soon as I can. I was genuinely interested in Rukia, but I didn’t want her to get the wrong idea.

I didn’t even know why we were getting to that point or why my opinion mattered. I was under the impression that all the touching, the kissing, didn’t matter to her. That it was just casual like everybody does these days.

Before I could give a coherent answer, the doorbell rang—my first patient of the day.

By the time I brought back my attention to her, Rukia had already retreated elsewhere.

After my three-hour session with Hanatarou, I discovered that my other patients were already at the waiting lounge.

There were eight of them, six were my regulars: Omaeda, Hisagi, Kira, Inoue, old man Sasakibe and his nurse Isane… The other two had just placed their appointments the day before, a child with a tacky name called Wonderweiss and an enormous dude who introduced himself later on as Yammy.

What surprised me is that another certain someone was wearing the bright pink apron that my sister left ages ago, someone who busied herself with offering candies and other whatnots to the patients.

And you guessed it right.

My new, unpaid, mysterious receptionist was Rukia.

I found myself with a smile as I silently watched her, thanking her inside my mind for the effort that she was giving. She looked sincere as she grinned on my patients, especially on Inoue. However, my grin turned into grimace as I noticed the males (except Sasakibe, since he’s sort of forgetful already) were looking at her with slightly pink faces and mouths formed into ‘O’s. Omaeda was actually holding his hand out like he was waiting for a an opportunity to squeeze something.

Damned perverts.

“Ehrm,. Omaeda-san, are you there already?” I called out to him immediately, not wanting him to get the chance to get his hands into anything.

When he came forward, he still had his eyes on Rukia—he even grabbed a cookie from her plate. How I wished he would trip and bash his head on the floor already.

“Oh, come here you big oaf.” I said irritably without thinking. He stopped and looked at me inquisitively.

“What did you just say, doctor?”

“I said that’s a big oat cookie, Omaeda-san.” I grunted, then I stepped out and shoved him inside the room. “Now, now, let’s start.”

Before I went in I saw that Rukia was talking to Inoue and quite oblivious to all the ogling earlier. Fortunately, Kira and Hisagi were still looking at me, and I gave the best glare that I could muster. Well, if there’s something that every person needs to learn, the ought to not mess with their shrink or any person related to their health care. Or it will get pretty ugly real quick.

The day went on more easily and more peacefully, with Rukia’s aid. At lunch time, she knocked and halted my torturing—counseling—of Omaeda for a while just to bring in my lunch. When it’s Hisagi’s turn, she went in to bring tea and milk; in Kira’s she brought re-heated cookies.

Actually, even though her services meant that my refrigerator and cupboard are losing their contents more frequently, I am somewhat smug. Especially when Isane asked something when I was giving prescriptions to old man Sasakibe.

“Ano… Kurosaki-san, who’s the girl?”

“Oh.” A question like that was expected—I mean, it’s the first time they saw someone else in the clinic. “That’s Rukia. My… ah…receptionist.”

“Hmmm, okay…”

My head bobbed automatically towards her seat, noticing her tone. “What is it, Isane-san?”

She smiled timidly. “I thought she is your girlfriend or something. You look good together despite some notable differences.”

“Oh no. You got it wrong.” I forced myself to sound hoarse. Her words actually made it hard for me to prevent the twitching on the corners of my mouth all day, because my lips wanted to disobey me again and smile eternally.

But of course I couldn’t. Because I look good with a scowl on, according to a certain someone.

When it was Inoue’s turn, I was about to talk to Rukia and tell her to rest already. However, I looked around and she was gone. Yammy and Wonderweiss weren’t around either. There was a bit of anxiety in me, although I was convincing myself that Rukia could take care of herself.

“Ano… Kurosaki-kun…” I was snapped out of my thoughts when Inoue greeted me. As much as I want to look around for Rukia, I had a patient waiting, and my profession was almost always the first thing on my list. Almost.

“Ah, Inoue. Let’s go.” I motioned for her to come in the room, while my eyes travelled around for the last time, hoping that Rukia was just lurking out of my line of sight. But she wasn’t, and I sighed.

Where could she have gone this time?

At last, I bid goodbye to Inoue. It was 7PM already, the clock and my stomach both said in alarm.

First things first though. I dashed upstairs to search for Rukia. The apron unceremoniously chucked on a chair on the second floor, the plate of cookies was on the table. Painstakingly, I slowed down my pace when I was on the stairs to the third floor. My heart was thumping a bit faster than normal and my hand was sweaty against the doorknob of my room.

Two questions were always there when she disappears. A) What do I do when she’s not there? B) What do I do when she is there.

It was the second question that came to fruition. I couldn’t help but felt relieved when I saw Rukia sitting on my bed, in front of the television, wearing a new set of clothes and… her hair wet and framing her face. She seemed to notice my arrival even before she saw me. She smirked and waved a hand towards my direction.

“What’s up, doctor?”

“What’s up your face.” I sighed, before leaning on the jamb. “Hey, er… thanks. I really appreciate your help earlier.”

Eyes till glued to the TV, she shook her head. Rukia’s attention seems to be drawn to the commercial with lots of bunnies on it. “It’s nothing. You’re letting me stay here for free.”

“Oh yeah.” I said, wondering about her lack of response. She was less hostile and there was less enthusiasm in her voice. PMS maybe? Was she sick?

“Oi, Rukia. Is there a problem?”

“Nope.”

“Then why are you like that?”

She rolled her eyes and finally looked at me. “What? Lacking response? No, not really. I was just thinking. Thanks for interrupting my train of thoughts.”

I pressed on, now my arms over my chest. “About what? Murdering me?”

“ Would I get your properties if I kill you?”

“Wh-! You were really thinking of killing me?”

Her laugh tinkled against the ambient sounds. “Hey, Inoue’s pretty.” She stared at me like she was expecting an answer but rolled her eyes again as I kept my silence. Rukia held out her arms in my direction, her finger pointing at me like I was guilty of something.

“I was pointing out, Kurosaki, that your patient has the hots for you but you are so dense to notice.”

There she goes again about finding me a girlfriend. Clearly, I am not the one who is missing the point. “Shut up, bird-brain. Do you even realize what you’re getting at?”

“Yeah. It’s a brilliant suggestion. Why not date her? She’s pretty and curvaceous, very heartwarming too. I wanna hug her to be honest.”

“Dammit,” I was guessing that my frown was deepening further after my grunt. “She’s fine, but that's…”

How do you phrase it? It wasn’t illegal per se, but a little bit low on morals.

Just to be clear, not all patients of mine were horribly crazy (like, suffering from dementia, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorders), but the thing is, most of them are… different.

Some would have severe anxieties, denial, or extreme phobias. Yeah, I remember one patient that had vestiphobia. It is an irrational fear of wearing clothes. Then try to imagine going out with that person—or any person whose weaknesses are all laid out in front of you. You were supposed to help them, not to take advantage of them.

The point is, the whole thing was…

“Monstrously repulsive.” I finally came up with a term to perfectly describe the situation.

Her grin widened unashamedly. “So you don’t like dating patients?”

“You don’t seem…disappointed.” I narrowed my eyes, then sent her another glare as I was reminded of another important thing. “And please, don’t try to make relationships for me. It’s annoying.”

“Ah. So you’re stuck with me?”

“Yeah—” I paused when I choked mildly. “I mean no!”

“So you want other women—”

“No!”

“—so just me—”

“No!”

“—so you want me and other—”

“Hell no! I’m just…! Happy as it is!”

I slapped my hand in my forehead whilst slightly panting, non-existent ringing making a buzz in my ears from the sudden shouting. When I recovered from my outburst, Rukia was already in front of me with her lips pressed together.

“I was just messing around.” A finger prodded me on the chest, her amethyst eyes wide and somewhat glittery. I realized she as giving me the shoujo eyes. “Idiot… Your patience needs a professional intervention.”

My shoulders fell further. She was right—although she’s the only one that could rile me up this much. “You keep on annoying me, it’s unbelievable.”

“Hah. Speak for yourself, Ichigo.”

I liked how she breathes my name out, how she plays with it in her tongue.

I very much would like to kiss her right then and there, unfortunately my stomach heaved an enormous growl that broke whatever tension was forming between us. Much to my chagrin, I was subjected once more to endless teasing by the woman.

There was total darkness when I opened my eyes. I reached out but touched nothing. The silence was deafening me and it felt very suffocating. Terrifying. It was then that I saw her.

“Icchi-kun…” The child emerged from the blackness, her eyes were almost glowing as she stared. Tears were pooling in them as she approached, her hand held out as if she was expecting me to pull her in.

“Wh-Who the hell are you?” I shouted back but I found myself moving in. The details were slowly getting clearer; the dress she wore had streaks on it—even on her skin. I figured that it was blood.

The contrast was eerie and haunting, but I was getting the feeling that I knew who she was.

A forgotten memory… a lost friend…?

The child stopped walking when she was a foot away. Her tiny hands, wet from the blood, touched my face and cradled it as if I was more fragile. “Help me…Please.”

“How…?” My heart was aching and I couldn’t breathe; I realized I was sobbing. My entire body was shaking while she watched, and everything shifted around me until finally the light broke through.

I was on a garden now. There were sunflowers everywhere, children running on the background. It was a scene that was mildly familiar, although I cannot pinpoint yet where I’ve seen it. Maybe a movie, or a novel that I’ve read somewhere.

The child still was holding me in what little grasp she had. At first I thought she had gotten taller—but no—it was me who turned shorter. I looked down and realized I was wearing the same clothes when that thing happened. I was back in my lost years, in my teens.

“What’s your name?” The child shook her head at my question. “How old are you?”

“You… don’t remember, Icchi-kun?” Her voice hit me with immeasurable loneliness and guilt. She knew me, yet I didn’t have a clue to who she was. The child started tearing up again, repeating the same words like a mantra.

“Help me… Help me.”

The space around us warped again; it was as if time was being rewound and we were being swallowed again by the wicked shadows. I tried to hug the child but hands appeared and dragged her away. She was shouting, thrashing, and I was screaming in frustration before I could get to her. I suddenly recalled her name.

“No! Come back! I remember!” But she was gone, I could only hear her pained wailing. When there was nothing left but me in the void, a cold hand gripped my shoulder and pulled me back.

“N-no! What about her! The child!” There was no sense in fighting it back. I was clearly heartbroken.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help… Yukio! YUKIO!”

A stinging in my cheek prompted me to break free of the gloom—a couple of blinks and then I was back in my room. Rukia was hovering atop me, my body between her legs, her hand raised in a pre-emptive strike.

I was dreaming. Which was a surprise, everything felt raw and realistic.

“Do you need another slap?” She screeched in anger. Her eyes said otherwise. “Are you okay?!”

Was I okay? It was a weird dream and I still couldn’t breathe properly. However, with the concern that she was giving me, everything strangely felt better. All I needed was a look at her face. I was shamelessly starting to depend on Rukia like she was some sort of therapy of my own kind.

“I guess…”

“Who’s Yukio? You kept on shouting that name in the middle of the night! I thought you were dying!”

“I don’t know.”

Yukio… That was the child’s name, but I still couldn’t recall where I met her. To be honest, I couldn’t remember much back then, back when mom had the accident. I learned later on that it was selective amnesia-my brain tried to cope up with grief and it blocked out important details that were related to a traumatic experience. Perhaps she was of importance. Perhaps I needed to look for her. Perhaps not.

“…It was kind of a nightmare.” Words aren’t enough to describe the strange pain that was eating me up. “Yukio might be a part of mom’s memories… which I forgot…”

“…Don’t talk, dumbass.” I thought she was going to slap me again but her stance relaxed and instead she left her palm to rest on my cheek. It was warmer than usual. And with her being this close, I could indulge myself with her sweet scent that was filling my lungs.

“You don’t need to tell me everything.” Her face drew nearer with her brows gathered at the center. “As long as you’re alright.”

I nodded and ran a hand to her shoulder down to her touch, giving it a light press.

“Yeah. I am.”

The next thing I was aware of was that our kisses were greedy against each other.

I pulled her hastily, and she crashed into me. Everything was in a blur. My hands roamed everywhere that they wanted to and she breathed sharply against my kiss with every touch. The softness on her skin was enough to drive me insane—on her thighs, on her back, on her neck. Her small moans played music in my ears. Her lean figure felt breaking with the urgency, but the way her nails dug into my skin as we kissed told me otherwise.

Rukia, rukia, rukia… I was calling her name in my mind, repeating it as if I was afraid that I would forget her like I did with Yukio.

“Ichigo…” She finally breathed out when I pinned her down, nibbling at her neck. Rukia called me back to reality; and when I did, I saw the state of mess and undress that we were in.

It made me ponder whether to take the chance, but going by her expression, we both knew we were playing with fire. Defeating my own desires, I helped her shift beside me on the bed while never breaking the connection with our stares.

She spoke first after some minutes of silence, and perhaps deep contemplation of what we were doing with ourselves.

“I might have to consider sleeping in your closet now.” It seemed like she was seriously considering it, which I found funny.

“You’re a dummy.” I sent a poke to her forehead and for a moment I thought I saw the same look that I saw in Yukio’s face. A heavily masked solitude, a soul searching for some much-needed help. It was only a dream, but I couldn’t afford for it to happen in real life.

“Hey, just stay with me, midget. Here."

I patted the bed cockily for emphasis. Rukia didn’t say anything, but she moved closer to snuggle against my chest.

That kind of answer was enough, I decided.

End.

==00==00==00==00==00==00==00==00==00==

#ichiruki #bleach #kuchiki rukia #kurosaki ichigo #pro ichiruki #fanfic:psychotherapy #my writing

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magioftheseas · 6 years

Text

Find Us In That Forest

Summary: High School AU. It's a story about two girls lost in a forest together. How it ends is for you to decide.

Rating: T+ or M

Warnings: Gun violence, blood and gore, trauma, emotional baggage and hurt/comfort, mental instability and some mild sexual themes.

Notes: This was going to be for an exchange until I realized they didn’t want gore. Whoops. Still, ~11K later and I finished it anyway. It’s inspired by the YuriKuma manga because I fucking LOVE YuriKuma (someday I’ll write something actually based off the anime hopefully maybe) so like, it’s... Yeah. Please read it. Mind the warnings.

***Alternate Ao3 Link***

Commission? Donate?

The music room is just down the hallway so even in the library, it’s easy to hear. That would be irritating—if what being played was anything but Akamatsu’s piano. She’s playing Debussy’s Clair de Lune again. That’s one of her favorite ones to play.

Akamatsu Kaede...

“It is quite lovely,” Toujou was agreeing quietly as Shirogane nodded quite happily.

“Ah, of course, Akamatsu-san in general is very, very lovely,” Shirogane said matter-of-factly. “Don’t you think so, Harukawa-san?”

Irritating.

“You are being too noisy,” she replied curtly. “And too nosey.”

Shirogane giggled as she shut her book and slipped out of her desk.

“Everyone sees how you look at her, Harukawa-san!” she called after her. It irritated her further.

Even though, of course, such things did not matter.

The world she lives in is a very gray one. Dull. Cold. Devoid of even pleasant sounds and scents. But it had always been that way, ever since she was little and saw someone’s blood on her hands for the first time.

She does not remember anything past the blood. She does not need to. Either way, the damage was done and she shut down.

She would not be a drain on society, of course. Such would let down the kindly people who raised her, and so she still dressed herself properly, took care of herself properly, tying up her hair and running a brush through it several times over as necessary. She survived, even if she did not live.

Until Akamatsu Kaede. When she encountered Akamatsu Kaede...

Color. Warmth. Music. Fragrance.

Such sensations had only been within her grasp when Akamatsu Kaede brushed past her, golden hair glimmering in the sunlight, and smile bright as she laughed. For once, the world had been vibrant.

For once, she felt alive.

She does not know why this is, why Akamatsu Kaede, but frankly, she does not care. All that matters to her are these feelings, these sensations that have been made possible. All that matters is Akamatsu Kaede, the source of it all.

“Oh,” Akamatsu is always bright, but here, she seems to brighten even more. “Harukawa-san! Good morning!”

“Morning, Akamatsu,” she returned curtly. “Your recital was lovely as expected, yesterday.”

“I remember seeing you there! I wish you stayed,” Akamatsu sighed almost wistfully. “Harukawa-san, you love classic music too, don’t you?”

“Not particularly,” she answered honestly.

“But you said you liked Moonlight Sonata,” Akamatsu pointed out, not one to be deterred. “That’s pretty classic!”

“It’s just a song I happen to like,” she said coolly, even as she idly played with one of her ponytails. “I come to your recitals and concerts because I have nothing better to do. So, don’t misunderstand. I do not share your obsession.”

Akamatsu’s smile fell, cheeks puffing out.

“Harukawa-san, you’re awfully blunt. If you don’t particularly care for piano, why can’t you find anything better to do besides watch me play?”

Because there is nothing better than you.

“I like watching you play and there is nothing better to do.” There wasn’t. Of course not. How could there be?

Akamatsu blinked a few times. Her cheeks were such a pretty shade of pink, thanks to the blush she applied every morning.

“Oh, that’s right,” she said and then she laughed radiantly. “Harukawa-san is prickly on the outside, but soft and tender on the inside! Either way, either way, I really, really appreciate it! If my music can reach Harukawa-san’s soft and tender heart, then I must be doing something really special!”

Maki feels her face warm.

“...you play for that purpose. So saying that...is unnecessary. Or is it flattery?”

“It’s sincerity!” Akamatsu claimed. She couldn’t help but narrow her gaze. But she said nothing more on the matter.

...I sincerely mean every word I say as well. It is possible Akamatsu doesn’t fully understand that.

It wouldn’t be that surprising.

Akamatsu Kaede was bright, brilliant, beautiful, but also a bit of an idiot.

If her old friend from the orphanage were still around, if that person were witnessing this, Maki knows her well enough to predict what she’d ask.

“So, you’re in love with Akamatsu Kaede-chan, right?”

“No,” Maki would say. “She is merely my soulmate.”

“Merely? Being a soulmate is a pretty big deal!”

“No, it really isn’t,” Maki would reply. “It just is what it is.”

“Is it different from being in love?”

“Some would say yes,” Maki would say. “But, functionally, it might as well be the same. So, I suppose I should say that I’m in love with her.”

“Maki-chan... That’s a little confusing. Don’t tell me you don’t actually know...?”

“I don’t,” Maki would say. Easily. “Why would I? This is the first time I’ve ever felt this way about anyone.”

But then, those words would taste off, making Maki pause and blink twice.

“...I think.”

“You have an eye for fashion, Amami-kun, so you need to tell me your opinion!”

“Ahaha, not really, Shirogane-san...”

“Checkmate, Momota-chan.”

“Damn you! Quit playing dirty!”

“Ehhhhh?! Me, dirty?! T-That’s so cruel! Uwaaaaah!”

“Stop trying to fool people with your crocodile tears! Tenko sees straight through them!”

“Guys... Please...”

“Ohhh? Is Shittyhara trying to speak up?”

“Everyone!” Akamatsu’s hands come down hard on the table, and at that moment, Maki murderously glares at them all from behind Akamatsu’s stern face. “It’s the library! People are trying to study! Don’t be so noisy!”

Somehow, they all quieted after that. Iruma whimpered. Ouma giggled as Momota glared at him before interrogating him on whether he moved pieces while they were all turned away—Ouma lies, of course. Hoshi huffs, but returns to reading without raising so much as a fuss. Maki sympathized there, at least.

But when Akamatsu seats herself back down with a sigh, Maki only stared at her quietly and curiously.

“...Oh, Harukawa-san,” Akamatsu perked up. “They really were getting rowdy, weren’t they? But some would say that’s just to be expected from high school kids. Especially in a gifted school like this.”

Gifted. What an unpleasant word.

“It’s irritating,” she said.

“Well, they have their good points too, obviously,” Akamatsu laughed. And then, of course, she noticed something that had her smile faltering with exasperation. “Yumeno-san, please don’t eat the books!”

Chabashira pulled Yumeno away, even if she did so a bit too fondly and affectionately, patting Yumeno’s head and smiling adoringly down at Yumeno’s half-glazed eyes blinking back at her. And that, of course, earned Chabashira to quickly kiss her forehead. Just a quick kiss. They were in a library after all.

Still, it was daring, but unsurprising given the kind of person Chabashira was.

“...Harukawa-san.” She snapped back to attention at Akamatsu’s small, curious smile. “What book are you reading?”

“...it’s about bears. I’m only reading it because someone I knew really liked it and I wanted to see for myself if was any good,” she replied. Akamatsu’s head tilts. That curious smile remains.

“Well, is it?”

“...Not particularly.”

She doesn’t really like bears in the first place.

She’s never really liked bears. There had been a time in her life where some model made a fashion statement out of this wretched-looking monochromatic bear and she was one of the few girls not following the trend due to comparable amounts of disinterest and distaste.

She’s never really liked bears.

The nightmares she’s begun to have aren’t doing bears any favors.

They start in a dark forest. She knows the person running is Akamatsu because of the golden blond hair where moonlight catches. But as beautiful as Akamatsu is as always, she’s all the more striking from how her features are twisted in terror.

“No! No!”

She can’t run forever. The bears catch up eventually, and gobble her up, leaving blood all over the grass and her hands, her hands, all over her hands, she can even taste it in the air—

Maki’s woken up at this part more times than she can count. It’s always in a cold sweat, and her dislike of bears always increases each and every time this happens.

“Good morning, Harukawa-san.”

“...Good morning, Akamatsu.”

That beautiful smile fades for a bit and her mood worsens for it.

“Are you alright? You look...tired.” Akamatsu leans in, frowning with worry. “Did you have a rough night?”

“Mind your own business,” she snapped irritably. “Go back to smiling like an idiot. It’s what you do best.”

It’s the only way I feel alive sometimes.

“Ah,” Akamatsu ducks her head sheepishly. “Sorry, Harukawa-san. I’ll give you some space.”

No. Wait.

“I’ll go on ahead,” Akamatsu was saying. “I’ll see you in class.”

Wait, wait.

“See you, Harukawa-san.”

“...See you.”

Please, wait.

She’s so sick with irritation that she ends up sleeping in the nurse’s office. She takes medication for the migraine she has, and she glares at herself in the mirror as she fixes up her makeup to look more presentable.

“Harukawa-san?” Urgh. “Oh, Harukawa-san, you really shouldn’t twist your pretty face up like that.”

“Mind your own business, Shirogane.”

Shirogane giggles, but she nods. “Very well. I’ll focus more on my plain self than the pretty Harukawa-san.”

Urgh.

“But if I may, Harukawa-san,” she went on. “How are things going between you and Akamatsu-san? She seemed a little down today. She quite openly said it was because she was worried about you.”

Of course she did. Of course.

“Nosey,” she muttered, clipping her hair back.

“Ah, forgive me,” Shirogane said insincerely with a hand on her cheek. “I just worry when something’s happened between my dear, dear classmates. After all, life isn’t a manga where all drama can be tidied up with a pretty bow. Although nowadays stories don’t always guarantee emotional fulfillment by the end. It seems the ambiguous endings with several loose threads are what’s popular right now. Isn’t that sad? I miss when times were simpler.”

“I don’t care.”

“No, you don’t,” Shirogane replied, giggling. “Why would you ever care about a plain girl like me when you have Akamatsu-san? She really is quite lovely. Everyone can see how you look at her.”

She goes for one ponytail today instead of two because she just doesn’t have the time for this.

“Shirogane, please don’t approach me for the rest of the day,” she said, lowly and coldly. “There is no telling what I might do if you do.”

“Kyaaa, scary!” Shirogane squealed.

Maki turned on her heel and stomped away.

Thankfully, nothing more needed to be said. And she wasn’t approached. Sadly, her mood didn’t improve much, when Akamatsu spent that day laughing and chatting up a group of the guys. That idiot Momota seemed to have just as wide a grin as the one that Akamatsu wore.

Maki gritted her teeth.

Akamatsu is once again spending afterschool hours on the piano. She watches her from the window in the door, but she does not step into the room. Instead, she pulls back, and listens to Akamatsu play.

She’s listened to enough of Akamatsu’s playing to recognize this song. She’s listened to Akamatsu ramble on and on about music to know that it’s not from Chopin or Beethoven. The actual composer’s name is on the tip of her tongue, but she doesn’t care that much to spend too much thought trying to figure it out.

She does remember the name, for sure. It’s German. Liebesfreud. Love’s Joy.

As always, Akamatsu plays beautifully.

As always.

It isn’t until Akamatsu leaves the piano to go fetch her bag that Maki hurries down the hall before she can be seen.

Another nightmare. Another cold morning.

Akamatsu waves at her. She glances back, returning the other’s stare. Akamatsu falters like a dimming, dying light, and drops her hand. Akamatsu looks away, but Maki does not. Not for a while, at least.

Even when she sits down in class, her eyes inevitably remain locked onto Akamatsu, who is very patiently but very irritably telling Iruma off. Akamatsu who offers a smile and a laugh, even as she trips over her words with Gonta.

Akamatsu does brighten up a little when talking to Amami, in part due to the other’s easygoing air. When Ouma starts being difficult, Akamatsu straightens up even more when scolding him.

Akamatsu meets her eyes. Her eyes narrow sharply, and politely, Akamatsu quickly looked away.

You really are perfect, aren’t you?

There’s an odd, unpleasant, despicable feeling rising up in her gut. One that she doesn’t want to name, but holds an intense dislike for regardless.

Shirogane smiles back at her briefly, and then she taps Akamatsu’s shoulder. Akamatsu turned to her, and Shirogane begins to talk about trivial frivolous matters. Hobbies and shopping. Stupid things like that.

Akamatsu is so animated when conversing. Akamatsu is beyond bright.

Maki’s fists are tight enough to burst.

“Ah, Maki.” Angie tapped her shoulder. She does not look, but she can feel the bright, innocent blue of her eyes blinking at her. “There’s such dark energy radiating off you. That’s no good.”

No good. No good at all.

“...I’m going to the nurse again,” she muttered darkly, and stood from her seat. Angie blinked up at her again, and simply nodded with a smile. Akamatsu does glance, but by then, she’s already out of the classroom.

She sleeps for the rest of the period. She gets sleeping medicine from the nurse, for good measure.

She spends the rest of the day in stoic silence, refusing conversation with anyone who tries to engage her. Angie, Shirogane, Saihara, Momota, Iruma, Ouma—what did they all matter? They weren’t Akamatsu.

“...Harukawa-san...”

“Akamatsu,” she returned coolly. She turns, and from the light filtering from the hallway window, Akamatsu’s soft features look sharper. “Yes?”

“Are you alright?” Akamatsu asked, frown deepening. “You seem...exhausted. Did something happen? Have you been having trouble sleeping?”

“I took medication,” she replied. “I should be fine.”

Akamatsu looked doubtful.

“You’ve still been behaving worryingly. We’re all worried about you, Harukawa-san.”

“That’s unnecessary,” she said.

“You’re a part of our class,” Akamatsu said simply, matter-of-factly. Maki looks at the band around Akamatsu’s arm. “You can’t expect us not to worry.”

“I can,” she said. “Just because we spend a lot of time in the same room does not mean we are close. I’ve been in the same room for long stretches of time with many people I wouldn’t consider myself close to.”

“Oh come on, Harukawa-san,” Akamatsu complained. “Aren’t we friends?”

Maki blinked. Once. Twice.

“Aren’t we friends, Maki—?”

She flinched.

“Harukawa-san...?” Akamatsu most definitely sounded worried as she rubbed furiously at her temple, eyes screwed shut, curled over and shaking. “Harukawa-san?!”

Akamatsu took her shoulders. Immediately, Maki shoved her off.

“...Don’t touch me.”

“A-Ah...” Akamatsu trembled, hand still outstretched, but then she pulled back, nodding before bowing her head. “Sorry...”

“...I’m...going to go, Akamatsu-san. I apologize.”

Maki turned on her heel and continued on her heel. And of course, even with the distance, she heard Akamatsu’s almost muted little murmur.

“...I’ll be seeing you...”

Akamatsu did not bother her at all the next morning. And when Maki glanced at her conversing with someone else, Akamatsu often shrugged her shoulders.

When people approached her, she was curt. So, they stopped. She was sleeping better anyway. So, she was less exhausted. Another day passed and she was feeling much, much better. She even said as much to anyone who still bothered to ask. And yet. And yet.

“...I’m sorry. For a few days ago.”

“Huh...?” Akamatsu perks up. She’s just putting her books away. She’s only staying behind because she needs to clean the classroom. That’s it. That’s all. “Oh, Harukawa-san, you don’t need to apologize for that.”

“I had a nightmare,” she said quietly. “I saw you die. It was troubling.”

Akamatsu blinks owlishly.

“Sometimes I think you’re reckless,” she went on, shaking just a little. “Sometimes, I think...you’re so reckless that you’d throw yourself in front of someone about to get shot. Or push someone out of the way of a car and get hit yourself. Something...like that.”

“Those are the kinds of things you worry about, Harukawa-san?” Akamatsu asked. “I...”

“It’s stupid,” she huffed. “I know.”

“I’m sorry,” Akamatsu said instead. Her smile is sad and apologetic. The world looks all the fuzzier for it. “I don’t want to worry you like that, so I’ll try to be more careful, then. More patient. I’ve been thinking that pushiness and impatience could very easily get myself killed or hurt one day. Haha.”

Maki blinks back. She says nothing. Akamatsu has the prettiest blush.

“If I’m worrying someone like you, I really must be overdoing something. I really am sorry, Haruka...”

Akamatsu’s cheeks are soft and warm against her hands. Her lips are softer and warmer against her own. Akamatsu is still, but all the same, she holds her face steadily. And then, slowly, she pulls away.

“...You really have too much faith in others, Kaede.”

And then she kisses her again. Kaede takes her arms and pulls her closer.

“Harukawa-san...”

“Maki.”

“Maki-san...”

“Just Maki.”

“Maki...”

“Hmm?”

“Mmm...”

Kaede shivers as she nips at her neck. Her pianist fingers brush against her cheek and she paused briefly to nuzzle at her hand. Kaede lets out a breathless giggle of sorts.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve only dreamt about this with you, Maki,” she sighs out. “I’m glad. I’m definitely glad you feel the same way.”

Maki blinks once, and Kaede pulls her into another kiss.

“...I’m glad,” Maki finally responded as they parted. Kaede’s smile is blinding. The world is so much brighter, so much sweeter for it.

...but. Something still feels...

“Maki-chan,” Kaede purred, caressing her cheek and jaw. She flinched, stilled, and then.

“Just Maki.”

Kaede is the one blinking at her, but then she smiled again and nodded.

“Okay, Maki.”

She’s pulled into another kiss.

It was everything she ever wanted, and yet.

Something’s wrong. I feel like I’ve done something wrong.

Maki feels her flushed cheeks afterwards, after they’ve parted completely and Kaede waved goodbye so cheerfully. As Maki walks, passing by several windows, stepping in orange light after shadow after orange after shadow—her mind is buzzing. It’s as though something is bubbling.

Something’s wrong. But what? What?

Why don’t I remem—

Maki stops. And then, quite viciously, she shook her head.

It doesn’t matter.

With Kaede, things feel perfect. With Kaede, things feel right. That’s all there was to it.

“Maki!” Kaede latched onto her first thing, arms looping tightly around her waist as she nuzzled into her shoulder. “Good morning!”

“...Kaede.” She nodded, and she pats Kaede’s cheek in return. “You seem excitable. Why?”

“Mm? Isn’t it obvious?” Kaede laughed. “I’m happy to see you, Maki!”

“It is the start of the school day. We are in front of the school building. Of course you would see me.”

Kaede puffs her cheeks out, pouting but pulling away all the same with a dramatic sigh.

“I shouldn’t even be surprised.”

Still, Kaede takes her hand and squeezes it tightly. Of course, Maki squeezed in return.

“...Good morning, Kaede.”

Kaede grinned, looking all the more radiant with how the sunshine caught in her hair, highlighting the pretty pink of her cheeks. And then, Kaede none too gently yanked her forward.

Kaede is talking with Toujou about organizing some event. She notices Maki’s staring, and waves at her cheerfully before going right back to the conversation. She chats animatedly, with enthusiastic gesturing, all while Toujou keeps her hands folded demurely and only gives polite nods with her calm replies.

“Akamatsu-san seems to be in a much better mood,” Saihara comments from beside her. “That’s good. I’m glad you and her made up, Harukawa-san.”

“So you noticed,” she replied idly, not surprised but still giving him a sharp look. Saihara did shrink back almost apologetically, did duck his head so that his long bangs hid his gaze from hers.

“Ah, yes...”

For something with such a keen sense of perception, he really was...meek.

Momota was trying to help break him out of that shell.

“You should keep to yourself,” Maki said simply.

She didn’t care much either way.

“Sorry, Harukawa-san.”

“Isn’t that a bit too snippy of you, Harukawa-san?” Amami asked. Her eyes narrowed as Saihara flustered the slightest bit as Amami hummed over his shoulder. Despite that, Saihara didn’t shrink in on himself as he usually did. Even as Amami went on that, “Saihara-kun was just showing concern for his classmates. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“No,” she replied. “But I would rather not be engaged.”

“So cold! Ah, but, I understand.” Amami gave a calm, easy smile. “We can’t all be Akamatsu-san. You know, Harukawa-san, it’s unhealthy to limit yourself to one person.”

“That’s none of your concern.” Her voice hardens. “Not at all.”

“Amami-kun,” Saihara muttered to him. “It’s fine.”

She saw how his eyes darted, from her to Amami to Akamatsu. Akamatsu who was currently smiling widely and nodding enthusiastically. Momota was saying something, to which she agreed, with pumped up fists and a shining confidence. Toujou simply cleared her throat.

“Oh,” Shirogane says, turning in their direction. Ouma perks up, blinking at them tiredly, with a flicker of mischief in his eyes as he straightened up from where he’d been lying his head on the desk. Shirogane’s grin was wide, with gleaming light reflected off her glasses. “Is there something you all were thinking?”

“Saihara-kun?” Kaede wonders, head tilting. “Amami-kun?”

“Ah, no, sorry,” Saihara said quickly. Amami shook his head apologetically.

Maki held her stare, and said nothing. Kaede’s smile didn’t fade.

“Well,” she said. “We can continue this discussion some other time. The teacher should be back pretty soon.”

“Ah, Maki...”

Maki didn’t say anything then, either, arms tightening around Kaede’s waist, face buried in the back of her shoulder.

“Nightmares again?” Kaede asked, softly and carefully. “Hey, Maki... What do you say about staying over at my place tonight?”

“Already?” Maki asked, the word muffled against the dark blue fabric of her uniform. “You move fast, Kaede.”

“What do you mean?” Kaede was grinning. She could hear it in her voice. “As far as anyone else is concerned, this is just a friendly little sleepover between friends.”

In the orange light of sunset, Kaede’s smile is almost cloaked in sharp shadow.

Maki snorted, and kissed her quickly.

“Don’t be idiotic, Akamatsu Kaede.”

Kaede simply giggled.

“No one else is here, but please don’t hesitate to make yourself at home, Maki!”

“Wow, you really do move fast.”

“W-We’re not doing anything like that now! As you said, it’s way too soon! I was just joking earlier, Maki, jeez...”

“Funny. I don’t remember saying that.”

Maki slipped off her shoes, tucking them into the corner.

Kaede shot her an unimpressed glare, cheeks puffed and pink. She raised her hands, but Kaede turned with a huff. All the same, she followed Kaede further inside.

It was a lovely, modest little home. Modest size, modest decoration, pictures laid out. A piano in the corner. Of course. It was clean, of course.

Maki stole a passing glance at the photos. There was one of a couple smiling, the woman carrying a bundle in her arms. And then, a tiny Kaede beamed back, pulling on a sunhat, locked into the embrace of that same woman, and Maki stilled.

...Huh...?

“Maki? Is something wrong?”

No...

“No,” she said, forcing herself forward, stomping that bubbling feeling under her heel. “No, it’s nothing.”

Kaede blinked at her curiously, tying her hair back and rolling up her sleeves. Soon, she smiled, slipping on an apron.

“There’s another one hanging up over there,” she said, jabbing her thumb in the direction of the other apron. It’s gingham, red and yellow. “If you want to help, the option’s there. I’m only somewhat decent at cooking, but I’m sure I can...”

Maki snatched the apron.

“I’m not taking any chances.”

“Okay, okay.”

Kaede, for what it was worth, could follow instructions fairly well. She was focused and careful to not injure her fingers. A good thing. Kaede was a musician, after all.

There was still a bit of time before the rice cooker finished. Maki stirred as Kaede hummed.

There was a ding, and Kaede began to scoop the rice into bowls as Maki poured the soup into cups. They both set the table, and sent a prayer before starting their meal.

“I was right,” Kaede remarked after her first bite. She gave an almost cheeky grin. “You’re a wonderful cook, Maki.”

“I’ve cooked for the other children on multiple occasions,” Maki pointed out. She blew off the steam of her tea. “So, this isn’t that surprising.”

“No, I guess not,” Kaede replied, still grinning widely and idiotically. “But it’s not just that you’re experienced. You put a lot of love into your meals, Maki.”

Maki gave her a look and made a meaningless sound. “Hm.”

“It’s true,” she insisted, a bit exasperated. “It’s one of the things I love about you.”

...love...

“Alright.” She took a bite of her own food and left it at that. The food just tasted like food. Kaede continued to eat as well, and the silence dragged on.

It could have used more salt. Maki thought idly at another bite. She took another sip. I could have let this tea boil for longer. The flavor is a bit weak.

“Mm...” Kaede didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. If anything, when she finished, she let out a satisfied sigh. “Delicious. Thank you, Maki.”

Maki set aside her empty bowl, glancing briefly at her empty teacup.

“...It was nothing.”

Kaede gathered up the dishes to wash, and she poured them more tea for the time being.

It’s too weak, she thought. I should have boiled it longer.

The water was running from the sink. Kaede was humming as she scrubbed. Maki hoped that she wouldn’t use dish soap to wash her hands. After all, that’d irritate them.

It’s too weak.

She noticed that there had been tea stalks in Kaede’s cup. She wondered if any of them had been floating upright. Wouldn’t that be nice.

Too weak.

She pours Kaede another cup. She blinks, and stares hard enough to stare holes. Nothing is afloat.

“Oh, Maki,” she heard Kaede say as the other returned. Her footsteps are light pads against the floorboards. “You didn’t have to, but thank you.”

“...It was nothing.”

Kaede once again seated herself across. Kaede smiled at her. The world was bright, she heard the ticking of the clock, and despite how weak it was the tea was still fragrant.

It was pleasant. It was nice.

She breathed. Something bubbled.

This is a painful kind of familiar.

“My father’s been working so much that he just sleeps there,” Kaede said, lightly, like it was a joke. Only it was still too heavy. “Still, I can take care of myself just fine, and I can’t imagine how difficult it’d be on you in comparison.”

“It’s not that difficult,” she replied. “The children may be rowdy but they can all be behaved. They listen to me better than their foster parents, sometimes. Their foster parents...are kind to me as well. Very kind. I’m much luckier than I used to be.”

Kaede’s smile twisted.

“Besides,” she went on, almost vacantly. “You have a lot of duties as the class representative. Everyone in our class relies on you, Kaede. In comparison, I do my best to not get involved.”

“And that’s a shame!” Kaede exclaimed. “Our classmates all like you, Maki, and they just want to be your friend.”

Maki huffed, and she backpedaled.

“Well, maybe not all of them. You know how Iruma-san and Ouma-kun are, haha.” She rubbed at the back of her neck sheepishly. “But people like Saihara-kun, Momota-kun, Shirogane-san... They’re just trying to be friendly, I’m sure.”

“I don’t have any interest in them either way.” I only care about you. Just you.

“But isn’t that unhealthy?”

She crushed those words into the ground, twisting her metaphorical heel into them. Remembering Amami’s easy smile only irritated her further.

“You shouldn’t say such things.” Kaede was pouting at her. “Making lots of friends is very important.”

But I feel empty inside. She wanted to reply. She almost wanted to scream. I feel empty and vacant around anyone who isn’t you.

So who could I stand to be around but you?

...Huh...?

Why does that sound...?

“...Maki?” Kaede tilted her head. Maki shivered. “Is... Is something wrong...?”

“No...no, it’s nothing.” She shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, Kaede.”

Kaede blinked once, uncertain, but tentatively nodded.

“...If you say so...”

They finish up the tea soon enough.

There’s a bookmarked page in Kaede’s worn book of sheet music. She turns to it, and begins to play. The top of the page reads Peer Gynt Suite Op. 46 No. 1 “Morning Mood.”

She’s heard this song before countless times in countless things. Somehow, hearing Kaede play it on the piano is different from all those times. It’s a serene sound. A nostalgic one.

Painful.

“...Ah, sorry,” Kaede apologizes, pausing in her playing. She must have noticed how Maki’s face twisted up. “I was told this was my mother’s favorite song, so I try to play it often. I still don’t like it as much as Clair de Lune. Or Moonlight Sonata, for that matter. The Farewell Waltz, maybe.”

“I see.”

“I used to fall asleep to my mom playing piano,” Kaede went on. “I’m pretty sure she’s why I love it as much as I do.”

Painful.

“What happened to her?” she asked.

“She was eaten by bears when I was little.” Maki blinked. Kaede continued. “We used to live in the mountains. My father used to be a hunter, but...after that, we moved. I don’t remember much else, but it was definitely really, really upsetting.”

She didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say. Not really.

Kaede’s fingers pressed down upon the keys. The sound was echoing, in that modest little house, in her head, in her ringing ears.

She and Kaede slept close together that night. Kaede was clingy in her sleep. Kaede was also warm, so warm.

Despite that, Maki felt cold. Very, very cold.

She didn’t know what else to do, so she simply pulled Kaede closer, held her tightly in return, and squeezed her eyes just as tightly shut.

Despite everything, unsurprisingly, life carried on normally for a while. School days passed as they always did, she and Kaede spent a lot more time together, either in Kaede’s empty little house or Maki’s smaller, emptier dorm. All things considered, this should have been everything she ever wanted. She should’ve felt completely, utterly, and absolutely fulfilled.

Why do I still feel empty?

Isn’t it obvious?

“Harukawa-san.” How long has she been standing at the mirror, staring at her reflection? Long enough for even Toujou to speak up, it seemed. “Harukawa-san, are you alright?”

“It’s nothing. This is nothing.”

“If you need anyone to talk to,” Toujou went on. “Neither Shirogane-san nor I mind.”

“I don’t,” she said. “I don’t need anyone.”

“...If that is what you insist.”

She quickly turned on her heel, brushing past, brushing irritated fingers through her hair as she did. She walked and walked, glanced outside to see some of her classmates laughing. Chabashira was lifting Yumeno up in the air. Ouma seemed to be bullying Gonta into doing the same. Yonaga seemed to be bow-legged and praying, with Shinguuji seated close by, likely watching them all so curiously.

She walked on and on. She passed by the library. Amami had dozed off upon Saihara’s shoulder, and Saihara was making a face but also making no motion to stir. Saihara did, however, perk up. She walked on before their eyes could meet, doing them both a favor.

I don’t need anyone. I don’t. Need anyone.

Kaede would be practicing again. This time, she recognizes the song.

Chopin. Étude in A minor, Op 25 No.11, “Le vent d'hiver - Winter Wind.”

She steps inside. Kaede perked up, and turned to her with a smile.

“Good afternoon, Maki.”

She shuffled her feet, and nodded.

“Good afternoon.”

When did this emptiness start? How long has it been? I wouldn’t know the answer for that for sure, but...

She does remember. She was really young, but also really, really troubled. She caused so many problems that she had to be bounced around until she came across a pair who had been willing to put up with her. Willing to be patient and kind. Willing to stroke her hair and tell her it was okay over and over after she woke them up with her screaming.

She still hadn’t believed them. She still felt empty, but, she hadn’t fallen apart, either. For that, she was grateful. For that, she threw herself into helping them care for the other children there. Cooking, cleaning, even singing those children to sleep when necessary. She had to show her gratitude. She had to show her worth. She had to scrub her hands clean until the blood came out—

“Maki.” She snapped out of it, blinking blearily at the various flavors of ice cream. They still blurred together into a swirling, swirling mess. “Which one do you want, Maki?”

“Praline.”

“Praline and maple, please!” Kaede chirped, bouncing on her heels. Maki glanced towards her, lips twisting, as Kaede pulled out some notes to pay with. “Thank you very much.”

She turned to find a place to sit, picking a table by the window. Kaede soon came by with both their bowls, setting them out and once again taking the seat across from her.

“Aah, mmm!” Kaede squealed with muffled delight as she took a bite. “So sweet! It’s true! When you’re with someone you love, ice cream tastes sweeter!”

“Where did you hear that?” Maki asked dully, taking a bite of her own. At the taste, her eyes narrowed, brow furrowing.

Kaede laughed. “It’s really sweet, isn’t it?”

Maki scoffed, and looked away with an irritated blush. “S-So what if it is?”

“Lemme taste!”

“Urgh, so noisy.”

She did scoop up a spoonful of her ice cream, however, and stuck it into Kaede’s waiting mouth. Kaede did the same with her ice cream, and Maki took the bite without complaint. It’s an indirect kiss, of course, but with how much spit-swapping the two of them do, it really, really isn’t that notable.

“Mm, Maki... Your ice cream is so sweet...”

“Yours is sweeter.”

Kaede giggled at that. “I think you’re wrong. Maki’s is way, way sweeter.”

Maki frowned, and she huffed. She returned to nibbling at her treat.

“...it’s pointless to argue...”

Kaede grinned cheekily but she resumed eating as well.

Maki eats every bite of ice cream. If anything, it’s as though she inhaled it like she had been starving for a while.

“What else do you want to do?” Kaede asked when they finished. “There’s a new movie showing. I’m curious about it. Let’s go seeing.”

“As long as we’re together,” Maki said, throwing their trash away.

“Flatterer,” Kaede said good-naturedly.

Maki just latched onto her arm.

Their date goes very, very well. The movie was...tolerable, but Kaede’s reactions to it were precious and endearing. Kaede was still chatting about it animatedly afterwards, all while Maki squeezed her hand.

Everything felt perfect. Everything felt right.

It feels like...destiny.

“Ah, Maki, someone might...mm...”

Maki deepens their next kiss.

“Maki... Maki... Ah, hah...”

Kaede’s pianist fingers slip up her shirt.

“...weren’t you worried about someone seeing?” she asked. Kaede just giggles against her lips.

“Mm, well, it is dark...and people don’t tend to look around dark corners...” She kissed the corner of Maki’s mouth. “So, I think we’re fine. If not, we can chase off anyone who dares to peek.”

Maki nodded.

“Of course.”

They don’t get that far, of course. But it does get heavy between the kisses and the petting, and Kaede pants, face flushed and lips forming an o as Maki kisses down her neck.

“Maki, Maki... Ah... God...”

“Kaede...”

“So good... Haha...” Kaede purrs. “Why does it feel so good?”

Maki answered without thinking.

“Because we are meant to be together, Kaede.”

“Meant to be, huh...” Kaede blinked, and then she perked up. “Hey... Maki...”

Maki’s running her fingers through golden blond hair, humming.

“Maki... Do I...know you...?”

Her fingers stop. The world stops.

“...Maki...?” Kaede’s blinking those pretty purple eyes up at her, and then. They look so much wider and brighter in the darkness of the alleyway. “No... Maki-chan...?”

Maki pulled back.

“Maki-chan...” Kaede breathed, and then, “How could I forget?”

Maki turned and ran, even as Kaede called and screamed her name.

“Now, Maki-chan, please understand that we’ve been very patient with you.”

“It’s really difficult, isn’t it? Living in a house that cramped... So, it makes sense if...”

“If you can’t help but act out sometimes. But, see...”

“Being anti-social and a bit curt is one thing. But you can’t push the other children, Maki-chan.”

“Violence is unacceptable, Maki-chan. It’s so unsightly.”

“You’re a young lady, shouldn’t ladies be gentler?”

“Maki-chan...”

“Maki-chan, are you listening?”

Her tiny hands fisted hard into the edge of her dress. Cheeks puffed, head down, she didn’t say a word.

I...

“Maki-chan,” the other caretaker said, sounding increasingly irritated. “Don’t you understand?”

“Maki-chan,” the other-other caretaker said in a voice that was meant to be soft, but only sounded cold. “You’ve done a very, very bad thing.”

I was just...

“Teacher, I don’t think she did a bad thing.”

Maki snapped up and then, a chubby-cheeked blond girl stepped up, speaking more clearly, more firmly.

“I don’t think Maki-chan meant anything wrong or mean. Because...the slide had just been repainted, right? So Maki-chan was pushing everyone who tried to slide down it, because she didn’t want them getting paint on themselves.” And then, that girl smiled at her so brightly that it huts Maki’s eyes. “Right, Maki-chan?”

Kaede-chan always understands.

“Ri... Right... That’s...right. What Kaede-chan says...is right.”

That’s why she’s the only one I can stand to be around.

“Oh, Maki-chan,” one of them sighed. “You still should have told us.”

Kaede gripped her hand.

“Well... I suppose we can let it slide for now,” the other said. “But next time, Maki-chan, tell us. We’re here to help; you can trust us.”

She couldn’t. Not really. And with the way Kaede squeezed her hand, she felt that she, at least, understood.

And so the two of them walked out together, hand in hand all the while.

“Both teachers are nice but they’re scary when mad,” Kaede was saying. “So I understand if you didn’t want to say anything to them, Maki-chan.”

“It’s nothing like that,” Maki retorted. “I’m just...used to doing things on my own. That’s what was expected of me back at the house...”

“Maki-chan’s so responsible,” Kaede replied, grinning brightly. “But you can rely on me too, if you want. After all, we’re friends. Aren’t we friends, Maki-chan?”

She reddened. But of course, Kaede just bounced on ahead like she hadn’t really said anything that notable.

“Maki-chan, let’s play on the swings!”

“...ah...alright.”

That was the kind of relationship they had, in the beginning. That kind of easy relationship that only children can have.

Things can’t ever be that easy anymore.

“Maki!”

Kaede’s grip on her arm is unforgivingly tight. Kaede is panting, chest heaving, face flushed from exertion and from before, but her grip only tightens even as the pull she gives is more desperate than anything.

“...Maki... Do you not...remember me...? We... We were kids... I mean... We were really young, but...we were close and we were friends, and...”

“Stop.” Kaede does. “That doesn’t matter. None of that matters. So don’t...bring it up anymore, Kaede.”

“...Why...?” Kaede sounds breathless. “What’s wrong? Maki-cha—”

“It’s just Maki.”

“...Maki,” Kaede corrected herself with a stiff nod. “I...don’t understand. What’s wrong? What happened? So what if we knew each other as kids? What’s the big deal?”

“It’s...” Here, Maki trails off. Maki hesitates.

Despite everything, Kaede seemed to understand.

“You don’t remember everything either,” she said. “In that case, then...it really doesn’t matter. Still, I don’t get why you’re making a big deal out of this.”

I don’t get it either. But...something’s wrong. Something’s off. It’s unsettling. It’s despairing.

“Kaede...” She stops, but there’s a warning tone to her voice. Then, she huffed. “Look. I just... I...”

Running through the woods, screaming for help.

She trailed off. “I...”

“Help me! Please! Help!”

She hesitated. “I...just...”

“Mom! MOM!!! No! No!”

“...no...”

And then, the bears catch up, gobble her up, leaving blood all

over

“...Maki...?”

Kaede squeezed her shoulders, Kaede gave her a careful shake. A shudder went down Maki’s spine.

So that’s what it was. So that’s all it ever was.

“Maki, what’s...wrong? You blanked out for a moment? Did you...remem...?”

Maki shoved her away.

“...stay away from me.” She stepped back, trembling all over. “You should...stay away from me. Kaede, I... I’m sorry. I’ve been...so careless...”

“I don’t understand,” Kaede returned with, pleading. “Maki, what’s wrong?”

I’ve been so careless.

“It’s for the best if we don’t discuss things further,” she found herself saying. “It’s for the best if you just let it go.”

I’ve been such an empty person since. Until I met you again.

“Maki,” Kaede spoke, a fire lighting in her eyes. “If something’s bothering you, you need to tell me. Aren’t we friends?”

Maki said nothing.

“We’re definitely pretty close,” Kaede went on, almost scathingly. “So close in fact that I thought we were dating.”

“You thought that?” Maki asked, quietly. Blankly.

“Why wouldn’t I?!” Kaede demanded, high-pitched and utterly annoyed. “We kissed, Maki! Many, many times! Not to mention, the way we spoke to one another, the way we looked at one another!”

We’ve been attracted to one another from the start. It feels so much like fate.

If we’re anything, we’re soulmates.

“...This might have been...” Maki took a deep breath, and then, “This might have been a mistake.”

“A mistake?” Kaede repeated incredulously.

Mutely, she nodded.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding. What even the hell, Maki?!”

“Your mother loved piano as you did,” Maki said blankly. “But you’ll never get to hear her play. Even now, every time you play the piano, your heart aches when you remember that.”

“What?” Kaede recoiled. “What...does that have to do with anything?”

“It’s true, isn’t it?” she asked.

“I don’t understand,” Kaede said and her voice quivered. “Maki, what the hell are you talking about?”

Maki doesn’t answer.

“Maki!”

Still nothing.

Kaede softens, even as distress causes her frown to deepen.

“Maki,” she says, quieter and fearful. “I really, really don’t understand. What’s going on? What did you remember? So what if we knew each other when we were kids? So what? I just... I don’t understand...”

Kaede trembles, both her shoulders and her grip.

“...You’re scaring me,” she says and her eyes glimmer with unshed tears. “Please...you have to tell me what’s going on. You’re scaring me so much, Maki.”

Maki sighed.

“Your mother,” she said. “She... I remember meeting her. She was...very nice. A lot like you. You really, really admired her. You talked about her a lot. The two of you were really close.”

“I know all that,” Kaede snapped, rolling her eyes. “I don’t remember it but I know it. Dad used to say that a lot. I emulated her even though I don’t remember her. Or...so Dad said, too...”

Silence.

“...what does that have to do with anything?” she asked. “Was Mom having an affair or something? You’re really acting weird, Maki.”

Maki swallowed.

“...Can you please let me go, Kaede?”

Kaede stilled. Her face went slack.

She let go.

“...it’s for the best if we don’t discuss things further,” Maki said and she pulled away completely. “I’m sorry, Kaede. Farewell.”

She walked away. And Kaede did not follow her nor call after her.

All the same, Maki felt as though she left her very heart behind.

Maki didn’t go to school the next day, and she didn’t answer the door either. The following day, she remained in bed, ignoring even her ringing phone. Eventually, her phone died and she didn’t bother charging it.

There were knocks on her door. She continued to not answer them.

She could hear muffled yelling. She could tell who it was.

“...ki...! Maki...!” Kaede sounded both distressed and exasperated. “Come on, Maki, you have to talk to me!”

No, she didn’t.

“...At least answer the door so I can give you your notes and assignments,” Kaede said, sighing. “Toujou-san helped write them. Shirogane-san asked about you. Saihara-kun and Momota-kun did, too.”

A pause.

“...we don’t have to discuss things,” she went on, and there was the slightest tremor in the words. “Or, do you...just not want to see me anymore?”

Hearing Kaede sound like that hurt beyond words. Because of that, Maki couldn’t bear to respond.

She simply curled in on herself.

“...I’ll give you more time,” Kaede finally said. “You don’t have to talk to me. You don’t have to see me if it’s difficult. You’re a coward, Maki, but... I’ll respect that for now.”

She did, at least, have the decency to flinch at that.

“I love you, Maki. Best regards.”

Maki trembled as that was that.

She did charge her phone. It had blown up with texts. She now has more reasons to very sincerely regret giving Momota her number for their group project because he must have passed it around to the whole class.

Not all of them texted her, but enough of them did that she was scrolling through them for quite some time. Still, most of the texts she scrolled through were, of course, Kaede’s.

Shirogane had texted a few times, too.

“Hello, Harukawa-san! It’s plain ol’ me checking up on you! Akamatsu-san said you were having a tough time. If you want to plainly discuss things, I’m open!”

As had Angie.

“God is looking out for you, even if you don’t pray!”

And Chabashira.

“If something’s troubling you, we can train together, Harukawa-san! Himiko also has some rejuvenating spells!”

...speaking of Yumeno.

“Nyeh. Sorry. I don’t have enough mana to cast a rejuvenating spell over text. But I’m still wishing you well, HaruMaki.”

Of course, Saihara and Momota had also texted her.

“If you wanted to discuss anything, Harukawa-san, I’m always open.”

“Yo, HaruMaki! Have you tried training? You have to train to fight your enemies, even if your enemy is yourself!”

It really was...irritating.

...they’re all such good, troublesome people.

Maki rolled onto her back, staring blankly at the ceiling.

If they knew the truth... Would they still act this way?

There’s no way she could believe that they would.

“W-What?! Stop glaring at me like thaaaaat, Hoekawa! J-Just take your stupid things! It’s not like I wanted to be here, you know! You should be flattered! S-Super flattered! After all, your presence is being blessed by a goddess...!”

“Are you done?”

Iruma squeaked and practically threw the binder and notebooks into her hand.

“W-What the hell does Bakamatsu even see in you?!” she hissed. “Y-You’re concave... And have an ugly bitch face to match your ugly bitch personality!”

Maki simply held them close as Iruma went on.

“Y-You know... Bakamatsu and the others are...w-worried about you...”

“I do know,” Maki snapped, making Iruma flinch back, looking near fearful tears. “Iruma, you can go now.”

“B-But...” Iruma shrunk in on herself. “B-But I...had an invention, you see... And you’re the only person who hasn’t seen it... It’s like...super relaxing...”

Maki sighed.

Iruma was fiddling with her fingers.

“...I’m sorry,” Maki said quietly, head ducked. “I’m just...not in the mood for any of this...”

“Later, then...?” Iruma asked meekly.

“Later,” Maki agreed, and slammed the door in her face.

There were friendly messages written in her notebook. A lot from Momota, unsurprisingly. Though Toujou and Amami had written a few as well.

She didn’t read them, instead flipping through her notes.

She stopped, however, upon seeing that someone had doodled a lily onto one of the pages. It was messy, a little rough...and it wasn’t signed with a signature but a few music notes.

Maki shut her notebook with a sigh.

“...Kaede...”

“Kaede-chan,” she spoke up. “What song is that?”

“Morning Mood!” Kaede answered happily. “It’s Mom’s favorite song! Isn’t it pretty, Maki?”

Maki blinked as she watched Kaede’s chubby fingers dance over the keys. She hit a few of them too hard, sticking her tongue out to focus. Maki blinked a few more times, and made an unimpressed face.

“I like the other ones better.”

“Ehhh? Really?” Kaede stopped playing to stare at her with wide eyes. “But this one...sounds like spring, don’t you think?’

“...I don’t hear spring,” Maki said, brow furrowed.

“Y-You don’t?!”

“That’s what I just said.”

Kaede whined at her, and Maki pouted right back.

And the door jingled as it opened.

“Kaede! Sweetie!”

“Mom!”

Kaede pulled away to go bouncing into her mother’s arms. Maki watched them blankly, envious...

And resentful.

“Were you good today?” Kaede’s mother asked with a coo. Kaede nodded happily.

“Mm, mm! Maki-chan, I’ll be seeing you!”

“...Kay...” Maki pressed silently on one of the keys. “I guess... I’ll walk home, then.”

I only stick around to be with Kaede-chan. There’s nothing else waiting for me besides a house that’s already too full.

“Oh, is that really alright, Maki-chan?” Kaede’s mother asked worriedly. “It’s getting pretty cold out. It’s almost winter. Why don’t you let me drive you home?”

“Yeah!” Kaede chirped. She hopped out of her mother’s embrace to tug at Maki’s hand. “Or you can just go home with me! We have a big forest in the backyard. It’s really pretty!”

...a forest...like in a fairy tale...

“...Is that alright, Kaede’s mother?”

“Aha, I don’t see why not,” she giggled. “As long as it’s alright with your parents, Maki-chan.”

“They’re not...really my parents...” Maki trailed off. “They just watch me and the other kids. That’s all.”

“Ehhh? Is that so? But I’m sure they really care about you, Maki-chan.”

Maki shrugged.

“...maybe...don’t wanna talk about this anymore...” Her fingers entwine with Kaede. “I’d rather listen to Kaede-chan ramble about the piano.”

“Ah, really?! There’s so much to ramble about! Chopin... B... Beethoven...! Liech...!”

“Liszt,” her mother corrected kindly. Excitedly, Kaede nodded over and over.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!”

“You’re a freak,” Maki droned, and Kaede just laughed.

“Yep!”

Maki did smile at that, and pressed her forehead to Kaede’s before they went off together and she listened to Kaede chatter on and on as her mother would only sometimes interject to correct.

She still preferred Kaede’s presence on its own, but she hadn’t minded Kaede’s mother that much.

She was, however, still envious. Envious and resentful, especially when she thought of her own guardians.

They really didn’t care that much. But it wasn’t their fault. Not really. She couldn’t blame them for not wanting to take care of a surly, unruly child. Especially when that same child would kill someone later.

Kaede’s house was small yet welcoming. Kaede’s father greeted his wife, and Kaede pulled her around by the hand.

Her eyes caught onto the rifle that belonged to Kaede’s father.

“Apparently there are bears in the forest behind our house,” Kaede said. “My parents say to stay away but I don’t see why. I like the forest. It’s big and magical...like a fairy tale!”

“Like a fairy tale,” Maki agreed with a nod. “You don’t have to worry about bears, Kaede-chan.”

She gripped Kaede’s hands and squeezed.

“I’ll protect you, so...there’s nothing to worry about.”

Kaede blinked those pretty eyes back at her. Pretty. Pretty. Kaede’s always so pretty.

Kaede-chan is like light.

“I’ll protect you,” Maki swore. “Absolutely.”

Kaede beamed. Like light.

“I know you will, Maki-chan!”

She slept fitfully, waking up in a cold sweat afterwards. It wasn’t a surprise. She’d been plagued with nightmares of blood and bears for several days straight.

“...Urgh...” She felt disgusting. But still so despondent as she shakily pushed herself off and went into the bathroom to wash her face. She glanced, for a moment, at her reflection.

Mussed, dark hair. Dark, haunting red eyes. Pale skin. Darker shadows.

Kaede once called this face cute.

Maki squeezed her eyes tightly shut.

And another knock on her door.

Ugh.

“Harukawa-chaaaaaan!”

Ugh. Seriously?

Out of all the fucking people—

“I have no interest in speaking with you.” She didn’t even miss a beat as she walked up to the door. “Leave the premises.”

“Eh? Eh? So cruel! You haven’t even unlocked the door! Ah, well, when are you accepting visitors again? It needs to be soon because I kiiiiiind of have urgent matters that gotta be discussed with you.”

“And why is that your concern, Ouma?” she asked scathingly.

“Hmmm... Well...” She heard that infuriating giggle of his. “It’s because I care about you soooooo much! That’s a lie! Oof! Ow... Bit my tongue...”

“If you’re just here to annoy me, you should leave.” Her tone sharpened. “Unless you want me to hurt you.”

“Waaaah! Scaryyy!” A pause. A sigh. “Well, that calls for the secret weapon, then. See, I wasn’t actually lying about urgent matters... And see, I am a man of my word when it comes to making promises. Even I’m not evil enough to lie when making a promise.”

Maki’s brow furrowed. What the hell is he...?

And then she froze when the door clicked open. Before she could even react, to lunge forward and strangle him for even daring, she seized up at the sight of Ouma stepping aside so that Kaede could walk inside.

“...Sorry for deceiving you, Maki.” Kaede nodded at her, and then glanced back at a grinning Ouma. “Thank you for...the help, Ouma-kun.”

“Anything for my dearest Akamatsu-chan!” he chirped. “Ah, well, that’s my cue to skedaddle. Before Harukawa-chan tries to murder me!”

That word choice stung and she wondered if Ouma knew. He always seemed to know, but...

It didn’t matter now. Ouma ran off and Kaede shut the door after he did. It was just her and Kaede, now.

Maki trembled a bit.

“...I talked to my dad,” Kaede said. “It... It took a while for my calls to get through... But when they did, I got him to explain...what happened to mom.”

Maki flinched. Kaede looked at her, and stepped closer.

“...Maki...” Kaede was speaking so softly, so calmly. “Were you really carrying that on your shoulders this whole time?”

Maki stepped back, still shaking.

“You shouldn’t...come near your mother’s killer, Kaede.”

“Oh, Maki...” Kaede sighed and reached out, wrapping her arms tightly around Maki’s shoulders. “I’m so, so sorry you went through that.”

It was warm. Sweet. Comforting. Kaede’s body against her own—

Maki shoved her away. Kaede landed with a thud and a yelp.

“M-Maki...?”

Maki saw a flash of Kaede, crumpled and helpless in the snow. At the mercy of bears.

Maki’s breath caught, and she swallowed.

Kaede blinked up at her.

“Ma... Maki...”

“Ma... Maki-chan...”

The forest was more big and vast than Maki had imagined. So big and vast, in fact, that it swallowed them up.

“I-I... I don’t actually...” Kaede clung to her back. “I don’t know where we are...”

“It’s okay. I’ll protect you.” Maki bounced the rifle in her grip. “I even...brought a weapon! So I’ll definitely protect you, Kaede-chan!”

Kaede nodded, sniffling.

“M-Mm...”

They kept walking, hand in hand, in a large and uncertain forest.

“I’ve never gotten lost, before...” Kaede mumbled. “But I do get lost when playing the piano...or when talking to Maki-chan...”

“I feel that way only when I’m with Kaede-chan,” Maki said. “But it’ll be okay. I’ll protect you, Kaede-chan.”

“Mm...”

It was cold. Cold enough that snow crunched under their feet, that their red fingers gripped one another for dear life. They pressed close together, and after a while, they sat down against a tree.

“Hah... Hah...” Kaede’s heavy breaths were visible, her shoulders shaking as she tried to press even closer for warmth. Maki did the same. “Maki-chan... It’s scary, but... A-At least we’re not alone... We’ll get out of here together, right? Because we’re best friends.”

Maki nodded, and then, Kaede slumped a bit.

“Maki-chan... I love you...”

“...Kaede-chan...?” Maki blinked once and shook her shoulders. “Kaede-chan. Kaede!?”

“...sorry... I’m really sleepy,” Kaede mumbled, shivering. “When I wake up...maybe we’ll be safe...”

“Kaede, if you sleep like this you’ll die!” she exclaimed, gripping Kaede’s shoulders and shaking her more frantically. “Don’t you understand?! You’ll die! Do you want to die?! Stay with me, please!”

Kaede blinked up at her weakly. Slowly, she cupped Maki’s cheek and nodded.

“O-Okay... Let’s get out of here together first. Because we’re...best friends.”

Maki nodded furiously in return.

“Y-Yes... Yes...”

She looked around, holding Kaede close as she did.

Where...should we go? What should we do...?

Kaede smacked her cheeks to snap herself more awake. But she still shivered a lot, rubbing at her arms as she did.

I have to protect Kaede... I have to protect...

A rustling in the bush. Kaede flinched, and pressed close.

“A-A bear...?!”

A bear...?

Without thinking, Maki readied the gun best she could.

The shot was deafening. The recoil was enough to knock them both down.

“MAKI-CHAN!!!”

“Maki...” Kaede pushed herself up. Kaede reached for her. “Maki...”

“M...Maki...chan... Is it dead?”

“...I think so...”

Hand in hand, the two of them walked tentatively towards the crumbled body in the snow. Rather than rugged fur, Maki saw splayed strands of golden blond.

...eh...?

“Mom!?”

Kaede yanked herself away, threw herself forward.

“Mom! MOM!!!” She screamed, clinging to her mother’s blouse and trembling far more than she ever had before. “Please, please answer me!”

She pushed.

“No!”

And pushed.

“No!”

Maki’s legs went out, the rifle crushingly heavy in her grip.

“M...Maki-chan... What...did you do...?” Kaede was looking at her the way one looked at a monster. “What did you do?!”

“I killed her... I...killed...”

Kaede’s gaze wasn’t anything like before.

Maki swallowed, and shivered, as though they were once again in that cold forest.

“Kaede...” Another shiver. “I killed her...”

Kaede nodded solemnly.

“...Oh, Maki...”

“Maki...chan...”

“I-I... I...” Maki scrambled forward, pushing at Kaede’s mother. “G...Get up... Get up...!”

She pushed, hands digging in and then coming away slick with blood. She was startled enough to stumble back, tripping over the rifle she put down.

“I-I... No... No, no, no, no...”

“M-Maki-chan...!”

Kaede was by her side. Kaede was holding her steady in spite of everything. Even with the world itself collapsing, Kaede was holding her steady.

Even though it wasn’t long before both of them were screaming.

Kaede’s father and the other adults searching for them had rushed in soon enough.

Neither of them had spoken for a long time. Somehow, they still ended up pressed closely together on the couch, cuddled up like they had been back then.

“...it’s not your fault, Maki,” Kaede said softly. “I’m sure that... My mom doesn’t...”

“Stop it.” Maki buried her face into her knees. “I don’t want to hear it. She died because of me. Her daughter and her husband were hurt deeply as a result. I don’t want you telling me that she doesn’t blame me for any of that.”

Kaede silently patted her shoulder.

“...it did hurt...a lot...and probably always will...” Quieter, she went on. “Especially now that these old wounds have been reopened but... I think they’ll heal...maybe better than before. Even if it’s not...completely.”

“Do you really think comforting lies will make it better?” Maki asked.

Kaede laughed mirthlessly.

“I just want you to stay with me, Maki.”

Maki shook her head.

“You should not be asking that of a killer. A killer should be alone.”

“That sounds really lonely, Maki,” Kaede said. “And everyone’s still going to worry about you.”

“I can no longer join them. Not with my crime weighing me down. That is...”

Maki sighed.

“...all there is to it.”

It cannot be helped. Someone like me is meant to be empty. I’ve always been empty. It’s no wonder I killed someone. Someone this empty can only leave behind more emptiness.

Kaede’s arms once again encircled her.

“...Kaede...quit being stubborn.”

Kaede held onto her tight.

“Kaede, didn’t you hear me? I’m a killer. A killer should be alone.”

Kaede squeezed.

“...Then,” Kaede said suddenly. “I’ll kill you. It’s only fair. You killed my mom.”

Kaede buried her face into Maki’s shoulder and bit down.

“...I’ll kill you...so that we’ll be together forever, Maki. Alright?”

Maki seized up, heart leaping at the thought.

“A...Alright.”

Their fingers entwined as their lips met, and Kaede pushed her down, pinning her to the cushions.

The two of them were breathing heavily as before.

“...I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you, I’ll...”

As Kaede undid the buttons of her blouse, tears plip-plopped onto Maki’s collarbone. Maki breathed in, eyes stinging, and then, Kaede slumped with the saddest of smiles, eyes wet and wavering.

Maki sniffled, and then, breath hitching, she broke into sobs.

“Oh, Maki,” Kaede murmured, taking her into her arms and squeezing. “I promise. I’m not going to let you be alone. Never again.”

Maki held onto her as she cried with all the frustration and anguish she never got to release in all those years. She cried until she felt her very heart collapsed.

The world is a rather cold and dull place, but Kaede’s hand is warm, her smile bright like daybreak.

Despite that, there’s a shadow weighing on her that there hadn’t been before.

Many things have changed, again and again, in part due to an ever shifting Kaede.

“Ooh, it’s almost autumn!” Kaede exclaimed. “The leaves are turning different colors, Maki! Look! Don’t these red leaves suit your eyes? Maybe these brown ones suit your hair?”

“That yellow one suits Kaede, then,” Maki said.

“Ehhh?! You think so?!”

Despite the dullness of the colder ground, the colder atmosphere, the trees were awash in these colors the two of them kept pointing out as though without a care in the world.

Even outside of such things, Akamatsu Kaede remained vibrant.

“Ack! We’re wasting time, Maki! We need to hurry! We’ll be late for class at this rate!”

“I don’t really care.”

“You should!” Kaede yanked on her hand. “Come on!”

“Alright.”

The class was loud and excitable as always.

“Yoooo, HaruMaki!!! Kaede!!!”

“Good morning, Harukawa-san, Akamatsu-san...”

“My most beloved Akamatsu-chan! And Harukawa-chan, too, I guess.”

“Morning, morning!” Kaede greeted happily while Maki blankly nodded at a lot of them.

“Harukawa-san,” Shirogane said kindly. “How are you feeling this plain morning?”

“Mm...” Maki shrugged. “So-so, I guess.”

“Aah, is that all?”

“...yeah.”

There wasn’t much else to say. It wasn’t like any of them mattered save for Kaede.

That is...what I think.

After all, she and Kaede were killers. Accomplices, really. So, they couldn’t really make friends anymore.

Kaede gave up on that to be with me.

What a despairing thought. But, that said, Kaede was the kind of bullheaded person who wouldn’t let her despair. Kaede, in many ways, encapsulated that kind of desperate hope.

...hope...

What a funny word that was.

“There’s a song I thinking of writing,” Kaede said once, head resting on folded arms. “It’s a piano piece, of course. I’ve had the melody playing in my head for a while now. But I haven’t figured out how to end it.”

“So, you started to compose your own music,” Maki hummed. “Perhaps I should take up a creative hobby, too. Like write a book. I do spend a lot of time around children, so maybe a children’s book? Hmm, hmm.”

Kaede laughed, stretching out her arms and popping the joints in her fingers.

The library wasn’t quiet that day. Their classmates were bustling a bit, but not as much as usual. At times, the two of them could feel various worried glances. That said, they were not approached.

It was as if there was an invisible barrier between them and everyone else.

...sometimes, it feels as though we’re still trapped in that forest together.

“Perhaps you can write your book alongside my music,” Kaede suggested. “I think my idea could work as a children’s book.”

“Oh?”

Kaede nodded cheerily.

“...it’s about two bear girls. Lost in a forest together.”

“Are those bear girls supposed to be us?” Maki asked, hushed yet affronted with eyes narrowed dangerously.

Kaede giggled, waving her hands.

“Don’t make such a scary face!”

Maki’s frown deepened. Kaede, smiling, hummed as though without a care.

“It’s wintry cold and getting colder,” she said. “If those two bear girls are never found, they’ll fall into an eternal sleep that cannot be woken from. Because, aha, bears are supposed to hibernate in the winter...”

Maki blinked once, twice, and her frown faded.

“...are they ever found, Kaede...?”

“I think,” Kaede said. “I’ll leave you to decide that, Maki. When you write that children’s book, tell me the ending, okay? Then I’ll finish the piece and play it for everyone. I think our class would like to hear it.”

“...” Maki’s gaze flickered to their class. Each one of them met her gaze in one way or another. Despite that, it felt as though all she could see were trees.

...the only one who matters is Kaede... That is...what I thought.

“I think they’d like to hear it, too.”

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