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stylesberries · 4 years

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Fireflies

Summary: Harry has been acting weird for a couple of weeks, but when y/n finally finds out the truth, it’s far from what she assumed.

Genre(s): fluff, a tiniest bit of angst maybe?

Word Count: 2.5k

Warning(s): Harry being a cutie patootie that he is :,)

Harry has been acting weird for a couple of weeks now and you started to get suspicious. He would come home late most of the days and keep you waiting in your bed. The other days he would mysteriously disappear in the morning. “Went out for a run.” He would tell you. What kind of run lasts for five hours?

Of course, you would never suspect him of cheating on you. He has proven his love to you over and over again, and one had to be completely oblivious of what love is, not to notice how head over heels in love he was with you.

However, the way he was acting made you overthink. You were worried for him and his well-being. All of the worst things that could happen took over your mind. Health issues, disagreements with the management, bickering within the family, and many other possible problems that he could have been facing filled your mind to the brim.

Here you were now, sitting at your kitchen table, eating dinner alone. Harry still hasn’t come home and it was already nine o’clock in the evening, when he promised to get home at six.

You trusted Harry. You really did. However, you didn’t want him to use the fact that you trust him with everything you have, to get home late for the second week in a row. You wouldn’t have been against him staying out late if he had just told you he truth.

You sat in your seat and rolled the pasta you made on a fork. All of your appetite has vanished even before you started making the food, but you still forced yourself to eat, to get your mind off of your ever wandering boyfriend.

As you started to get into your food, you heard the keys turn in the front door. No food for you today.

Your name wasn’t called like it usually is, when Harry walks into the front door. The only sound you heard was the shuffling and the clacking of keys being placed on the table in the hall.

You could tell that Harry was trying to be as quiet as possible to avoid you noticing him.

As he tried to pass the kitchen door quietly, you got up from your place and walked up to him. He was wearing his blue sweater, corduroy flares and a face of someone trying to hide something from their girlfriend.

“Harry?” You asked sternly.

He turned his head to you and put on a smile while pushing something behind his back.

“Hello, love. I-I didn’t want t’disturb you, s-so I-um-” He tried to lie to you, although he knew pretty well he was awful at lying and I was too good at catching lies.

You turned your gaze to his hands that were hidden from you behind his back.

“Harry, what’s behind your back?” You asked straightforwardly.

He looked uncomfortable and seemed to have been taken aback by your question.

“It’s um-” He brought his hands forward. They held a black folder visibly full of papers. “It’s m’folder with song ideas.” He seemed unsure of the statement himself, but you put the blame on the fact, that he was left dumbfounded by your actions. What was that about though?

“Why were you hiding it from me then?” You seemed honestly confused because he always shared his songwriting process with you.

“Was just writing a song f’you, but I will show it t’you when it’s completely done.” He blabbered to you.

Seems like a plausible reason to hide the folder from you. It was strange, because he would write his song ideas in his phone now, but you brushed those thoughts off.

“Okay then, love. I thought you were coming home at six.” You turned to the clock on the wall to see that the time is 9:24.

Harry followed your gaze and realized that he had indeed come home a little overtime.

“Got carried away in the studio, baby. ‘M sorry, should’ve informed you.” His shoulders sank, as he realized that you had been waiting for him for over three hours.

“It’s okay, Harry. But please, next time you’re planning to get late, tell me, alright? I thought something happened.”

The sternness in your voice subsided as you walked closer to Harry. You wrapped your arms around him and nuzzled your nose into the crook of his neck. He pulled you closer and placed his cheek on the top of your head. You felt his jaw move on top of your head, but before he got a chance to make a sound, you spoke.

“I’m worried for you, baby. It’s driving me insane. What’s going on? I know it’s not just studio. It has to be something else. You’ve never acted like this before. It scares me.” You whispered the last part almost to yourself, but you knew that the man heard you clearly.

“I didn’t mean t’worry you, precious.” He took time to think his words through. “I know, I’ve been actin’ off these days, baby. I promise you it’s nothing y’should worry about. It’s the album release coming up. I didn’t mean t’cause you anxiety, angel. ‘M so sorry.” He genuinely seemed sorry, and you felt the need to kiss his pouty lips.

That evening you went to sleep spooning Harry and brushing his curls out of his face. He looked so peaceful when he was asleep. All you wanted to do was keep him safe and warm.

When you woke up, Harry wasn’t there anymore, which didn’t surprise you, as it wasn’t the first time you found yourself curled up in the blanket all alone.

You pushed your sleepy body off of the bed and pushed your feet into the slippers at the bed. You brushed your teeth and thought of what you’ll be getting yourself busy with on this Saturday morning. All of the documents you had to go through for work were already sent back to your company, and you found yourself wonder what other errands you had to run.

You opened the calendar on your phone to check your schedule. You were startled to find out that it was your birthday today. You were so anxious about the way your boyfriend has been acting, that your own birthday was clean forgotten.

Your mood was instantly ruined when you understood that Harry left you alone on your birthday, but as you walked down the stairs to make yourself some breakfast, you felt the smell of pancakes lingering in the air.

The corners of your lips flew up and you ran to the kitchen to catch your boyfriend red-handed.

Harry heard the loud steps coming his way, so he turned to the door and placed the scoop back into the bowl of pancake batter.

“Who’s this lil’ cheetah running m’way, huh?” Harry teased you loudly and spread his arms, welcoming you with a hug.

You jumped into his arms, and he caught you to pick you up and hold up by your waist.

“Legs ‘round m’waist, birthday girl.” Harry laughed against your chest as you did as he told. You placed your arms around his neck and let him place a kiss on your jaw.

“I thought you left me on my birthday.” You pouted at him, when he withdrew from your neck.

You could see regret overflow him, before being replaced with endless love.

“How could I ever leave the love of m’life on ‘er birthday? What kind of love is it, if I’m not by your side on your day, angel?” He stared right through you, as if directly at your heart.

His words took you by surprise, and it was written all over your face. Harry noticed you questioning his words.

“The love of your life?” You asked him softly, looking right into his loving eyes.

“The love of m’life.” He nodded with a smile on his face.

After sharing a moment full of love, you sat down to enjoy the slightly burnt pancakes, while discussing your plans for today.

You both changed out of your sleeping clothes and left the house to go to the new bookshop you’ve been wanting to go to for some time, but never got a chance to.

After hoarding several books, both for you and Harry, you asked Harry if you could get some ice-cream.

“Ice-Cream it is then, m’love.” Harry smiled and pulled out of the parking to get on the route to your favorite ice-cream parlor.

After you dropped one of your ice-creams and got another one, Harry told you that he has a surprise for you.

Harry told you that he will take you to a special place after the sun sets, and you couldn’t be more excited. You kept asking him over and over again about where he’s taking you, but he wouldn’t crack.

When you were finally on your way to the place, you kept thinking about how lucky you are, watching the sun set. You realized that all of the anxiety that you felt in these last two weeks was completely unnecessary.

Reaching the place after an hour long ride, Harry helped you out of the car and led you away from the road. As you walked closer to the place he was leading you to, you could see a beautiful field full of a variety of flowers that surrounded a small lake. Harry seemed full of anxiety as he lead you to an old stone platform by the field. You would expect there to be a table with a candlelit dinner, but there wasn’t a single source of light near you, except the stars, that scattered in the dark clear sky and several fireflies, that bee-lined around the trees that surrounded the field.

“Harry, this place is beautiful.” You were speechless and this was the only sentence you trusted yourself with saying.

Harry led you to stand in the middle of the platform, looking upon the night sky. You could tell he was in deep thought, but you couldn’t tell what was bothering him. Harry, as if hearing your thoughts, turned to you and smiled at you softly.

“It is beautiful. Took me a while to find a place worthy of you.” Harry kept looking at me with his eyes full of adoration.

You weren’t completely sure why he formed his sentence like that, but you were sure you were not here to just stargaze.

Your thoughts were interrupted by Harry. He walked back to the car, which wasn’t too far away from the stone platform, and left you standing there full of confusion.

He opened the trunk of the car to get something. On his way back, you could see that he was holding the black folder that you caught him sneaking into the house just yesterday.

“Is he going to sing me a song?” Your thoughts were all over the place at this point, once again interrupted by your nervous boyfriend.

“Y/N.” He called you by your name with such seriousness that made you listen to him even closer than before.

“I lied t’you.” He started. “The folder had nothin’ to do with m’songs.” You were already dumbfounded because Harry never lied to you, so it had to be something very important for him to do so.

He pulled the elastic band off of the cover of the folder and opened it. He passed you the folder and spoke again.

“You were right when y’said that the past couple of weeks I’ve been actin’ weird. The fact that y’know me s’well scares me sometimes, t’be honest.” He tried to make a joke to ease his nerves.

As he spoke, you let your eyes skim the first page. It was a model of beautiful stone house with French windows and dark green tiling on the roof.

“We’ve been together fo’ almost three years, love, and I’ve never been happier. I hope y’feel the same.” He shyly questioned.

You couldn’t get yourself to answer him using words, so you nodded with a soft smile. You looked into his eyes and saw how little sleep he’s been getting written all over his face. Now you felt like everything made sense. All of his late nights in the studio and his constant excuses to get out of the house.

“I want t’spend m’whole life with you, Y/N. All of it. I want t’marry you and start a family with you. I know that you’re not ready t’get married yet, and I’m not pushing you. This place doesn’t mean that we have t’get married right away or have children right away, I just want t’start building our new home here.” He took my hands into his shaking ones and brought them to his chest.

“Right where you’re standing.”

His words made my eyes well up with tears, as I looked at my feet. “Right where you’re standing.” His words echoed in my head, as I felt his heart beating hysterically.

“I thought this would be a perfect place. The air here is great.” He started slowly. “I know you wouldn’t want our babies t’grow up breathin’ the car exhausts.” He added coyly.

At this point his heart was racing, and he could only look down at his feet. Noticing you pull your hands out of his hold, Harry was afraid to look up at you to see that you are turning to leave him alone in the field, he stupidly thought you’d want to live in.

“Do you actually think that I could ever say no to this, Harry?” You gently smiled at him and brought your hands to his cheeks to caress his face with your thumbs. Your fingers felt wet on his skin and as you realized the reason, your face softened even more.

“My boy, my precious baby. Of course I want to spend my whole life with you. I could never want to share this life with anyone else. And children? Your children are the only children I’ll ever want to bear, in every meaning of that word, and you know it.”

As your heart spoke for you, you could feel Harry relax and let himself look at you. The wet traces on his cheeks were only getting more defined just like the smile on his face.

“I dunno what I’d do if y’said no.” Harry stands still, as you bring your lips to his and let yourself collect the tears on them.

“Why would you even think about it, if I’ve already said yes?”

Your lips connect as a firefly passes next to you, standing right in the place of your nearing future.

#harry styles #harry styles fluff #harry styles imagine #harry styles imagines #harry styles one shot #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles x reader #harry styles masterlist #watermelon sugar #fine line

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selenecrawford · 5 years

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The Odd Pair 14

Warning: none for this chapter. If you spot one please let me know thanks.

The elegant penthouse near Central was calmed with a soft music of a piano sounding on the background. The decoration was raging from soft luxury with different golden tones, white and some black accessories that will make any magazine envious to some decadent animal trophies. The place had a synchronized balance only disrupted by the drumming of fingers on the marble top. The man was deep in thought surveying the view in front of him. Central Park was a piece of nature inside the concrete jungle. The man had platinum hair with wrinkles on his light blue eyes. His clothes were expensive as his environment with dark hues of blue, gray and black. Drinking on the view in front of him a small smile appeared on his lips at the arrival of his lawyer. Stephen Parker walked behind the butler he guided him in front of client. Wearing a traditional black suit with mint green shirt and black tie he was like a model of those sears catalog you could always see. The apartment was spacious walking the distance he took his time to prepare mentally until he was standing in front of Alexander Nolan. Nolan kept drumming his fingers without loosing a beat. His rhythm matching the musical keys of the piano. After a couple of minutes the last keys died leaving only a soft silence.

“Ah, the man I was hoping for. What news had you brought today Mr. Parker?” Parker knew that Nolan's innocent smile was only a facade. The only way to maintain that smile was to give him what he wanted nothing less nothing more. Clearing his throat the lawyer gave his report.

“The media had made quite a circus out of the information provided. Right now the board, has not yet made an statement, but they are expecting information from Mr. Takeda a meeting was called for tomorrow, they are waiting for him to make a public statement on the following days. Some are still willing to hear his explanations before making a decision.”

“Any signs of Mr. Takeda and his lovely “wife”?” the last word was spelled in such a disgusting lustful way, that even the lawyer had to restrain himself from expressing his disgust after hearing it.

“They arrived yesterday, so far they haven't left their apartment in Chelsea. Given the situation, with their new found “celebrity” I guess is understandable.” replied the lawyer.

“Did you managed to run the errand I requested earlier?” Nolan kept his good humored tone going.

Parker noticed he was enjoying the scenario perhaps way too much.

“The company had been acquired, all we need is to make the calls.” Parker decided not to express any sentiment on his words. Any inclination to disagree will result on his job being terminated. He might have a limit but sometimes money is money and debts won't be paid with good will.

“Good, make the call, let's spice things a little bit more. Just some little push to make things go finally the way they are supposed to be. Soon all will be mine. Thank you Mr. Parker you are dismissed please, keep me posted.” Parker nodded leaving without any other word. Nolan took a sip of his drink savoring the liquor going down his throat. If he played his cards right he will soon own the company, the endless possibilities that this new place will get him will be limitless. Shingen Takeda managed to make a little gold mine with his company, but it was him who will make it reach a new level of prestige. All is fair in love and business. Smiling he choose the next musical piece. Closing his eyes he let the music fill his senses.

The smell of food started to reach Selene sense's, although she felt she was walking in darkness, soon she recovered her conscience. Opening her eyes slowly she found herself laying on the bed. Taking her time to sit she looked around. She heard movement around the apartment, alerted she ventured out of the room. The familiar voices, filled the living room, the kitchen. Confused she took a look at Mitsuhide, talking with Sasuke while both were taking a look at their respective laptops, Nobunaga was talking on his phone, while roaming around the living room. Masamune was on the kitchen making some food. The only person missing was Shingen. Approaching the kitchen, Masamune was chopping some vegetables when he felt her presence.

“Lass, how are you feeling?”

“I'm ok, I guess, where is Shingen?”

“He is at the company, trying to put some order. Apparently, Nolan had been working overtime while he was out.” Nobunaga, arrived from the living room when he saw Selene entering the kitchen.

Selene let out a heavy sigh, things were getting more complicated. Closing her eyes, she bit her lip trying not start crying. There must be something she can do to help.

“Lass, come on, get something to eat then we can help you figure out something.” Masamune took her hand guiding her to the bar stool so she could sit, then served her a bowl of porridge. Although slow she started eating to the relief of everyone. The bell ring announcing another, visitor. Nobunaga went to open the door. Kenshin arrived with a suitcase an his face not too happy.

“Any news?” Sasuke was the first one to ask.

“So far, the stocks are still holding but Nolan had been aggressive at the market. I could hold him, but unless Shingen release a statement, we are trapped.” Kenshin glanced at Selene who was still eating. Glancing back at the others he was making gestures to move outside hearing distance.

“I will appreciate if you keep talking Kenshin. I might feel terrified but I can't escape this. Also this is Shingen we are talking about, I don't want to be left out please.” Selene continued eating.

As much as she was hating the situation she needed to think a way to help.

“Very well, I spoke with Shingen he wants to keep you at the apartment. He doesn't want to risk you anymore. He will deal with Nolan alone, also he asked us to keep you company. He thinks Nolan might try some dirty tricks.”

Kenshin statement made Selene stop eating. Here we go again, Shingen always putting himself on harm to protect others. But who is protecting him? Clenching her fists, her knuckles became white. She was starting to get annoyed and tired of being saved like a princess, she could also help him. (“Goddammit Shingen, why always you had to be like that?”)

“ I wish he could have more faith in me, but I guess it's my fault. I've been pushing him off all the time.” a hand covered one of her fists.

“No, he is not pushing you off, he doesn't want you to get more pain that you already had. I saw his face when you fainted this morning. He tried to hide it but he was terrified. I even argued with him but the hard head won't reason.” Nobunaga's voice hard but against Shingen's stubbornness.

Selene stopped clenching her fists, taking a deep breath started to take control of her anger. Losing her temper won't solve the situation. Selene tried to think a way to help.

“Kenshin, how much control the board has on the company?” Selene started with the basics.

“As far as I know it's an unfair situation. Shingen and Yukimura have each, a fifteen percent, while the board who seemed to be control by Nolan have fifty percent, figuratively speaking, there is a an unknown investor who Shingen sold part of his stock a couple of years ago when he got a into a bit of trouble. So he has been silent, never had express interest on the company. Shingen had been trying to get to know who is but the person or persons had been quite clever.” Kenshin sounded also frustrated, apparently he has also been tracking this mysterious person.

“Kenshin can you do me a favor? Could you go with Shingen? I'm grateful he thinks about me but he needs support also. I will be ok, please?”

“You never change uh?” with a half smile Kenshin took his suitcase to leave. “ I will text you if anything happens.”

“Thanks.” seeing Kenshin leave Selene started thinking what could she do to make the tide turn on Shingen's favor.

Right now the advantage was on Nolan's side. Without knowing who owned the remaining twenty percent, Shingen still could loose the company. For Selene the whole situation was a big cluster, she knew things will always happened in trios, the ring of her cellphone, will prove her right.

“Hello, Selene how are you?”

“Oh, hi Jonathan, how are you? How is work?” the moment she made the question she knew something was wrong.

“Well, it's been a bit hectic. But there is something I need to tell you. The CEO, called me personally this morning. They think you working for the company at the moment is not good for the image of the company. So, he fired you. I'm sorry Selene but not telling the company of this was looked as a lie so they terminated your job. They told me to call you. They will send your things to your apartment. Again I'm sorry.” Selene couldn't speak or make a sound.

She let her phone on the counter of the kitchen. Another blow to them. It was clear that Nolan systematically was aiming to do as much possible damage as he can in order to make Shingen quit the company and give it to him. Sitting on the stool again she her face on her hands. What to do?

“Lass?” Masamune was really concerned after the called ended.

“I got fired from work.” after a moment of silence, she decided.

“For the time being don't tell Shingen. Although if I guess it right Nolan might deliver the blow before the meeting. When is the meeting with the board?”

“Shingen is clearing that I will call Yuki and see what I can find.” Sasuke went to his phone while the rest were expecting her next reaction.

“I don't know how much time we have but there if there is something we can do to help I want to do it.” Selene decided at that moment that it was time to take action even if Shingen didn't approve of her participating.

Shingen finished the last call with a headache. Calling the members of the board individually, he had to use all his charm in order to keep the schedule without alterations. He had been all the morning on the phone until he took a break to catch his breath. He wanted to finish as soon as possible. He left Selene with the rest of the gang but she was still unconscious. He should had stayed but his presence was required at the office. Yukimura had done an exceptional job on his absence, but the moment he came back many of the employees were sighing in relief. His sacrifice was having an impact on his company. With only 3 months left on the testament he wondered if he could make it, no, it was not only him, if both could make it. And speaking of the devil, Yukimura entered the office with Kenshin behind him.

“Look who I found...”

“Kenshin what happened? Is she ok?” seeing Kenshin at the office triggered all his alerts.

“She is awake, in fact she was the one told me to come here to support you. Had you ate something since this morning?” Kenshin noticed Shingen was tired, on edge.

“ I will when I get home, so far the rest are there right?”

“Not all of them, but those who made it are there with her. She is worried about you.” Kenshin went to serve himself a drink.

Shingen just wanted to leave the place and be home. He at some point wanted to call to see if she was awake. Kenshin had always been with him as some sort of rival/friend, as years went by the friendship grew more than a rivalry. Kenshin knows about his mask, he let him wear it without complain.

“Well I will finish in a few hours, then I will see how is she. I hope she doesn't faint when I get home.” Shingen tried to joke but the laugh didn't went out of his mouth.

“You are such a bad liar big brother. Go home, right now there is nothing for you to do until tomorrow. I can handle the rest here.” Yukimura said looking at Shingen seriously.

Yuki was wearing a his favorite colors today, black trousers with matching shoes, a white long sleeve shirt with red stripes and black jacket. His brown reddish hair was styled on a modern style which made him look like a model on a male magazine. Shingen smiled at Yuki's seriousness. He was lucky to have him as a brother. Although he was more cautious than him, he was growing to be an exceptional negotiator like him, just a bit rougher.

“You think you can try not to terrorize the board until I get here tomorrow?” another attempt to joke that failed.

“You are tired, your charm is off. Again go home, Selene is waiting for you.” Yuki's half smirk was all Shingen need to give up.

“Ok, ok, I will see you guys tomorrow then.”

“Just one more thing Shingen.” Shingen pause to look a Shingen before leaving. “Don't leave Selene out of this. She can help and she is willing to. You don't have to bear the burden alone.”

Shingen only smiled before getting on his way home.

Selene raised her head up when she felt the front door open. Taking her glasses off she went to see Shingen arriving. He looked exhausted. When he turned around he stopped to see her looking at him. Her eyes were an opened book. A smile appeared softly on her face her eyes a bit watery.

“Hey, welcome home.” closing the distance she hugs him tightly.

Surprised at the gesture, Shingen closed his eyes letting her warmth fill him. He returned the hug, resting his cheek on the top of the head, they remained there for a couple of minutes. Silence was an ally for both, their bodies were their only way to truly communicate without misunderstandings.

“I'm home Princess.” and he really felt it.

“Come on, let me get you something to eat.” taking his hand, Selene took Shingen to the kitchen to serve him some soup and some honey buns.

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Notes: Sorry for the delay on this chapter. Healthy ailments and work had done a number on me lately. A shout out to @notsafefortum-blr she had posted some cool stuff on her page that had me inspired. Also go check her Stories from the Limbo is a great read. If you will like to be tag for the stories let me know and send me a message. I hope you like this chapter and as always thank you for your likes, reblogs and comments. They mean the world to me. *hugs, grins*

@elievalentine @colivara @notsafefortum-blr @datemasamunemaiwaifu @unstoppablelinda @epicdragonlady @yeshasays @masa-little-kitten @mikamiw @kimi00twin @kouei116 @blue-bean-exe @mitsuhidethesnek @la-piperina @pirateprincessyuki @jennacat84 @valfraeyja @little-blue-octopus @sengokuotaku82 @serenity-writes @xathia-89 @shouta-bakugou @cailannuesugi @kitsune-mana @atatera-blog

#ikesen #ikemen sengoku #ikemen shingen #fanfic #ikesen fanfic

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geekynerdydorkyme · 5 years

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I used to think that the day would never come That my life would depend on the morning sun

Hi Tumblr! Bet you’d given up on me, hum? I’m alive and well (mostly), I’ve just been hella busy. I mentionned I work and study part-time; to be more precise, I have classes every couple of weeks, and I’m at work the rest of the time. Needless to say, my schedule is a lot more hectic during work weeks - which include unpaid overtime at coworkers’s whim. I won’t walk you through all the bullshit that goes on at my workplace; it’s manageable enough and I’m aware that I’m lucky to have a job as it is. Classes however, are interesting and give me a decent amount of free time.

In all earnesty, none of what I curently do was my first choice. I initially wanted to write a thesis and become a law professor. I was privileged enough to study law for five years and I’m beyond grateful for that. I messed up my fifth year and walked away from my university, ashamed of letting my mental health problems interfere with my education. Now, I have this job/degree combo, which is a great opportunity, but miles away from what I could see myself doing in years to come. But what we want isn’t necessarily what we get, is it?

At 25, I sometimes marvel at my own inability to live my life. Finding a path for myself had seemed easy when I was younger. Now, it’s like I’m smothered in a cluster of responsabilities and expectations, the art of adulting kept so far beyond my reach while I’m being pulled in an endless array of different directions. It’s also hard to know who you are after years of depression, and I guess low self-esteen, anxiety and social inadequacy don't help either. So here I am, trying to step up and function like a normal human being through my failures and shortcomings.

And that includes making decisions regarding my future. If you had asked me just days ago, I would have said life was passing by and I was just along for the ride. So far, the mere thought of living for myself was foreign: I did what I was told, covered my ears with music and my eyes with reading material. I was happy-ish with it. This logic is deeply flawed, and I can’t stay on the outside looking in without steping up, that is no longer an option.

I am taking it day by day, doing my best, and making plans. No drastic changes, but not wasting time anymore. Getting my degree, working hard, getting a place for myself, and trying to socialize. It’s not always easy, and some days I’m ready to give up on everything. But I’ve been waiting for so long for someone to tell me that I can do it, that I wish I realised earlier that I need to stop waiting and be that person.

I’ll try and post more along the journey, hopefully when I’m not so busy anymore. In the meantime take care and be well. ;)

#diary #title is from a song

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eclecticpatrolsweets · 3 years

Text

Vanishing hand

When Ichiro Takayama came to China, he loved Chinese food, different cuisines and various cooking methods, which brightened his eyes and made his taste buds enjoy it very much.He is familiar with his own food culture. He will still feel that the food culture of Dahe nationality is long-term, and cooked food has a lot of fun.Although he didn't have the taste of fresh rice, he was very satisfied with eating rice.He loves rice. Japanese food is too expensive. Fish is eaten every day, but one day he is tired of eating. Chinese food is rich and cheap. He would rather live here forever than go back.Some of his Chinese classmates have returned to the motherland. Taking this opportunity, he wants to catch up with his classmates and visit what they say about China's rise?

The whole world envies China's rise and wants to know the difference between the Chinese dream and the American dream. They want to know China and why their country is poor, but China is rich in material resources.They can't figure it out. He can't figure it out.After working for two years, he didn't make any money. Although he converted it into RMB, it was more than 10000 yuan a month, but the food in Japan was too expensive, the house was too expensive, and everything was too expensive. He was a typical poor man.Say that the house is thousands of yuan, there is only one bedroom, a real snail's house.He also needs to take the subway to work. His time is wasted on transportation. He has to work overtime every night. He feels very tired.He felt hopeless. Working overtime was very serious. He had to be busy until 9:10 every day to go home. It was early in the morning after he got home. He hurried to have a good sleep. He still got up early the next day. When was the weekend? Which group of people won the holiday with their own resistance? It seems that they don't pay much attention in Japan.He has no holidays, just like a machine in constant operation, and oil is his life.He knows why some streets in Tokyo are dimly lit, but there are many young high school girls standing there. Girls are waiting for buyers. They need to pay their own tuition fees, family expenses and their own expenses.Girls will not admit what they are doing. If someone asks, they will say, "I'm waiting for my classmates."

Japan is not allowed to broadcast the news of China's rise, perhaps unintentionally.Because the Japanese who know the truth can't live happily. In fact, he doesn't feel happy anymore.

In recent months, his Chinese classmates contacted him. Chinese people like to talk about the past. After a long time of no contact, Chinese people's feelings will overflow like wine.He knew something he shouldn't know. He said, "it overturned my imagination."

Before he came to China, he never imagined that food was abundant. In his previous prejudice, he thought that the mainland was an endless poor villa. People living in that land had no money to buy clothes and scientific and technological products. Even roads were rammed with soil. People there were simple and hospitable and content with the status quo.This is far from the case. For food, disgusting Japanese businessmen pursue high profits and do not want mass production of grain. They just want to increase the price of grain by various means and methods. They would rather empty a piece of land for two years and call it restoring the fertility of the soil. Forget it, there is no food. Who cares about the quality?

His first feeling when he got off the airport was that it was not the third world, but the first world, a country comparable to the United States.

Students have no time to pick him up. The other party's work pressure is also very high. Please take a half day off. How much wealth will you lose?In this way, he can go around and learn more about China.He also knows that there is no food in the airport, which is true in airports all over the world. He needs to go to some alleys, some elderly people, who open shops. Their lifelong skills are very magical. The taste is not only to meet the stimulation of taste buds, but also love.He downloaded several apps at the airport. Let alone, it's quite convenient to take a car.

The driver directly sent him to his destination. He didn't need to take out his wallet and pay on his mobile phone.He did enough homework in Japan and knew that China did not use money anymore. He specially handled the relevant payment.He got out of the car and felt that he was wise. Fortunately, he planned all this and was well prepared. Otherwise, how troublesome it would be.

In the alley, he saw rice noodles. The words on the sign said hot and sour noodles. He had heard of this thing.He couldn't wait to walk into the store. It was an old couple from Chongqing. They warmly entertained him. He ate and shouted a stimulus, sweat flowed, and his taste buds burst into nuclear bomb glory.

In the evening, he had enough to eat, drink and play. When he came to the place agreed with his classmates, his classmates drove him home.His classmate's name is Zhou Fei.Zhou Fei said, "I'm glad you came to China. I'm very busy today and didn't pick you up. Please don't take it to heart. I'll have a holiday tomorrow. I'll take you to have a good time."

"It doesn't matter. You're busy first. I can take care of myself."

"You don't mind."

"I won't mind. We are good friends and work is very important. You can't make less money because of me. It's so hard to find a job now."

"I think it's strange to listen to your words. Working in China is everywhere, but it's difficult to find a job you like."

"I've heard you talk about whether there are too few people in China. You know, you've been engaged in family planning because there are fewer people and positions are in short supply?"

"I don't know. I can't tell you from an academic point of view. Subjectively, I think there are many people in our country, but the economy is also developing. Maybe there are reasons you said. Maybe the economy is developing too fast, so more people are needed."

"How are you now?"

"It's average. If I hadn't studied in Japan before, it wouldn't be as good as I thought."

"Why, I don't quite understand. You say China is a good place, but now you seem very upset."

"To be exact, I'm not worried, but I'm worried about my future. In this way, our education is not very excellent. The spoon feeding education leads to our inactivity. I went to Japan to communicate with your active classmates on a large scale. After I returned to China, I was able to get what I wanted in a short time,Of course, there is still a gap from my dream. I am still working hard. I now have a project. I want to take down the project and leave to start a business. I think what I pay is not proportional to what I get. I have a strong ability. Why should I be willing to be shared by others? "

"I understand. Please let me know if you need any help."

"Speaking of help, of course I'd like you to help me. For example, selling Japanese goods to China will make a fortune, but are you willing to do so?"

"I need to understand more thoroughly."

"Haha, haha, so you don't want to do it. Let's see what China is like now. I believe you will have some ideas when you return to your country," Zhou Fei continued. "Did you eat tonight?"

"Oh, I've been eating this afternoon. Now my stomach is full."

"It's nice of you to melt in so soon."

At Zhou Fei's home, Ichiro Takayama asked, "where are we going tomorrow? Have we made a good schedule?"

"It's very simple. What era is it now? It doesn't need to be planned in advance. It's done with a mobile phone. We'll go to the amusement park tomorrow. I'll book tickets on my mobile phone now. We'll go to the botanical garden the day after tomorrow and the zoo in the afternoon."

"Do we have any plans for tomorrow evening?I hear it's a sleepless city. "

"Yes, in the evening, you can see that the clouds in the sky are illuminated by the lights of the city."

"Oh, really?I'm going out to have a look now. "

"Oh, we don't have too many lights here. This is a residential area. We don't like it to be too bright. We have to go to the commercial area. The lights there are colorful and dazzling.Do you want to go to the bar or climb the mountain tomorrow evening? "

"I don't want to go to a place like a bar."

"What do you mean by that place?"

"You know, in a place like Japan, of course it's that kind of place."

"Oh, that's not the case in China."

"I don't want to go either."

"Well, we'll climb the mountain tomorrow night. I'll buy the ticket first," Zhou Fei operated his mobile phone. "You can arrange it yourself from Monday to Friday, so I can't accompany you."

"By the way, what do you need to buy? I don't know if you bring enough materials. After all, you stay for half a month this time."

"Don't worry, I have everything ready."

These days, Ichiro Takayama and Zhou Fei have a lot of fun.After coming out of the zoo, Ichiro Takayama said, "I feel like I have suddenly become a child."

Zhou Fei said, "we are all children. We are happy only when we are children. Why bother so much."

"Maybe this is the charm of China.When I return to Japan, I have to work hard again. I have no rest days, no holidays and work overtime every night. "

"But your salary is high, hundreds of thousands of yen."

"High fart, it's only more than 10000 yuan in RMB."

"That's not high. It's more than 10000 yuan. You can buy clothes every month, eat well outside every meal, play everywhere, travel everywhere, buy a suite, buy a car and have a beautiful wife."

"I don't quite understand. In a place as big as your bedroom, it costs thousands of yuan to rent in Japan, and thousands of yuan to remove the food. In fact, dozens of yuan is enough to eat a bowl of ramen."

"How much do you think we spent on food these days?"

"When I came to China, I went to cheap places. I didn't spend much money, but you and I ate so well that it should cost you one or two thousand yuan. I feel very embarrassed."

"You're wrong. All the expenses of 500 yuan haven't arrived these days."

"Oh, my God, it's incredible."

"If you and I don't eat out, but spend 100 yuan to buy vegetables, it will be enough for us to eat for a week."

"I don't quite understand why things are so cheap."

"I have raised such questions before, but later I understood that it is not important to have more or less money. It is the ability to buy more goods that makes life better. Now it is the industrial age and liberates the labor force. Of course, we can use machines to obtain more goods and make our life better. That's right,Your clothes don't look good at all. "

"These clothes are very expensive."

"Later, I'll go online to help you choose."

"Forget it, I have to pay taxes at the customs, and I won't stay long."

"What's the matter? Just throw it away after wearing it."

When Ichiro Takayama saw Zhou Fei shopping online, he understood what he had said before. The clothes were too cheap, and the clothes were unique and looked very suitable for him.Ichiro Takayama never felt that he had a strong desire for life, but now he has.

"I'm afraid these clothes will take a long time to arrive."

"No, it will arrive tomorrow morning."

The next morning, when Ichiro Takayama opened the package and put on his new clothes, he became very handsome.

"Believe me, your return rate is very high. Countless girls will not refuse you."

In a week, Takayama Ichiro tasted the delicacies of various major cuisines and put on clothes that can only be admired in luxury stores. His handsome foundation was inspired by the goods and became a lovely little handsome man. The girls on the street threw their eyes to eat him. He felt a little shy.One night when Zhou Fei got off duty, he smelled an appetizing aroma at the door. When he opened the door, Ichiro Takayama was playing hot pot.

"Hey, classmate, it's great to live without money."

"Oh, what do you want to express?"

"I mean, I only need a cell phone now. I can do anything."

"That's right. Before I went out, I had to carry a bag with my wallet, mobile phone keys and a lot of things. Now a mobile phone is good."

"I told you I made a thousand dollars today."

"Oh, how did you make it?Have you done a part-time job? "

"No, no, no, no, my Chinese is not very good. The part-time shop certainly won't want me.Today, I made 300 yuan to answer questions for others. Before, I thought knowledge was worthless, because after we went to work, that knowledge didn't work at all, but I didn't think that in China, my knowledge could become money, and what I saw and heard could bring me reward. "

"Yes, if you sign up for an account and write some good articles every week or every day, when you have more fans, how much is your article worth hundreds of thousands?I found an account before and gave him 100000 yuan. He helped me with an advertisement. The effect was very good. "

"Oh, my God, I suddenly feel like I'm at a loss."

"Pull it down. It's good to earn money. How did the remaining 700 yuan come from?"

"Didn't I come to China to take pictures?I brought my camera. I commented under a video. As a result, someone contacted me and asked me to take a group of art photos for their store. "

"Oh, yes, your photography ability is good. Well, you also need to take a picture of my goods for me. You also need to be on the shelf."

"Yes, I went to the vegetable market today. My God, there are fish, meat, vegetables and fruits. It's hard to imagine that this pile adds up to less than 50 yuan."

"You can consider staying in China."

"I hope so, but I'm afraid to stay here."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I think I'm a foreigner. I'm afraid it's difficult to integrate into this society."

"That's also true. Even if you can earn 1000 yuan today, it doesn't mean you can earn it every day. A stable job is better."

"Don't say such despondent words. Look at the hot pot I made today."

"It's strange that you can do this, too."

"I find that I can be a gourmet now because the seasoning bag can let me make any delicious food."

"Don't you also have seasoning bags in Japan?"

"It's not so rich. Now I can do what I want to eat. I think I was a little stupid before. Why should I go out to eat and waste money."

After they had enough to eat and drink, they went out and watched a movie. Ichiro Takayama was keen on movies. He said: "I never thought movies could be so cheap."

"The film itself can be cheap. Why sell it so expensive."

At night, they slept soundly. Ichiro Takayama suddenly heard something in the room. He thought it might be a mouse. The rats in this city are very big.He once saw a mouse as fat as a cat. He couldn't see such a fat mouse in Japan.He didn't care about going to bed. After a while, his voice rang again. This time, he didn't think it was the sound of a mouse, but like the sound of slippers. Maybe his classmates were in a hurry to pee at night?

After a while, he heard the sound of the table moving. He became vigilant. Maybe there was a thief at home, so he quietly got out of bed and thought of a baseball bat in the living room.To be on the safe side, he quietly picked up the plastic bucket and walked slowly to the living room. He quietly came to the side of the baseball bat and picked up the stick.Takayama yelled. He hoped the sound would wake up his roommate.

The man stood still and Ichiro Takayama threw the stool over.

The shadow was startled and shouted, "who are you?"

The voice was very familiar. Ichiro Takayama recognized Zhou Fei's voice. He asked, "what are you doing if you don't sleep in the middle of the night?"

"I... I don't know. I'm not in bed. How did I get to the living room?"

"Are you under too much pressure recently? Are you sleepwalking?"

"Maybe, maybe I've been under too much pressure recently."

"I'll pour you a glass of juice."Takayama Ichiro turned on the light, but saw a scene he would never forget.He saw Zhou Fei's left hand had disappeared, as if it had been cut off with a watermelon knife. It was strange that there was no drop of blood, but his right hand reached into the wall.Ichiro Takayama held the baseball bat tightly. He said, "what's the matter with you?Your hand? "

"My hand?Ah, my hand, ah, what's the matter?What's the matter?Help -- help me. "

"Devil, you are the devil."Takayama Ichiro opened the door in a panic and rushed out.

When he came to the door of the community, he was sweating with fright. Was he thinking that I was dreaming?After calming down, he regretted that he left Zhou Fei alone in the hall.He's scared.He wanted to call the police, but realized that the mobile phone was still in the bedroom and he only wore a pair of trousers. He couldn't give up Zhou Fei, so he went back again.

After returning, he didn't see Zhou Fei's shadow. Zhou Fei seemed to disappear out of thin air. His father-in-law and monk couldn't figure it out. There was only one entrance and exit to the house. He didn't see anyone go out.

He didn't have time to think about it. He immediately put on his clothes and took away some necessities such as his mobile phone.When he was ready to go out, he saw a pile of dust where Zhou Fei stood. He couldn't explain.He wondered if Zhou Fei had become a pile of inanimate things. Only the devil would turn into earth because he saw the light.

He didn't dare to stay here. He thought he should return to Japan. He didn't want to force himself into a desperate situation because of this. He didn't want to spend his life in prison. Even if he truthfully told the police all this, who would believe it.

After returning to Japan, Ichiro Takayama was arrested by the police.He knew that no one would believe his words. His best way was to shut up. No matter how the police interrogated him, he avoided talking. No matter what pressure he was given, he didn't open his mouth.Two weeks later, a woman in uniform saw him, put a group of photos in front of him and said, "I believe you didn't kill. We did encounter some phenomena that can't be explained scientifically. You're not the only witness, but you're the first witness. I need to know what you saw?"

Ichiro Takayama will not believe what these people say. The world is evil. There are no good people in the world. He will not hurt himself because of other people's deception.He still doesn't speak.The woman had no way and said, "I hope you will think about it."So he left.A few days later, the prison floor shook. He thought it was an earthquake again, but he seemed to hear the sound of breathing. He was alone in the room. He held his breath. He believed it was his own breathing, but he still held his breath. The sound of breathing grew louder and louder. Takayama Ichiro's eyes widened. He leaned tightly against the wall,He didn't know what happened to the floor. He could think of all kinds of strange legends of his own country and nation. Those demons and ghosts sprang up in his mind.

Takayama Ichiro gradually saw a face emerging from the floor. It was goofy's face. His hands waved to catch any object that could be touched. Takayama Ichiro said in a panic: "goofy, goofy, I didn't kill you. It's none of my business. We are classmates. Please don't do this to me."

Goofy seems to hear Ichiro Takayama's voice. He turns his head and sees Ichiro in bed, and then slowly climbs over.

On the land of Japan, countless hands stretch out from the ground.From the earth, from the rocks, from the walls, from the floor, their hands rose like bamboo. They waved to catch anything they could.

2017Completed on August 2

0 notes

fanta-ceo · 6 years

Text

Terms of Our Relationship

pairings: Yoongi x Reader, Jimin x OC

genre: established relationship, angst, workaholic!yoongi

word count: 3,096

description: It's the first time she's seen him in two days. And that's okay, except that technically, they share the same bed.

I'm busier than you think. Can you be okay with that?

A/N: Originally written in 3rd and I didn’t want to switch it to 2nd lol. Plz understand

It's the first time she's seen him in two days. And that's okay, except that technically, they share the same bed. He barely remembers to come home these days—when he's not camped in the office, analyzing complex data for his boss working overtime he won't get paid for, he usually finds what little time he has left in the studio. That was their agreement when they moved in together.

I'm busier than you think. Can you be okay with that?

She'd understood. She herself had passions and dreams she was aiming for—when she wasn't at work, she was still attending school, finishing her PhD and working long hours, agonizing over her dissertation. They were wrecks; she remembered to go to the gym more often than she remembered to eat, and she had a feeling Yoongi remembered to eat even less.

And yet... despite their busy schedules, despite the hundreds of reasons why they couldn't be a normal couple and cuddle on the couch and eat dinner together and go on dates, something still stung in his absence. Whenever she laid in bed, trying quiet her anxious thoughts, she'd remember the few times she'd done it in his arms. The times back when things were more intense and less serious at once, back when her hold on him had appeared tentative at best, and he'd gone out of his way to assure her that she was on his mind, that he wanted something from her.

She isn't less in love with him. If anything, she's only fallen deeper. And she doubts he's changed his mind about her—he's not the type to sleep with women he doesn't care about, to sign a lease with someone who he plans on losing interest in. She only wished that in the hundreds of priorities on their lists, their own relationship would be a bit closer to the top.

She wishes this wasn't the first time she's seen her boyfriend in two days. But more than that biting sting of loneliness and aching of missing him, there's gratitude—that he's in her life, that he's here, that he thought this was important enough to take time off of his busy schedule to come to this frivolous group date.

She doesn't know how it ended up like this. Yoongi got along with her friends okay, but if they were going to go out together, they usually hung out with Namjoon or Hoseok. Yoongi could charm the pants off anyone, but he found it a drag to hang around her friends and their boyfriends. Except Soojung and Jimin.

Yoongi was different from her other friends—a kid with dreams who had lived off the streets for too long before regaining his footing, passionately fighting and scraping his way to what he had now. It had been a coincidence—blessed luck—that they'd met at all, that he'd seen something in her worth sticking around for. He had a group of friends of his own, a small collection of people he considered worth keeping track of and visiting with every few weeks, so of course he didn't need anything from her friends' boyfriends. If he was an outsider, it was something he was familiar with.

But Jimin didn't seem to mind if Yoongi was closed off to friendship. They could spend a night together, Jimin chatting cheerfully and laughing at Yoongi's banter, and both would leave utterly content even if they didn't see each other for another month. Jimin didn't think Yoongi was rude if he dropped off the face of the earth for weeks at a time.

She hasn't seen him in two days, but he could be in the studio right now, doing what he really loved but instead he was here at this restaurant, looking painfully gorgeous in a black suit and a little too tired for her taste as he stood by the front door, checking his phone and scanning the room simultaneously for her and her friends. The feelings she feels bubbling to the surface surge with painful intensity—longing the foremost, warm affection mingling with the aching emotion in a way that twisted her stomach.

She doesn't like living like this.

When he sees her and something in his eyes solidifies—something distant and anxious that becomes warm and solid when his eyes meet hers—she feels that wrenching longing. I'm busier than you think. Can you be okay with that? She couldn't ask for more time. She had asked for this as well, hadn't she? She was busy too. Wasn't that why it had made so much sense, back then? Being with him meant they were both free to pursue their passions, and she needed that because she'd worked for over a decade to get to this point in her life. This is what she had wanted.

The thought rang hollow to her. Worked a decade to live with a man you barely see, to lose your mind in work that can't satisfy your heart, to long for someone who's just always out of reach. Somehow, along the way, he'd become something even more important to her than all of her goals and ambitions. A younger her would have been horrified to hear it, and Yoongi... she couldn't admit that kind of weakness to him. To admit that in their precious time together, she had changed, that the terms of their relationship were beginning to twist and break inside of her.

Their relationship was built off of how much they liked one another but how fiercely independently they lived—a loving relationship of how much they didn't need each other. Loneliness, longing—it all amounted to selfishness. She wasn't going to hold him back like that.

She could never admit that, for her, the scales had tipped. That she needed something he'd told her he wouldn't give her, and she had agreed. She wouldn't do that to him.

Something about that cut inside her, deep like the other emotions he inspired that wrecked havoc within her. But it was just another emotion to keep to herself, waiting for a time when their relationship could be more than these wisps and shadows.

~*~

He smells so good.

She's half out of her mind, trying to focus on the conversation when he's so close, when he's warm and so handsome and smells so good, and his hand is on her thigh under the table—he's watching Jimin with sharp eyes, his lips curved like the smirk of a predator, but Jimin's lips are twitching into a smile all the while so she thinks they're really having fun—but his thumb is tracing small circles on her thigh, and of course all she can think about is him.

Soojung is watching Jimin in his element, bubbly and relaxed and almost child like. He leads the conversation easily, leading them sideways and backwards in ways that make them laugh. When Soojung does speak, it's to antagonize her—which, with Yoongi so close and with her losing her mind over emotions and hormones, she could barely handle. She usually sputtered out generic responses because she was utterly brain dead, something that would make Soojung snicker and Yoongi chuckle as he glanced at her.

He's just so... well, there's a lot of words. Handsome, confident—but really, he's just insanely hot when he's like this. The last time she'd seen him, he'd looked half dead in a giant, over-sized t-shirt and shorts as he'd stumbled blearily to the coffee she'd made a half hour earlier. She'd been rushing out the door to get to class, and they hadn't even kissed goodbye.

The contrast was ridiculous. She loved him sleepy and half-dead before he got his caffeine fix. This side of Yoongi was just another favorite.

The pressure of his thumb into her skin is hypnotic. She feels her eyes drifting shut. She wants to be alone with him. But she couldn't even ask him to come home for herself—she had to wait to ask for a little time until this group date opportunity. Why was she so scared of asking for more time with him? Why couldn't she just be honest, that she needed him at night when her anxieties and fears started to overwhelm her? She needed the comfort of his touch to remind her that there was more to life than exhausting and endless assignments and projects.

She needs him. She misses their dates when they would talk, when he would laugh and tease her, when he would listen, when he would share some of the incredible thoughts banging around in his mind, the things he too often kept inside. She missed connecting with him, feeling like he was apart of her as well as her own beating heart. Why does it feel like she's been so utterly stupid, like she's made a terrible mistake by waiting so long to ask him on a date? Why did she wait for a group date if he was going to say yes so easily? Wasn't all of this her fault?

She can't get her mind off of him, and Yoongi must notice because he leans over then and murmurs in her ear, "Do you want to get out of here?" She can see Jimin and Soojung obviously watching the exchange, but she can only nod in relief.

"Keeping secrets?" Soojung asked, smirking into her drink as she took a sip and eyed them coyly.

"I think I should get my girlfriend home," Yoongi said, going for his wallet. Jimim shook his head, smiling. "I invited you guys to my favorite restaurant, and you think I'll let you cover the bill? You guys should get going. Return the favor later."

She knows Yoongi hates owing people, and she knows Yoongi hates letting other people pay, and she knows Jimin is doing it just to toy with them in a harmless way. But She couldn't concentrate on the exchange long—her focus dissolved to Yoongi's hand that remained resting on her thigh. She found herself wishing she'd worn a dress, that maybe his hand could have made contact with bare skin—it was a shadow of a thought, an impulse or desire with no substance for her rational mind to challenge. She was so on edge. All she really wanted was to hug him.

She missed her boyfriend. A lot.

It had been two days since she'd seen him last, but the last conversation they'd had had been over cereal, and that was four days before—and the last deep conversation they'd had had been two and a half weeks back, over a stupid TV show. The last time they'd fallen asleep talking together was... six weeks?

Jimin ended up paying for the bill, but that gave she and Yoongi the freedom to leave at their convenience—immediately—and as she glanced over her shoulder, she noticed Jimin and Soojung smiling at each other with an affection so intimiate, it felt like intrusion to glimpse it. It made her happy. At least her friend was doing well.

"I took the bus," she says when Yoongi starts scanning the lot for her car.

Yoongi answers by pulling her waist and walking to his with a casual yet firm hand that suggests it's instinctive and utterly natural. She doesn't mind that he's quiet because communication is more than just words and after two years, she understands that it's enough for him to be near her, and if he didn't want her, he wouldn't be touching her.

He opens her door for her like he always does—chivalry made her antsy at best when she was younger, but Yoongi did it so naturally, she figured it was simply apart of who he was. And there was no part of him she didn't adore. When he gets into the driver's seat, it's natural for him to take her hand in his and hold it as he drives.

Does he know what these simple touches mean to me? She'd had a string of past boyfriends whose proximity had left her buzzed but empty. His touch was like a slow burn, solid and warm at first, but it sparked a fire that burned hotter and hotter in the pit of her stomach. She just wanted to curl up in his arms and lose herself in the reassuring calm of his presence.

Does he need me like I need him?

She doubted it. He missed her, probably—he usually did after spending so much time isolated in the studio. But being wanted... that was better than need. She knew that. She'd had a few boys who had used her, for her heart and her body and for her reluctance to walk away. Yoongi wasn't like that. She knew for certain that he had everything he needed in his friends and his music and his work. She was lucky to get any of his time, his affection.

She didn't know what he saw in her. But she was desperately grateful for it. He has no reason to use her, and all the reason in the world to walk away—that's why it means everything that he's here.

When they get back to their apartment, she unlocks the door and steps in. Exhaustion from the long day—the four hour lab, the next three she'd spent in the library until her six hour shift at work—it's all beginning to settle in, and she's planning on falling in bed without the shower she should probably take, all with the hope that he'll follow her.

He catches her hand effortlessly as he closes the door behind them, pulling her so that she stumbles, right into his arms. She freezes as he buries his face in her neck—no, nuzzles her. "I love you," he mumbles.

Her heart melts, and her fingers slide to his back, clinging to him. Do you know how much I need you? "I love you," she sighs in a mumble. It's something like a physical relief, expressing even a fraction of the need she feels tearing her apart.

They stand there long enough that her own exhaustion returns in a wave. "Let's go to bed," she sighs, making to move again.

But Yoongi unexpectedly kisses her neck then—but instead of pulling back, she feels a hot swipe of his tongue on her skin. She's jarred into alertness, pulse beginning to race. She wants to laugh at herself. Honestly—with his hand on her thigh at the restaurant so long, did she really think he just wanted to sleep? But he'd still been holding her at the door for almost ten minutes, making no move to initiate. As if a simple embrace was as important as sex. She doesn't understand him, but she adores him.

He continues to suck in a way that will leave a mark, a way that undoes her, and her fingers press into his back. He laughs—a low, husky sound—against the skin of her neck. "Move to the bed?" He suggests.

She nods, brain foggy, but he doesn't tease her because this is a side of her he accepts just like all the others. It's okay that her brain shuts off sometimes—what did he say once? You're a kind of girl who thinks a lot of thoughts, so I think it's cute when you're like this.

Sex isn't sex when it's with Yoongi. Sex used to be something she dreaded, something scary and sometimes painful and something she did because she was scared to be alone, to watch them walk away because she couldn't make them stay.

With Yoongi, it's love. It's gentle, and fun, and intoxicatingly deep, and through his kiss, through his touch, she feels all of the frayed edges of her emotions begin to reconnect inside of her. It's not everything, of course—but it is something, that they can still come together like this. And when Yoongi asks for this, she knows him enough by now to know that it's just not hormones or impulse. He does it because he loves her, because he misses her, because he wants the emotional connection as much as the physical.

The best part is right now, though—just after they've cleaned up together in the bathroom, when Yoongi is just a little too sarcastic, and she's a little too frazzled to think straight, so they tease each other. But their bickering easily shifts into conversation, easy exchange of ideas with an openness and ease they don't usually employ. And they cuddle in the night; she was so tired, weary from the day, and if anything she should be more tired—he should be the same of course—but this is more important than even sleep.

She'll stay awake for days if it means just a little more precious time with him. "Let's make breakfast together tomorrow," Yoongi mumbles sleepily as they both begin to drift off.

"I hope it's lunch," she quips.

"Let's sleep for a long time," he agrees, kissing her forehead.

"Are you going into the studio tomorrow?" she asks.

"No," he says. "Let's just stay in. I miss you."

"Okay," she agrees.

It's not a promise that they'll spend their nights together like a normal busy couple. He'll still work late into the night and pass out on the couch at the studio, and she'll still work nights and days for work and camp out in the library to get her studying done, but that's okay.

I'm busier than you think. Can you be okay with that?

It was okay, because she'd known going into this exactly what it would be. And even though it would be so easy to overlook her, to forget about her when their passions pulled them in such different directions, he still made time for times like these. She was his priority, no matter how the signs might have indicated otherwise. This, right here, being in his arms after weeks of distance, was enough.

She couldn't doubt it for a second. He loved her. Remembering that, feeling that, was enough for her.

#bts fanfction #bts fanfic #bts scenarios #bts suga #bts yoongi #yoongi #suga #suga fanfic #yoongi fan #yoongi fanfic #yoongi x reader #suga x reader

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missmammamiaa · 6 years

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18 Ways to Make 2018 Your Year

Cut the toxic people: As hard as it may be to realize, there are those toxic people in your life that use you or hover over you subconsciously. You’ll be living a healthier and happier lifestyle once you cut those toxic people and surround yourself with the people you love.

Strengthen your bonds: Strengthen the bonds you have with friends. Get to know your friends more, because chances are you don’t know everything about them. Besides your family, those close friends are the next people you learn to trust. By getting to know each other, gradually you all will grow closer. I find it almost vital to have these friends that you can count on and think of as family.

Spend more time with those you love: This seems like a given, but with school and work and extracurriculars, it’s hard to just sit down and talk with your friends and loved ones. But if you can take five to ten minutes out of your busy schedule to start a conversation or grab a coffee with someone you love, you’ll find a sense of peace. It will be those small moments that will add up and add to strengthening those bonds.

Live in the moment: Living in this day and age, taking pictures to post seem to be a common thing with all hangouts. Although I totally recommend taking pictures, learn to take in the subtle details of the moment. A picture cannot capture how you actually felt in that moment. By living in the moment you will learn to appreciate all the moments in your life… small or big.

Establish a Routine: Now by establishing a routine, it decreases the chances of you procrastinating the little things on your to-do list that in the grand scheme of things should only take you 5-10 min.

Track your Spending: track your spending. Now, as much as that $5 Starbucks seems affordable at the time, overtime getting one at least once a week adds up. Track your spending monthly so you have a better understanding where your money is being put towards and this will help you budget more. Especially for me being younger, this skill will prove to be beneficial in the long run.

Treat Yourself: So once and a while it’s fine to splurge. Treat yourself to a shopping day or a lunch as a reward. You deserve it!

Learn to Decompress: Decompressing doesn’t mean you have to learn to meditate. But find a personal activity that allows you to escape from all of your stress and give you some time to yourself. For some, this may be reading a book or taking a run. For me personally, I volunteer at my local library putting away books. The range of activities is endless.

It’s okay to say no: There is nothing wrong with declining an invitation to a movie or saying no to a study group. If you truly don’t want to do something or you truly can’t do something don’t feel obligated to do it. “No” is an acceptable answer.

Choose healthier options: Trust me it’s totally fine to eat that In N Out burger. But for snacks at school and for studying, choose healthier options. You will be thanking yourself.

Walk: Rather than driving to your house a couple blocks away… walk! Or rather than driving to the pizza place down the street from school… walk! Walking is an easy way of exercising and it will be the first step into a healthier lifestyle.

Don’t wait until the last minute: I am totally guilty of this but once you get an assignment do it right away. The information will be fresh in your head and the chances are you’ll have an easier time with it. And with projects plan in advance different days you’ll work on different parts of it. Now you won’t be staying up until 3:00 am finishing that 4-page paper!

Challenge yourself: By challenging yourself you’ll be pushing yourself at your own pace to improve.

Know your boundaries: There’s a difference between challenging yourself and knowing your boundaries. You are the only person that will know when too much is too much. For example, if you’re in a class that you have completely no idea what’s going on then there’s nothing wrong with switching out.

Track your year: Track those days that really made you happy or track the days a “first” came about. At the end of the year, it would be cool to go through and see all that you did in the year.

Be ready for a surprise: As much as we would like to know our future we don’t. So all we can do is just be prepared for those good and bad surprises, just know that everything will happen for a reason.

Try something new: It’s a new year! There’s nothing wrong with trying a new look or a new hobby. You won’t know your opinions on it unless you try it.

Focus on You: In the end, you have to focus on you. Focus on what makes you happy whether it be the moments you have with your friends and family or the experiences you have by yourself. This year focus on what will help you be a better version of you and the first step begins well with you!

#studyblr #new year new me #2018

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sagara-megumi · 7 years

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SasuSaku Month - Day 10: Photograph || [Fanfic] A Christmas Song for Lovers

Title: A Christmas Song for Lovers

Rating: K/G

Notes: Real Life got in the way of my writing again... Oh, well... Writing about Christmas in the middle of July has been one of the weirdest things I’ve ever done XD

The places depicted in the story are real (except for the restaurant). However, the descriptions might not be accurate since I had to depend heavily on photos, descriptions and Google Maps, so please, be lenient with that, especially if you’re Japanese or have been there.

Tokyo Midtown is in the centre of Tokyo's Roppongi district.The complex includes apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, museums, park space and a luxury hotel. The Starlight Garden is a space-inspired Christmas illumination in the park behind the main tower.

Sorry for the delay and, as always, if you find something strange, please, tell me ^^ I hope you enjoy it :)

<…> telephone

‘…‘ Inner Sakura

Words: 5450

A CHRISTMAS SONG FOR LOVERS

A soft relieved murmur filled the room where the board of directors and the presidents of the different branch companies of the Uchiha Corporation were having a meeting. According to the numbers, at least the fall had been stopped. Their hard work, the endless meetings, the negotiations and the contracts signed with the investment companies, had given the market confidence in their recovery and for the first time in weeks, their stock had been steady for a few days in a row. They still had to be cautious, and there was still much to do, though, but at least, they could breathe slowly and deeply since the crisis had started. However, it was decided by the majority not to do an official statement neither to the media nor the employees until they had more consistent figures. They did not want to spread the news before the right moment.

The meeting ended some time later, after new projects to start their overcome after the New Year were proposed and approved, and Sasuke, his brother and his father came out of the room with the satisfaction of a well-done work. It had been extremely difficult, but they had achieved their objective.

“Then, I'll see you two in two hours in my office,” Uchiha Fugaku said trying to characteristic calm demeanor. “Please, bring the data I asked you yesterday so we can go over it carefully before taking any decision regarding the matter of the Human Resources Department.”

They nodded and went their separate ways. In the lift, Sasuke allowed him to relax, and in that moment, he realised how tired he really was. Not only physically, but mentally too. For weeks, almost all his thoughts had been focused on his work and in that moment, when the weight had been partially lifted from his shoulders, he felt empty. Redirect his efforts to other matters was going to be extremely difficult. He rubbed his eyes. Well, maybe not so much if he could divert them to a good night of sleep.

The door opened and he walked along the corridor that led to his office. As he neared Ino's desk, he noticed her anxious gaze, though it was obvious that she was trying to appear calm. She had been the best of secretaries during those weeks, she had stayed behind with him without a complaint, sleeping in the office some days, even after he had told her that he did not know if they could pay her overtime. She had been his support on his work, and even though he was breaking the agreement they had reached in the meeting, the least he could do for her is reassure her. A small confident smile drew across his lips just for a second, but it was enough to see her exhale relieved and her anxiety replaced by her usual confidence.

“Ino, I need you to write some letters and to go over my schedule for the next two weeks.”

“Understood.”

A few seconds after he entered the office and sat down on his chair, she went in and stood by his desk, taking notes of the recipients of the letters, mostly the Chiefs of Department of the company.

“When can you have them ready?”

“At most in half an hour. I have to go and check some data with the Chairman and the CEO's secretaries regarding the meeting with XC Industries, but if they're a priority, I can write them before.”

“No, they're not” he sighed and leaned back slightly in his chair. “What about my schedule?”

She opened her diary, starting with the most urgent matters and then, other events he had been invited to.

“... And then, the Financial Party at KK Hotel on the eighteenth and on the twenty-second, the Christmas Party of Sarutobi's Communications” she finished, lifting her face from the book and he sighed, displeased. It was going to be almost impossible with so many appointments.

“Are you sure, Ino? No free hours at all?”

“Yes, sir. Even though we could have expected less activity, you still were invited to a few events, all around those dates apart from the planned business meetings and lunches, and the two-day trip to the branch in Nagasaki.”

Sasuke sighed again, and then looked at her straight in the eye.

“Then, I'm going to ask you a huge favour. You have to clear some time, even if it short, please. I don't mind which day is it...”

Ino smiled inwardly as she nodded. She knew why he sounded so desperate. After all, Christmas was a time for lovers, and even though Sakura and he could not be called that yet, they had not had a date in weeks, and it was natural that, after being sure that the company was more or less safe, he wanted to see her.

“I'll try to, sir.”

“Oh, and which day is the least busy?”

Ino checked her book again.

“Well, it's difficult to say. Being the end of the year too, there are many reports to hand in and some contracts to go over... On the twentieth, you asked me not to schedule anything for the afternoon because there was a gathering at the Commercial Affairs Department and you wanted to finish reviewing the economic charts with the Financial Department before attending. Oh, on the seventeenth, you don't have any appointments for lunch”

He nodded and thanked her, turning to the windows behind him reflexively.

As she walked out of his office, a small smile graced her features. Either she was really wrong, or his President was falling in love...

<And... regarding the twenty-fourth, I'm sorry...>

“Why are you apologising?” Sakura asked as she shifted in her chair.

She made a soft sound. She would be lying if she said that it did not matter her in the slightest. She had been wondering about what plans they were going to have for Christmas, though she did not want to get her hopes high, since he had to be busy at that time of the year too. And also, she felt a bit anxious. Despite her anticipation, Christmas was a season for lovers and she did not know what to expect, or what he expected from her.

She had come to terms with the fact that she had fallen for him, and much deeper than she initially had thought but she did not know if he returned her feelings, even a little, or if at the end of their dating period he would decide that he was not interested in her and crush her heart. And as soon as she had realised, she had also started to get ready for his refusal. Maybe it was for the best that he did not have so much free time...

“Don't worry, I-”

Her hopes were reborn in her heart.

'Stupid.'

'I know.'

“Let me check.”

He heard the sound of pages being turned.

“If you don't feel like going out just for a few hours, don't forc-”

“Don't say that!” she exclaimed furrowing her brows. “We have to make the most of the time that we can get. Even if it was only an hour, I wouldn't mind.”

He could imagine her smiling as she said the last words and he felt better.

“I have to be in the Psychology Department until four and also, hand in a report, but that's not a problem. I can (hand) it earlier.”

“Do you still have to go, even though you already took your exams?”

“Yes, I like being there. Also, I'm reviewing some topics that I have to study with my teachers. They're really kind”

“That's fine” she heard a soft creaking noise, as if he had stood up from his chair. “Listen, I have an appointment, so I have to leave you. I'll call you in a few days to talk about when and where we are meeting, alright?”

“Yes, and good luck.”

This time, Sasuke was sure to arrive first at the Tokyo Tower square where they had arranged to meet. He looked at his watch and breathed deeply, satisfied, and then turned his head to one side and the other casually. The place was filled with people, especially couples, who walked at a merry pace, talking and laughing, and looked around the stalls of the Christmas Market, making purchases to decorate their homes. Many of them carried shopping bags from other stores, some of them quite expensive, probably presents for their loved ones.

He put his hands in his black parka pockets and shrugged, feeling slightly uncomfortable and guilty. In the end, he had not been able to buy a present for Sakura. Even though he had tried, spending some hours of the days he was least busy walking around and looking at shop windows, nothing seemed good enough for her. He had also realised that he barely knew about her. He had memorised her tastes and her hobbies from the personal information that came with the omiai photo, and for the little details that he had picked up here and there in their phone conversations and the half date they had had, but that was all. He could have chosen a present that would make any woman happy, or ask Ino to buy her something, since she was her best friend and surely knew what Sakura liked. But it did not seem fair. Though their relationship was not conventional and was going at an unnatural pace, they were going out, and he had thought that either of the two options was disrespectful to her.

Relationship. He mused over the word as he adjusted his leather glove, more as a reflect act than for necessity. It was strange to call that to whatever was going on between them. He had always thought of a relationship as the involvement of two people who had feelings for each other, be them called attraction, like or love, and who nurtured them to make them deeper. What he felt he had with her at that moment was more like a business partnership: a meeting, an agreement... an appointment... Nothing really that could give him a clue about where they were going or the outcome. After the situation at the hotel, he had tried to give himself some time to think about his own feelings towards the matter. He was certain that he was more committed that he had wished at the beginning. His initial intention was to please his family and date her for some time so they would leave him alone. And, in the case that things went extremely well and they were compatible, ask for her hand in marriage. If not, at least he would gain a powerful alliance for the future.

However, nothing had gone as he had planned. She had slowly made her way to his heart with her smiles and her intelligence, and especially with her unwavering loyalty, refusing to cut ties with him even at the risk of being questioned by her own kind. He smirked lightly, proud. She was one hell of a stubborn woman...

“I hope you haven't been waiting for long...”

He lifted his face, a bit surprised he had not been aware of her presence, deep as he was in his thoughts, and found her in front of him, smiling softly. He managed to compose a neutral expression and looked at his watch again.

“You're early too.”

Sakura laughed briefly.

“I like to be on time.”

He smirked.

“And I don't like making people wait for me.” he put his hands in his parka pockets. “Shall we go?”

“Where to?”

He stopped and looked at her.

“I thought I told you to choose what you wanted to see.”

“I did” she took a folded glossy paper from her small bag and gave it to him.

The pamphlet depicted a photo of a place filled with small blue lamps. The 'Starlight Garden'. He had heard about it, about the fantastic illusions created with hundreds of thousands of lights, but had never seen it.

“We could have met there...”

“Uhm” she nodded slowly. “But when you suggested Tokyo Tower, I thought we could watch the decorations around here and then have a walk from here to Tokyo Midtown” she stopped and put a finger on her chin. “But maybe I went ahead myself and you don't have such time...”

“I have” he looked at her in a way that made her heart miss a beat. “I have work tomorrow and I prefer not to stay out late, though” he fidgeted uncomfortably. “It sounds childish, right? As if I had a curfew”

She shook her head with an amused smile as they started walking again, slowly making their way around the market and going to admire the enormous Christmas trees, heavily decorated and lit, that were scattered around the place.

“I don't think so... It's more like... responsible” they stopped in front of a stall which sold glass decorations for a few seconds. “Tomorrow isn't a holiday for me either. From now until February, I have to study for my Medical Licensing Examination, and the sooner I start, the better because I have some events to attend during that time...”

Sasuke lifted a brow, puzzled.

“You have those too?”

“Yes” she sighed. “Remember that, after my father retires, I'll be the one who inherits the hospital and the laboratories. It's not enough to be a doctor, but I also have to meet people from the pharmaceutical industry, high ranking officials from other hospitals and make connections for future business. Though you know a lot about this...”

“Yes, but I had no idea that it was the same in your field of work. I thought that doctors... well, cure people or do research, that's all”

“And you're right” she stopped, lifting her head to watch a smaller tree beautifully decorated in blue and silver. “I'm one of the few exceptions... In fact, my grandmother wants me to take some courses on business management and economy. I suppose I'll have to do that once I finish my postgraduate training program...” seeing her face, it was obvious it was the last thing she wanted to do, and he had to suppress an amused smile.

“If you want me to, I could recommend you some.”

Her expression became comically serious.

“When the time comes, I'll be glad to ask for your help.”

Once they went around Tokyo Tower, they started their way to Tokyo Midtown along an avenue full of trees whose trunk and branches were filled with lights. The street was crowded with people admiring the illuminations and taking some photos, and the shops that bordered it on both sides, they were swarming with customers. From time to time, they stopped at a shop window to see their displays. In one of the crossroads, a group of men and women that obviously had just come out of work were chatting merrily while walking at a fast pace, probably on their way to have a few drinks before heading back home, and one of the men bumped into Sakura, making her stumble and drop her handbag. The man immediately apologised and crouched to pick it up, and when he stood up, he smiled appreciatively, taking a good look at her. However, the smile was erased soon from his face, as Sasuke approached them with a frown. Excusing himself again, he joined his mates at a quick pace, earning some laughs and shouts.

“Are you fine?” he said crossing his arms.

“Yes, don't worry” she smiled as rubbed a small white spot on the upper side of her bag.

He sighed, apparently annoyed, and turned, ready to keep on walking.

“It's better if we don't get separated” he extended his left arm. “Give me your hand.”

Sakura blushed lightly, looking at him before extending hers. He grasped it firmly and they continued their way with hurried steps, as the traffic light was about to change. She could not tear her gaze from their joined fingers as her heart beat loudly in her chest. She could not help wondering why he had suddenly decided to be so straightforward when he had scarcely touched her since they had met. She was afraid to think that he was starting to feel something for her and get her hopes up. Maybe it was just the season and being surrounded by so many couples... However, her intuition told her that Sasuke was not the type of man that was swept along by anyone or anything. She squeezed his hand and in response, he tightened his hold.

Sasuke looked askew at the bashful girl who walked just a little behind him, secretly delighted at seeing her red cheeks and her pensive expression. He wondered what she was thinking about his bold action. It had been a sudden impulse to protect her and, at the same time, to claim her seeing the openly admiring stare that man was given her. Now that he had reflected on it calmly, he feared that she despised it and he did not know how to let go without being thought as rude. So, it was a relief when he felt her grasp become tighter and instinctively, he did the same.

“By the way,” he said, starting a conversation maybe for the first time. “A few days ago, we had a meeting and, according to the information gathered, the worst is over.”

Her expression lit with a wide smile.

“Really?” he nodded. “Congratulations! You worked really hard for that!”

Her sincere happiness made him feel at ease and satisfied, but in a different way from those same emotions he felt the day they confirmed that the company had been saved. Maybe because she was the one felicitating him.

“Thank you,” he said looking at her with a small smile playing on his lips.

“And, can you tell me about it? After all, in a few years, I'll inherit a hospital and I'll have to know how to deal with lots of problems...”

He smirked lightly.

“Of course.”

Twenty minutes later, waiting for the traffic lights to allow them to continue their stroll, Sasuke looked at his watch.

“Do you want to eat something before going to Tokyo Midtown?”

“Good idea. Did you make a reservation somewhere?”

He touched the back of his neck.

“Not really. Since we were going to see the illuminations leisurely, I thought it would be a bother to rush to be there on time if we were far from there” he looked around at the crowd. “I suppose I should have been more far-sighted”

“I'm not really hungry, so we can take a look at the restaurants. And I'm not choosy about my food, so I don't mind eating noodles in a stall if we can't find a place.”

At their third try, they found free seats in a small but pleasant Chinese restaurant near a famous hotel. It was decorated mostly in dark tones, with walls covered with wooden planks and mahogany coloured tables and chairs, but softened by the light of the western-style lamps that hung from the cream coloured ceiling and the candles set on each table, which gave away a very warm and cozy feeling.

They were guided to a table near a window decorated with a tasteful Chinese motif. As she took off her scarf and her red coat, he saw she was wearing a flared skirt that reached her knees and a dark green blouse which enhanced her green eyes. She seemed to perceive something in his glance because she smiled, pleased, before sitting down. Sasuke tilted his head to the side, slightly abashed at being caught admiring her.

Immediately, a petite friendly waitress brought them glasses of water and the menu, and they each chose two courses for each and a starter to share.

As they were left alone, silence fell between them, and Sakura, suddenly feeling slightly uncomfortable, looked around. In fact, she had dreaded the moment where they went to eat since the second she had started to get ready for their date. Because, like a couple on the other side of the room, it was probably at that moment when they should exchange presents.

At the beginning, she had been uncertain. Were they in the sort of relationship that gave her the right to give something to him in such important date for lovers? Or would it be embarrassing when later they decided they did not want to continue it? But also, what if he bought her something and she did not? What would be more mortifying? In the end, she had gone to their meeting with empty hands. She had felt a bit relieved when she had seen he did not carry any bags, but men tended to keep things in their pockets, and his parka had a few of them...

“Sorry” to her amazement, he had apologised at the same time as her.

Sasuke looked at her with slightly widened eyes. Why was she asking for his forgiveness?

“You go first” he blurted out, his tone of voice maybe a bit drier that he had wanted, due to his bewilderment, and saw her stiffen and lower her head.

“I didn't buy you a gift...” she stole a glance at him to see his reaction. “I'm sorry...”

“I didn't buy you one either” he replied nonchalantly, putting his elbows on the table and leaning a bit forward. “So, don't worry.”

Suddenly, she felt even more embarrassed and her cheeks became as red as her coat, not knowing if she had made a fool of herself because he did not have that intention from the beginning, or if he had tried to reassure her. Sasuke was taken aback. What had he done to earn that reaction?

“Hey, are you fine?” he tilted his head in concern. “I told you it doesn't matter, right?”

“But!” she exclaimed a bit loud, attracting the attention of the people at the table near them for a moment. “But I... wanted to... And, I didn't know what to do.”

'Way to go, girl! You're becoming more outspoken, I'm proud of you!'

“I didn't know if it was correct in our situation...” she continued a little more confident, lifting her head to face him. “But you did so much for me when my grandmother was admitted to hospital, and at least, I wanted to give you a thank-you gift.”

His features had softened as she spoke, and something similar to relief washed over her.

“I could have got you a tie or a set of pin and cuffs, but it was too impersonal, something to make a good impression on you. And then, I realised that I don't know anything about you, Sasuke-kun, just what the personal information said...”

The waitress came at that moment, bringing them their starter.

“Then, we think alike” Sasuke replied once she went away, picking up his chopsticks. “I wanted to bring something too, but I didn't want to rely on Ino or buy the first thing that came to my mind” he picked up a dumpling and dunked it in sauce, and she imitated him. “We haven't really had time to get to know each other. Not that we had time for more...”

“You're right” she smiled after swallowing the bite she had taken from her dumpling. “Too many things happened but next time, we have to talk about these topics a little.”

“Now's as good as any other moment, don't you think?”

Sakura looked at him over the candle, seeing something akin to interest in his dark pupils, and then nodded with a smile.

As it was the most natural thing, they held hands again after going out the restaurant and walked slowly in a comfortable silence, watching the trees that bordered the pavement. Strange as it sounded, they felt much closer, as if asking for their favourite books, colours or activities had developed some kind of bond between them, and even though maybe for an outsider those topics were not important, for them, they had been the true beginning of what an omiai was meant to be.

Some minutes later, they arrived at a tree with a welcome sign in many languages and a clock among its branches and they crossed the square among the crowd that went to the same place as them. Then they turned into a path which led to the square where the Starlight Garden was situated. As they strolled the 'Starlight Road', full of glittering trees, the light changed, as if they were surrounded by candles, soothing and enchanting. And finally, the square opened in front of them.

The whole area was covered with small blue lights, like a field of green grass spattered with small daisies and int he center, there was half a sphere. Around them, the trees were heavily cast in four different colours, giving the place a warm and intimate atmosphere. It was the time between shows, it seemed, so they tried to find a good place to watch it before it started again. Finally, they found a space where she could squeeze. He stayed behind her, and each time he moved the slightly, she felt him brush slightly against her shoulder and back. Her heart skipped a beat.

“Sorry...”

she shook her head lightly not trusting her voice at that moment. As if on cue, a soft music started playing and the spectacle began.

It was an amazing experience. The lights, as in a planetary, flew around in patterns in synchrony with the music and from time to time, some LEDs scattered around the square went up high into the sky, simulating shooting stars and comets. Sasuke could see that Sakura was totally captivated and, even though few things could amaze him, this was one of them. At the end of the show, became a brilliant display of light.

Sakura turned with bright eyes filled with excitement, her palms together just under her chin.

“It was amazing, right Sasuke-kun?” he nodded with a small smile at seeing her happiness. “I'm so glad to have come with you and no one else...”

He looked at her upon hearing those words, his lips parting slightly in astonishment, and her eyes widened, as if she had realised she had said something not meant for his ears and turned to see the ocean of blue in front of her eyes.

He had to do something, he thought as he looked to the side, feeling lost. He knew what to say and how to behave in his business, but when it came to women, nobody had taught him about that. Something simple, something that could return the feeling hidden behind her words.

“So am I.”

Three words, three mere words were all it took for her to turn her head around slowly, looking at him as if searching for the meaning of that sentence that seemed to have opened a thin crack in a door locked before.

A small tender smile played on his lips and after a moment, she answered it with one of her owns, breaking the tension between them.

Then, her face lit with a sudden idea and she opened her handbag, showing him her smartphone

“Sasuke-kun, shall we take a picture? It'll be a nice memento of this day. Our first accomplished date.”

He sighed, a bit unhappy. He did not like pictures too much and they were very few the ones he had taken willingly. Most of them were from his childhood. But she was blithe and excited, and he wanted to keep on seeing her smiling face.

“Okay.”

She stretched her arm and tried to look for an angle where they would fit and the square behind them was visible. But it was really difficult with the difference in their heights and their pose, not too far but not too near each other either.

“Give me that.”

She complied and, after his trying to take it firmly, he sighed frustrated at not being able to handle the phone well with his covered hands. He put one of the fingers of his gloves between his teeth and pulled to take it off in one of the sensuous gestures Sakura had ever seen. Her eyes lingered on his lips for a moment as he changed the device from hand to hand and took the glove with his now free one, and then, she shook her head lightly trying to focus and praying that he had not seen her reaction. He extended his arm and the two appeared clearly on the screen. She pouted slightly, envying his longer limbs, but a moment later, seeing that he looked sideways at her, waiting, she smiled.

“Look at these shy newlyweds,” a man next to them said, and when they looked, an old couple was looking at them with smiles on their faces. The man looked at Sasuke and made a pushing gesture with his hands. “You two are still young, so it's nice to be a bit passionate.”

Sakura's blush covered her whole face, and even in the blue lights of the Starlight Garden, she could see that Sasuke's cheeks were a bit darker than usual.

“Dad, don't mess with them” his wife berated him lightly, patting him on the arm. “Sorry...”

Sakura moved her hands nervously, and the woman smiled politely and started walking to the opposite side, dragging her husband with her. However, they could still hear some of his words.

“But it's true... Remember when we got married and we...”

Sasuke cleared his throat and Sakura shifted uncomfortably, feeling too mortified to look at him as some passerby that had witnessed the scene laughed quietly.

“Then...” he said after a few seconds. “Are we taking it?”

She nodded and lifted her head, looking at the smartphone in his hand as he adjusted the image on the screen.

“It seems he was right” Sasuke muttered after taking two shots. “This is not good.”

The two pictures were strange. If they wanted to show the field of light behind them, they had to move to the edges of the picture and their shoulders were cut out, not to mention that the picture composition was ugly.

“Let's try again.”

In that moment, someone pushed Sasuke a bit, enough to make him lose his balance slightly. Instinctively, to avoid hitting her and at the same time, regain his composure, his arm flew to her waist. She startled at the contact and when she turned her head quickly, his face was so near that she almost had a heart attack.

“Ah... sorry...” he said, straightening his posture.

She shook her head anxiously, her whole body tense and the butterflies in her stomach flying without control, spreading to every corner of her being.

“I-I don't mind...” she looked down at her hands. “M-Maybe... we could take it... like this...?” she was becoming nervous by the second. “I-I mean... s-separated it's been a disaster... the picture...”

he stared at her for a moment with an unreadable expression on his face. Then, he seemed to make a decision.

“Alright.”

Sasuke shifted, bringing her closer to him, and readjusted the smartphone.

“Ready?” he murmured near her ear, and a shiver run down her back. She only could nod.

The image on the screen this time was perfect. They were in the middle, their figures bathed by the soft glow of the illuminations, and behind them, a sea of blue lights that extended to every corner of the screen. Sakura looked at it in awe, slightly mesmerized to see them so close, his soft expression partially hidden by the shadows projected on his face.

“It's beautiful.”

But Sasuke was not looking at the picture.

“Yes.”

THE END

#Naruto #fanfic #ssm17 #ssm17d10 #sasusakumonth #Uchiha Sasuke #Haruno Sakura #SasuSaku #OTP

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