#Also hand me downs are great so I don't have to know the mortification of going to the store

[chvoswxtch]

hi hi my loveliest, my sweetness!! we are celebrating YOU and 2k!!! But the hedonistic bitch that I am, I can’t help to be self indulgent.

and since I’ve never been all that great with moderation, I’m gonna go ahead and order a margarita on the rocks with either frankie, matty, or actually even billy (this is your fault btw) and the following lyrics from banks’ fuck em only we know:

Did I say

You're all that matters to me anyway

I'd give up everything to see your face

So come on, let's pretend

That no one else is watching while we play

By your side

That's where I have to be now we won't hide

I breath your kisses just to stay alive

I see exactly what you think

And I can feel you with my eyes

and then, because in actuality it’s my fave drink, could I also get a martini🍸?

obviously, you don’t have to do either, you can do both, neither, just happy to be celebrating you tbh!!! cheers to you lovely 🍾 xxx

MY SWEET ANGEL BABY D!!!!

I just love ya so much. I can't even tell you the meaning of the word moderation, so don't worry about it. this bar is a safe space. 🍸

so, i'm going to be extremely evil and not tell you who's waiting for you at the end of the bar with your margarita on the rocks. you're just gonna have to go down there and figure it out for yourself. (no peeking in the tags!!!)😈

cheers my love!! 🥂

as a reminder: margarita on the rocks means it's spicy (minors dni)!

blurb below the cut

only we know

let's pretend that no one else is watching while we play

Billy was explaining to everyone at your table all about his latest training program that Anvil was developing, but you couldn’t focus on a single fucking thing he was saying, because his hand hand slipped beneath your dress under the table, and his index finger was lazily rubbing at your clit through the thin, soaked panties you wore.

You should’ve known better than to listen when Billy suggested you wear the dress with the slit up the thigh. In your panic about looking presentable at such a fancy party, you had missed the starvation in his voice when he suggested the midnight blue dress, stating that it was the most elegant dress in your closet and that it complemented your skin tone perfectly. The satin material also made it damn near impossible impossible to wear normal panties at all, so you’d settled on a seamless thong that would appear invisible beneath the dress.

Billy Russo had set a trap, and you walked right fucking into it.

Brazenly slipping the flimsy material to the side, his index finger slowly swirled around your entrance before sinking the long digit into the warmth of your velvet walls, and you covered up a moan with a gulp of champagne. You had your thighs clamped so tightly around his wrist to prevent his movements, but Billy was stronger than you, and more tenacious. He never backed down when he wanted something, and right now he wanted you.

He wasn’t even looking at you. Billy’s face was completely neutral as he spoke, fully engaged in the conversation taking place around you while toying with your clit and fucking you with his finger at a menacingly languid pace. You weren’t as good of an actor. Your cheeks were no doubt flushed scarlet from a wanton mixture of desire and mortification at what you were letting him do to you in such a public setting. Billy always pushed your boundaries. You knew he would stop if you asked him to. He never pushed you further than what he thought you could handle, and if you drew a line before he did, he wouldn’t cross it.

Wrapping your hand firmly around Billy’s wrist, you dug your nails deeply into his skin, and he retaliated by pressing his thumb roughly against your clit. You sank your teeth so deep into your bottom lip, it was a miracle you didn’t break the skin.

“Billy…”

He finally turned his attention to you when you whispered his name, and while his features still remained fixated in an expression of nonchalance, you could see the golden twinkle of mischief that shone in his deep brown eyes. He was enjoying this.

“You alright, doll?”

Billy tilted his head to the side slightly in faux concern, and the edge of his mouth tugged to the right just the tiniest bit in a crooked smirk. You tightened your jaw and tried to breathe normally through your nose, pleading silently with your eyes as his finger curled upwards to massage against that spot inside of you.

“Please.”

Billy leaned in slowly, hiding his face into your neck as his lips brushed against your ear. To anyone looking, it would’ve looked like a sweet gesture; a simple display of affection. But Billy’s words were anything but simple or sweet.

“You gonna come in front of all these people, baby?”

“Billy-”

“Want me to stop?”

Billy didn’t stop his movements, but he did slow them down, and pulled back just the slightest to study your face. Letting out a quiet whimper, you shook your head subtly, and Billy’s mouth split open into a proud grin.

“That’s my girl. Lay your head on my shoulder, stay quiet, and come on my fingers. You do that for me, I’ll give you anythin’ you want tonight, doll.”

Billy’s words rang in your ears, and you knew exactly what you wanted for your prize. Following his instructions, you rested your head on his shoulder and hid your face into his neck, wrapping your arm tightly around his middle as you gripped onto his waist inside of his jacket. The bass of Billy’s voice enveloped you as he continued to speak, speeding up the pace of his fingers as you squeezed your eyes tightly and prepared for the fireworks in the pit of your stomach to erupt.

#court's 2k follower celebration #court's 2k friends celebration #billy russo #billy russo x you #billy russo x y/n #billy russo x female reader #billy russo x fem!reader #billy russo x f!reader #billy russo blurb #billy russo request #billy russo smut

[kingmaker-a]

You're a Keeper | Olivia Hye

Hogwarts AU

Related Works: Ecdysis

Slytherin!Olivia Hye x Gryffindor!Reader

Main Cast: Olivia Hye, Kim Lip, Somin, J.Seph, Yoongi, Ryujin, Sly/Ecdysis OC, Yoohyeon Minor Cast: Gayoon Mentioned: Momo, Yeji, Lisa, Jihyo, Hyuna

Warnings: First date woes, mentions of anxiety and nerves

Word Count: 7.3k

Genre: Fluff and Angst

Premise: Asking some out on a date is a test of bravery, asking out your longtime rival is an even bigger one even if it is a dare.

A/N: Once again wanna blame team brainrot @sanccharine and @foolish-sparrow for this one. Took longer than I thought it would, it's also double the length I though it'd be.

Also set in the same universe and time as Ecdysis, but I don't think it's required to understand everything that happens, it just provides a little bit of context.

It had been Jungeun’s idea, a pointed barb-like jab meant to unsettle your rival,  to throw her off balance.

Still it's unseemly the way your knee bounces in place. 

“Alright today we’ll be learning the Muffliato charm,” Professor Byun’s eyes dance across the class, a soft click of his tongue. “Considering what happened last class. I’m forced to assign you your pairs.”

There’s a smirk as his eyes land on you. “Miss Son, you’re with the keeper.”

A scowl wrestles across her lips as she begrudgingly moves from her seat, she moves like she's weighed down by an anchor. 

"Gryffindork." She greets, barbed tongue. 

Your quill twirls through your fingers, "it's not exactly Christmas for me either."

Especially with Jungeun’s gaze lingering over, a tangy sweet smile that could only compare to the devil. 

Her hand sweeps through her ripe orange hair, a knowing wink flutters towards you. 

Your relationship with Olivia has always been… Complicated to say the least. 

Memories flutter like butterflies, you were… Enemies? Rivals? 

Still you understood little of her… Dislike towards you, tracing all the way back to your first year. 

Potions class, so young and fresh-faced at least by comparison, when the cold blizzard of her frosty demeanor was only but a snowflake.

You had to admit she caught your eye at first glance, even in the dark fringed shadows of the dim classroom. The sharp edge of her eyes, beautiful like a readied dagger.

If only she was only half as jagged.

Your cauldron bubbles as your hands tremble. Potions was a fine art, that you had little faith in yourself with, it didn’t help she seemed like a fish taking to water.

Her movements are efficient yet almost dance-like.

It was hypnotizing to say the least.

You’d later learn from a few others that potions were in her blood, her great grandmother had started a potion empire off of the back of her hard work.

Your family had no such claim.

One of the few problems being a muggle, acclimation.

Time blurs everything besides your early set infatuation, destroyed by the bubbling explosion of your cauldron coating you in viscous potion fluid.

The mortification still lingers in your veins, deep and detestable, you’re just glad the self-deprecation had long since passed, but a sprinkle of an unneeded ingredient.

She twists ever so slightly under your gaze, like the slow melt of ice cream. 

“Do you have an eye problem or something?” She bites, still even you can tell her fangs are nowhere near as sharp.

“Only when it’s you.”

Her eyes quirk in surprise, the slightest tilt of her head. “That… didn't come out the way you thought it would?”

You huff ever so slightly, maybe old memories were throwing you off?

“Just try the charm already.”

There’s the twinge of her familiar smile, a simple flick of her wand, “muffliato”

It looked simple enough.

Your eyes narrow across her features, “how do you know it worked?”

There’s the slightest roll of her eyes, an ever so charming smirk. “What’d you want me to do? Share a secret? As if Gryffindork.”

A sigh parts your lips, the ghostly remnants of annoyance. “Fine, just say something you wouldn’t be caught dead saying.”

She gives a soft reluctant nod. “Fine… You’re a better quidditch player than me.”

Your gaze hovers over the rest of the class, no raucous remarks or biting howls, nothing but burning silence as they focused on their own wandwork.

A victory no one else gets to witness. 

There's the illicit taunt of her smile, piercing and strong. 

"Your turn loser."

There's a burden that hitches itself against your chest, an opportune time to follow Jungeun's plan. 

It's weird frenetic energy that lingers in your veins as you command your wand, you know it's not the charm. 

Jihyo would say it was nerves or anxiety. 

Something you usually didn't experience, though scented candles often made a decent shield. 

"Muffliato," you feel the faint hint of magic in the air. 

It’s a relentless coil you can barely stop, the words part through your lips before you can stop them.

There’s a flash of surprise, a rare occurrence for the often aloof chaser, spiny and sharp. The slightest quiver in her brow ticks away like seconds on a clock.

The silence sucks all the air out of your lungs, something you hope she can’t notice. Still, if you knew that’s all it took for her to shut up you would’ve done so sooner.

“I-Uh,” a rare weak stutter as she melts slowly like forgotten ice cream in a heated summer. Her voice shakes almost unsure.

There’s a nervous dry gulp that racks through her throat, something you mirror instantaneously. 

Her eyes narrow against yours like focused steel.

“Sure, I um, would like that.”

Hogwarts has a slightly different edge in the wake of your bravery, an illicit secret held only by three. 

Still, no one talked about the annoying semantics of actually sorting out a date, when you both were so busy. 

Or how much you wanted to throw up afterwards, still there’s a frazzled excitement that lingers in your veins, a buzzing dancing limelight.

Waves bounce and lap at the boast, dancing with crystalised moonlight, the closest thing you and Jungeun had to a hideout. Neither of you were the smart or lucky type to find one of the mysterious passage ways that seemed to linger in every crevice of stone.

Jungeun arches an eyebrow, her eyes floating over you with a practiced poise, "and she just agreed? Just like that?" 

Still there’s a hint of strain, a world of magic and this is what she can't suspend her disbelief with?

"Yeah? Why don't you believe in me?" 

She smiles that dancing smile you're so used to, it plays against a knife's edge. "Don't get me wrong buddy, I love you."

Her lips boil and twist, machinations in sugar coating. 

"You're not exactly smooth to put it lightly," there's the blossoming dance of a light chuckle.

You bite back an annoyed grimace, considering she’d known you since you were kids it was hard to argue against her.

She places a palm against your shoulder, “still, there’s something wonderfully endearing about the way you throw yourself at everything.”

Your tongue pokes at the lining of your cheek, you can’t tell if you want to shove her into the lake or pull her into a hug.

The former would be funnier.

Her feet dance along the edge almost mockingly, the moon drifts through the night air. 

The sole spotlight. 

Still you catch the edges of a cocked eyebrow, as her fingers fidgets absently. 

"You don't think she's up to something do you?" 

Your eyebrows crease under surprised weight, "it's not like you to worry Lippie."

The slightest hint of a frown lines her lips, a slight twitch of her nose highlighted by moonlight. 

"I can handle myself."

"I know, it's just… You weren't supposed to actually go on a date." there's a roll of her eyes you can't quite make out, made only obvious by the flare of hip with a rested hand and an annoyed tilt of her head. 

It's almost piercing, when you feel her gaze level against you. 

Like staring down a dragon or a dementor. 

"She seemed… Earnest."

That wasn't a lie. 

You catch the slightest huff leaving her lips as she takes a seat on the concrete edge, her feet dance against the almost glassy surface of Black Lake. 

You swear there's the tiniest grumble before she pats the concrete right next to her. 

"Do you remember when we were first years paddling across the lake," her eyes bounce across the lake like skipping stones.

"It's hard to forget, it was the first time I saw a castle in real life." 

You catch the glimmer of her teeth, a heated chuckle bounces through the air. 

"Yeah, well I made a promise to myself that day," her eyes return to you with that piercing glaze. 

It holds tight in the air like frosted snow in an eternal winter. 

"And what was that?" 

You feel her fingers crest your shoulders, "that I'd always have your back."

You sense there's something else, something more. 

"But?" 

"But… I won't hide the moments I disagree with."

"...Wait, don't tell me you're jealous, Lippie."

There's a grimace of annoyance that flashes over her flared smile, a roll of her eyes as her fingers settle on the bridge of her nose. 

Still a chuckle rumbles past her painted lips. 

"No you idiot, I'm just worried. She's always been out to get you ever since we were first years in potions class."

Your eyes flutter as a shrug floats through your shoulders. "She hasn't, wasn't that bad."

"Do I have to remind you how many detentions you've been in because of her?" 

"Ah-Well-" 

None this year, though it did line up with both of you joining your respective quidditch teams. 

A rare moment lingers on the edge of your brow, you'd gotten dangerously close to detention during flying class at the beginning of the year. 

You remember the morning dew that danced in the green grass, the morning sun stretching with an aching need through the lawn. 

A hawk-eyed glare drags across the class with a flared scowl etched into the teeth of Professor Gong. 

"Why am I not surprised to see you centered in this mess, Miss Son?" Her tongue clicks at the edge of teeth, raking with a seething edge. 

Wind billows with a light breeze, your eyes linger on Olivia. A rare dance of remorse at the grasp of her lips. 

"I-" 

"I explicitly told all of you to remain off your brooms while I assisted Miss Hirai to the hospital wing," another flare dances across her eyes as her words sink like daggers into each and every one of you. "So why is it that I find Miss Son parading about on her broom?”

It had been her idea, a test of skill, a race.

Something you were happy to indulge in, anything to wipe the smirk from her face.

It’s rare to catch her almost shrinking underneath the instructor’s pointed glare, something was amiss.

Instructor Gong’s eyes twist across the class for any sort of explanation.

There would be none.

A beleaguered sigh dances from her lips, “very well. 20 points deducted from Slytherin and detention for the rest of the week.”

“But-”

It almost tugs at your heart, the way her voice begs.

“But what Miss Son? You’re a talented flyer and I’ve given you plenty of chances because of that.” Her eyes narrow. “You need to understand that your actions have consequences.”

Her mouth opens with a begging ache even if words fail to tumble out.

Perhaps Instructor Gong was right.

Olivia’s gaze twinkles over the class, with an almost foreign softness, edged with an aching plea.

It was rare to see her so… docile and wounded.

Whispers dance through class like fluttering butterflies, even you can’t ignore the ruffle of laughter.

“I heard Slytherin’s Quidditch trials are this week.”

“Well, looks like she’s definitely not making it onto the Quidditch team.”

“What a loser, it’s all she’s been talking about.”

It hits like an anchor, you were partially responsible for indulging her. Your lungs vibrate with electric anxiety as your eyes linger over Olivia's sullen look.

Still you speak up.

“Actually, Instructor Gong it was my idea.”

A bold-faced lie.

You catch the echoes of surprise that linger on Olivia’s face, a twisted tilt of her face and knotted brows.

Something mirrored equally by Instructor Gong.

“Did I hear that right, Keeper?”

“Yes, maam.”

No need to get further on her bad side.

Her eyes bounce between you and Olivia, a furrowed brow and a deep breath. 

“Very well, 20 points to Gryffindor.”

Jihyo was gonna chew you out for losing points, especially when Slytherin could’ve lost po-

“Wait? To?”

“Are your ears not working, Keeper? I would be remiss to reward your bravery, especially when Gryffindor would’ve gained more from Miss Son’s detention.”

Perhaps, that’s the moment that softened Olivia to your charm.

Jungeun’s chuckle snaps you back.

“I doubt it buddy. Maybe she just feels like she owes you?”

The fireplace dances with a charmed brilliance, the smell of firewood hangs cozily in the air. Your fingers flick through old worn pages, yet try as you may there’s an uncomfortable edge that clings to your skin despite the snugness of your common room.

Your hand rakes through your hair with an exasperated sigh.

“Everything alright Keeps?” He strides with a clam ease, his own book clasped tight in his grasp, the slightest hint of worry furrowed into his brow.

“Uh-yeah?” Your lips crease and bow, anxiety lingers at the fringes. “I just-”

“Girl problems?” Crescent moon eyes shine with a hallowed warmth. “As your senior, I don’t mind giving some advice.”

Another voice bounces against the familiar stone walls, you can practically imagine the way her eyes roll.

“Ugh, don’t listen to him, he's an idiot.” Somin prowls over your shoulder, catching the briefest glimpse of your textbook before deciding the conversation at hand was far more interesting.

Still, J.Seph has his signature calm smile. “What makes you say that? I’ve been on plenty of dates.”

Somin’s features dance with a teasing smile like a hunter catching prey in a trap. “Yet, here you are without a girlfriend.”

“I resent that.”

“You’re supposed to,” her gaze twists over you with a soft smile. “Who's the lucky person Keeper? Jihyo wouldn’t give us the details.”

“Probably scared we’d date crash.”

That was an issue you definitely didn’t want to think about.

“Yeah, like I’m gonna tell either of you.”

Somin just shrugs. “Fair enough, don’t blame you.”

“So did you ask them on a date or the other way around?” J.seph asks, finding a deep comfort in a nearby couch.

“What is this? 21 questions.”

Somin releases a sigh, “he means well believe it or not.”

“Just trying to do my job as a senior.”

“Mmh, sure sure J.”

“I asked if you must know.”

The warm crackle of fire is the only sound that lingers in the air, an awkward silence hangs thick like fog.

Still a question hangs at the edge of your lips, a weighted tension you’d done your best to ignore.

“What do I do if she only said yes because she felt like she owed me?”

“Well, uh…” J.seph shifts uncomfortably in his seat, fingers working at his chin hoping to channel great philosophers no doubt.

“I don’t actually know Keeps.”

“Can’t say I have better advice than J for once. Jihyo would probably know what to do… But you risk the chance of her getting overprotective.”

You’d heard stories from the other members. 

Well intended horror stories.

An undisputed counterweight to Slytherin’s carefree captain.

J.Seph hums a rare tune, akin to a light bulb electrified for the first time in centuries. “Regardless, I think you should take the chance you’ve been given, whether she agreed out of pity or genuine interest. Plus try to get a gauge on their general like if you don’t know them already.”

Somin nods along with a surprised countenance, “I would recommend going to Lisa for outfit advice though.”

“Agreed.”

It was weird to find Olivia mulling about in the hallway mere meters away from the hospital wing. Even weirder still was the pointed glare easily rivaling the ones she’d commonly level at you in years past.

It’s out of place in the usually calm atmosphere.

“Should I be worried or jealous that someone else has managed to draw your ire?”

Her glare is still piercing even if it isn’t aimed at you,still you catch the lingering menace in the air as she warns someone she has her eyes on them. 

Your eyes peek past her shoulder for the briefest of moments, you see the familiar flare of hair denoting one Min Yoongi, prefect, chaser prodigy and personal nightmare fuel for your hopes of being a decent keeper.

You also notice Sly, Slytherin Duel Captain and the center of a cyclone of rumors, many best left unsaid.

Well at least if you liked your bones being unbroken.

According to rumors at least.

Rumors and hearsay aside, you didn’t want to get on the wrong side of them. Their prowess had led to the dissolution of Crossed Wands on the off chance they’d participate.

Yet here she was prodding a sleeping bear, granted from a decent enough distance to maybe get away.

Her eyes never detract from the conversation between the two except for the brief moment she takes you in. 

“Oh, it’s just you.”

No insulting nicknames or scathing remarks.

It’s somehow more odd and unsettling than a stray dementor or boggart.

“Huh, I can see why you’re by the hospital wing, something is surely wrong with you.”

Her eyes clamp shut, a strained almost frustrated sigh drags along her throat. “Could you shut up? I’m trying to eavesdrop.”

Still, you can't help but notice the slightest softened edge to her hostility. 

"Anything in particular we're listening out for?" Your voice nothing but a hushed whisper. 

"Well, if you must know, it turns out Yoongi's leaning to the Ryujin side of things regretfully."

Cocked eyebrow is your only response, well, at least until you realise she isn't gonna look your way. 

Too focused on the hushed conversation. 

"Regretfully?" 

"Yes, regretfully I'm on team Yeji becau-" her eyes dart over you with a flash of surprise. "-That's beside the point, it's a whole thing in a quidditch team."

You do your best to make out the words exchanged, yet it's a swirling jumbled mess. 

"Didn't peg you for a romant-" 

You catch the briefest glimmer of fluster as she hushes you with a wave of her hand. 

"Shut up, it's just getting good."

It's rare to see the slow bloom of a smile on her lips, at least in your presence. Still you can't help but feel the slightest twinkle of joy in your chest as the tiniest curve of her lips graces her face. 

Still her eyes follow and bounce like a really good book, you swear she's so lost in the conversation that she forgot about your presence. 

The thought is punctuated with an ecstatic fist pump. The beginnings of happy laughter rumble through her cheeks before her eyes land on you. 

She clears her throat. 

"So?" 

"Oh, uh. Yoohyeon finally made a move on Sly."

"The muggle snake?"

Her eyes snap to you with a sharpened precision, the slow roll of her neck reveals a layer of frost and cold you hadn't quite seen from her before. 

"You want to say that again?" 

You hear the shift in the sleeves of her robe. 

The slow draw of a wand. 

You hadn't ever seen her so quick to fight, not in the years that you've known her. 

Well more of butted heads, but that made no difference. 

Still, you'd heard from the other Gryffindor kids about the Slytherin obsession. 

The Wizarding World was an odd place, a struggle that you were still having a hard time adjusting to even now. 

Your eyebrows knit together as you slowly raise your palms, "I meant no offense. I could never understand the wizard obsession with blood."

Slowly the layer of frost melts with realization, a flash of widened eyes as she stows her wand hastily. 

"I-" 

A deep sigh passed through lips, like a pressure valve releasing what it can. 

Her nose scrunches. 

There is the slightest hum of acknowledgement. "That does explain a lot though."

Her lips purse as her eyes linger softly against your face. 

"I'm sorry, I'm not usually so quic-" 

You knew that already, she was typically more bark than bite in the violent sense. 

Mutually assured destruction however, wasn't outside of the question. Many shared detentions had driven that point home. 

"To violence, I know."

You offer the briefest flutter of a smile, a small reassurance. 

There's a grumble of words you can't quite make out. 

"What was that?" 

"Hm? Oh, stress amongst other things has been getting to me. Professor K won't let me take my wand onto the quidditch field."

"Why's that?" 

There’s a hesitation, a smile slowly creeps on to her lips. 

“Violent outbursts.”

A laugh blisters through your throat, violent and abrupt. 

"Now, that sounds more like you." A smile teems at the edge of your lips. Crossing your arms you can't help but notice the slightly cute if annoyed glare. "But have you tried de-stressing a little? Scented candles and breathing exercises are usually my go to."

There's a shift to her eyes, an almost soft surprise. "Hm, you didn't seem like the type."

"We all have our secrets and quirks, Olivia."

You don't quite catch the small hint of a frown as her name rolls off your tongue. 

Months had fluttered by in the blink of an eye, even the sorrowful taste of defeat bubbles past without fanfare, you’re too focused on other things.

Your veins cackle with frenetic energy, matched only by the racing beat of your heart. Your feet pace against cobblestone paths, Hogsmeade was often a point of comfort. The delicate cozy warmth and the flow of butterbeer a shield against the stress of Hogwarts life.

Yet it’s anything but.

“Everything alright love?” An unfamiliar voice, a practiced glimmer of teeth, prim and proper.

Only now do you feel it, the ignored anxious edge that bites at your skin.

“You’ve been pacing around for quite a bit.”

“Uh-yeah, just a bit nervous.” Your fingers wash over the back of your neck.

There’s an almost knowing smile that blisters across her lips. “First date?”

“How’d you know?”

“You come to know the signs over the years,” a flash of recognition bursts across her eyes. “Where are my manners, Madam Heo, but Gayoon works just fine.”

She offers a hand, soft against the firm callouses of your own hand. “Everyone calls me Keeper.”

There’s the slightest twinkle in her eyes, a brilliant smile. “Keeper was my position back in school.”

You catch a slight quirk in her eyebrows. “You’re the one who asked Olivia on a date aren’t you?”

“Surely you didn’t gather that from nerves.”

A brief chuckle lingers against her lips, “No Hyuna told me. She was surprised that someone built up the courage.”

“Hyuna?”

“Ah, right. I believe it’s professor Kim now,” a finger taps across her cheek. “She teaches ancient runes I think?”

“You think? I thought she was a friend of yours.”

She nods, “we are, we’ve been friends since our time as students but I found some subjects awfully dull, ancient runes being one of them.”

“Anyway, enough about me. You should come inside, Olivia will be here any minute now.”

It’s calmer than you expected, lingering remarks from Lisa and Somin of garish tackiness fall on deaf ears. Candles hum with a delicate warmth, there’s a romantic moodiness that hangs in the air.

“What happened to the-”

There’s a hum of a smile.

“The tackiness? Got rid of it when I finally scrounged enough Galleons together to become the official owner. So please tell your friends it’s safe to come back.”

She guides you to a table nestled in the corner far from prying eyes. There’s a sudden seriousness to her expression.  “Actually, what made you decide to have your date here? It can’t have been the raving reviews of your peers.”

“Jihyo, my team captain. She said and I quote, if you intend to take your date seriously, take her somewhere serious. The Three Broomsticks is no place for romance.” You cock your head to the side, a slight chuckle dances across your lips remembering her barely veiled anger. “Do you think she had a bad date at the Broomsticks?”

A smile skirts across her lips. “Maybe? Did you want some advice?”

“Yeah, that’d be great actually, everyone has been less than helpful.”

“Compliment her when she comes in, tell her she looks great." She practically prances around your table. "Good conversation is a must but most importantly be yourself."

"Gotcha."

The front door bell rings with a crisp edge, the jingle instantly puts you on edge. There's a heightened prickle itching against your skin, an uncomfortable warmth. 

"Sounds like she's here, I'll be back with tea and refreshments."

It takes all your strength to not sink into your chair, it takes you even more to peel yourself away. 

You wanted to make a good impression. 

Needed to. 

Still your heart pounds in your throat with each step, the weakest parts of your mind begging to run and hide. 

The door clatters shut. 

She's beautiful. 

Well and truly. 

It socks you in the chest harder than a depulso charm, even in spite of the aloofness that lingers in her eyes and dances on her lips. 

Perfect wind tousled hair matched only by the shroud of her leather jacket. You can't help but kick yourself for not asking her out sooner. 

She's effervescent, a hand trails through hair. She looks like she'd pull you into the night on top of a motorcycle for the ride of your life. 

A troubled look lingers in her eyes, a tangle of worry knots her eyebrows. 

"Is there something on my face Gryffindork?" 

Her hands dive into the pockets of her jacket as her tongue runs over her teeth. 

"Uh, what? No… It's just ah you look great."

Do you offer a handshake? Go for a hug or what? 

Man you should've really asked for more help. 

Though it's not like you could Google it on Hogwarts ground. 

Her worry almost weighs heavier at your words, "thanks? I didn't think it would suit me but Yooh insisted."

She almost paces under your gaze. 

Right, you should take her to your table. "Our table's right over here."

You barely hide the tremble in your leg as you take a seat. 

"I didn't think you were the type for a tea shop."

"I'm not usually but I figured it would be a nice change of pace from the Three Broomsticks."

Her fingers dance in place with an almost pedantic edge. "That's certainly brave." 

Even in the candlelit warmth, her voice runs cold with a biting edge. 

A frown deepens across her lips as her eyes avoid yours, "Did you wait for long?" 

"No, not at all."

It bubbles in your chest, the lingering silence spoils and rots into anxiety unhinged. 

Her mouth opens, thoughts, words lingering on the edge go unsaid.

This was certainly going great. It’s not like you could both talk about the quidditch game either, a bitter point for both parties involved.

Even if Slytherin won.

Your throat runs dry.

There’s a subtle cough to your side, Gayoon. A small safety blanket against the waves of bouncing anxiety even if your heart feels seasick amongst the swell.

“Here’s your tea, as well as some cake, on the house,” she flashes you a smile, running a hand over your shoulder with a comforting squeeze as she places the cake on the table. 

Olivia's eyes light up with a barely concealed joy, "thanks."

Gayoon leaves without any further words only offering a thumbs up. 

Olivia's teaspoon swipes through a slice of cake like the flash of a knife. "Oh that's good."

"Should I be concerned that you get special treatment from Madam Heo?" There's a bite-like edge to her words, snarky and barbed. It only takes a gaze at her eyes to know it's unintentional, a brief flash of worry. 

"It's-" 

The front door jingles and your heart sinks. 

"okay."

Everything was not okay, your skin prickles, blisters with an anxious heat equivalent to the sun. 

Boots pad across the floor pounding against your heart. Still, there’s an almost wasted attempt at stealth on Yoongi’s part as his companion’s laughter echoes through the air.

“I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop,” there’s an almost unsung happiness to Ryujin’s voice, candid and real compared to the stories you’d heard from your seniors. 

A bright enthused smile.

She hardly seemed like the promiscuous type.

“If all it’d take was winning the Quidditch cup-” her smile sinks as her eyes latch onto you and Olivia. “There’s the other shoe.”

“Wh-?” A flash of panic dances across his eyes. “Fuck.”

His wand moves with a familiar poise.

Muffliato.

“Earth to Gryffindork,” Olivia’s hand waves in front of your eyes, there’s a hum that lines her throat as she scans your face.

“Sorry,” you offer the shake of your head. Still, you can’t quite focus on Olivia. “What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you wanted some cake.”

It’s hard to focus with daggers pointed straight at your head, Yoongi settles into his seat with a muffled huff, eyes never quite leaving your head. You couldn’t help but feel like prey under the gaze of a snake-like predator.

Your teeth grind against each other, tensed with an anxious edge. 

If you weren’t over thinking every small interaction before, you certainly are now. The air feels stuffy and hard to breathe, it’s almost hard to believe this started out as a dare.

You’d taken the excuse and run with it, so too had your anxiety you suppose. A thinly veiled shield if she rejected you.

“Uh, I’m not hungry.” Her eyes narrow against you as you force a smile across your lips. “You have it.”

“...Alright.” There’s the slightest pout that you catch, yet, if she doesn’t believe you she certainly doesn’t say anything.

She eats slowly but surely in the suffocating silence.

You can't help but feel pinned against Yoongi's gaze, a scowl forms at the edge of his lips twisting into a frown. 

Olivia's eyebrows twitch, furrowed with thinly veiled annoyance. Her lips tighten, yet somehow there's a softness to her as she takes a deep breath. 

"Are you okay?" Fight as you may, your fingers tug at your collar as you gulp dryly on air. "You haven't touched your tea."

Words choke against your throat without a noise.

Her eyes trail, following your gaze, snapping against Yoongi. A grumble lines her throat, her grip tense against the table, you swear you can hear the creak of wood bending against her strength.

“Of course that idiot is here with Ryujin.” The venom simmers and boils, barely concealed in your presence. 

Even in spite of her anger, you can’t help but think about how you could’ve been a better date. You should’ve remained focused on your date, fearless like a true Gryffindor. Instead here you were watching a potential trainwreck.

Could’ve asked her about her day.

Hell, you should’ve brought flowers, despite her appearance she seemed like a closet romantic.

Could’ve been smoother overall.

The front door jingles with an almost panicked rush, everything comes to a crawl in that moment.

She already has her wand drawn, she always was quicker on the draw. Still your fingers fumble against your own wand before it clatters to the floor. 

You should’ve talked her down, instead of being lost in the mists of your own anxiety. Even then? What would you have said?  It almost feels like crossing a boundary, who were you to tell her what to do?

You catch an almost mirrored spark of magic at the tip of Yoongi’s wand, still there’s an almost reflexive panic like he was staring down a Graphorn.

Frankly you could see it.

Still, part of you moves instinctively to protect her, even as your wand lays forgotten to the side. Your muscles bounce and buckle as you push yourself in front of her. 

Your shoulder shudders under her strength as she shoves you to the ground, anger seethes in every fiber of her body.

“Depul-”

“Flipe-”

“Expelliarmus.” 

Both of their wands soar through the air, clattering to the floor.

The voice echoes without the deep-seated desperation you’d heard on the Quidditch field, instead you catch the wisps of an almost annoyed sigh. You’d never known Slyherin’s duel captain on a personal level, it came with the territory of being a Gryffindor.

Despite the look of pure mortification that flashes across Olivia's eyes, anger and rage still boils to the top as her fists clench, rushing recklessly at Yoongi.

“Seriously?” there’s a roll of the captain’s eyes, as they grapple against Olivia’s fury. Still there’s an almost pleased look that dances across their lips, impressed by Olivia’s gumption. 

“Yooh, why don’t you look after the kid while I deal with things in here,” there’s an almost honey sweet like quality that lingers against the nickname, despite the physical pressure.

You feel a soft hand tug you to your feet, an endearing smile. “Sorry about this, we’re not usually this bad.”

She pulls out of the tea shop and suddenly you can breathe again, the embers of sunset crest the hills soaking the world in an orange honey warmth. 

She checks you over with a soft smile, a stark contrast to the almost domineering warmonger that nearly maimed J.Seph on the Quidditch field. 

Her lips purse into a frown, “Sorry again.”

“It’s okay, I’m no worse for wear,” your eyebrows knot together. “Right?”

She chuckles, “Peak physical health, but I can’t imagine you have the highest opinion of Slytherin, especially given the last couple occasions.”

Occasions was one way to put it.

“I don’t mind if you dislike us, especially if it’s because of what happened on the Quidditch field.” her teeth tug anxiously at her lips. “But please don’t hold it against Olivia.”

“I mean I still came to the date didn’t I?”

“I mean, yeah.” she nods, “but chivalry is one of your house qualities.”

That wasn’t wrong. 

It’s like a gust of wind.

“I like her a lot.”

She smiles, “then you should tell her that. Though-”

The front door jingles as Sly stretches with a yawn. “It’ll have to wait, those two morons have to clean up the tea shop.”

You could never understand the duel captain’s nickname.

“And you’re not helping them?” annoyance knots across her eyebrows. “You should be making things easier for the lovebirds, not harder.”

There’s a roll of Sly’s eyes. “Because you made it easier for me right?”

“I-” she pouts grumpily, somehow it’s more cute than angry. She rolls her eyes in turn. “You stupefy someone once.”

“You did it more than once-”

“I did not!” Her boots stomp into the ground.

“You’re saying you didn’t make me stupid in love?” A teasing smirk lines their lips, you swear you can taste bile at the fringes of your throat.

Still, she melts, a blush blooms across her cheeks.

“Plus I distinctly remember someone avoiding me for a couple months,” despite the context you catch a smile on the feared captain’s lips.

“Because I was mortified, well that and…” her voice trails off lost in thought. “What if she does the same thin-”

“She won’t,” there’s firm confidence that you wish you had.

“What makes you so sure?” Yoohyeon’s eyebrows knit together much like your own. 

“Just call it a feeling,” Sly’s eyes wash over you with a piercing calculativeness that you previously didn’t notice. “You don’t have your wand right?”

Your palms pad over every familiar spot coming up with nothing.

A cocky smirk lingers, “She’ll return it, she has to.”

“That’s… Sly.”

Your comment earns you a wink, “it’s nice to know my genius doesn’t go unnoticed. Olivia might have to watch out before I have a new favorite junior.”  

“Anyway, Yooh. I can hear the Three Broomsticks calling our name so we should make our exit.”

Ironic that you’ve gotten more help from the Slytherin quidditch team than your own.

Well, Lisa and Jihyo were excluded obviously.

“Oh, and Keeper?”

“Yeah?”

“Good luck, you’re gonna need it.”

A yawn tugs at your lips as you rest against the edge of your bed.

Maybe you’d been a little pre-emptive in praising Sly. You feel it like a dripping leak  in your heart.

What if she only agreed to the date because she felt like she owed you? It’s a thought you shouldn’t linger on.

But you can’t help it.

Jungeun doesn’t respond to any of your messages.

Maybe she was already asleep?

The alternative was less than ideal.

Before you can mope any longer an owl swoops into your dorm practically throwing an envelope square at your face before departing.

You don’t even need to read who it’s from, the owl’s decorum was more than enough evidence to go off of.

We need to talk, meet me at the clock tower courtyard.

It wasn’t unheard of for you to sneak out, frankly the opposite. Yet, somehow there’s something illicit about sneaking out to meet Olivia. 

The cool night air whips at your skin, still it aches more in anticipation for what the night could bring.

You spot her sitting at the edge of the fountain, knuckle white grip holding her in place. A troubled look lingers with a staining grimace.

“Hey?”

A frown settles in place on her lips. There’s a curt coldness to her voice. 

“Hey.”

You settle next to her, “everything alright?”

She scoffs, “I dunno.” Her voice reeks with a biting sarcasm. “I spent my afternoon cleaning up a tea shop after a disaster date, so I’m doing fucking dandy Keeper.”

A sigh passes through your lips, flecks of cold settle in your chest. It takes everything you have to speak. “I’m guessing you don’t want to talk about it then?”

“What, no-” A deep breath as her fingers run across her eyebrows. “Yes. I dunno.”

There’s a frustration that bounces in her eyes, she huffs passing you your wand. “Can you do me a favor?”

Forget this ever happened?

Never talk to her again?

“What?”

“P-Light this candle,” she pulls a candle from her coat pocket.

“Why?”

Another deep breath as she closes her eyes, still you catch the embers of annoyance in her voice. “Because, Sly took my wand away.”

“Oh, yeah sure thing.”

The candle blooms with a subtle warmth, lavender saunters through the air easing the rough hewn edges of your anxious heart.

It’s easy to sit in the small warmth of the lavender candle and gaze at the stars, twinkle and glisten with an unrivaled luster. It’s easy to forget how truly beautiful the stars can be without the hustle and bustle of muggle life.

Your eyes trickle over Olivia lost in the enamour of the stars, a smile settles on your lips.

Your heart aches with burden, knowing you have to be the one to break such a beautiful silence.

“Oli-”

Her fist snaps its grip to your shirt, a frown settles on her lips. Yet her eyes remain starbound.

“Don’t.”

“Oliv-”

Her grip tightens, pulling at the fabric of your shirt. Yet somehow her voice is softer than a snowflake.

“Please don’t ruin this.”

“Ruin what?”

“You don’t get it, this was my chance.” there’s a soft tentativeness as she finally looks at you. “I know it was just a stupid dare but I thought maybe, just maybe that’d you’d fall for me if I tried hard enough.”

“W-”

“But I screwed it up, royally.”

You can’t help but smile, “it wasn’t that bad.”

“I’m sorry did you start a fight and shove your date to the side? No, I didn't think so.” 

“So you can be a bit passionate.”

“And I ate all of the stupid cake by myself and I didn’t compliment you even though you looked great-”

“Thanks.”

“I killed any conversation by being boring-”

You press your hand against her tightened grip.

“Olivia.”

You catch the burning flicker of annoyance as it threatens to bloom into a forest fire. Only now do you realize it was directed at herself.

“-What?”

“I like you,” a deep breath to gather your strength. “A lot.”

Her eyebrows knit together as her eyes narrow against yours, hesitation quivers at her brow expecting a trap.

“...I  thought you hated me?”

It’s almost bewildering to hear her say that.

“I thought you hated me since potions class.”

“What, why?” There’s a lingering incredulousness that clouds her eyes.

“Because you sabotaged my cauldron.”

“Oh my god you’re an idiot Keeper, I tried saving your cauldron after you fucked up.” Despite her annoyance you catch a glimmer of teeth straying across her features.

You’d take an annoyed smile.

“Huh,” still a question lingers. “Why’d you decide to help a random muggle?”

“You really don’t remember huh?” She rolls her eyes. “You helped me with my luggage after my parents bailed. I tried finding you after the sorting hat ceremony but by that point you were already joined by the hip with Jungeun.”

“She is more than a little overprotective.”

“You know I thought you guys were together for the longest time.”

“Me and Jungeun? Hell no, we grew up together plus she has her eye on a prefect.”

“Is that why she causes so much trouble? Please tell me it isn’t Yoongi, that’d be gross.”

You can’t help but laugh at the sour expression on her face.

“Indeed it would be, Olivia.” you turn to her with a wistful smile, if only your date had gone half as well as right now.

But what was a journey without a little bit of turbulence?

“Please, don’t call me that.” She frowns.

“What? Oli-”

“Yeop.”

“Okay?” One of the few times confundus could be replicated without magic.

“Hyeju.” She takes a deep breath, eyes lingering on the stars to give her strength. “That’s my actual name.”

Did you even want to ask? Probably not. Purebloods were always more than a little weird.

“Does anyone else call you by that name?”

“No one except for you… hopefully.”

"Why me?" 

There's the tiniest hint of a huff that flares at the edge of her nostrils. "Because, and I say this praying it doesn't go to your head. But I think you're a keeper."

There's an almost forbidden softness to those last few words, they ache with a feeling she can't quite put into words. It's undeniably her. 

"Thanks for noticing I am in fact a keeper-" there's the flare of a teasing smile against the edge of your lips. A pointed snarky jab finds its mark as you feel her grip tighten with the scrunch of her nose. 

"You k-" 

"Hyeju."

It's almost sudden, the way she melts. A flare of softness that you can't quite catch in the clouds in her eyes. 

She pulls herself deep into your shoulder, a flooded content warmth flows through your chest. 

Everything is perfect in those small stray seconds and minutes, the twinkle of the stars feels brighter and radiant. 

A kiss begs itself across your lips and onto the crown of her head as you pull her closer, basking in the starlight. 

Her grip tightens against your shirt with an almost dangerous strength before fading into the obscurity of your warmth. 

It's tranquil and perfect in those moments, lost adrift in a sea of stars. 

Your eyes dance and linger with mirth, brought out of step only by the soft gingerly touch of her fingertips against your jaw. 

There's a timidness that doesn't go unnoticed, a dainty delicate touch. A fear that the moment would shatter like glass under her touch. 

Still she musters her courage, a thumb swipes across your cheek as she peels herself away from your warm embrace. 

She presses her soft lips against yours. 

You'd always hear stories about how a first kiss is akin to fireworks or the strike of lightning. 

This was nothing like that, instead you feel warm, fuzzy it's the slow billowing warmth of something more. 

A cozy cottage in the middle of winter, where kids knock on your front door and ask how you stayed together. 

Three magical words only by her touch. 

"You're a keeper."

#son hyeju #olivia hye #olivia hye imagines #olivia hye scenarios #olivia hye x reader #olivia hye x you #loona #loona olivia hye #loona imagines #loona scenarios #loona x reader #loonaxyou #kpop #kpop idols #kpop imagines #kpop scenarios #kpop x reader #kpop x you #girl group imagines #girl group scenarios

[cha-melodius]

Hi*

So I love your writing, and I've had this idea knocking around in my head that I wanted to suggest to you since I had a massage last November (ironically enough, the same day that I started writing my first TMFU fic). I had another massage today, reminding me to send you this idea.

So basically, the idea is Illya is a massage therapist, and Solo is his client/patient. Solo is an ambulatory wheelchair user (like an incomplete spinal cord injury), but due to pain in his back, he is having more bad days than average or good days, so he's using his wheelchair more often than before.

Waverly is his doctor and suggests that he should try getting massages to help manage/reduce Solo's pain. Solo is resistant to the idea but after a few months and several appointments where Waverly suggests he gives it ago he mentions it to Gaby and Gaby is like:

Wait I know a guy, you should totally give it a go. You've been miserable and in pain for months, what's the worst that can happen?

Solo begrudgingly agrees to one session to get her to stop nagging him about it. From the first session, it was incredible. He feels better, so he agrees to another appointment. As the months go by, he starts to feel better, his back pain has been reduced, and he has more good days again. He can start using his other mobility devices like crutches and canes again.

There's obviously the obligatory bumping into each other in public (maybe it's in public that Illya sees Solo using crutches for the first time, so he doesn't notice Solo at first and realises for the first time how tall Solo is, obviously not as tall as Illya but taller than the average dude). Both falling for each other and mutual pining for each other, thinking that the other isn't interested and that their feelings are born from the intimate nature of the massages (also imagine Illya's mortification at falling for one of his patients/clients.)

Then the whole kissing and Illya having to hand Solo's case over to another (not as good) massage therapist, but that's not a big deal when Illya can give him a massage whenever.

*I'm using my laptop for once, and the keyboard is fucked, so please excuse the extra 'e' or absence of 'e' that I have overlooked.

Hey anon, thanks for sending this in! These types of AUs have SO much potential for mutual pining, which is always excellent, because the of the forbidden nature of the relationship.

I imagine that Illya is an exceptional masseuse but he, shall we say, is lacking in the bedside manor department, lol. He's gruff and prickly; clients will try to chit-chat and he just barely responds (or doesn't at all). Of course, this just makes Napoleon want to talk to him more. I also always see Napoleon as an incorrigible flirt, and though I think he'd try to tone it down some given the circumstances, he also can't help himself (not anything suggestive, but stuff that's more harmless). Of course then Illya gets into the massage and renders him speechless. 😂

I think it would take a while for Illya to start opening up a bit, because he absolutely doesn't have personal relationships of any kind with his clients. Maybe when they bump into each other, Napoleon offers to buy him a coffee or something and Illya tries to refuse, but eventually Napoleon convinces him to accept it and they end up sitting in the coffee shop and talking far more than they ever have before.

I feel like Illya would hand off the case earlier than anything really happening because of the conflict of his feelings, but that actually has great potential for angst because Napoleon is upset that Illya's "breaking up" with him as a client, and they don't see each other for a little while.

Lots of great potential here, anon! Thanks for sharing!

#tmfu #napollya #tmfu aus #napoleon x illya #napoleon solo #illya kuryakin #the man from uncle #the man from u.n.c.l.e. #headcanons and aus #asks and answer

[tartagliaxx]

“ UNDERGROUND GYM ”

━━ ☆ PAIRING: childe/reader

━━ ☆ GENRE: fluff

━━ ☆ SUMMARY: it’s a little embarrassing but belting out the lyrics of ‘killshot’ at 2am with feelings might’ve been his best mistake.

━━ ☆ WARNINGS: slightly suggestive, college!au

"hit me with your kill shot, baby. i mean it so serious~"

the stranger's voice reverberated along the blank walls of the gym. he has been at it for a while, you stifled your laugh as you tapped away on your phone. the few boyish cracks in his voice that occasionally made an appearance was making it incredibly hard for you to stay quiet in the hidden corner of the gym. in his defense, he didn't know he had a thoroughly amused audience though you supposed he also had it coming for being so obnoxiously loud in the dead of the night.

"oh shit," you muttered as you accidentally nudged your water bottle over. well, there goes plan a which was hiding away until he leaves to save both of you from the walk of shame. just great.

"hello?" from the other corner of the gym, childe dropped the weights with a loud clang. he didn't know which would be worse to find, a ghost or an actual living human being. in any case, he felt sorry for them after being forced to hear his... performance.

"uh hi." you peeked around the corner with an awkward smile and oh. you're adorable. childe coughed as he tried to shove the blush away. "don't mind me."

"uh no... i meant, sure! wait i—" he chuckled nervously, hand automatically reaching up to rub his nape in absolute shame. "sorry, i'm a little..."

you laughed at the small gesture he made, "i understand. uh... nice song by the way."

great. you grimaced in your head at your awful choice of words. sure. initiate a conversation with the eye candy by reminding him of his primary source of mortification. truly spectacular.

"i swear i do better during the day." despite being wrecked by out-of-character bashfulness, childe still had it in him to enjoy the sound of your genuine laughter ringing in his ears.

"it wasn't that bad."

"oh? so it was bad?"

you rolled your eyes at the stranger's dramatic reach for his heart, "oh, come on. you didn't think it was great either, right? if not... well, i hate to be the bearer of bad news but..."

you interrupted yourself with another laugh but this time, he joined you.

"so uh..." childe ran a hand through his hair with an embarrassed smile, heart still pumping irregularly though maybe, just maybe, the reasons have changed. "what are you doing here?"

"no one really uses the gym at midnight so i drop by here when i couldn't sleep."

"oh, same except well... i thought wrong."

quirking an eyebrow, you nervously nibbled at your lip and childe fought tooth and nail to avoid staring, "do you want me to leave? i can—"

"no!" both of you jumped up in surprise from the sudden exclamation that escaped his mouth, "i mean... i don't mind. you came first anyway. uh... well, do you mind if i stay?"

"no... not at all." childe returned the bright smile that you sent him, averting his gaze as soon as he felt the beginnings of the blush reaching up his neck.

"do you work out?"

"not really. i just hang around here for the peace and quiet. for some god-forsaken reason, the apartment above mine keeps on hosting parties that last all night long."

"that's college kids for you. always chasing after the last days of youth..."

furrowing your brows, you sat on the bench just beside the grey duffel bag you assumed he owned. "how about you? no parties for you?"

"nah..." a snort from him. "well, i do go to some but most of the time i spend the rare free time i get trying to catch a break."

"hard to get some of that in this complex."

"oh, i go home to my family home. it's only five blocks away from my campus. how about you?"

"me? my house is pretty far away so i just spend most of my time lounging around my apartment... or here if it's too loud there."

childe hummed in reply and you appreciated the way the slight grit in his voice sent small tingles down your spine. turning your gaze away from his face in a feeble attempt of calming down your rampant hormones, you felt your cheeks heating up even more when your eyes fell to his bare arms — slick with sweat and veins popping as he went back to lifting the weights he was doing just before your intrusion.

"do you uh," you cleared your throat as you absentmindedly fanned your cheeks. oh, as if that would help. "do you mind if i play some music?"

"feel free."

why must he be so goddamn attractive doing absolutely nothing? you stared unabashedly as a small patch of his toned stomach peeked through when he wiped his sweat. it was strange to be so affected by the mere presence of a man — a tall, well-built man with a pretty face but still... shaking your head, you hurriedly fished out your phone hoping that he didn't notice your short stupor but judging from the deep chuckle that left him, he did.

unbeknownst to you, childe wasn't faring any better. the way your lips slightly jutted out as you scrolled through your playlist, the way soft and delicate mumbles decorated the air with beautiful laces and ribbons, the way you stretched only for your shirt to slip down just a little bit to show some more of your neck... biting back a groan, childe desperately wished you didn't notice the subtle tremors that wreaked through his hands. not good.

"something chronic, bit demonic."

his eyes snapped back to you when he heard the familiar opening of a song he knew too well. "you—" he choked out as a hand went up to hide his flustered expression. he was being too cute, you laughed louder as you noticed the way he shifted his weight around.

hearing you laugh like that... something in childe snapped and he found his composure returning two-fold as he narrowed his pretty blue eyes at you.

"you're laughing at me?" oh... you gulped as he chuckled darkly, legs striding to close the distance between until your faces were only an inch apart, "who's laughing now? come on, let me hear you."

you laughed nervously as you tried to push him and his very, very firm chest away, mind too fried from the way his warm breath caressed your lips. "jesus... at least ask me out on a date first."

"great idea." he leaned back with a calm, triumphant smile that was merely a front because deep down, his veins felt like it was being burnt by a raging wildfire of excitement and he was buzzing. "come down here by eight. i'll take you out for some coffee or... whatever it is that you like."

before you could even muster a reply, childe bolted out of the underground gym. what was he supposed to do when you peered at him through your lashes, so sweet and pretty with your lips slightly parted from surprise? sliding down the wall with a hand on his chest — heart beating impossibly fast — childe couldn't help the squeak of shame that only came now.

ah, he didn't even catch your name... no matter, he ran a hand through his hair with a giddy smile that he tried to hide, he had all the time to find out.

━━ ☆ NOTES: the second-hand shame, goodness gracious

━━ ☆ SIMILAR WORKS: college!au masterlist

#genshin #genshin imagines #genshin scenarios #genshin x reader #childe #tartaglia #gi x reader #childe x reader #childe imagines #childe scenarios #childe oneshot #˗ˋˏ°• stories from lady lei •°ˎˊ˗ #˗ˋˏ°• cinnamon spice and everything nice •°ˎˊ˗ #genshin impact #genshin fluff #genshin x y/n #genshin x you #childe x y/n #genshin oneshot

[genshin-impacted]

empress of the first water // Zhongli x Reader (4)

Word Count: ~2.8k

Palace/Harem Imperial Drama AU: You are a princess, soon-to-be-Empress, and Zhongli is the teacher invited by the royal court to show you the ropes before you ascend to the throne after a royal tragedy.

Notes: female!reader (she/her), Zhongli/Reader, Zhongli POV, mutual pining ofc, fake politics, can I call this slow burn yet

[Previous] [Next]

Chapter 4 Synopsis: Of the secrets that people keep, how much can they say without saying anything about it at all?

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You are falling for your tutor. That much, at least, is clear to you. Your quickened heart rate, the way your heart flutters when he smiles, and how your mood lifts when he praises you-- if wisdom is to know thyself, then you consider yourself wise enough to know that you see Zhongli xiansheng as more than just a teacher.

But what of him? You wonder, how does he think of you? Does he know what he means to you? Does he feel the same?

“My lady?" Amber asks you, when you dip your head underneath the rose-infused waters of your bath. "What is wrong?”

“Nothing,” you reply back quickly, hugging your knees to your chest. You take a glance at the mauve coat that Zhongli had left on your shoulders and think about how it will still smell like him.

Amber can only look at you in mild concern when you bury your heated face into your hands and try not to think of kind eyes, a warm embrace, and a gentle voice.

(But you do anyway.)

.

.

.

.

Zhongli finds himself talking more freely than ever in your presence, especially now that the two of you have made it a habit of walking around the compound or drinking tea to pass the time together. He talks about fantastical things or expands on random trivia he thinks you would enjoy, even though he finds himself more often than not overindulging.

Your eyes are bright and alert when he tells you about the folktales he had learned when he was younger, so he tells you as many as you can in the cold, wintry months. Under the cozy kotatsu imported over from Inazuma, Zhongli shares slices of mandarin with you as he retells the history of the Qilin to you-- a mythical creature whose stone statues stand at guard in front of the main compounds of the palace.

“In many stories, the Qilin is sacred pets of the gods and rank highly only below the dragon and the phoenix,” Zhongli says, accepting the last slice of fruit you slide into his hands. "It’s said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler."

“I see…” You listen to him attentively, hands absently clearing the table of the orange peels without saying a word. You let out a breath of laughter as you joke, “Hopefully, if I pray hard enough, the Qilin might gift their presence when I ascend to the throne.”

“Nonsense,” Zhongli replies immediately. “If the qilin does exist, you do not need prayer for the qilin to appear before you, as benevolent as you are, my Princess.” He takes the slice and brings it to his lips to taste the sweetness of the mandarin, catching a glimpse at the way you hide your smile behind your hand.

“You have a way with words as usual,” you tell him. “You spoil me with praises, xiansheng; how ever will I survive without them now?” You bemoan, laughing afterwards. Though he knows you’re joking--surely-- he still feels his heart tremble at your words. It is in these moments that he feels keenly how it is to be Amber, abashed by the praise that flows freely from your lips and by the fondness that rings true through the way you speak. To be at the center of your attention is something that Zhongli understands very well to be addicting.

It is only when Zhongli hears the light rapping of knuckles on wood does he realize how long he has spoken and how late it is.

"My apologies," Zhongli says, surprised from his thoughts to bow his head (you fussed at him about apologizing before, but even with your kind reprimands, it is hard for him to kick the habits ingrained in him). "I didn't mean to dominate the conversation this entire time. It's even time for supper--"

"Bamboo Shoot Soup," you pipe up instead, and he can only look up at you stunned as you thank the maid. She sets down the pair of utensils in front of the two of you and clears the table to make space for the large metal hotpot. "It's your favorite dish, isn't it?” You say cheekily, “I thought it was a perfect dish to eat during the cold weather."

What are the protocols to eating dinner with the royal family? Zhongli thinks to himself warily, feeling wildly as though he is constantly stepping out of line despite his learned nature. Still, you would scold him for his distancing, so Zhongli decides to do as the both of you please, as improper as it may be, and waits to be served.

The bamboo soup is beautifully slow-cooked, the broth milky white; just taking a waft of the aroma is enough for him to know that the meat is tender and the bamboo shoots are soaked to the center with flavor. The warmth that pervades is partly due to the fresh heat of the soup but also from the fact that you had remembered a detail he shared in passing. (He says ‘in passing’ but he had gone into detail about where to procure the best ingredients for each component of the meal while you listened to him with eager nods. The bamboo shoots, he recognizes, are from Qingce Village. Did you remember even the smallest details from your conversation when he speaks?) Like many other times before, he is speechless. It seems as though you are constantly surprising him-- for the better.

"What happens next?"

Zhongli blinks, the steam from his bowl rising up to his face. "Pardon?"

"Oh, never mind! We should eat first!" You say, smiling widely in a way that makes his heart leap. You pick up your chopsticks and click them together playfully. "But tell me what happens next in the story later on, Zhongli-xiansheng."

"One day you'll find yourself someone who listens to you and you'll talk their ear off."

Zhongli remembers Guizhong telling him this time and time again, though he never believed in it. He is old-fashioned, he always replies back. He is overly burdened by the expectations of his family and passionate in things that most others cannot care to relate to. How would he know that someday, as proof of the wisdom (or perhaps abundance of hope and love) that Guizhong held, he would find someone who cared enough to listen and look at him as though he knew the meaning of life itself?

The bright-eyed gaze you shoot at him lasts only a moment, and perhaps you don't even know the magnitude of your gesture, but Zhongli feels his chest burn nonetheless with gratitude and soften at the kindness you have shown him. He reaches out to place his hand gently on yours. "Thank you," he says, squeezing your hand. "I'll be sure to not lose my place in the story then so you can hear the rest of it."

He blinks when you look at him, frozen and wide-eyed, and that is when he retracts his hand, feeling as embarrassed as you look. "Ah, my apologies again--"

"No, it's-- it's alright," you stammer, looking down at your bowl. Zhongli feels his face redden and he drops his gaze as well. "But yes, you better remember! I'm counting on you!"

"Yes-- yes, of course," he says, clearing his throat. "It would be my pleasure to." Before Zhongli can wallow in mortification, he hears the beginnings of your laugh and looks up to see your smile as wide as ever. And just like that, he can feel himself be at ease again, just as you have always made him feel with your presence.

"Perhaps next time," he says, a small smile dancing on his lips, "my lady can tell me a story instead."

"Only if you fill in the details I missed," you quip back easily, and he laughs.

Even with an impeccable memory, Zhongli still cannot remember the last time he has ever laughed so easily and so readily as though he could never run out of laughter. He thinks of quiet hours in his study, pouring over pages of text without speaking till his voice grows hoarse from disuse. He remembers days of entertaining guests who never truly listened to what he was saying, and he finds that he is the happiest he has ever been for a long time.

He has you to thank for that.

This is why he responds back, with a soft reverence that is reserved only for you. "Of course." He returns your smile with his own. "I would be honored to, my Princess."

.

.

.

Reverence should be a tone well-practiced and used in the royal court, but when Zhongli stands aside during the proceedings, he hears very little of it directed toward you. You have half of the court talking over you despite your grace, and he can clearly see your patience wear thin when your presence goes unacknowledged by one of the court officials.

"My studies have been going steadily," you speak unto the crowd, clearly and powerfully, as though you have always known how to command attention. Projecting your voice, you maintain your gaze on all of them as you speak. Zhongli can see from the way your hands clench at your side that despite your display, fear has not left you, and for that, his pride for you seems to overflow.

"With the xiansheng, I can foresee being able to replace my great uncle for the time before the end of this year," you say. "I will have prepared myself dutifully until the time has come--"

"The end of this year?" One of the nobles exclaims in protest, making you pause. "How would you be ready at the end of the calendar when you have started lessons, not even yesteryear?"

"I can't imagine the magnitude of power placed upon the shoulders of the inexperienced,” another one drawls. “Perhaps, ah, the Princess will consider taking a husband to make up for it?"

Zhongli doesn't realize he's gripping imprints into the palm of his hands until he goes to raise his hand and realizes they have gone numb from his tension. The nerve of some of the nobles-- some of which he can recognize have never sought to be on your side. He wishes nothing more than to be able to provide them a verbal lashing, but he knows that neither you nor he can do anything at this point in time.

With knowledge comes power, and you do not know enough to utilize the title you have nor the inherent authority that comes with it. Though one day, you will, if he can help it, regardless of what has been expected of him.

It makes his skin crawl to know that many nobles look to him and believe he is on their side. How many times have they requested him to keep you away from the main chambers to check on your great uncle? How many times have they hoped he would provide falsities and ignorance in the guise of guidance so that you would never truly ascend to the throne? Even with the promise of power beyond his wildest dreams, Zhongli cannot bring it to himself to manipulate you in such a manner. Even though his hands are clean, he still cannot help but taste sin on his lips for knowing the harm that exists against you without your knowledge.

When is the right time to inform you, if at all? Is it kind or cruel of him to keep this ploy from you? (Is his judgment even sound, as muddled as it is with his rapidly growing feelings for you?)

You narrow your eyes, your lips pressed in a straight line, but you refrain, once again. And Zhongli feels a burst of pride at your show of restraint and composure fitting of a lady of your status. "Yes, this may be one of the things I will take into consideration, and I appreciate--" Zhongli feels himself tense at the way you spoke, "--the counsel of the court, though I still foresee my way coming to fruition regardless."

There is a stilted silence that follows your words, and you look toward the messenger who has come with the land's grievances in letters. "I believe this matter can be discussed at a later time," you say with finality. "Let us look at the first report from the harbor."

Using what you know from your lessons thus far, you guide the conversation towards solutions for the problems brought to the court by the people. You are too inexperienced to make decisions on your own, gathering opinions from your council; corrupt or not, they know more about managing land than you. But Zhongli sees how you watch carefully as the discussion continues, letting the information sink in so that you can utilize it in the future, and he is reminded again of how far you have come from a princess holding that urn to the prospective empress quietly learning how to lead a country.

(Is it any surprise at all that he is enamored with you?)

Court adjourns after hours, and Zhongli follows you as you leave first, your robes billowing behind you seamlessly as you hold your head up high. The guards bow their heads as you pass by them, your ladies-in-waiting slowly retreating from the room when you arrive, closing the door behind them. The moment everyone is gone, you sigh in relief, your shoulders dropping to a more comfortable height as you stretch your arms and legs.

“I applaud you on your conduct during court,” Zhongli says finally, amused by how nonchalant you act in comparison to how high-strung you are in front of others. “That was an impressive display of authority.” He sees your face flush from the compliment as you stammer out your thanks. He chuckles. "Perhaps I should start getting used to calling you 'Empress’ then, Princess.”

"Yes?" Zhongli replies, confused. "Is that not a title you would like to be referred to?"

"'Princess?'" He hears you echo, turning yourself to him, and Zhongli loses his train of thoughts when he sees your expression with brows pulled together, disconcerted. "Just... 'princess?'"

"No--well, yes..." you say, trailing off. Your hand, out of habit, nervously reaches up to fiddle with your brooch. "I was just thinking you would have normally referred to me a little differently is all."

Zhongli tilts his head slightly in thought as he watches you press your lips together in what he assumes to be in embarrassment. Has he been calling you differently without his knowledge? He doesn’t think so; you have always been the Princess for him, and he, your xiansheng.

But, ah, he thinks, he has not always called you ‘my Princess’ has he? (Astonishing what one word can change.)

For a brief moment, Zhongli’s mind wonders whether he has overstepped his boundary, but he quickly reminds himself with your words, that if you truly did not want him to call you by that, you would tell him. The fact you protested at his recent use of your title… It was the slip of the tongue; Amber has referred to you by the same title, and Zhongli has always, in some form, coveted the same level of intimacy that the two of you possessed. His fondness for you must have seeped into his words, and he would never have anticipated having you reciprocate.

That being said, could you blame him for feeling pleased that you wanted to be referred to as his Princess?

“But 'Princess' is fine,” he hears you say, gathering the composure to sweep your hands down your gown and appear nonplussed. You take out your fan and hold it to your face as you begin to walk toward the study. “I don’t mind it. You should call me as you so wish, I--”

Your laughter is enough as a sign of validation, but then he hears you say, shier than you have ever been, “My xiansheng,” and he thinks his heart balloons until it takes up the entire expanse of his chest with how much affection he feels for you.

"It is soon time for our next lessons," he says, following behind you without pause, "my Princess." And he watches, enamored, as you look back at him with a smile blooming on your face. "Is that... alright with you?"

“Yes,” he says to you, feeling as though that is the only thing he can say. You shoot him another captivating smile and turn, and all Zhongli can do is walk only a step behind you.

.

.

.

And he follows you for as long as you will allow him, hoping his choice to keep the darkness at bay is the right one.

#zhongli x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact #genshin zhongli #zhongli #female reader #genshin imagines #sry for repost tags did not work n made me sad #also smth about the possessive pronoun hits diff #imperial drama au

[kinkmaster3000]

Excuse me, do you still take requests? Because I wanted to ask for a burping story regarding Golden Time's female protagonist, Kouko Kaga. Specifically about her feeling rather gassy after eating at a buffet with her boyfriend. If possible, I don't know if you could sneak a fart or two in there?

Sorry, I don't do any eprocto stuff. Everything else I can happily do, though. Also, I'm really glad to get an ask for this anime, it's def one of my favs, but it's also been a really long time since I watched it through so sorry if anything seems ooc 🙏

“Wow, you really were hungry, weren’t you?”

K.ouko stopped short, the noodles still ungracefully hanging from her mouth. She quickly swallowed them, trying to regain her composure. “I-it’s just because I haven’t eaten all day…”

“Ah, I didn’t mean anything by it, K.ouko. I’m glad you’re eating a lot now, it’s not good for you to skip meals.”

“I-I’m not really eating a lot, am I?” She looked at the table, realizing that she was on her third plate. “Oh…”

“Don’t sweat it, K.ouko!” He grabbed a forkful of his own pasta, shoving it into his mouth. “See? Now I’m eating a lot, too!”

“You’re talking with your mouth full, B.anri,” She giggled.

Embarrassed, he quickly swallowed. “O-oh, sorry…”

By the time they’d left the buffet, K.ouko felt beyond stuffed. The walk back to B.anri’s apartment was agonizing, and every other step brought a little bit of food into the back of her throat.

“Was everything good, K.ouko?”

She didn’t want to be rude after B.anri had treated her to a nice meal, but she was afraid that if she opened her mouth, the air (or worse, the food she had eaten) would come back up. So she simply nodded, not meeting his eyes. She could see him frowning in her peripheral vision and her heart dropped. ‘Now he’s going to think I’m ungrateful, isn’t he?’

“Ah, looks like we’re here, K.ouko. Be careful on the steps!”

She took them slowly, but it was still a great effort. She felt unbearably heavy and drowsy, and by the time they reached his door, she thought she might heave. She had intially been excited when B.anri had asked her to come over, but now, all she wanted to do was curl up in bed. She looked to B.anri to see if he was struggling in the same way, but he seemed alright, and was staring at her with clear concern on his face. “Are you cold? Let’s get you inside, okay?”

She nodded, following him in to his cozy yet somewhat minimalistic apartment. She felt a bit better in its warmth, but she was still heavily feeling the effects of her binge. She chided herself harshly, ‘Why did I have to do this in front of B.anri… this is something that a cute girlfriend definitely wouldn’t do…’

“K.ouko, are you okay? You’ve been really quiet, I’m starting to worry, a bit…”

K.ouko wanted to respond, to tell him that she was just fine, but suddenly felt a pocket of air rise up from the pit of her stomach. It was right at the top of her chest, and she felt like she couldn’t breathe around it. She stood up quickly, about to excuse herself to the restroom, but the upward motion brought everything up faster than she could stop it, and she let out a surprisingly loud burp.

She clapped her hands over her mouth, mortified. Some of the physical tension had been released, but the mental tension had increased tenfold. ‘Why did this have to happen now of all times… just when we finally have some alone time, too. He’s going to think I’m such a pig…’

She slowly looked over to him, hands still covering her flushed face, to gauge his reaction. To her surprise, he didn’t seem offended or grossed out at all. He simply smiled, and pushed out a longer, deeper belch of his own.

She let out a startled gasp. “B-B.anri! Mine was an accident, you did that on purpose!”

“Don’t be so embarrassed, it’s totally natural. I’m just glad you did it first, I’ve been holding that in this whole time!”

K.ouko sighed. “Geez… and here I was, worried about what you would think of me this whole time.”

“I thought I was the one who was worried about you… You’ve been so quiet, I thought that maybe I’d done something to make you upset or uncomfortable. I’m really glad you’re not angry with me, K.ouko.”

K.ouko blushed at his honesty. “Of course not, B.anri. I’d tell you if I was upset, I just… ate way too much.”

B.anri’s eyes moved to K.ouko’s stomach, visibly distended even through her shirt, and she quickly turned it away from view. “Please don’t stare at it!”

B.anri blushed, turning his head away. “Ah, sorry… Does it hurt?”

“...Yeah. It hurts a lot, actually. I really overdid it, I swear I don’t eat this much, usually. I was just really, really hungry.”

B.anri scooted backwards on the bed, with his back pressed against the wall, and patted his lap. “Come sit… I-if you want, that is…” He said shyly.

K.ouko hesitantly eased herself onto his lap, holding her bloated stomach protectively. He reached under her shirt and she gasped slightly as she felt his icy fingers touch her bare stomach. “Ah, sorry, it was really cold outside. Do you want me to stop?”

“N-no, that’s okay… you can keep going.”

B.anri hummed, and began kneading her flesh slightly. “Let me know if I’m making it worse, okay?”

She nodded, and let more of her weight fall into him. Being held in his arms was very comforting, and the soft, kneading motions were loosening up the tightness in her stomach.

He pressed underneath her stomach with his knuckles, and she gasped sharply as a cramp shot through her abdomen.

B.anri started to apologize, but his words were drowned out by the long, growling belch that left K.ouko’s mouth. She instantly felt everything in her stomach shift into a more comfortable position. It would have been very satisfying, were she not currently cuddling with her boyfriend.

“E-excuse me!”

“It’s ok! That’s what I wanted you to do, K.ouko! I bet you feel better now, don’t you?”

“A little bit, but you can’t just decide to do that on your own! I’m your girlfriend, I don’t want you to think I’m gross! And please don’t be so rough! Or put your hands so low…”

“Ah, sorry, K.ouko, I didn’t mean it like that, and I would never think that you’re gross... I just thought that it would help to release some pressure.”

“Well, I guess it did.” K.ouko sighed in slight frustration. Scolding him had been a natural response, but one that she regretted. It really had helped, very much so, but she could still feel more air swirling around in her stomach uncomfortably. She tensed up her chest, hoping to let it all go at once and be done with this embarrassing situation. It only shifted the dense mass of food in a dangerous way, and she sighed in defeat. “Maybe we could… do that again?”

B.anri grunted affirmatively, and resumed rubbing with gusto. He seemed enthusiastic to be taking care of her, and K.ouko had to admit that she was smitten with this side of him. He was rough, but not too rough, and seemed to be hitting all of the right spots. He dislodged another pocket of air, and she let out a low, airy belch. “Mm. That feels a bit better…”

She shifted, trying to get more comfortable. As she moved, a deep, rumbling belch sounded, one that was actually not her own.

“B.anri! That was right in my ear!”

He chuckled, and she could feel it reverberating in his chest. “Sorry, K.ouko. It got pushed out when you shifted. I ate a lot of food, too.”

Before she could respond, he pressed her stomach harshly, and a sharp belch ripped from her throat. “*uURP!* Hey...”

“You’re not allowed to be mad!” He teased, “We’re both pigs today, okay?”

A soft, airy belch popped out of her effortlessly, and she sighed, giggling slightly. “Okay, B.anri.”

Encouraged by her acceptance, he started to press even harder, until she jolted with a sharp hiccup. “Ah, sorry, K.ouko!”

K.ouko sat up slightly as a wave of hiccups took her. She started burping after each one, getting larger each time as the hiccups got more violent, bringing more air up with them.

“I’m really sorry, K.ouko! You’re not going to be sick, are you?”

K.ouko simply shook her head. The burping felt good, but the hiccups were getting increasingly painful, so she tried holding her breath. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t hold back a particularly violent hiccup. She felt a large shift in her stomach, as if a switch had been flipped, and let out a massive, deep belch. She blinked in surprise. She had never belched like that in her entire life. She could barely believe that it had come from her own mouth, but the way that her stomach suddenly felt half as full reminded her that it, in fact, had.

“Excuse me…” She said, holding a fist to her lips. She was a bit dazed with relief, but the mortification was quickly taking hold of her.

B.anri burst out into laughter behind her, “Looks like you startled your own hiccups away!”

“Hey!” She stood up, pointing at him accusingly, “Don’t laugh at me! This is your fault, you kn- hic!” Her hiccups suddenly returned full force, and she groaned in frustration. “Ugh- *hic*, B.anriii…”

“I know, I know… I’m sorry, K.ouko.” He yawned, going horizontal on the bed. “Why don’t you come lay down with me? It might help if I rub your back.”

“... I think you’re just trying to come up with excuses to put your hands on me.”

“W-what?” It was now B.anri’s turn to be embarrassed. “You know I’m not that kind of guy, K.ouko! I just want you to feel better.”

“I know,” She laughed, settling down next to him, “I’m just teasing you.”

#burping #burp kink #stuffing #stuffing kink #belly kink #belly rubs #my writing #ask #request #g.olden t.ime

[i-need-air]

Truthful mess.

Summary: Truth quirk shenanigans. HCs type with Bakugou, Kirishima, Shouto and Shinsou.

Note: Still don't know how to add "Read more" on phone, still need to make a masterlist. At least I have coffee. [I’M DOING BOTH RN, BE PROUD;;;LOOKATTHEReADMORE] Ty for reading! ♥

Bakugou Katsuki:

× well, shit

× he fucked up real bad and now he had to pay for it

× noticed something was wrong when he thanked Kirishima for saving his life instead of giving him the usual snappy attitude

× made the redhead promise to keep the secret or he'll kill him

× seriously kill and incinerate his body and was 100% serious about it

× Bakugou tried his hardest to keep his mouth shut and everything went okay until you just existed in the same room at him

× he'd just get the fuck out because all he wanted to tell you was how good you looked in whatever you were wearing or how beautiful your face was when kissed by the rays of sunshine and he was so confused

× he literally wanted to word vomit all of that

× thankfully the police arresting the mf that did this to him informed Katsuki about the effects of the quirk itself

× approximately 3 days of spilling truths

× he could handle that

× easy

× but not really; the less he talked the more he needed to spill out his mind

× he'd still snap at people, they were just dumb and he voiced that but

× well, hello there, [y/n]

× he prays you don't waltz around him

× life can be a bitch though

× it happened while training, Cementos made an area for each of you to improve your quirks and guess what? you're placed just by his side

× you just waved at him and he ignored you

× asshole much; until you kick-dropped and broke a big piece of cement in half

× "Fuck, that was so sexy..."

× your head turned slowly towards Bakugou because that was his voice, definitely, no doubt

× but it was raspy and low and it did some things to your, ehem, lowers and holy shit

× Bakugou looked like a deer caught in the highlights; he was full "step on me" mode and????????

× instantly turned the other way and yes, he is blushing

× he just couldn't hold it in, man

× so you're confused, blushing, Kirishima is near-by shook as fuck because he's ✨ realizing things ✨ since of course he's now Bakugou's self-proclaimed guard dog

× and Bakugou is back at ignoring you, his friend and the world

× you decide to keep an eye on him because that was not normal and oh my god why is that voice still affecting you? did he seriously say that??

× meanwhile you catch him looking at you from the corner of your eyes

× boy is staring real bad

× so you just go his way

× he panics as you approach him and blows shit up

× "Don't fucking come closer!" you freeze because what the hell? you thought you were getting along? yeah he's been snappy recently but it's Bakugou, he has mood-swings

× but not like this? at least with you?

× also what he said before just gave you hope??

× so you decide Fuck it all and get closer, noticing how Kirishima also approaches, looking like a bodyguard

× you raise your eyebrow because Excuse you?

× "[L/N], you should leave him be for now–"

× "Get out of my way or I'll break you, Kirishima."

× so you're having a staring match with the red-head, almost nose to nose when legit a growl shakes you to the core

× "[Y/N]'s mine, Shitty Hair, back down." he said between his teeth, his palms sparkling, quirk ready

× so his friend backs up, hands raised in defeat but a knowing grin on his face

× even in full shock you expected him to ignore you again but he just stomps towards you angrily, teeth greeted

× "You have a thing for him, hmm? You like Kirishima?" he was glaring at you, breathing heavily but suddenly locked his eyes in your lips

× and while he's throwing this fit or whatever it was, all the class kinda stopped whatever they were doing to see what's going on

× but Cementos ain't having any of that so parts you guys with a cement wall and orders you to keep training

× Bakugou was never more thankful because holy shit what was about to happen?

× you're full mind-blown, remembering his words again and again not even focusing on training; you decide to talk with his dumb ass to clarify what he said and wAs he jealous? i mean he literally said you're his so—... HE FUCKING SAID YOU'RE HIS????

× after that he went back to his grumpy old man form, you don't talk again until days later, although you did try to approach him again, many times, because YOU'RE HIS????????

× it's when he finally realizes the quirk is wearing off and he's relieved because it got to a point where he couldn't sleep

× so when you confront him in the common room the next morning he shrugs it off with a "I thought I'd accidentally confess that I love you and that would've been a problem."

× he freezes

× you freeze

× he wanted to call you a dumbass and move on until he figures his shit up but...

× that's when he realizes the effect of the quirk was dying off in waves

× save him from the mortification and confess too, please?

Kirishima Eijirou:

× he's normally a truthful guy

× but not like this, man, not like this

× Fatgum saved his ass but it was too late since he already got hit by a quirk, although none knew what it was about, so his mentor was having a full Panic moment

× later on he was informed about it's nature and was confused because nothing changed?

× he still compliments people, he's still his old self and is actually so happy that's the case

× thinks he's manly because he's honest about his feelings

× although he forgot about a tiny little detail

× his big fat crush on you

× like he'd blush when you came around, almost stuttered when responding to you, would try harder when you were around because pretty please, notice him, shows off more, all the I-need-YOUR-attention bag

× because he's smooth but in a Kirishima way, you know?

× felt he had zero (0) game [so not manly of him]

× will hands down not avoid you; thinks it's lame to run away from this

× who would've thought this was the best thing that could've happened to him?

× still had his boyish charm, cute smiles, blushes

× but now we add the honest "You look amazing today. Well, more than usual." with a wink because if he can't stop himself, at least he'll make it work big time

× and oh, shit that's doing stuff to your poor heart because his compliments are all over the roof? wth is going on?

× everyone knew about his feelings for you but now they really knew

× literally takes him half a day to spill all out

× he did try to clear his mind of those feelings in class because that would be so awkward and weird; he spent so much time daydreaming how to confess before and doing it there was definitely not the plan, but something more personal and meaningful

× when Kiri saw you in the common room though, alone and minding your own business, a grin broke on his face and had hearts in his eyes

× Bakugou had to hear a lot of shit about you, tho just rolled his eyes; "whatever, shitty hair."

× because you're so flawlessly beautiful and you're not even trying

× your head snaps up at him, blushing

× OOP–did he just blurt that out?

× so he's laughing awkwardly because not like this, man

× but goes with it because We die like men here 😤

× cue word vomit about how great you are and this quirk hit him and god you're amazing and it's not a lie because remember when you first met at UA? well he thought you were an angel and when you smiled at him? perfection and your blushing face is adorable and needs to see it everyday and ok this quirk needs to stop–

× meanwhile

× [Y/N].exe has stopped working

× legit tho, he won't shut the hell up and it's adorable

× all day he's been super smooth about his compliments to you and now he's the sweetest mess ever

× and you only notice yourself smiling when he points it out and says it's the single most beautiful thing he's ever seen in his entire life

× and even if that almost makes you 404 again you laugh and walk towards him

× which he follows and steps closer to you too

× smiling

× so he calms down when you're not freaking out about what he's spilling and goes back to being cha-cha-real-smooth again

× "I want to be able to call you mine"

Todoroki Shouto:

× another guy that doesn't really notice it at first

× he got hit by this weird blue-purple dust while on patrol with his dad

× and Endeavor went feral on this low-life villain deciding to attack suddenly

× low and behold, seems the guy wasn't a villain, just a civilian that sneezed and activated his quirk by accident

× quirk that landed on Shouto here

× which just stared confused because what?

× explanations happen, Endeavor is looking down at Shouto expecting something anytime now

× but Icy-Hot here just shrugs it off because it's okay, it's just 3 or 4 days

× funny thing is his dad asked him questions and realized pretty quick that Shouto has been really honest with him until now, which bummed him because Endeavor Is Trying™

× Todoroki Shouto was confident that nothing would go wrong so he forgets about it basically

× two days pass; class time happens

× is so fucking casual about it but it's so hilariously confusing

× he was honest before but he was quiet in general, that's why his honesty came in small dosages

× now he has no filter and won't shut up, he has this absolute need to share his thoughts

× my boy has opinions about everything

× but especially about [Y/N]

× oh yeah, he definitely tells you how that color enhances your natural beauty or how you're really smart

× is so casual and nonchalant, shooks everyone, leaves you full confusion mode while he just smiles and leaves

× legit doesn't realize it

× he complimented you before, that's the thing, but now he's really intensifying it but without changing the tone and execution and it's just a mess

× example:

× goes from "You changed your hairstyle. It looks nice." to "The way you style your hair now makes your eyes pop out more. I love it."

× lowkey proclaims his love about you; it's so obvious it hurts; you have to take it like a champ, man

× it takes Tsu to actually ask what's going on, in the first hour of class

× [even Aizawa is listening, pretending to sleep]

× explains why he's acting like this; "I got hit accidentally by a quirk that makes me speak only the truth."

× everyone just goes crazy while you're piecing stuff together in deep thought

× "Who do you think is the strongest in the class?"

× "Aizawa."

× lowkey a little shit

× "Between the students."

× "Me."

× big time a little shit

× it's until Mina asks who he likes that all hell breaks loose

× Shouto just turns to look at you, blinks and says your name

× just as everyone goes mental after a moment of silence, the bell rings signaling the next class, to which Aizawa [the mature man he is, acting as if this wasn't the best tea-spill he's gonna have at lunch with the other teachers 💅] wakes up, silences everyone and continues class

× every pair of eyes are on you all class

× Shouto is having an existencial crisis because he's actually realizing himself that he likes you

× a lot

× hands down he thought about how great you are, wondered deep in though at night why his heart beat so fast when you smiled at him, how come he got jealous???? when you'd pair with someone else to study or train... the boy didn't even know it was jealousy until now

× as in now he knew he wanted to hold your hand, have more inside jokes between you two, kiss you, marry you, wait what—

× you on the other hand are hyperventilating because Shouto likes you

× and you like him back and oH my god, wHAT just happened????

× lunch break comes, nobody moved from their seats while Todoroki just walks by, stares at you, slight blush on his face

× "I'd like to speak alone with you. About my feelings. Towards you. I like you."

× nice alone chat, Shouto 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

× legit nobody is breathing, not making a single noise, waiting for your reaction

× so through stutters and all, you have to grab him by his wrist and get the hell out, the attention being too much

× before you reach a quiet place to talk he just stares at your hand

× "I like it when you touch me. Your hand is warm and it makes my skin tingle–"

× so you're a blushing mess when you let go of his wrist fastly

× "Do you not like me back?" [insert kicked puppy face]

× [insert you telling him that you do, but all the attention in class was killing you]

× "Good. Now hold my hand properly."

× that day Shouto learned that being bold with you was the perfect way to get the sweetest reactions out of you

× it's called teasing and Todoroki Shouto will never stop

Hitoshi Shinsou:

× Shinsou had a Reputation™, ok?

× Calm, cool, collected, that's Hitoshi Shinsou

× so how come Monoma did him so dirty?

× it seems the blond borrowed a quirk from someone he knew and fled to school to just bring Hell on Earth

× but the only person he managed to throw the quirk at was at Shinsou

× it wasn't even intended for him, but for Bakugou to embarrass him

× so here he was, Mister Tired-of-this-fucking-world now having another reason to be done with everything

× the boy wasn't dumb

× made a strategy just as Monoma was apologizing for the mistake

× somehow the blond took a liking on him and even if he was now part of class 2-A, Monoma proclaimed he was a 2-B at heart; moving on...

× 3 to 5 days of not talking lies

× great, amazing, marvelous, incredible, fantastic

× Rule #1: Avoid [Y/N] at all costs

× which would prove rather difficult since you're part of the same group he was in

× and you were starting to be really good friends

× something he loved/hated because yes, he wants your friendship but he also wants much more

× so when you came to class, would you look at that! Shinsou is sleeping!

× when you went to lunch with the squad? he fled the scene, not opening his mouth

× asked to borrow a pen in class? didn't even look into your eyes as he just gave you one

× after 3 days of this you were starting to get annoyed

× and Midoriya was writing shit down in that notebook of his mumbling stuff every single time Hitoshi bailed

× what you didn't know is that the whole Dekusquad caught on to Shinsou's shenanigans and demanded answers

× well, Ochaco did and she instantly got them because she's terrifying when serious

× so Izuku is in deep fascination with the quirk, Iida is stiff as fuck and Uraraka has this really creepy I-know-something-you-don't smile on her face; Shouto was existing there too, minding his business 🍵

× you really tried to grab a hold of Shinsou but he wasn't even answering your texts

× time to make a game-plan

× and the easiest way to understand what's going on was through Deku and that suspicious notebook of his

× it wasn't even that hard to get it because you got the perfect opportunity basically thrown in your lap

× he was mumbling your name as he was writing down

× you literally demanded to see what he's writing about involving you

× the boy went full panic but before he could manage to escape the situation, the guy that's been avoiding you grabs you by your forearm and tugs you in the hallway

× there he was, purple messy head you wanted to smack, looking all uncomfortable, rubbing the back of his neck

× "Ok, listen, I have something to tell you and I want you to know through me, not through that notebook" he sighed, eyes avoiding you

× and while you're hurt and exhausted he just mumbles "Who knows what type of embarrassing stuff he wrote there..."

× hold up, he blushing?

× so while you're processing that he explains

× "Been hit by a quirk..." yada-yada, this and that

× "Ok, but why have you been avoiding me of all people?" you just go hard on him for a little bit, not hiding that you're hurting "Do you not trust me?"

× he's caught off guard

× "Because I love you and I'm scared you'll never look at me the same."

× longest silence of his life

× he never felt the need to fill a silent moment more than now

× so he mumbles

× oh, yah, he just blurts it all out while looking everywhere but you

× "I mean you deserve better than a guy with a quirk like this. I didn't want to make things uncomfortable between us so I thought avoiding you was the best, just so we can continue being friends and–"

× he's a fucking mess and it hurts you that he's saying stuff like that because holy shit you love this sleepy idiot?

× of course you kiss him to silence his rant

× and when you separate from it and start to reassure him he's just a m a z i n g, how dare he say stuff like that and how dare he avoid you for so long; now it's his time to kiss you back slowly and sweetly

× cue instant, lazy smile

× "You're adorable..."

#Truth quirk #Bnha headcanons #Bnha scenario #Bakugou katsuki #masaru bakugou #todoroki shouto #Todoroki shouto x reader #kirishima eijirou #Kirishima eijirou x reader #hitoshi shinsou #Hitoshi shinsou x reader #Shinsou #Hitoshi #Bakugou #Kirishima #Shouto #Todoroki #Noire writes #Bnha fluff

[najoah]

First Chance [Chapter 6]

Eyebrows furrowing in confusion, I moved the cursor around the monitor. My eyes glanced at the time. 12 minutes before class and I still can't figure out how to print my assignment. The dormitory's printing shop was filled with student, and the owner was too busy to attend to me.

Looking out the window in defeat, a familiar figure walks into view. With his khaki backpack in one hand, and a kimbap in the other, Kyu became the answer to my prayers. I knocked on the window to catch his attention. "Help," I mouthed when he turned to face me.

He snickered as he slung his backpack on his left shoulder and walked into the store.

Casually placing the kimbab in the pocket of his cardigan, Kyu reached out to pat my head – a habit he has taken up on every time we meet. "How can I be of service, my lady?"

Grabbing his sleeve, I pulled him over to the screen. "I might be dumb, but I can't figure out how to print this out."

He leaned in for a closer look. "Well, the computer is in Korean so you're not exactly dumb." His hand reached out for the mouse, and I watched closely - memorizing the step he took for my future references. Not a second later, the printer made a sound - signaling that the job has been done.

"Thank you, you life saver!" I held the paper to my chest, relieved. "I was really about to cry there."

"Small thing. Also," he said, pointing to a little sheet taped on the wall behind the computer, "there's an instruction here in English."

I looked to where he was pointing, and sure enough, there it was. Embarrassed, I hit my head with the palm of my hand. "Okay, I really am dumb. I totally did not see that."

"Of course, you didn't," he said with a hint of sarcasm. He took a quick glance at his phone, "Are you going to East Civ? We have to run if we want to make it."

I looked at my watch. "Shit, you're right."

Kyu strapped on his backpack on both shoulders before holding out his hand to me, "Shall we run, my lady?"

The thought of running across campus filled with me dread. The chance of tripping to my death while walking is already higher than the average human. Plus, the thought of sweat dripping on the side of my face... I shuddered. "I'm sorry, but I don't run."

His hand fell back to his side, his face bemused.

"Let's just take our time," I continued, "We're going to be late either way so let's make the most of it."

He smirked. Wrapping his arm around my shoulder, he said, "Okay, let's take our own sweet time."

Fifteen minutes later, Kyu and I stood in front of the auditorium's door. Eastern Civilization was a mandatory class for all freshman student and is the only class held here. While the auditorium had three different points of entrance, there was only one that is accessible to students. The main door, situated at the back of class. The one that creaks obnoxiously at the slightest touch.

Ah, taking our sweet time was the wrong move.

Kyu and I looked at the door, and then to each other, and back to the door. "In three..." His hand was on the handle, "two, one."

The door creaked open and all six hundred freshman students on campus turned their head around. Professor Choi's lecture halted as he looked to us. Shocked by the attention, I felt my whole body heating up.

"Sorry, sorry," Kyu apologized, bowing to the professor. I did the same before we both made our way to our assigned seat. I was lucky – my seat was on the second last row but Kyu had to make all the way down the hall to his seat with all eyes on him.

Professor Choi cleared his throat, and turned everyone's attention back to lecture. Nestled on my chair, I pressed my lips together in embarrassment.

Nia, seated next to me, placed a small note on my table. I allowed myself a few minutes to calm down before prying the note open.

What a fucking entrance!

I crumpled the note in my hand and shoot her the middle finger. She laughed inaudibly and shifted her attention back to the lecture.

I pulled out my notebook from my backpack, body still warm from our grand entrance. On the new page, I wrote down two words that has become the fabric of my existence: Baek Hyunkyu.

Forty-five minutes of Gandhi and dozens of stifled yawns later, Professor Choi called for the ten-minute break we were all waiting for. I leaned against the chair as my classmates all stood, stretched and made their way out of the class for a breath of fresh air. Any other day, Nia and I would made our way to the vending machine on the second floor but still reeling from humiliation, I wanted nothing more than to stay within the walls of this great big hall.

Despite my eyes closed, Nia's penetrating gaze was burning a hole on my skin. "What do you want?"

"You can't come in like that and not tell me what happened," she whined. "You can't leave me hanging. I've been dying since the moment you walked in with lights beaming behind the both of you. It's a fucking k-drama and I need some context!"

"Shhh!!" I placed my finger on his lip. "Well, you have to wait. I can't say anything with 600 people around."

"Say what?" The deep, and warm voice I knew so well interrupted our chats. "You wanted to know why we were so late?"

We both turned to Kyu, who had made himself comfortable on the seat behind us. With a cup of canned coffee on his hand, he looked back at me with a smirk – sending butterflies to my stomach.

"Hi, Kyu," I greeted, tone flat.

Pulling out the same canned coffee from his cardigan, he smiled back. "Hi, there." Kyu placed the canned drink on top of my head. "This is for you."

I reached for the drink, confused. "Thanks. But what's this for?"

"I'm not sure," he sighed. "Maybe to help you get through the last few strands of mortification that you seem to be tangled by?"

My cheeks grew warm. "We should have just ran over."

"We really should have, " he agreed, his voice teasing. "But someone insisted to take their own sweet time." Then he did something – something that played in my mind whenever I think of him. He winked.

Nia, who was enjoying the K-drama scene unfolding before her, cleared her throat. "Okay, what the hell happened between you guys?"

I pressed my lips together, letting the question hang in the air. Nia could have gotten the answer from me, but I wanted to see what the boy with the smile had to say. In other circumstances, what happened earlier was nothing worth noting. Nia had the right to be curious about Kyu and I coming in together – we hardly acknowledge each other's presence in public despite how close I think we were. Conversations we shared about our hopes and dreams were privately shared over texts. But face to face, we were acquaintances. I revealed so much of me that it leaves me overly conscious of his gaze every time we meet. All I knew was that I had fallen for this boy from the conversations we shared, but I could never tell what he thought of me.

Kyu leaned in, his face now inches from mine. "Ahna rejected me," he whispered, his eyes piercing into mine. For a brief moment, the world stopped. I was swimming in his dark eyes, looking for the answer to the question that keeps me up all night. For a moment, I saw a glimpse of hope, of a future. But the clock moved again when he stood to his feet, leaving me without an answer. "Class is starting." He took a step back smiling at me, before turning his back and walking away.

Nia gasped, "Oh my God."

#got7 imagines #GOT7 fanfiction #got7 fanfic #got7 #got7 angst #jaebum #jay b #got7 jayb #got7 jay #kpop fanfic #kpop imagines #kpop scenarios

[scribbling-stiks]

Retrievers - XXXV - Shaking Signs

Russia walks downstairs, and as soon as he gets down there, he feels eyes on him. He turns and sees many of the states staring at him in horror, and the other countries in the room seemed sympathetic and a little sick.

"What?" Russia asks.

"You've been through the wringer, Rooskie," Dixie says with an unreadable tone, looking bothered.

Russia looks down and realizes that he must not have remembered to put a shirt back on before coming downstairs. The scars that cover his arms and chest aren't pretty, but he figured that they weren't that ugly either, they just existed.

"Is that painful?" Egypt asks tentatively, waving over his chest.

"Yes. It is very stiff, and sometimes cracks," Russia admits, "But I am okay."

Ohio mutters something before turning up and talking to Russia. Russia tries to watch Ohio's mouth, and his face screws up. He can't hear the words clearly enough to understand, and trying to lip-read with a second language is hard.

'I can't pick out any words,' he thinks, cursing his ears.

"Russia?" Ohio calls, sounding annoyed and confused,

"I couldn't hear you," Russia says sheepishly.

Ohio turns around with a scoff. Russia flinches a little.

'I don't like this either.'

"Ohio!" America exclaims, "You will be nice! It's not Russia's fault, and you will respect that!"

Ohio mumbles something, shame on his face. Russia looks away and rubs the back of his neck. Embarrassment fills his stomach.

"I'm sorry," Russia says quietly, and he slinks into himself as his own voice sinks below the ringing in his head.

He leans over am to look even just a little smaller. He starts fidgeting with his hands and starts signing the ASL alphabet nervously. Then, Oregon walks up to him and signs hello.

"(Hi,)" Russia signs back, not able to meet her eyes.

"(I will teach you something,)" Oregon signs.

"(What?)" Russia asks, curiously looking up.

She starts signing around her face, making a motion around her ears. Then she spells it out for him and Russia's face lights up.

"(I can't hear you,)" Russia repeats.

She laughs a little and nods. Russia feels pride in his chest at having learned it.

"(You're good at signing,)" she comments with a smile.

Russia smiles brightly.

"(Thank you.)"

"(Do you want some more lessons?)"

"(Yes please.)"

And that's how Russia finds himself spending the rest of the day. He tried to absorb as many words and as much grammar as his mind could fit. And as time passes, the house began to smell like vegetable broth and meat.

His hands start to cramp and throb from the scars, but he refuses to stop until Oregon notices the shaking and stops giving him things to mimic.

"(You should take a break. It is a lot, and your scars look painful.)"

Russia looks away and shakes his hands furtively in an attempt to release the pain. Then he signs a quick thank you. Oregon smiles before signing goodbye and walking away.

Russia walks over to sit next to America, who is talking to Canada and laughing. America looks over and gives him a blinding grin.

"Hi, Rue!" America chirps.

"Awww," Canada teases loudly, "someone is happy about seeing his boyfriend~."

"Nade, shut up," America snaps back, his face growing red.

"Haven't heard that one in a while," Canada comments with a laugh.

"Oh! Are you teasing the lovebirds? Can I join?" Dixie asks from behind the couch.

"No," America replies.

"Sure! Aim here is getting all embarrassed too," Canada replies.

"Aww," Dixie coos.

"Dee, shut up," America yells, crossing his arms.

Dixie laughs. America pointedly looks away and back at Russia.

"What have you been up to?" America asks, the pink still staining his cheeks.

Russia moves to sign a response for practice, but his hands cramp up and he flinches. America's eyes travel down to his hands and his face falls a little.

"Sighing," Russia replies aloud.

"It looks like it," America comments, taking Russia's trembling hands, "you think you pushed it too far?"

Russia shrugs. "I have to learn as much as I can so I can communicate quietly."

"I guess that's true since whispering is off the table," America says, fidgeting with Russia's fingers.

Russia flinches at the movement.

"Meri, could you stop doing that please?" Russia asks, pain in his voice.

America jerks away and shoves his hands into his lap. Then, he mutters something that Russia doesn't catch.

"What?"

"Oh! Uh- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you," America stammers.

"It's okay," Russia soothes.

America nods and then head-butts Russia's arm. Russia smiles. America leans against him, and Russia closes his eyes, enjoying the contact and ignoring the stiffness in his hands.

"Dinner!" Wisconsin announces from the kitchen.

They walk into the kitchen side by side and Russia watches the bowls with a reluctant gaze.

"Rue? What's wrong?"

Russia looks away, embarrassed. America gives him a concerned look but doesn't push it. Russia fills a bowl with the ladle with great difficultly. His hands shake hard enough to cause him to drop it twice before successfully using it.

He scurries away, his face hot. He just manages to drop a spoon into the bowl before nearly dropping it onto the table. He sits down behind it and stares dejectedly at the bowl. His stomach grumbles, but he knows that his hands wouldn't be able to hold the spoon at all now.

'I need to stop pushing myself so far. It just makes things worse.'

America sits down next to him and begins rambling.

"So, it's gonna be you, me, Finland, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Kansas, and Alberta going to invade the base. I think we might have two cars drop us off there so we don't leave anything there and so we can fit everyone," America explains, shoving a spoon in his mouth.

Russia smiles and nods along, ignoring the hunger in his stomach to avoid the inevitable embarrassment of trying to eat with uncooperative hands.

"And we got to pack and stuff, and get our bags with supplies and food and weapons and maybe some games, I don't know yet. And- hey, are you okay? You're not eating," America asks, pointing at Russia's bowl with his spoon.

Russia looks away.

"Is it your hands?" America asks.

Russia flinches and stares at the table, his face burning.

'If I can hear it, everyone else can too,' he thinks bitterly.

"It's okay to need help," America says, reaching over.

Russia closes his eyes for a moment and swallows the mortification creeping up his throat.

"'Sides, lucky for us, it's romantic," America says with a smirk, picking up his spoon, "now here. Open your mouth."

Russia leans over and cooperates if only for the giddy smile America gives him. He flexes his trembling hands against the oak table.

As soon as they finish, America helps clear Russia's space and Russia wanders behind him. Soon, Russia finds himself sitting out on the couch next to America as Dixie announces an early departure to his room.

"He needs a break," America explains, tucking himself under Russia's arm, "but someone has to keep an eye on the kids, you know?"

They didn't need to stay out too long though. Most of the states and provinces also retreat on the earlier side, presumably to go to bed. And though Russia doubts the intention, he figures if America isn't bothered by it, it's fine.

Russia runs a sore hand through his hair. When he looks down at it to examine the shaking, he sees that his knuckles shine. He looks closer and finds that glitter had found its way onto his fingers.

He sighs with a short laugh.

'Sparkly.'

Soon, drowsiness tries to pull him into the couch, so Russia walks up to his bedroom. America follows close behind. Russia lies down in the blankets, and America creeps up behind him, wrapping him in a hug.

Russia relaxes and lets his mind wander.

'I wonder what tomorrow will have in store.'

~

Next

Previous

Table of Contents

[pindaleng]

Title: I don’t usually give in to peer pressure (But I’ll give in to yours)

Pairing: Staubrey

Chapters: 1/1

Wordcount: 2902

Summary: Brooklyn Nine-Nine AU (Inspired by episode 1x13 “The Bet”)

Aubrey Posen loses a bet with fellow detective Stacie Conrad, resulting in being forced into the "worst date ever" with her, but things turn out better than she expects.

And maybe there's something there between them...

As Stacie Conrad knelt on one knee in front of her, presenting a ring in a blue box, Aubrey didn’t know if she had ever felt this humiliated.

She was supposed to win this dumb bet of solving more felonies than Conrad, and prove once and for all that she was the better detective. (And also take Stacie’s prized 1994 Mustang in the process.) But somehow, Conrad managed to run a prostitution ring and snag five extra felonies with an hour to spare of their deadline. So instead of holding her head up in triumph, Aubrey slumped her shoulders in defeat, awaiting her fate with an extremely bruised ego.

“Will you go on the worst date ever with me? You have to say yes.” Stacie grinned up at her.

“Yes.” She muttered, looking anywhere but at the woman in front of her.

“She said yes!”

The bullpen burst into hollers and applause, and music blasted from some boombox dug out for who knew where. Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” filled the room as everyone but Aubrey celebrated her misery.

This had to be the worst day of her life.

Continue reading on Ao3 or below

Aubrey groaned when she heard the firm knocks on her apartment door at 7 pm. She shifted her dress one last time before prying the door open.

Stacie stood smiling in the doorway, wearing a medium length black dress that perfectly accentuated her cleavage. (Not that Aubrey was looking there.) She held a bouquet of roses, and gave Aubrey an immediate once over. “I was right, hot pink does look dashing on you. Though I think the person in the dress is what makes the color hot…”

Aubrey rolled her eyes. “I look like freaking Elle Woods. Do I seriously have to wear this the entire night?”

“Yes ma’am. Though you might get to have it off early if you play your cards right.” Stacie teased with a wink.

Aubrey rolled her eyes again.

Stacie grinned and handed over the roses. “For you.”

“Conrad, you know I don’t like flowers. They’re wasteful and impractical and as my father always says—“

“Yes yes of course but a lady deserves her flowers.” Stacie interrupted. “Now let us go lest us be late to our celebration at the bar.”

“Are you going to speak like you’re from thirteenth century time the entire night, or?”

Stacie merely tutted at the jab and led her to her car parked across the street, pausing before the passenger door.

“Oh and there is one rule of the night. Break it at your own risk.” Stacie said solemnly, and Aubrey quirked her eyebrows. “No matter what happens… you aren’t allowed to fall in love with me.” Stacie deadpanned.

“Won’t be a problem.” Aubrey replied with equal inexpression.

“Great.” Stacie brightened and opened the passenger side door. “Into the car now m’lady, we’ve got a date to begin!”

They made pleasant small talk on the drive to the bar. Aubrey briefly worried if their “date” setting would make things awkward, but they quickly fell into familiar banter. Besides the excessively floral and pink dress she was forced to wear, the date was far from being the worst she’s ever been on.

They arrived at Barden’s, the de facto hang out spot of the ninety ninth precinct, and as Aubrey went off to the bathroom (after asking permission, and Stacie cheekily giving it), Stacie found a spot next to her fellow detective of the nine-nine, Cynthia Rose, at the bar.

“So how’s the date going with you and Posen?”

“Well, I’ve got a lot on the list.” Stacie began counting off on her fingers. “After hanging here for a bit, we’re going to Times Square and taking pictures with every single person in costume there. Hoping to see lots of cookie monsters. Then, we’re having dinner at a super fancy Italian place but we’ll be bringing our own bottle of wine, which was the cheapest I could find at the corner store, and is even labeled as ‘wine drink’. Finally, a night walking tour where I will ask our guide loads of dumb questions and say they’re all from Aubrey.”

Cynthia Rose narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “That’s a lot of effort and money going into quote unquote, ‘the worst date ever.’”

Stacie shrugged. “I’ll only have this one chance to make her do anything I want.” She frowned. “Wait, that sounded wrong.”

“Or,” Cynthia Rose mused. “You’re taking this as your one chance to romance her…Oh my god.” Realization dawned on her. “You still have a crush on Posen!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Stacie found it was a perfect time to look at her nails.

“You still have a crush on her after two years? I thought you were past that. Girl, you are so gone.”

CR looked pointedly at Stacie in silent challenge while she continued not to make any eye contact. They stayed like that for a moment before Stacie broke.

“Okay fine you caught me! Yes I still like her and it’s not like she’s the easiest person to ask on a date.” She threw her hands up in surrender.

“So instead, you just talk about all your dates loudly, mess with her entire organization system, and engage in various bets with her? That’s some real playground stuff, Conrad. You’ve never been the type to pine over someone, so what’s gotten you pulling on the reins with this one?”

Stacie snatched CR’s beer from the counter and took a swig. “Well, Aubrey’s not just someone.”

Cynthia Rose’s smile grew. “Yeah, you’ve got it so bad…”

“Shut up.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Stacie saw Aubrey return from the bathroom and immediately jumped up. “Love to continue chatting CR, but got a date to humiliate.” Stacie said, emphasizing the last word.

“You mean, romance.” CR muttered into her beer that she took back, but Stacie was already gone.

She grabbed Aubrey’s hand, dragging her up onto the mini stage at the front of the bar, despite her protests. Stacie stepped up to the mic propped up on a stand, tapping it to test if it was on. Satisfied, she stood up straight to address the crowd of her fellow coworkers.

“Welcome everyone, to Barden’s inaugural karaoke night!” Stacie announced, and Aubrey whipped her head to look at her in mortification.

“No you didn’t.”

Stacie grinned wickedly. “All songs tonight with be duets with our lovely Aubrey Posen here as your partner. And so, we will be starting off the night with me and her singing ‘Love Is An Open Door’ from Frozen.”

Cheers erupted as the unmistakable opening notes of the song started, and Stacie passed an extra mic to Aubrey. “You’re Hans! Don’t miss your entrance!”

Stacie started speaking on her cue. “Okay, can I just say something crazy?”

“You’re the worst.”

“Not the words, do better.” Stacie quickly said before her next lines. “All my life has been a series of doors in my face. And then suddenly I bump into you.”

Aubrey resigned with a dramatic sigh. “I was thinking the same thing! Cause like…”

Stacie was pleasantly surprised when Aubrey started singing, as she was actually really good. She made a mental note to ask about it later, and also to tease her that the resident “no-fun-allowed” Posen knew all the words to the Disney song.

Just as Stacie was about to start the second song (she queued up “Take Me Or Leave Me” from Rent), she heard a “Conrad!” calling from her side.

“Chloe, tag in!” She shouted to her friend as she jumped off the stage and walked over to see what her captain wanted.

“What’s up?”

“One of your informants called about a shipment happening tonight, and since it’s your case, I’m going to need you to stake out the spot.”

Stacie flashed through all the date ideas she still had planned (“how romantic” Cynthia Rose’s voice echoed annoyingly in her head) and hesitated. “Normally Captain, I’d be all down for this but I really was counting on a night of making Aubrey miserable, and I think rescheduling it would lose the first date magic.”

Gail looked unimpressed. “This isn’t up for negotiation.”

“Well, as long as I can bring Posen with me.”

Gail nodded. “Just get it done.”

Stacie turned around to Aubrey singing a duet of “For Good” with Chloe, looking like she was maybe enjoying herself despite her pinched face. “Darling! Duty calls!”

Aubrey cut off a high note with a relieved “Oh thank god” and hurried off the stage, following Stacie to the exit.

“I didn’t know you could actually sing.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

They sat in Stacie’s car, observing the entrance of the warehouse in front of them, watching for any movement that might be deemed suspicious. Aubrey finally got to change out of the hideous pink dress and into her spare blouse and dress pants at the precinct, denying Stacie’s offer for the clothes stashed in her car’s trunk.

(“Those are the clothes you’re choosing to change into? When I gave you sweatpants and sweatshirts as options?? I’ll just wear them myself then.”)

“Like how you’re also apparently a closet Disney fan?” Stacie teased.

“I have some taste what can I say?” Aubrey shrugged.

They settled back into quiet, just looking ahead, comfortable in each others presence.

“Hey, can you pass me my binoculars? I think they might in the glovebox.”

Aubrey opened the compartment, and reached in to lift the binoculars to give to Stacie, who put them right to her eyes.

Still curious about what kind of things might be in her coworker’s car, Aubrey snooped through the glovebox, riffling through what seemed like important documents and insurance cards, and finding a massive bundle of something bound together with rubber bands.

Stacie looked over in mild panic at the sound of rustling papers. “Oh wait, don’t look through…that.”

Aubrey took out the object, eyebrows raises in inquiry. “Why do you just have a batch of pens in your car?”

Stacie turned back forward, and Aubrey could have sworn she saw a blush rise on Stacie’s cheeks as she put the binoculars back to her face.

“Just in case the roses actually went super poorly, I’d have a backup plan. Since you like that brand of pen in all those colors, or something.” Stacie said defensively.

“You noticed what kind of pens I like.” Aubrey stated, impressed.

“I’m a detective, I wouldn’t be qualified for my job if I didn’t.”

Aubrey smiled softly. “For the record, I actually did appreciate the roses. That was actually pretty romantic.”

“Shut up.” Stacie retorted for the second time that night, but with no malice. “Hey I think I see a door open to that building over there, wanna look if we can get to the roof for a better view?”

Aubrey squinted. “Looking at your car from this far away, is it red or orange?”

They sat on a stack of wooden planks as their roof lookout spot. Stacie was right, it was a much better vantage point than her car; they were able to get a wider view of the area.

Stacie chuckled. “It’s technically red, but the idiot I paid to do the paint job didn’t do so great, so it’s been peeling steadily forever, and thus you can see the orange under.”

Aubrey looked sternly at Stacie. “Your car still has manual roll up windows. And whenever I’m not hearing about the new date you’ve taken in the car, inappropriately at work I might add, I’m hearing about you bringing it to the shop again. It probably breaks down every month, why do you keep it around?"

Stacie was silent for a minute before slowly starting to answer.

“I have two older brothers, one of which is a doctor, and the other an engineer, and each of them probably make about five times my salary now.” Stacie admitted. “Before joining the police force, I figured that was the kind of thing that I should do, and it was what my parents wanted me to do. So, I originally went to school for chemical engineering, and got a job out graduation at Boston Scientific doing research, but it didn’t really feel right, so I quit after a year and enrolled in the academy.”

“That’s quite a big jump.” Aubrey remarked. “Why police specifically?”

“I watched a bunch of police and crime dramas growing up and always thought they were super cool. And I dunno,” she shrugged. “I guess I wanted to help people too, not just work where I’d make the most money.”

“Noble cause.” Aubrey said, genuinely meaning it.

“And I bought the car when I got my first police paycheck, as a kind of ‘fuck you’ to my family, since they weren’t exactly the most supportive with my choice.” Stacie turned to face Aubrey. “I’m assuming my Mustang has nothing on that sleek Subaru of yours, were you gonna just torch it?”

“Nope.” Aubrey popped the ‘p’ at the end of the word. “I was going to test out if it actually is a chick magnet, since I’m not sure if the rumors are true…” she teased.

Stacie put a hand on her heart in mock offense. “How dare you! I can give you plenty of proof thank you very much.”

“Okay, disgusting.”

Stacie laughed, a wonderful sound to Aubrey’s ears. “I wasn’t even thinking there, for once.” She looked thoughtful. “What about you? Why’d you go into police work? Your dad?”

Everyone knew New York Police Commissioner Posen. “He wants me to be commissioner like him someday,” Aubrey sighed. “But lately, I’m not sure that’s something I want. Like, he was never home when I was growing up, and when—if I have a family someday, I think I’d want to actually spend time with them. I want to make it to captain someday, but further from that I don’t have any plans.” She confessed, then looked apologetic. “Sorry that’s not really something I’ve ever really talked about with anyone.”

Stacie put her hand over Aubrey’s, the support grounding her. “I really appreciate you telling me. I honestly do.”

And suddenly Aubrey realized just how close they were, hands touching and faces just inches apart. She thought she saw Stacie’s eyes flicker down to her lips, but before she can contemplate it any further, they’re jolted out of their reverie by the sound of tires on the concrete nine stories below. They pull apart immediately, and Aubrey weirdly felt a loss of the warmth of Stacie’s hand on hers.

“Shit,” Stacie mutters under her breath, shaking her head as if to brush off some intruding thought.

Aubrey felt the similar need to clear cobwebs from her mind. Was the date real? Was Stacie about to…

“You good there Posen?” Aubrey looked over to see Stacie with her hand out. Did she want to hold hands…?

“I asked for the binocs?”

Right. Of course. The binoculars. Professional setting.

She handed them over and Stacie peered through them at the truck below, now with a couple of men filing out the front.

“Those look like our guys. Wanna go bust them?”

“Does Pilot sell fountain pens? What’s the plan?”

“I’m going to take that as a yes. Follow my lead.”

They arrested the two guys without problem, catching them off guard by pretending to be a lost, slightly tipsy, couple. After bringing them in, as it was late, they decided to just head home instead of rejoining everyone at Barden’s.

Stacie followed Aubrey up the stairs to her apartment, one hand on her lower back over her blouse. It pulled away once they got to their destination though, and Aubrey immediately missed the contact.

“You know you don’t have to walk with me to my door, I’m not going to get snatched in the five steps from your car.” Aubrey said in amusement.

“You never know! And also it’s just date etiquette.”

“Wasn’t this supposed to be the worst date ever?” Aubrey’s eyebrow quirked.

“Some rules can’t be broken even for bad dates.”

“Like walking someone back to their door.”

“Exactly.”

Aubrey actually had a much better night than she expected, not that she would admit it. It might have helped that the stakeout cut off any of Stacie’s other plans, probably each more humiliating than singing musical duets in front of all her coworkers.

“Right, and speaking of rules,” Stacie started in a serious tone, “did you manage to follow the only one of tonight?” Aubrey looked confused, so she continued. “The one where you can’t fall in love with me.”

“Ah yes,” Aubrey nodded in solemn recognition. “Of course. It was really hard, but I think I managed.”

A flash of emotion (disappointment?) flickered on Stacie’s face but quickly disappeared. “Well, good.” She glanced at her watch. “And, it’s officially past midnight, so I guess you’re off the hook, Posen. See you at work Monday.” Before Aubrey could react, Stacie placed a soft kiss to her cheek, and whispered a “bye” a hairbreadth away from Aubrey’s mouth, pairing it with the sweetest smile, before turning and walking back to her car.

As Aubrey watched Stacie’s back get smaller, she brought a hand to where Stacie’s lips touched, the skin seemingly electrified.

Maybe she did break the “not falling in love” rule.

#two days late sorry!! #Staubrey Week #Staubrey Week 2019 #Day 3 #Workplace AU #Stacie Conrad #Aubrey Posen #Pitch Perfect #fic #mine