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#the research will be annoying but it looks like we only have two classes with exams as opposed to four

mammonsrockstargf · 2 months

Text

a/n: hi fellas, i have hypersomnia, which basically just means i fall asleep a lot so here’s the brothers with a very sleepy mc.

At first, the brothers are kind of confused. Demons don’t need as much sleep as humans and they’re baffled by your excessive sleeping. Do all humans sleep so much? Why are you always flaring your teeth at them? (They later learn that this is called yawning.)

Lucifer initially thinks you’re lazy and it honestly bothers him. Simultaneously you remind him of a certain brother, so he also lets many things you do slide. He'll just sigh when you fall asleep 45 minutes into one of his lectures. “I think they understood my point,” he says, before turning to Mammon and continuing his lesson for a good two hours. As you get closer, he understands that you aren't lazy and he even lets you sleep in his office at R.A.D. whenever you need it.

One late evening you trudge into his office, blanket in hand. He looks at you with a raised brow. "Bed, now. You haven't slept properly in like 3 days," you say, while pointing your finger threateningly at him. Much to his own surprise, he finds himself in his bed with you snuggling into his side. He supposes you kind of complete each other in that way, where he sleeps too little, you sleep too much.

The first time you fall asleep during one of your hangouts with Mammon he’s annoyed. He lets you sleep it out because you just look too cute when you’re sleeping, but when you wake up he’s crossing his arms and pouting. “Am I really that boring, huh?” Luckily, we all know the great Mammon can never stay mad with you for too long, so he warms up to you again within an hour or so. If you want you can always speed up the process significantly by giving him kisses or a big hug. It works every single time.

Once he realizes you don’t fall asleep because of him, but because you’re just so damn tired, he stops getting bothered by it. Instead, he just tugs you in, covering you in blankets. He'll even scold his brothers if they're being too loud around you. This just causes them to make fun of him, but always at a lower noise level.

Leviathan is also hurt at first, especially because you fell asleep during an anime marathon. He’s a bit harder to make happy again. He’s absolutely convinced it has something to do with him. No matter how many times you tell him he doesn’t believe you until one day when you fall asleep in the middle of a conversation with Mammon. The sight makes him laugh so hard, he almost falls over.

After that, he doesn’t mind anymore. After all, if you fall asleep around Mammon, then it's probably you who's the problem, not him. He lets you sleep with your head in his lap. He’ll even tread his fingers through your hair, but he’ll never admit that to you when you’re awake. Once you wake up again he’s happy to give you a recap of what you missed in the episode, plus an analysis of the dialogue and the hidden meanings of certain scenes.

Satan doesn’t mind at first, because he likes how it bothers Lucifer. He even helps you get away with it. When you fall asleep during class, he’ll put a book in front of you so the teacher can’t see and he’ll answer the question for you if you’re called on. He even begins to write notes for you. Later it just becomes a habit of his, he does it for you without thinking.

If he’s reading aloud for you and you fall asleep, a smile will tug at his lips and he’ll just continue reading for you. Because of you, he begins researching human sleeping patterns. After he reads that certain foods can make you more energized, he begins to carry fruits and nuts with him, which he offers you whenever you get sleepy.

Asmodeus thinks beauty sleep is very important. It’s only natural that someone as beautiful as you should sleep a lot. Besides that, he’s probably the one who wakes you up from your sleep the most. Too much sleep can be bad for you as well! Besides that, he can't wait for you to wake up to share the insane gossip he just heard. You need to hear it now!

Like with Lucifer, you remind Beelzebub of Belphegor. A lot. His chest hurts when he finds you sleeping in the living room and he carries you to bed. When you fall asleep on his shoulder, he pats your head. He likes just looking at you when you sleep. Not in a creepy way, you just look so peaceful. It soothes the ache in his chest.

If you get too tired while you're out on a trip or assignment, Beel will often offer to piggyback you. Beel is a big guy, he could carry Diavolo around if he wanted to. With you on his back, he barely even registers your weight. His arms hook around your legs and sometimes his fingers will dig into your thighs. He likes the way you wrap your arms around his neck and the way he can feel your breath on his ear, while you whisper things to him. Most of all he likes when you fall asleep and he can hear your soft breathing.

Once you become friends with Belphegor, he’s excited to have a sleeping buddy. You come up to the attic to have your midday nap with him and he immediately opens his arms for you. “I’m serious, Belphie, only one hour,” you say, while setting the alarm on your D.D.D. “You know I can’t sleep for any longer than that.” Belphegor just nods sleepily and traps you in his arms. Once you're asleep, he grabs your phone and turns off the alarm.

When Beel comes to wake you up, saying it’s time for dinner, Belphie just laughs when you slap him lightly and complain that you slept for three hours. After that, you refuse to nap with him anymore until he swears that he won’t mess with your alarm again.

One time you mentioned that you have a hard time waking up in the mornings. The constant night of the Devildom is really messing with your brain. That very same day, a new bed lamp is ordered for you. One of those that imitate the sunrise in the morning, slowly lighting up your room as you wake up. You’re a lot more energetic in the mornings after that, a sight that makes all of the brothers smile your way at breakfast.

thanks for reading! you can find my other stuff here. <3

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volturiprincess · 3 months

Text

Little Brother

Paul Lahote x fem reader

Summary: reader has a little brother who is a shifter Warnings: some angst, I think there were some curse words A/N: So this was a request, sorry it took a while to get this out but school comes first ☺️. if anyone has a request, don't hesitate to ask me, I am open in doing them. There will be a second A/N in the end. Word count: 2k+

Researching for colleges is such a pain in the ass, why am I doing this again? Oh yea I want to be a Doctor, more specifically a Physician. I have been in my room for over 3 hours already looking at different pamphlets of schools that have caught my eye. I have a little brother to take care of so I have been looking at schools near La Push but there are not a lot of schools that have the program I am interested in. And little old me decided to also graduate from High School one year early so that I could have a gap year to save up money and to visit different universities. I've been dragging my little brother with me to these college visits for the reason we are close and I don't like going alone on these visits.

We are only 3 years apart but I still treat him like a small child, even if he is already slightly taller than me. I heard a sudden knock at my door and called out for them to come in. I sat up from the floor and saw my little brother walk in

“Hey Oli, what's up?”

“I just came to check on you, I haven't seen you in like days already and you missed dinner”

“Shoot, sorry, I didn't even know so much time has gone by, I been trying to narrow down my choices in colleges down to 5 but it has been a struggle but I did eat a sandwich earlier”

He nods

“Why don't you take a break and we can go walk at La Push?”

My eyes widen at the mention of the beach

“Sounds like a plan bro, meet me outside in 10 minutes”

He rolled his eyes playfully but walked outside nevertheless. I stood off the ground and got somewhat ready, I just needed a sweater and shoes. I left my room and went outside where Oliver was waiting, we then started to walk to the beach, it was literally over the the treeline of where we live so it didn't take long. I have been coming to this beach since I was born, and when Oliver was born I made sure he came as frequently as I did or sometimes I would sneak at night just to come see the moon over the ocean.

As we arrived at the beach I saw a group of boys and knew right away who they were, Sam Uley's pack. I went to school with them. I even had a class with some of the members but they always seem to annoy me with their loudness so I personally decided to stay away.

As we were walking Oliver asked me

“Do you know those guys?”

“Yes I do, why do you ask?”

“Just asking, you always look at them like they killed your dog or something”

I laughed

“Well there are just rowdy boys, and that annoys me you know?”

We kept on walking until someone shouted out “HEADS UP '', I grabbed Oliver instantly and pulled him down and saw a football flying over us. I stood up and walked over to the ball and looked at where it came from and I stiffen up when I saw it came from the pack, I grabbed the ball and threw it back to them immediately. I could hear one of the guys shout back “THANK YOU” which I just responded with a hand signal and walked off with Oliver.

“You know I'm surprised you didn't do sports in high or middle school, that was one heck of a throw, the distance you threw was easily a whole football field”

I rolled my eyes but wrapped an arm around his shoulders and ruffled his hair

“Oh yea? Easily a football field? You need to go touch the grass more often then, but I do got to agree it was a beautiful throw, an old friend of mine and I would practice throwing either a football or baseball in the backyard”

“I remember that, I preferred to sit at the porch and read a book while you two played”

“Such a bookworm, you know thats suppose to be me right, the amount of books I have read so far in the 17 years I have existed would blow your mind”

Chuckling he answered

“I'll take your word on that”

—-------------------------------------------------------

Recently Oliver has been a bit distant with me, I thought at first it was just him being busy with school and his new job he told me he got recently but I hardly see him at the house anymore. I have approached him multiple times but his response is always “I'm just busy living my life”. He always says it in this tone that is just bland and he doesn't sound like himself. I know I've been busy with applying to colleges and stuff but he's been like this for a couple of months now. It also appears he's been getting into shape, not only has he gotten taller out of the blue but he has muscles now and on top of that he cut his beautiful thick locks. It makes me think that maybe there is a girl he likes and he wants to impress her or maybe there is something else. I wish he would come up to me but for now I am giving him his space and hoping he will come up to me when he is ready.

I decided to go take a walk at La Push beach to just clear my mind from the stress of life for a bit. It has been a while since I've been here and I kind wish Oliver was here with me. As I am walking on the sand, I see a group of boys all shirtless and with jorts on close by. I knew right away it was Sam Uley's pack but then I saw a familiar figure amongst them. My eyes widen and before I even think twice I shout out his name

“Oliver!”

I saw him turn his head to me slowly and his face reflects my current face. I felt slightly betrayed and went up to the group of boys and confronted my little brother.

“The hell are you doing with these guys Oliver, I told you to stay away from them”

Sam was the one who spoke up

“Miss why don't you relax and leave Oliver alone”

I snap my gaze to him

“Excuse me? You don't get to tell me what to do when it comes to my little brother, that is between me and him. Sir”

Oliver spoke up still with that same monotone voice

“Y/n just go home please, I will talk with you later”

I stared at him and then I saw something else I didn't notice earlier, a tattoo, the same tattoo that all of the other guys in this pack had. At that moment I had to bite my tongue so I didn't blow up on him in front of the guys so instead I nodded stiffly and walked away. So many thoughts started to flow through my mind; “why is he hanging out with older guys, more specifically why is he with those guys?” “Is that why he changed, so he could fit in with them or was he forced?” “What happened to that sweet boy who was scared of the lighting and would come to my room for comfort?”

I sat in the living room waiting for Oliver's arrival. I really wanted to blow up on him right there in front of the guys but why embarrass him like that, even if it was very tempting. I just realized I was addressed as “Miss”, I literally had a class with Sam and he sat right next to me and we were even partners once for a stupid math project. But what went totally over my head was a certain guy was watching intensely, he was looking at me like I was the only person alive. Before I could decipher this guy's name Oliver came into my view of sight.

I looked at him with narrowed eyes,

“So? Care to explain to me what I witnessed at the beach earlier? Or are you going to brush me off again like you have these past few months?

I saw for a moment he was hesitant but what he said next was expect

“You wouldn’t understand, they are helping me with stuff”

“Helping you with stuff? Like how to flirt with girls or how to be an idiot?”

“As I said you would not understand? How could you, you are only focusing on yourself and your future, I seen the pamphlets you been looking at, and they are all colleges far away from here”

I tried my best to be face to face with him but he is at this point he is a whole foot taller than me now

“For your information little brother, I have been looking at schools near here, why do you think it's been so hard for me to find the one, and for your information you think I am so self absorbed that I don't think about you? Why do you think you don't live with mom and dad? it's because they never paid attention to you or even cared to raise you, it was all ME who raised you. I am trying to work towards a good career so that I could give you a better childhood that mom and dad failed to give you.”

I didn't even know a tear spilled from my eye but I quickly wiped it away and stood my ground, but for some reason he huffed and stormed out of the house without giving me a second glance or anything. I stared at the door for a while until I decided to just drop this for now. Teenagers really are something else, I really wish I did have someone to confide in when I face these problems with him but there is nobody. I decided to just make dinner and call it a night already, if he does not want to talk with me then so be it.

—-----------------------

I was getting ready to go visit another college alone once again when I heard a knock at my front door. I went to it and did not expect to see Paul Lahote there. Secretly I thought he was pretty cute, even if he flirted with all the girls at school but I just admired him from a distance and in silence.

He was the one to speak first

“Can I have a quick word with you?”

“Yea sure, what's up?”

“It's about you brother”

My mood dropped at that moment

“What about him?”

“Are you familiar with the Quileute legends?”

I nodded with suspicion

“Yes i'm aware of them, but they are just stories”

I saw that look of hesitation once again, it was the same face Oliver did when I confronted him at home after the beach incident.

“Well, to some people it is but they are real you see, and your brother happens to be a shifter along with me and the other guys”

My hand went straight to the dorm frame to steady myself and Paul instantly went to a concerned stance.

“Hey you good?”

“You-your telling me, that my little brother who is 14, is a shifter, that the stories I grew up listening to are true and he didn't even tell me?”

He gave me a sheepish look

“Well the thing is, he couldn't tell you, it's a secret that is between the pack, it's to protect each other and not to reveal others our existence, can you imagine if others found out about us, the panic everyone would go through?”

I nodded since he did made a valid point.

“Yes well you have a point, but why are you telling me then, why not Oliver or Sam for instance?”

He scratched the back of his neck and he avoided eye contact with me. It's strange to see him like this, all flustered and nervous when I knew him as some cocky and flirty guy from High School.

“Well you see I um….. imprinted on you….”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion

“Imprinted on me? What the hell is that? And why me to be exact?”

“Well you see it's an involuntary mechanism that us shifters go through when we find out soulmates, we have no choice in who we get to imprint on, it just you know.......happens”

At the mention of soulmates my eyes widened in shock, the guy who I secretly liked but annoyed me at the same time is supposedly my soulmate. I always thought soulmates was an interesting topic hence my obsession with Greek Mythology and the topic that Zeus splitted people's souls in half and it was mortal's mission to find their other half. I looked back into his eyes

“Soulmates? That's insane”

He chuckled and teased in return

“Oh and not shifting to a big wolf is not insane, your brother definitely knew you would react like this”

“Well I have heard the legends for years, so it's not like `oh what the hell your mental” kind of situation, at least I knew some part of this, but soulmates? You got to admit that's something you don't hear everyday”

Rolling his eyes playfully he gave a me a smile that stopped my heart for a minute

“Fair but you're not too creeped out by this or have questions or whatsoever?”

I chuckled at his rambling but asked him

“Well now that you say that I think about 1 million questions came up, please don't tell me Oliver has found an imprint yet?”

“No he hasn't yet, he's still figuring this whole shifting and stuff”

I nodded along

“Good, Good, I don't think I would accept it right away thinking he found love so young, but I also wanted to thank you”

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion

“For what?”

“You and the other guys probably were a great help to him with all of this, even if I was completely clueless to all of this, he was for sure scared and confused with all of this, wasn't he?”

He nodded

“Yea he was lucky me and Sam were close by, we heard a yell of pain and then a growl and well we knew what it was, we went up to him and calmed him down and then we explained everything to him”

When he said yell of pain, that hit me, as much as I might not tell Oliver directly that I love him, I do, I just show it a different way by being there and being his best friend. I looked up at Paul and hugged him tightly. I felt him stiffen from shock but eventually he wrapped his arms around me. He was so warm, even with the layers of clothing he had on, his heat was radiating through it to me. I felt him caressing the back of my head while I just had my cheek against his chest.

We pulled apart shortly after and I looking down mumbled

“I'm sorry for calling you and your pack a cult and annoying behind your back”

I heard him chuckling loudly and I looked up at him with a surprised look

“No need to apologize sweetheart, we know we are annoying and I could never be mad at you”

I rolled my eyes playfully but let out a breath of relief

“Is Oliver with the other guys?”

He nods

“I can take you to him, the cat is out of the bag already or this case the wolf is out of the bag”

I punched his arm playfully

“Your such a nerd”

He did a fake pout but smiled while offering his arm for me to take. He guided me to his car and we drove off to who knows where. We eventually arrived at a cabin in the woods and I saw a bunch of shirtless guys running outside of the house towards us. I spotted Oliver and ran into his arms and pulled him into a deep hug. He returned the gesture immediately and I felt some small tears spill

“I know everything, I'm sorry for blowing up on you”

He pulled away slightly to look at with slightly teary eyes

“It wasn't your fault y/n, it's mine, I just wished I could've told you about this but you know why I didn't, right?”

I nodded and wiped away his tears

“I'm just glad you didn’t have to deal with all of this alone” I turned to all of the guys “Thanks to all of you” they all nodded in a reassurance and some of them went back inside the house

“So Paul also told you about him imprinting on you?”

I nodded

“And he told me you have not found an imprint yet which is a relief, I don't think I would be ready to see you with someone yet, your just a little boy”

I ruffle his hair and he just chuckled slightly

“Im 14, almost 15, and I'm taller than you also”

I huffed at his response

“Well i'm older and more mature than you”

Paul came up to us,

“She's got you there dude”

I looked at Paul who winked at me and Oliver just groaned in disgust

“Can you not be like that in front of me”

“Hey! since I know about all of this, you will see more of me and Paul together”

He scoffed but then smiled

“Whatever, at least you won't be alone that often now”

Paul wrapped an arm around me and looked down on me

“She will never be alone”

My heart skipped a beat at his response

A/N: My third one-shot DONE. Anyways I will get to that extended version of that Felix drabble/random idea/ im not sure what to call it, hopefully I will get it down in the next couple of days. Plus I will work on another moodboard since its been a while.

#paul lahote x you #paul lahote x reader #paul lahote imagine #paul lahote #paul lahote imprint #twilight saga #wolf pack #twilight fanfiction #twilight imagine

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void-wolfie · 1 year

Text

Seventy-Two

summary: a little arguing and some bad memories push you into a panic attack, good thing Tara's there to help you through it.

pairing: Tara Carpenter x gn!Reader

words: 1.3k

tw: some angst, some fluff... mentions of abuse, (very brief) mentions of drugs/alcohol, descriptions of panic/anxiety attacks

a/n: apparently I'm back on my angst train lol. I'm not a professional so apologies if this isn't completely accurate. Briefly based this on my own experiences and some light research.

*if anything here may be a trigger for you, please don't read

You set your motorcycle helmet in your locker, grabbing out the few textbooks you'd need for the day and slamming the locker door shut.

"Where've you been?"

You jumped a little, not having expected the shorter girl to be on the other side of the locker door.

"Hi, Tara. Good morning to you too. Oh, I'm fine thanks for asking," You snarked, disregarding the girl and heading towards your first class.

She sighed, you two played this little game too often. Out in public, it was sideways glances and off-the-cuff remarks. She only ever got to see the real you when you were alone.

Right now, there were eyes everywhere; students and teachers alike all crowding the halls, trying to get to classes. She wouldn't get anything out of you here.

She grabbed you by the arm and yanked you into an empty classroom, making sure to shut the door behind you.

"Anyone ever tell you, you're tenacious." You smirked, looking around the empty classroom in boredom. Turning back around, you noticed the less-than-enthused look on her face.

"Anyone ever tell you, you're annoying."

"Actually you, every time we talk,"

You didn't take the jab to heart; she was just worried and stressed.

"Where've you been?" she asked again, her calm demeanor slipping away.

"Awe, do you actually care for me, princess?"

She huffed, rubbing her eyes with her fingers, something she often did when annoyed. Her patience was running thin, and classes hadn't even started yet.

"I've been trying to text you. Wes told me your dad had to bail you out for drug charges, then you go M.I.A. for two weeks and come back looking like you had the shit beat out of you."

"Yeah, well what else did Wes tell ya?"

You didn't exactly like Wes. He wasn't terrible but his nose was always stuck in someone else's business, which irritated the living hell out of you.

That, plus the fact you couldn't help but be jealous over their relationship. You know you shouldn't be, after all, they're just friends. But nothing ticked you off quite like Wes following Tara around like a lost puppy dog for everyone to see, while your relationship with the girl only existed behind closed doors.

"He told me your dad looked mad, like seriously pissed off." She took a few steps closer, getting into your personal space, not that you minded. You flinched slightly as her hands cupped your face, her thumb lightly tracing your black eye. "Did he do this to you, your dad?"

Despite the voice in your head screaming to finally admit it, to tell the whole world about the shit he puts you through, you just couldn't do it. You shook your head no, quickly wiping at the tears that threatened to fall.

You pulled yourself away from her, stepping further into the classroom to try and get some space.

"Then who did?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Have you looked in a mirror, you look like shit. Of course, it matters."

"Just leave it alone, Tara."

She wouldn't understand, you barely even did yourself. You just couldn't turn him in.

The man may be an abusive asshole and borderline alcoholic, but he's still your dad. For every terrible memory, there was a good one.

Sure, he'd beaten you to a pulp, hit you countless times before, and who even knows how much therapy you'd need one day. But he'd also bought you your first motorcycle, taught you how to do oil changes and engine repairs, he helped you prepare for softball tournaments and school projects.

It was all just so conflicting.

"y/n?"

You were so lost in your thoughts you barely noticed the tightness in your chest or the way your fingernails dug into the skin of your palms, almost drawing blood. You were lost in your memories trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

You were completely overwhelmed. Your entire world was crumbling down around you. It felt like you were drowning with no end in sight.

You yanked your backpack off, then your jacket, gripping the desk in front of you as you tried to figure out how to breathe again.

"y/n?"

She'd never seen you like this before. You were always so strong, so guarded. And yet here you were, looking the most vulnerable she'd ever seen you.

"I- I can’t-" you stumbled over your words, not sure how to form anything coherent with the dizziness in your head and tightness in your chest.

You sat down on the floor, leaning your back against the teacher’s desk as the world spun in front of you.

Tara recognized that look, she'd seen it in Sam countless times before. You were having a panic attack.

"Shit."

She dropped her bag, getting down on the ground next to you, careful not to crowd you in case it only made it worse.

"Hey, you’re good at math, right?"

You looked at her a bit puzzled but nodded nonetheless. What the fuck does math have to do with anything right now?

"Ok, what's six plus four?"

"T-Ten." You wheezed out an answer, still focusing on trying to get your breathing under control.

"Good, now what's nine times three?"

She could tell you were still overwhelmed, not really focused on her at the moment. Your eyes seemed dazed as they darted around the room.

"Hey," She grabbed your hand gently, interlacing your fingers, "focus on me, ok?"

That seemed to work, grabbing your attention, "What's nine times three?"

"...Twenty-seven,"

She was doing her best to stay calm, even if the sight of you hurting was killing her inside. But she'd done this before, she knew what she was doing... well, mostly.

The research she'd done over the years rang out in her head. Stay calm, get them to slow their breathing. Make your own breathing relaxed, keep it slow and even-paced, and theirs will follow suit... Get them to focus on something else for the time being... If things get worse, call for help...

"Good, and what about seven times eight?"

"...Fifty-six,"

"Five times eleven?"

"Fifty-five,"

Now she had your attention. You didn't notice but your breathing had started slowing down and your fists weren't clenched as tight. You were starting to relax a bit.

"Ok, what about forty-five divided by three?"

"Fifteen."

"And sixty divided by five?"

"Twelve,"

"Good," you were finally calm again, mostly anyways, "want me to keep going?"

You were exhausted, you felt a little better, not great, but better. Your head didn't feel like it was going to explode anymore, and your heart wasn't beating out of your chest.

You shook your head no, not wanting to do any more math. You patted the spot next to you, which Tara happily filled, glad to see you weren't hyperventilating anymore.

You closed your eyes and rested your head on her shoulder.

"So, am I officially smarter than a fifth grader?"

She rolled her eyes, not that you could see that, too busy cuddling into her side, "not a chance,"

"Your just jealous I'm better at my times tables than you are,"

She didn't have to look down at you to know you were smirking. But she did anyway, finding it adorable with the way your eyes were still closed and you were leaning into her.

It was almost comical, she thought, looking down at you. The big scary drug dealer with a fuck-around-and-find-out attitude and a deadly glare cuddling into the popular girl who has the personality (and height) of a teddy bear. If anyone else at school saw this, they probably would've thought they were hallucinating.

She scoffed, "that's so not true."

"What's nine times eight?"

There was a moment of silence, in which you couldn't help but smile a little brighter.

"I hate you."

"Seventy-two."

#tara carpenter #tara carpenter x reader #tara carpenter x y/n #tara carpenter x you #tara carpenter x fem!reader #tara carpenter x gn!reader #jenna ortega #void-wolfie

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local-ground-apple · 1 year

Note

Jello hello could I request meeting Jade and Silver (separate) for the first time?

Sure ! I had so much fun writing this i am once again bullying sebek

You had one job.

Yet you failed splendidly and gracefully. Oh, and with a loud crash as well.

You got assigned with Sebek to do your history project. None of you two was thrilled about the mere prospect of working together. You both expressed your disgust and lack of will to cooperate to your professor, who only ignored your loud and intense pleads, leaving you two to deal with the situation.

After a long (and loud) rant from Sebek why he absolutely hated to be paired with a weak and magicless human and equally loud and annoyed speech from you; you both decided to suck it up, do the project as fast as possible and then never speak to each other ever again.

That agreement worked perfectly well for you. You were never fond of Sebek, mostly because he seemed to be always reminding you about your mortal form and lack of basic, magic knowledge. Oh, and he was constantly screaming, which only triggered you. So naturally you responded with even more aggressive yelling to establish dominance.

You two were supposed to meet up somewhere in Diasomnia dorm. Sebek had explained to you the route at least like 10 times, yet frankly, you felt quite lost the moment you stepped inside the enormous castle. It was quite dreary and dim. You couldn’t quite make out your surroundings, yet alone figure out in which part of the castle you were exactly.

You were lost and annoyed.

On top of this, you were carrying a bag filled with various books that could be needed for the research and they were extremely heavy. Not only you were stranded somewhere in the dark castle that seemed quite scary to you, but you also had the additional weight. You sighed heavily, cursing Sebek in your mind.

,,That annoying, loud, green, insolent, bloody lizard”

You muttered under your nose, as you dragged yourself and your bag through another, never-ending stairs. Of course, he couldn’t pick you up after classes and walk with you to the common room of Diasomnia. No, he had to force you to find your way through it.

You swore mentally to yell at him the moment you finally find him. You planned quite long and elaborate rant filled with various arguments why it was such a douchebag move to leave you alone to find your way through the castle.

You took yet another step, silently praying that this staircase ends soon, as you were too tired and too exhausted to deal with this. Your prayers didn’t seem to be listened to. No, instead you were about to get a heart attack of the century.

,,Oya, Little One, what are you doing in this part of the castle ?”

A slightly confused, yet cheerful voice sounded right behind you, as you felt a warm breath tickling your skin, making every single hair on your skin stand from the sheer surprise. You let out a startled yelp, as you dropped the bag from your hands, spinning on your heel to see the person behind you. As you were greeted with Lilia Vanrouge hanging upside down, dangerously close to you, your heavy bag fell down the stairs with a loud crash.

You facepalmed, as you sighed heavily.

,,Well, maybe now this idiot will find me”

You muttered quite annoyed, as you eyed the scattered book at the end of the staircase. Great, now you would have to walk down once again to get them. You were positive that you were going to fight Sebek today out of pure annoyance with that god forsaken knight.

Lilia titled his head, looking at you in amusement, as he finally appeared right by your side. His eyes rested on your figure, as he was carefully observing you. He was more than aware that you were supposed to visit Diasomnia dorm today; after all he had granted Sebek’s request to let you stay here for few hours. He certainly didn’t expect that his fellow student would leave you on your own to find the way.

,,My, my, what a mess. I suppose I will have to talk with Sebek, however first we need t-“

Lilia’s words were cut by another voice that seemed a tad bit sleepy. Almost as if that person was abruptly woken up from a deep sleep.

,,Did something happened ? Oh, old man…”

You squinted your eyes, as you tried to make out the figure standing at the bottom of the staircase. Frankly, you were quite dazzled, as you held your breath for a moment. The man standing before you was simply stunning. His slightly disheveled, silver hair seemed to sparkle in the dim light of candle lights; as silky strands gently adorned his pale face. He was slightly rubbing his eyes, trying to wake himself up, as he tried not to yawn. Your eyes rested on his muscled arms, as he bend down to start picking up the books scattered.

,,Oh, Silver”

Lilia’s cheerful tone of voice brought you back to reality. You violently shook your head, stopping yourself from daydreaming about Silver, as you rushed down the stairs to help him pick up the books. You opened your mouth to attempt to convince him that he didn’t need to help you and that you could clean up after yourself, yet he stopped you, his words once again knocking out your breath.

,,Oh, and who are you ?”

He asked softly, as a smile lips graced his lips. Before you had a chance to respond, Lilia cut in. He was currently leaning casually against handrail, as he watched you two clearly amused.

,,It’s Y/n, Sebek’s friend”

That’s it. You had enough. At the mere mention of your classmate’s name and the word “friend” in the same sentence, you felt your blood boil. You clenched your fists, as a scowl appeared on your face.

,,I’m definitely not Sebek’s friend”

You stated firmly, rolling your eyes. Lilia only laughed in response, totally dismissing you. You could feel Silver’s curious gaze on your form. Quite bizarre, he had never heard his old man refer to someone as Sebek’s friend. He was positive his fellow colleague wasn’t able to form any relationship with anyone, given his difficult personality and loud demeanor. It seemed that you weren’t the exception.

As you and Lilia started bickering, Silver pondered for a brief moment. Y/n, Y/n, Y/n…Your name seemed familiar. He was sure he had never seen you before, apart from brief glance during your unexpected arrival when you managed to shock everyone. Perhaps he was too sleepy to properly remember your face.

And then he connected the dots, as he finally remembered one thing.

Recently, Sebek had been nagging a lot more than normally, making sure to rant about certain someone to Silver. Obviously, it was you who were doomed to do a group project with Sebek. Silver felt bad for you, you seemed like a nice person who didn’t deserve to put up with his colleague.

,,Oh, Silver ! Would you be a dear and guide our lovely Little One to common room. Sebek must be waiting for them”

Silver only nodded in response, as he took the bag filled with books, despite your vivid protests to carry it for you.

,,Of course, here, follow me”

You’ve always stayed neutral and avoided every mess that Yuu with his friends ended up creating. You didn’t interfere in Heartslabyul and Savanaclaw drama, not even bothering to help prefect of Ramshackle dorm to stop the overblots.

You preferred not taking part in anything that could potentially be dangerous, avoiding anyone who seemed shady or strange (which basically meant like most of the students).

However, Yuu bargaining away Ramshackle dorm where you also stayed was the last straw that made you snap.

You clenched your fists, sighing heavily in frustration, when you were literally kicked out of your room. You didn’t even bother listening to Yuu’s explanations.

You were surrounded by idiots. That you knew earlier, however you never expected your prefect to lack so many braincells.

By idiots who weren’t even capable of handling such “simple issue”, as you had phrased it. In your eyes, the whole situation was quite easy to resolve and you weren’t listening to Yuu who declared that you were going on a war with something way more serious than you had anticipated.

,,I need to talk with Azul. Now.”

Your voice was firm and determined. Jade raised an eyebrow, as his lips cracked a smile in amusement. He certainly didn’t expect to see you here out of all people. Even Azul didn’t include you in his plans and equations, expecting you to ignore whole situation and lay low.

Oh, how wrong was he.

,,Ohh, is this angelfish?”

You furrowed your eyebrows and rolled your eyes hearing Floyd’s nickname. Frankly, you didn’t have the time nor mental energy to deal with his bullshit right now. You impatiently tapped your foot on the floor, as you crossed your arms on your chest, trying to appear more irritated and intimidating than you were in reality.

You earned only an amused chuckle from Jade, who was enjoying the situation a tad bit too much. He had never expected aloof and quiet student of Ramshackle to personally waltz to Mostro Lounge and demand an appointment with Azul without scheduling it earlier.

,,I need to talk with Azul”

You repeated. This time, Jade could sense tiredness, frustration and a bit of urgency mixed together in your tone of voice. You were quite tired, he supposed judging by your slightly disheveled hair, wrinkled uniform and dark bags under your eyes.

It was quite understandable.

After all, you were just an ordinary human who had no magical knowledge prior to attending this school. It wasonly natural that you would be trying your hardest to understand material and keep up with your classes, which would explain your visible lack of sleep.

However, Jade wasn’t letting his guard just yet.

Something seemed off about you.

Perhaps it was a mischievous glint in your eyes, barely visible to anyone else apart from him. Jade only noticed it, because he could spot the same spark staring right back at him in the reflexion of his mirror.

You may have been just a mere mortal who could be easily overpowered by Floyd, however Jade wasn’t planning to underestimate you just yet.

,,I’m afraid Azul isn’t able to see you right now”

You huffed in annoyance. Of course, he wouldn’t be able. Jade’s polite smile only seemed to widen at your discomfort.

Thankfully, you came prepared.

You glanced back, slightly tilting your head to your right, before your eyes were again focused on Jade’s figure. He raised one of his eyebrows slightly, asking you a silent question, yet you only smiled at him in response.

Something definitely was off about you.

Jade was positively right.

A mere second later he had heard a loud crash resonating through the whole Mostro Lounge accompanied by few other, concerningly loud sounds of something falling to the ground, disrupting the peace. The way your eyes slightly flashed with a glint of determination were enough to tell Jade that you were the one behind them.

He briefly glanced at his twin brother who was more than eager to go check out the situation and deal with any eventual intruders. Normally they would rush there without any hesitation. However, this time Jade stopped himself for a brief second.

He had never considered you to be a formidable foe. In his eyes, you could never pose a real threat to him or his brother. They would easily take you down in a fight, given their superior strength and abilities.

Yet his instinct told him that he shouldn’t underestimate sleep-deprived, stressed and desperate student from different world. Especially since they never observed you to estimate your abilities.

You seemed like a wild card to him.

,,Floyd, would you care to check out that noise?”

Jade asked politely, nodding his head in the direction of his brother who was more than eager to do what he was asked to. After all, he had sensed another opportunity to squeeze some poor, unfortunate souls and he was than happy to oblige.

Jade’s eyes never left your figure. You didn’t move in the slightest. You stood your ground confidently with a soft smile gracing your lips, as you crossed your arms over your chest. He returned your smile, quite proud of himself.

Checkmate.

Your desperate, yet foolish attempt to distract him and slip past him to Azul’s office failed splendidly. Jade sensed that perhaps if they played their cards right, there was a chance you would return after few days in even worse state and Azul would be able to strike a beneficial deal. Of course, after doing throughout research about you. Checking your patterns, routines, habits and preferences to determine how to bribe you into signing a golden contract.

At the mere thought, Jade let out an amused chuckle.

You only titled your head, pretending to be slightly confused.

,,What is so funny, hmm?”

Oh, what a bold creature you were. In Jade’s eyes you were just a delicate angelfish who was foolish enough to confront a big, bad eel. Quite amusing. He would definitely convince Azul to coerce you into a contract.

,,Excuse my behavior. That was quite a nice attempt, I’m afraid it won’t work as you had predicted”

Jade stated calmly, as his grin slightly widened. You didn’t falter.

No, your expression seemed to change a tiny bit. Not everyone would be able to see the way your eyes glinted, as you struggled not to let out an amused chuckle. You shook your head, almost as if you were dismissing his previous statement.

Something seemed off about you.

Yet before Jade even had a moment to ponder over this question, you cut the distance between the two of you, standing dangerously close to the man before you. He didn’t seem alert, since he was sure he would overpower you easily if you tried to force your way through him. He was more amused, as he once again raised his eyebrow, eyeing you carefully.

,,You’re quite the confident one, aren’t you?”

You mused, as you didn’t move a muscle.

Something seemed off about you.

Jade was sure of this.

You had no impulse control and you didn’t seem to be aware of the consequences of your actions. You were playing with fire, tempting him and testing his limits. If Jade wasn’t so focused on your expression, perhaps he would notice the way you were slightly trembling. From fear or maybe from excitement, you weren’t quite sure. Adrenaline was running through your body, as you were counting seconds in your brain, anticipating the perfect moment in your risky and bold plan.

You were prepared to execute the final blow and reach your goal.

You were desperate and determined enough to do it.

Taking a deep breath, not waiting for Jade to respond, you gripped tightly the hems of his jacket, as you abruptly pulled him down. Before he had a chance to react and grab your wrists to stop you, you pressed your lips against his, knocking a breath out of him. Jade’s eyes widened, as you had managed to catch him off guard. His hands reaching out in your direction to push you away stopped midway in the air, as his surprised form didn’t dare to move a muscle.

You were kissing him desperately, pouring all your emotions into it. You bit down on his lip, earning a shocked yelp. However, the pleasant feeling was soon replaced with bittersweet pain spreading in his kneecaps.

You kicked him, quite hard, while your lips were still pressed against his.

Then, you abruptly pulled away, as you slipped through his confused form that was trying to regain his composure. Jade had reached for you, yet you were faster, avoiding his hands with grace, spinning around as you sprinted towards the door handle of Azul’s office.

,,I got in! EVERYONE SCATTER”

You yelled, glancing one last time behind you. Your eyes fell for a brief second on Jade and you gave him last one wink, as you forcefully yanked the door, entering inside to face surprised, yet impressed Azul.

#twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst x reader #jade leech x reader #silver x reader #twst silver x reader #twst jade leech x reader #twisted wonderland jade leech #sebek zigvolt x reader #jade leech #twisted wonderland silver x reader #twisted wonderland jade leech x reader #floyd leech x reader #twst sebek zigvolt x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #tweels #diasomnia #octavinelle #twst jade x reader

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heaven-s-black-box · 2 months

Text

Not so Subtle- Aomine x fem!Reader

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Recovery date: April 8th, 2024

Description: Hiii omg could you write something for Aomine Daiki? Female reader, tall, large chest and midsize pretty please 🙏🏽 Ok, so it would take place after Seirin's win of the Winter Cup (so he's less of an asshole, but still yk). New girl student, settling in really good, she's pretty, funny, confident and witty. So he can only like, like her. They banter a lot and get friends really fast, fall in love, yadayada. Summed up: friends to lover, female/tall/witty/large chest/midsize reader OH! Bonus if you can make a scene with Kagami showing some interest in her.

Notes: This work was recovered in conjunction with an anonymous researcher, we thank them for their contribution. I had a ton of fun writing this! The reader's physical appearance doesn't come up much, but as I was writing i considered her to be around 5'10" so she was slightly taller than Momoi and slightly shorter than Aomine. Also, reader's conversation with Kagami can be interpreted as having visited or being from America.

Word count: 1 923

Back to directory

Starting at a new school halfway through the year is a terrible experience. The easiest way to make new friends is to bond over being in a new environment, having few to no friends, and the stress of exams. Showing up in January skips over all of that and leaves you to make new friends with your own social skills.

“Hi! I’m L/n Y/n, can I join you guys for lunch?”

“Hi! I’m L/n Y/n, can I be on your team today?”

“Oh, hey, you walk home this way too? I’m L/n Y/n.”

Y/n has no idea why her parents were so worried about starting her in a new school so late in the year. This was easy. Sure not everyone she talked with ended up being her friend, but she’d somehow ended up involved with the basketball team.

Scratch that, she knew exactly how she’d wound up as one of the basketball team’s managers.

“Y/n-chan!” Momoi squeals, through herself at the other woman’s back.

Momoi’s arms wrap around Y/n’s shoulders and the woman leans forward so that Momoi is laying on her back as they both laugh. When Y/n stands back up Momoi carefully drops back to the floor and links their arms together.

“Sa-chan, welcome back. Over your cold?”

“Mhm.”

The two continued over to the gym. Momoi was practically leaning against Y/n with her head on the taller woman’s shoulder as she complained about the last few days.

“Dai-chan didn’t even visit me! Let’s see how he likes it when I don’t visit him next time he’s sick. He probably wasn’t even practicing,” she grumbled.

“Hate to break it to you but he was.”

“Of course he was, seriously, I thought losing to Seirin-”

“No, I mean he was practicing.”

Momoi stopped, hand outstretched to the gym door, and turned to face Y/n. The annoyed pout she’d been sporting during her rant morphed into a wide smile.

“Really?! I’m so glad.”

Y/n laughed, reaching past Momoi and opening the door.

“I mean, I had to hunt him down yesterday because he skipped class and fell asleep, but ya he's been-”

The squeaking sound of shoes on the gym floor, followed by a dunk and yelling cut her off. The managers looked over to the hoop on the far end of the court and found Aomine being chewed out by Wakamatsu. Aomine’s attention, however, was drawn towards the women as the sound of the door closing echoed through the gym. He waved, turning Wakamatsu’s attention away from him and allowing him to slip away to the stage.

“Momoi, welcome back, are you feeling better?”

“Much, thank you!”

“Aomine!” Y/n yelled, stopping the forward half way across the gym. “Apologize.”

“I didn’t do shit!”

“That’s the problem!” Wakamatsu complained. “You absolutely could have stopped that dunk.”

“Dai-chan-”

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” All eyes turned to Y/n who’d taken a seat on the stage. “I mean, I’m sure that red haired dude from Seirin would love to get some dunks past him, Aomine’s just being considerate.”

“Hah?”

The rest of the team turned away, covering their mouths, to stifle their laughter as Aomine’s face visibly twitched in annoyance. Momoi cleared her throat and took a deep breath.

“Dai-chan, practice seriously. Seirin will be here soon.”

It was still weird for the team to see Aomine listen to people. Sure he dragged his feet plenty, in this case literally as he made his way back to Wakamatsu and the rest of the team, but since the Winter cup he was seemingly more open to suggestions. And when suggestions didn’t work, the new manager seemed adept at getting under his skin enough to make him want to do whatever it was he needed to.

Momoi joined Y/n on the stage and pulled her clipboard out of her bag.

“He likes you,” Momoi whispered as she flipped through papers to find her notes on Seirin.

“Not this again.”

“He listens to you, he doesn’t even listen to me!”

“He listens to you.”

“Only if he already wants to do whatever it is, remember last week when we were studying? He tried to take a nap and he only went back to studying after you asked.”

“Okay, he likes me… as a friend that he acknowledges won’t deal with his bullshit.”

Momoi rolls her eyes and hands Y/n the clipboard before resting her chin on her shoulder to see the paper.

“I’ll prove it to you,” Momoi muttered. “Alright, so…”

As the team got some last minute practice in, Momoi gave Y/n a last minute crash course on Seirin.

Just as they were getting to the bench players, Momoi’s phone rang.

“Tetsu!” She squealed as she accepted the call and slid off the stage. The team stopped practicing and Wakamatsu got everyone to start cleaning up. “How did you guys get lost?”

“Yo.” Y/n looked to her right to find Aomine leaning against the stage. He slid a piece of paper over to her feet, the number 74 was written and circled in red marker. “Thanks.”

“Seventy-four, nice.” She picked up the test and gave it a quick once over. “Impressive, you didn’t get a zero on any of the questions.”

“Ya, well I had an okay teacher.”

“Sa-chan got a ninety and I got a ninety-eight, so you own us ice-cream today.”

Rolling his eyes, Aomine snatched back his test and stuffed it in his bag.

“Sorry we’re late!” A chorus of voices called out.

The two first years turned to find the Seirin basketball team, being led in by Momoi, taking their shoes off. Momoi skipped over to her friends and grabbed Y/n’s hands, pulling her from the stage.

“Come on, there’s someone you need to meet!”

“Alright, I’m coming. We’ll talk more after the game, Aomine!”

---

Tōō won, ending twenty points ahead of Seirin. Not unexpectedly as Kuroko’s misdirection was completely useless and Kiyoshi was gone. What was unexpected was the way Aomine seemed to be targeting Kagami, whether that be scoring through Seirin’s ace or shutting down as many of his scoring attempts as possible. During the break after the first half, Wakamtsu had chewed the ace out for showing off.

“We’re winning, aren’t we?”

“This isn’t about winning, it’s about getting better!”

Aomine had just shrugged.

“I think he’s jealous,” Momoi whispered after the players had left at the end of the break.

“We’re in the middle of a game.”

“I think it’s because you were talking with Kagami.”

“You were the one who said I should meet him,” Y/n huffed.

“I had to test a theory.”

“What theory?”

Momoi glanced over at Y/n, but was cut off by the coach clearing his throat.

Seirin headed out almost immediately after the game, while the Tōō players cleaned the gym. This time, Y/n walked them back to the bus stop so that they wouldn't get lost again. When she got back, she found Aomine sitting on the steps with her bag.

“Where’s Sa-chan?”

“She left, said she was feeling kind of tired and wanted a rain check on her ice-cream.”

Aomine handed Y/n her bag, and the two made their way to the school entrance.

“No post-match debriefing today?”

“I have no idea, everyone was being weird as fuck.”

Y/n nodded slowly. It was a logical conclusion that Momoi had introduced her to Kagami to make Aomine jealous, and that she’d convinced the team to clear out before she got back so that they’d be alone. Skipping ahead, Y/n turned around to face Aomine and kept walking backwards. It didn’t seem like they were being watched.

“Speaking of weird as fuck-oof.”

“Wall.”

“Fuck you,” Y/n grumbled, making Aomine laugh as she stepped around the wall and on to the sidewalk. “What was up during today’s game?”

“What about it?”

“Sa-chan thinks you’re jealous.”

“Tch, jealous of what?”

Y/n shrugged. “Race you to the convenience store!”

“Hey!”

Obviously Y/n didn’t plan to win. Aomine pulled ahead of her almost immediately, once he recovered from the surprise, and maintained a decent lead to arrive at the store just before her without leaving her completely in the dust. He laughed as she finally arrived and immediately collapsed against the side of the building, trying to catch her breath.

“So, what’s my prize?” He grins, bracing an arm above her and leaning in so they were eye level.

She raised her index finger to his face.

“Would you like to cash your prize in now or save up?”

“Why did Satsuki say I was jealous?”

“That’s what you want your prize to be?”

Y/n straightened up and joined Aomine in leaning sideways against the wall.

“Answer the question or you’re buying ice-cream.”

“Ah.”

Pushing off the wall, Y/n grabbed the front of Aomine’s shirt and pulled him into the store after her. The two made a B-line for the frozen section at the back.

“She thought you’d be jealous I was talking with Kagami,” Y/n shrugged, picking up Aomine’s favorite popsicle and her own.

The sound of the freezer closing filled the store, and the buzzing of the lights seemed incredibly loud in the silence that followed. Y/n looked over at Aomine to find him staring at her. She held out his popsicle, waving in front of his face when he didn’t immediately take it.

“What were you two talking about?”

“Huh?”

“You and Kagami. Why was he blushing?”

“Oh my god you’re jealous,” Y/n mumbled.

Aomine grabbed his popsicle and pushed the back of her head as he walked towards the counter. A wide grin spread across Y/n’s face as she chased after him, setting her treat next to his.

“We were talking about America and he was blushing because I said it was cute that he and his brother have matching rings.”

“Don’t call him cute.”

“I didn’t call him cute, I called the idea of having matching rings cute.”

“I could get us matching rings,” Aomine muttered.

The sound of the convenience store bell nearly drowned his voice out as they left the store, but Y/n was right on his heels and barely caught it.

“Sa-chan also said you like me.”

Y/n ran right into Aomine’s back when he stopped suddenly. She watched the back of his head as she unwrapped her treat and started eating.

“I think it’s funny that everyone thinks I haven’t figured it out.” Aomine’s shoulders tense up. “I mean, I wouldn’t say you’re subtle when you look at my boobs.”

Y/n gently kicks the back of Aomine’s heel, urging him to keep walking. When he didn’t move she sidestepped him and started walking in front of him.

When he didn’t keep walking with her, she turned around.

He didn’t look stunned, definitely flushed, but he looked impatient– like he’d been waiting for her to turn around. Y/n inclined her head.

“You could’ve said something.”

“I could’ve,” Y/n shrugged as she walked back up to Aomine. “But I wanted to see the great Aomine grovel, just a bit.”

He frowned.

“What does that mean?”

“It means you need to ask me out.”

“Go out with me.”

Y/n sighed. “That wasn’t a question.”

“Nope, now let’s go get burgers.”

Aomine opened his popsicle and wrapped his free arm around Y/n’s shoulder as the two headed down the street.

#researcher s's recovery #kuroko no basket #kuroko no basket x reader #knb x reader #aomine daiki #aomine x reader #aomine daiki x reader #x reader #female reader #oneshot #knb oneshot #fluff

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tsukkismoonlight · 6 months

Text

When It Comes To You || J.K × Reader

Summary: You've somehow gotten stuck with the most obnoxious (Minus boy genius Armin Arlert) group ever for a college class project. Eren Jeager, and Jean Kirstein. The latter of which seems to find a way to weasel his way into your life, making your plans for a quiet college experience fall away.

Author's Note: okay, like a year and some odd change in months later i'm finally posting this fic!! Honestly life kinda got in the way but we all know how it is. Anywayyyys, I hope yall enjoy! This is my first longer fic, so let me know what you guys think! Also super big shoutout to my buddies on discord for beta reading the first portion of this! <3 wk: 16.7k

Warnings: unedited, probably ooc characteristics who knows

"Would you two knock it off?" were your first words since the two bone-headed, annoying, loud-mouthed boys had started arguing.

Here you were, in an empty classroom, supposed to be working on a group project for at least an hour or two, and the /only/ thing that your group had done was bicker back and forth.

The first of the two boneheads, Eren Jeager, had spent the whole time insisting on his ideas, and his ideas alone, while the other, Jean Kirstein, had only been arguing that the former's ideas were stupid and that 'if anything, Eren should shut his trap and just do the grunt work.'

The blonde, Armin Arlert, was clearly just as done with them, but took a more quiet approach to trying to stop them. Any time he could interject, he tried to reason with the two, but of course neither would listen.

So, when you stood up, slamming your palms onto the table and shouting at them, all three of them quickly grew quiet. "We only have so much time to work on this project, and I am /not/ going to fail this project because you two idiots can't let go of your egos for more than two seconds!"

"Well, maybe if this asshole would-" Eren started, mostly keeping his voice at a low grumble, sounding like a scolded child.

Jean, cutting Eren's words short while crossing his arms across his chest, "Oh yeah, /I'm/ the asshole here…"

But with another of your glares sent to both of them, the two stopped once more.

"Maybe we should split up the work?" Armin was already writing out two plans, where you could make out his name and Eren, meaning that you were stuck with Jean.

Not that you wanted to be with either of them. You'd rather take Armin and just leave the other two to fail. But, as this was a group project, Professor Hange had made it clear that points were to be docked for any group that did not complete the assignment together.

You plopped back into your seat, sighing heavily. "Okay, we will work in two groups. Looks like Eren, you're going with Armin, and Jean, you're with me." You paused as Armin slid over the paper he had drafted up.

Glancing over it, you could see that he had given you and Jean a good amount of work, yet he had still given himself more. Part of you wanted to point it out, maybe even offer to take some of the load, but the other part of you knew that Armin would refuse and somehow make it sound like the nicest thing he'd ever do.

"Okay, so, from there, once all the research is done, Armin and I will meet up in person to work on the presentation bits, which means that Eren and Jean, you will only need to put your findings in a document for us. That should be easy enough."

When no one objected, you started to pack up your things.You waited for Jean to take a picture of the draft before tucking it away in a folder carefully.

Around you, the others started to do the same. With a small breath of relief, you finished packing up and slung your bag over your shoulders, looking to each of your groupmates slowly. "If anyone has questions,” you announced, “please text me. I gave Armin my number already, but if you need mine, ask now."

Eren slid his phone across the table to you, a sour look on his face, as he was clearly upset with the whole situation, and the fact that he had been yelled at over it. You ignored his attitude and typed in your number before returning the phone to him.

Next was Jean, who looked at you for a few moments, then handed his phone over to you, where you repeated the process of saving your number for him.

With that done you set off to your dorm.You didn't live alone, but it was bound to be a wonderful change in pace (and in volume levels). When you arrived, you slipped your shoes off and headed for your room, pausing for a second as you saw one of your roommate and probably your closest friend Sasha Braus. Currently she was sitting on the floor of her room, clutching a bowl of soup…or what was probably a bowl of soup, as it was empty now.

"Oh, hey! You're back already?" she asked, turning to you with a spoon dangling from her mouth. It caused a slight slur in her words, so it came out more like, "Ohhh, heyyy, yer bick alreaty?"

With a sigh, you walked into her room, dropping your bag by the door before flopping onto her bed (which was incredibly comfortable). "Yeah, I called it quits early because I got paired with Armin, Jean, and Eren, and Armin is fine and all, but your stupid friend and Eren can't go more than five seconds without fighting."

You could hear a soft clink as Sasha put her spoon down. "Well, it always works for me to hit them."

"I can't hit my group mates…even if I want to," you grumbled, rolling over onto your side so you could see her.

"I can hit them for you then, just tell me when and where." She flexed her arms, raising her eyebrows up and down at you as she did so.

This caused a breathy laugh to come from you. You could feel yourself starting to relax. Your two roommates were probably the only reason that you had stayed sane so far.

Sasha was always good at getting you to smile, at times she wouldn't stop until you showed some sign of positivity. And of course you were more than grateful for it.

When you had first moved to the dorms, you had kept to yourself, unsure if you really liked her at all. But with time, you warmed up to her easily.

There had been a handful of nights where she would invite you to stay up and just talk, or watch some movie. And, at times, she would share food with you, which you learned wasn't always her favorite thing to do.

"Hey, one of these days we need to catch up on Food wars."

You looked back to her, nodding along, "Oh for sure! Maybe sometime this next week I can stay up with you and we can watch it. Maybe buy some junk food too."

At the prospect of snacks, she perked up even more. "Can we get-"

"Yes, we can get the baked potato flavored chips."

"You didn't even let me finish!" Sasha pouted a little, though still unable to hide her excitement at the confirmation of her favorite snack.

You reached down and flicked her forehead lightly, "Well I already knew what you were going to say. It wasn't hard to figure out."

"Hey! I could have asked for something different! Like, salt and vinegar ones!"

"You don't even like those, and neither do I. We wouldn't ever buy any."

The two of you talked for another five or so minutes until she had to leave, shouting something about Connie Springer owing her dinner. You took the time to go back into your own room which you actually shared with a third roommate ( neither of you wanted to share a room with Sasha because of her snoring). However, he wasn't home yet, which meant that he'd probably be back late.

You pulled your laptop out of your bag and plugged it in; then you went to grab your notebooks, some pens and pencils, and finally your copy of the book for your project. It was best to get a headstart on the project, as it was worth most of your grade.

Professor Hange had assigned the class to read and analyze an old book written by a nameless author. The idea and plot was interesting to a point. It was a war between mere humans, and a race of humans that could take control of what they called titans. The main two parties at war were named Marley and Eldia, both of which claimed that the other was in the wrong, and had vowed to take revenge, wanting to eradicate the other's existence. Towards the end, there was something of a compromise, and Marley seemed to come out victorious. All in all, there was a lot more to it, and the details were typically gorey and morally wrong. The ending wasn't ever written, leaving all readers to question what they knew and what they may not have been told.

This is where your project came in: you were to try and look into the book, outside sources, even artwork, whatever the class could get their hands on, and work on an analysis. Hange hadn't given many guidelines; they wanted to leave it open and see what the class would come up with. Your group hadn't made a decision yet, but so far, Eren was dead set on writing an analysis on who he thought was right and freedom and some other crap, while Jean only had talked about how Eren was wrong.

Luckily enough, Armin had already written up a potential analysis summary, one that focused on how the two sides were similar and what they shared in common with the rest of humanity, and how trying to pick a side would only allow their bloody history to repeat again. His was rather long winded, but it allowed for you to pick and choose the best parts, and what you guys wouldn't really need.

You spent some time searching the internet for more sources, coming across a few articles on what could be a deeper meaning to the story, and a few on what could have been the rest of the world's view on both Marley and Eldia.

That was when you came across a page for the local museum; it seemed that there was going to be an exhibit about the book, featuring many different artists and even some written works. Taking a moment to write down the dates and price for tickets in your phone’s note app. You then sent a quick text to Armin about it, letting him know that if he wanted, you could go and check it out with Jean.

Clicking your phone off, you gave a heavy sigh and stood up, pulling your arms above your head in a stretch before continuing to work on the project. You knew that you should probably eat something, and drink some water, as you hadn’t really been able to do so in the last few hours. But with the project being so important, you decided against getting back up. If you got up now, chances were that you’d end up wasting some time doing who knows what. You really needed to just focus on your work, food, water and relaxing could come later. This was typical for you, what was one more time anyways?

Quietly, your afternoon quickly turned to night, and you wouldn't have noticed if it weren't for both of your roommates crashing into your room.

You turned around, eyeballing Sasha and your third roommate, Marco Bodt, unsure if you really wanted to ask questions.

"She was drinking with Connie at his place,"

"Huh? Noo I waz'nt ! Conn and I were jus playin a game an' then…and then..mmkay maybe I was drinking, but!" Sasha rambles on for a minute, still leaning heavily on Marco, who just gave a half hearted and weary smile.

You shook your head, and stood up, making your way over to Sasha taking her off Marco's hands "Was Connie like this too?" you asked.

"Yeah, he and Jean both…" Marco sighed, following you as you took Sasha to her room. While you carefully put her in her bed, Marco pulled her shoes off for her.

At his words, you paused for just a moment then you continued to fish Sasha's phone from her pocket, placing it on the charger for her.

"Of course, Jean was drinking, too." you remarked. You tried your best to ignore the irritation rising in you. It wasn't like you guys had to get the whole project done right away, or that Jean couldn't enjoy a drink with his friends. But, it wouldn't surprise you if only Armin and yourself had been the only two to even start.

As the two of you left Sasha to sleep, Marco motioned to the kitchen, saying, "Hungry?" You gave a small nod in response.

Once in the small kitchen area, you hopped onto the counter while your roommate got to work on making something simple. From the looks of it, he was just making mac and cheese, but you couldn't really care less. You hadn't noticed it earlier, but you were actually starving.

A quiet buzz from your pocket pulled your attention from Marco cooking, and you pulled your phone out, seeing a few messages from an unsaved number.

"Heyy, it's me"

"Jean"

"just figured i'd text you since we have be partners"

"Not complaining cause i dont wanna be stuck with eren"

You shook your head at your phone, typing a quick reply back, “Wow really? I couldn’t tell.”

Another buzz, another incoming message, “I really hate that guy. He’s stuck up, and always thinks he’s right”

“You know, I feel like there’s someone else like that too.” You sucked in a deep breath, already feeling a tinge of annoyance creeping its way into your body. Sure, Jean was bound to be the better of the two, but that didn’t mean that you wanted him texting you about his testosterone fueled hatred for Eren.

A few moments pass before he texts you again, the words a little hard to make out at first, “you better not be implying that im like him”

“I would never do that. You are an okay person in my eyes”

“Just okay? I’m fuckin’ great!”

“Yeahh, sure. I agree with you, 100%”

You could almost feel his skeptical gaze through your phone as he sent yet another message, “I dont know if I believe that.”

“I dont care if you believe it or not tbh”

“I cant tell if you like me or not”

At this, you paused. You didn’t really know the guy outside of what you were told by Marco and Sasha. And he definitely did not know you. If he did, he wouldn’t be bothering you right now. But as much as that all was true, you also didn’t want to outright say that you didn’t like him, at least not over text while he was suspiciously hitting you up out of the blue.

“im not sure if like is the right word. Right now I tolerate you.”

“Thats a good thing right?”

You didn’t answer, figuring that he would eventually get the hint. But, within minutes, he was texting you yet again. You watched as more messages popped up one by one, all of which just as hard to read as the others. Though you eventually figured them out. He was promising to do his share of the project, as well as promising to keep on schedule with it. The last thing he sent was asking to meet up tomorrow, and figure out what you wanted him to do, and something about how he couldn't really understand the guideline sheet.

You sent a quick reply, just a place and a time, before returning your phone to your pocket, and just in time, Marco had a bowl of delicious mac and cheese for you.

"Thanks man, you're the best."

"Hey, you cooked last night," he said, shrugging, "and somehow it was pretty impressive, given the fact that we're all super broke and have next to nothing in our cupboards,"

You let out a small laugh at that. "I am a person of many talents."

"Do tell your secrets, as I am eager to know," Marco says in-between bites, playing into the bit.

"Oh, I couldn't, because then you would have to learn my /tragic/ backstory of how I had to fend for myself as a child." You dramatically sigh, placing a hand to your forehead, and then paused, peeking out at Marco before saying, "That part is actually true. At my house, we often had 'Fend for Yourself Nights' where you kinda just threw stuff together it could be leftovers, cereal or, like, dry ramen."

Marco chuckles, pointing his fork at you and saying "So that must be the secret then!"

The kitchen rendezvous went on for a while longer before you both headed off to bed, agreeing that Sasha can do the dishes when she wakes up.

The next day, you had managed to drag yourself out of bed and find your way to the coffee shop where you were supposed to be meeting up with Jean.

Key word is 'supposed' to be, since it had been 30 minutes since you had gotten there. Hopefully, you didn't look like some poor soul that had gotten stood up on a date and more like someone enjoying their Saturday morning.

Another ten minutes passed, and no word from Jean, you had finished your coffee, and had already finished working on pulling out key information from a few of the web sources that you found the night before.

You glanced at the time again and cursed under your breath. You had better things to be doing. So, you quickly pack up your things and toss out the trash before leaving.

Just as you returned to the little table to grab your bag, the bell at the door chimed, drawing your attention.

There stood Jean Kirstein himself, out of breath, hair hastily brushed out of his face, and clothes a whole mess…you were pretty sure he had worn them yesterday too.

However, his sudden entrance had also gathered stares from everyone in the shop;most people looked on with a frown, questioning why he had just thrown open the door like that, just to stand there looking like a lost puppy.

You groaned, marching towards him and then grabbing his wrist and dragging him out of the way.

"Seriously? You show up almost an hour late, and make a big scene?!" you say, continuing to pull him down the sidewalk.

"I know, I know!" He took in a sharp breath, stumbling as he went.

"I mean seriously?! What's your deal?"

"I didn't mean to be late! And can you stop shouting? My head is killing me…"

You came to an abrupt stop and turned around to face him. "It doesn't matter if you didn't mean to be late, you were still late! I mean, come on, I sat there and looked completely stupid while I waited!"

At your words, he tugged his arm free from your grasp, and hesitated for a moment before, saying, "Okay, I'm sorry. I should have been here on time."

"Or at least texted me to tell me!" You sighed, bringing a hand up to your temple. "Whatever, let's just find somewhere else to sit and I can show you what your part of the project is."

With those words, the two of you walked in silence until you were back at campus, arriving at one of the rooms designated for studying. It didn't take long to run through Jean's responsibilities, and for you both to settle into a somewhat uncomfortable quiet and begin to work.

Currently, you were taking the information gathered earlier and writing them into evidence for your thesis while Jean was searching for art pieces to analyze.

Every fifteen to twenty minutes or so, you'd check in with eachother and help if needed-and Jean needed more help than you did, really.

And maybe if he hadn’t spammed you with drunk texts the night before, and then came late to your meeting, it wouldnt have bothered you as much. So when he did ask for your help, you were being short and to the point. Luckily for you, helping him was easy. It consisted of choosing between artwork, and identifying key themes or details that stood out, and then giving him ways to write it down so that it made sense with the overall idea behind your project. Now and then, you'd have him read over what you wrote, just to see what all he thought and if he had any suggestions.

Finally, after a few hours, Jean leaned back in his chair and sighed loudly. "Okay, I think we've got a lot done. Why don't we break for the day?" he suggested.

At his words, you hesitated. While a break did sound nice, you'd much rather keep working. If you got ahead, there'd be time for breaks later, or time for helping Armin and the others.

"You go on ahead, I'm going to stay a little longer. Thanks for showing up today." You gave a small smile before looking back down to your laptop, trying to spot where you left off.

For a moment or so, Jean packed up his things, not necessarily quietly, but enough for it not to bother you. Though, after he finished doing so, he didn't leave. Instead, he stood /annoyingly/ close to you, seemingly trying to burn holes into the back of your head.

"Is there something you need or…?"

"You're seriously going to stay and work more?"

"...Yeah?"

Jean let out a small series of 'tsk' noises and began to close your notebooks and the few textbooks you had brought. You stuttered out half of a sentence, none of it making any sense, as you watched him stack up your things, his finishing move to carefully close your laptop without even shutting it off.

"What are you…Why…I mean-what?"

"I think you work too hard." he remarked, grinning. Normally that would sound snarky coming from him, this time he sounded gentle, and nothing in his face seemed to show any ill will. "I mean, I've never seen you do anything fun. All you do is push yourself to do work."

You were at a loss for words, face heating up with embarrassment. Just because he had never seen you do fun things didn't mean that you were some sort of shut in who only ever focused on homework and studying.

Jean waited for you to pack your things, all of which you did while in a small haze, trying to comprehend it all. When you were done, he motioned for you to follow him, not saying a word of what he had planned.

The two of you walked outside, Jean slightly ahead of you as he continued to lead the way. Occasionally, someone would stop Jean, asking him about a party or a class. He seemed to have a lot of friends, or rather just a lot of acquaintances.

Eventually, you both came to a little grassy field, one where students often came to waste time, or play games like spikeball, or frisbee. Currently, it wasn't very busy, and the two of you found a spot to sit and relax under a warm spring sky.

For the first five minutes, you sat in silence, an almost comfortable one. You found yourself mumbling about how this wasn't so bad, noticing from the corner of your eye as Jean turned to look at you.

"Would I ever lead you astray?" Jean elbowed you carefully, earning a scowl from you.

"Given that we don't really know each other, I'm not sure," you retorted.

"I know that we've had at least three classes together since freshman year, and that you don't seem to like anyone," he pointed out.

"Not true,” you said. “Sasha and Marco are very nice people who I like a lot,"

At this he barked out a laugh, a wonderful sound really, compared to his typical evil sounding snicker. "Okay, so you appreciate the presence of three specific people."

"Three? I only named two people," you said, holding up two fingers to signify your only two friends.

"Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but right now you don't seem to hate me, so I counted myself."

You gave another scowl."If we were able to pick our own groups, I would have picked other people, just for the record"

"Ouch, that kind of stings."

You couldn't tell if he was serious or not, but one thing you did know was that he probably wouldn't have picked you either. Not that it really bothered you. While it was true that you've shared classes in the two years that you've been in college, the two of you never really talked.

Sure, you've had the quick conversations in the hall, or maybe accidentally bumped into each other when trying to take Sasha home, or even just when Jean would hang out with Marco at your dorm.

It wasn't that you didn't like him (aside from his huge ego and inability to get along with certain people) or even that you didn't like people in general. You honestly just wanted to focus on school, so that you would graduate on time, and get the hell out of this town. Personal relationships could come later, and you were completely content with that. Being alone wasn't something that bothered you. Or, something that you /let/ bother you.

You leaned back until you were laying down in the grass, staring up at the cloudy sky. The more you thought about it, the more your head seemed to churn with an anxious and maybe even guilty conscience.

"By the way, I'd say that, even though we didn't get to pick our own groups, I don't mind being paired with you." You sighed, keeping your eyes trained on the sky as Jean laid down next to you.

From there, the conversation switched to a few different topics, one of them being a small argument over the particular shape of a cloud and what you thought it was.

Eventually, the clouds dissipated, and the sky faded from its blue to a dusty orange lined with a pale pink-ish-purple.

"I guess it's time to go home for the night," Jean said.

"Mhm, guess so," you quietly said, but made no effort to sit up yet.

Next to you, Jean stood, brushing off his clothes and running a hand through his hair, attempting to make sure there wasn't any grass on his person. Then, when it was apparent that you still hadn't even moved, he nudged you with his shoe. "You coming or what?"

"I’m waiting,"

"For what?"

"The first star I see"

Jean slowly looked away from you and to the sky, "Can I ask why?"

"No."

It wasn't really a big deal, but this was your favorite time of the day, and you had the habit of looking for the first star you could find and making a small wish on it. It had been something you'd done ever since you were a kid; old habits die hard. But it wasn't something you just went and told people about, especially not someone like Jean. You were sure that he'd poke fun at you for it.

His voice pulled you away from your thoughts, and you watched as he pointed just above your heads. "I think there's one over there."

From your perspective, he was lined up to where the star was atop his finger.The sight made you smile softly; you didn’t notice that he had glanced back down, watching the small moment.

"Okay, now we can go." You sat up slowly and climbed to your feet, grabbing your bag from where it had been by your feet.

The two of you parted ways for the night, and you found yourself back at your dorm, which was uncharacteristically empty and quiet. Either Sasha would come home drunk again (or with her hands full of food that she got from Connie or that Niccolo guy) or that she would stay out for the night. Marco on the other hand, was probably visiting some other friends for the short weekend, so most likely, you had the place to yourself until the following evening.

With the freedom at hand, you took some time to make dinner and lounged around the shared living space, until eventually, your eyelids grew heavy, and you forced yourself into your bed for the night.

The sound of knocking at your door woke you up. At first, you had half a mind to ignore it, but with your roommates, and the friends they had, the knocking wouldn't stop. You glanced at the clock, seeing that it was around noon, a time that you hardly ever slept in till.

"Yeah, okay, I'm up. Who is it?" you grumbled at the door, noting that if it was Marco, he wouldn't necessarily need to knock, meaning that it must be Sasha.

And it was. At your words, she swung the door open lazily, and leaned around the corner, "Heyyy, I was wondering if you had plans today? Connie, Jean, and I were going to play some volleyball! Wanna come? Marco is gonna join us later!"

You took a moment to think it over. It was Sunday, so you didn't have classes, and depending on how long you were out, you could always do more homework later. Not to mention, Jean's comment about how you worked too much was still fresh in your mind.

"...Yeah, okay, I'll come play. Give me a few minutes and I'll get dressed."

She gave you a huge grin, shouting over her shoulder, "They said they'd come! You guys still have the net?"

You watched as she disappeared back into the main area of the dorm, and then shut your door to change. When you exited, you could see the three of them waiting by the door, Jean holding the net, while Connie was tossing the ball between his hands.

The walk was fairly short, as Jean had suggested the field that the two of you had been at the other day, and just like the day before, there weren't very many people out. You guys could set up a spot without having to worry about anyone else.

At least, that's how it was at first. The game went smoothly. Surprisingly, all three of them were pretty good at the sport; though, if you had to rank them, it would be Sasha, then Jean (mostly because he can use his height to his advantage), and then Connie.

For the first game you played, it was you and Sasha versus Jean and Connie. Then, it switched to you and Connie, and finally, you and Jean.

No one was really counting points; no one could keep track, though each side was sure that they were winning, even if they weren't. It was about halfway through the current match, right as you were about to serve, when something came crashing into your head.

It had hit you pretty hard, and it took you a moment to even realize what had happened and what was currently happening.

"Hey, man, watch where you throw this thing! You nearly took my partner out!" Jean was holding a football and pointing it aggressively at another college student, who you think was named Floch or something close to it.

The guy snatched the ball from Jean, giving him the dirtiest look. "Well, maybe you guys shouldn't be playing so close to where we are."

At this, Connie and Sasha stepped up. Connie took to Jean's side, starting to bicker with the guy, while Sasha checked your head, fussing over you.

"Just say sorry to our friend already. You can at least agree that you hit them!" You weren't sure who said that, as all the voices blended together until that moment. Suddenly all eyes were on you.

More specifically, Floch's eyes. He regarded you warily, annoyance clear in his eyes and voice. "Your dumbass friend looks fine to me,” he sneered. “And besides, we tried to warn them, and they didn't move. It's their own fault. Don't go blaming me for your friend being an idiot."

You weren't sure what came over you; maybe it was anger from the childish name calling, or maybe it was the stress of the week getting to you, but within an instant, you had crossed the few feet to get to him, and threw a punch.

You watched as he stumbled back, nearly running into one of his nameless friends, as he clutched at his face. He was clearly seeing red.

"How dare you!" he shouted out. He started to make his way over to you, obscenities of all sorts falling from his mouth.

None of which you really heard, because at that exact moment, Sasha and Connie both shouted the same thing, 'Run,' and took off.

And, before you knew it, Jean grabbed your hand, pulling you along as he chased after the two, until you four were sure that Floch and his extras weren't going to follow you.

When you finally stopped, everyone was bent over, stuck in between laughing and gasping for air.

"Holy shit! That was insane!" Sasha wheezed out, and straightened out, turning to the group with a large smile on her face.

Connie spoke next, hands still on his knees. "I can't believe we ran away."

All at once, realization hit you: you had just clocked a guy, and then ran away, without even thinking twice. Never in your life had you done something like that. You weren't super confrontational, and you certainly would rather avoid physical altercations. But, at that moment, you had just done it. And, the crazy thing about it was how amusing you found it. Because even though you were struggling to breathe, you were laughing. The kind of laugh where you couldn't stop, and your eyes would start to tear up.

From where he was standing at your side, Jean watched for a moment, a certain fluttering in his chest (though he could pass it off as his own endeavors with taking in air). You, for the first time that he had seen, were so laid back about the fact that you had hit someone. And the way that you were now chuckling to yourself, clearly in a sort of disbelief mixed with content.

Jean drew your attention, "Is it bad that I kind of liked seeing you hit him?" Then he paused, as if he had rethought his choice of words. "I mean, in the sense that Floch is a stuck up, entitled bastard, and that he had it coming."

You gave a little huff, and shrugged. "Well, I'm sure anyone would pay to see that…I honestly didn't know that I was going to hit him…until right after."

"Well, that was amazing! That guy's been a tyrant since the beginning of the year! He even tries to get in with Eren's group, as if he was even worth being someone to talk to." Connie clapped a hand on your back, his adrenaline still running through him.

"And I thought that Jean was the one to start fights," Sasha teased.

"Sasha! I don't start fights!"

Around you, the three continued to talk while you watched, enjoying the sight.

It was rather nice, for once. You weren't holed up in your dorm room while everyone else had fun, even if the fun was getting into a fight of sorts—which, as you thought back on it, the whole thing was kind of funny. It would have easily been solved if those assholes had just apologized, but you were starting to think that this outcome was better.

“Hey, should we go back for our things?” Jean asked, pulling your attention to him.

“Yeah, probably, and if those assholes are still there, I think we know someone who can take them on for us.” Connie sent a lopsided grin your way, a certain mischievous look in his eyes.

You shrugged, acting as innocent as possible. “Oh yeah, you’d be the perfect guy for that, even with the serious height disadvantage.”

Connie’s mouth dropped open, not quite expecting that kind of remark from you. As far as he knew, you were silent, hardworking, and the person who likes to keep to yourself. Even you were a little surprised, but, maybe after today’s events you could try out some new ways to enjoy your life a little more.

Once again, the four of you made your way back to the field, and as you did, you could see a familiar figure standing by your net, looking down at his phone.

“Marco! You made it!” Connie shouted out, drawing your friend’s attention. “You missed all the action; it was insane!”

“Huh? Did I miss out on playing? And where were you guys?”

As you approached, Sasha and Connie exploded into answers for his question.

“You only missed a little of our game-”

“We had to run from Forrester and his braindead lackeys!”

“We’ve got our own Rocky! You should have seen the way they punched him! No hesitation at all!”

Slowly, Marco seemed to piece all of the information together, nodding as he thought it all over. His eyes looked at everyone one by one until he got to you. “You punched someone? The most I've ever seen from you was the time you swore at your computer when it crashed!”

A small and almost shy smile escaped you, “Well, to be fair he started it. I honestly didn’t even think about doing it; my hand moved on it’s own,”

He only shook his head, looking back around the group. “So, are we still playing?”

Jean shook his head. “Maybe we should head back to one of the dorms? Relax or play some games?”

“Oh! I’ve got some fun games!” Sasha chimed in, then paused. “But I’m kind of hungry, so maybe we could make some food, too!”

Once everyone agreed to the plan, the now five of you ended up in the dorm you shared with Marco and Sasha, where Connie, Sasha and Marco focused on setting up some games in the little living room area, and you and Jean were tasked with making some dinner. Of course, it wasn’t exactly easy, given the few options, but eventually, the two of you were able to settle on a college delicacy: instant ramen.

You pulled out a pot to fill with water, while Jean opened a few packs of said ramen. All in all, it was easy to make, and didn’t take terribly long. Before you knew it, you were handing out bowls to the other three while Jean brought over yours and his to where you were now sitting on the floor, some game cards in front of you.

“Okay, listen up, I’m not explaining this twice,” Connie announced. “The game is simple: read a card to yourself and then say someones name who you think matches the card. You flip a coin. If it’s heads, you tell everyone what was on the card and give that person the card. If it’s tails, you keep it to yourself, and the card is yours.” Connie gave everyone a pointed look, and when no questions or objections were raised, the game started.

The first to go is Marco; he took a moment to read his card before immediately calling out Connie’s name. Then when the coin was flipped, it landed on heads, earning a small sigh from Marco.

“It asked who would be the one to need parental supervision no matter what age someone is,” Marco explained.

“What? Why not Sasha?! She gets into more trouble than I do!”

“Hah! Say that to Professor Levi and all the times he has had to tell you to shut up,” Jean remarked “And not to mention you black out at every party you go to. Do you know how many times I have to carry you home while you sing at the top of your lungs?”

Connie grumbled a bit, but didn’t try to deny the claims. Instead, he pulled out a card to read. His turn ended with a flip of tails, making it now your turn.

From the main deck, you pulled your card and read it over silently: ‘Out of everyone in the group, who would you rather make out with?’

You can feel your face heat up, already knowing that you only really have two options, Jean or Marco. And Marco is only really a choice because of how well you know him, but even then, you wouldn’t really want to do that with him. So after a few moments of silence, you call Jean’s name, looking anywhere but at his face.

“That took you some time; must be a good card.” Sasha grinned, reaching for the coin and giving it an impressive flip. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as it landed, and all at once, five heads stuck together to see the outcome.

Heads. The worst possible way for things to go. You could feel all eyes on you now, and you begrudgingly read out the card, once again avoiding looking at Jean entirely.

A chorus of ooo’s and ahh’s filled your ears, and everyone had something to say about your answer.

The only one you even managed to hear was the man himself: “I hope you plan to take me out first, I’m not won over so easily." Of course, he had a cocky smirk on his face, pointed directly at you.

“Whatever, just…whoever is next, take your turn.” You shook your head, busying yourself with eating some of your food that was now starting to get a little cold.

Time seemed to escape you all and the night drew to a close with Connie and Jean taking their leave. Marco took the time to wash the dishes, roping Sasha into helping, and you retired to your room. You took the time to change into some comfier clothes and settle into your bed, though not quite wanting to sleep just yet.

Your mind was still stuck on the first game you played and the card you had picked Jean for. While you wouldn’t argue against the idea of finding Jean attractive, or even the idea of kissing him, you just weren’t sure why you were so trapped in thinking about it. You didn’t even know him all that well, and for the most part, you had thought that he was pretty unbearable.

And yet, the more your thoughts seemed to revolve around him, the more you could feel an uneasy knot forming in your stomach. There was no way that you were going to let yourself get wrapped up in developing feelings for him, or anyone. You were supposed to be focusing on school so that you could get the hell out of this town and make something of yourself.

Not to mention the fact that all of your previous attempts at relationships crashed and burned. The last time that you had gotten close with someone in that way, you ended up with a mixture of being heartbroken and incredibly angry. That was about the time you started keeping to yourself, as if getting to know someone in a more than platonic way would cause your world to shatter again. You couldn’t-no /wouldn’t/ deal with something like that again.

You let out a groan, planting face first into your pillow and trying to shoo away all thoughts related to romance and feelings, and of Jean Kirstein.

“Suffocating yourself?”

You jumped lightly, head snapping up to see Marco in the doorway, leaning against the door frame. His expression was a little hard to read, though he could be like that at times.

“Uh…no, not quite what I’m going for, but if it gets the job done, then sure,” you joked.

He moved across the room to his own bed where he took a seat, facing you. “Then what’s with the face-in-pillow tactic?”

You hesitated, knowing full and well how close Marco was with Jean, closer than he was with you. “Oh, uh, just, school things, homework, assignments, that sort of thing…”

His eyes narrowed slightly, brows furrowing. “Yeah, for once I don’t buy that, but if you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t force you to spill the details."

Again, you paused, turning away from Marco and looking towards the door. In truth, it wouldn’t hurt to tell him, since he wouldn’t ever tell a secret that wasn’t his. He was definitely the guy who would just want to talk things out, not wanting things to end badly.

“Okay…Well…that card I got earlier,” you began. “I’m just worried, and I know that it’s just a stupid game, but I cant help but think about it.”

“Worried that Jean took it the wrong way, or worried that you’d actually want to kiss him?”

Marco was somehow always hitting the nail on the head, a talent of his.

“Would saying both make sense?”

He thought for a moment, the room filling with an unnamable silence, until he spoke again. “Well, I’m sure Jean is going to take it in the way he always does: an ego boost for his way too big head.” Another pause. “As for the idea of maybe wanting to kiss him, I wouldn’t say that's an all too terrible idea, besides the fact that it’s Jean. But, if you really aren't sure about how you feel towards him, maybe you could…test it out?"

“Test it out?” you repeated, confused.

“Yeah,” he said, nodding. “Like ask him to hang out or something. You don’t have to necessarily make it like a date, but you could use the time to get to know him more, and figure out if it’s just because everyone made a big deal out of it, or if you might actually be interested in him, or getting to know him.”

You thought for a moment. The idea was pretty simple, and a good one at that, though just thinking about it made your heart rate speed up. It wasn’t like you had never been one on one with Jean, but now, with all of your thoughts being scrambled like eggs, it was slightly overwhelming. But when it came down to it, you wanted to sort it all out. If you could set your mind straight, and get rid of these terrible thoughts about Jean, you could get back on track for school.

“You’re right, I’ll definitely try that.” You let out a small breath of air and turned back to Marco. “Thanks, I’m glad you’re here.”

“What would you do without me? And don’t worry— I won’t say anything to anyone. my lips are sealed” He smiled, hand coming up to his mouth to mime a zipper motion.

“Okay, good. Unless you want to end up like the douche from earlier, I wouldn’t recommend telling a soul.”

He gave a laugh before gathering some of his things to go and take a shower, leaving you alone once more. You eventually drifted off to sleep, and surprisingly, you didn’t wake up once.

The next day, you only had one class, and once that was over, you had gone to the library to study, needing to get work done for a few of your other classes. It was a nice change in pace from the day you had yesterday. It wasn’t super crowded, either, which meant you could focus on your work in peace.

Though, it didn’t last long, as two new faces joined your table. You looked up, almost expecting to see Jean and Connie, or Marco and Sasha, but to your surprise, it was Eren and Armin.

“I hope you don’t mind us joining you!” Armin smiles, though something in his eyes tells you that he didn’t pick your table without a reason.

“Uh, no that’s okay.”

He and Eren settled into two of the chairs, the latter of the two only pulling out his phone. Armin did the exact opposite. He took out two textbooks, a large notebook, and a handful of pens, pencils and markers.

For the first five minutes or so, the three of you sat in silence. You worked on homework for a communications class, while armin was seemingly working on a paper for a psyche class. But when Eren suddenly scoffed at his phone, you stopped what you were doing to look up at him, questioning his action.

He in turn looked at you, maybe even through you. “So, turns out, someone gave Forrester a nasty bruise yesterday. He wont say who, so i’m thinking he got his ass kicked and just doesn’t want to admit it.”

You feigned ignorance, giving Eren a blank stare, “I’m not really sure who that is, but sounds like a tough time for him.”

Eren regarded you for a moment, but it wasn’t his stare that bothered you. You now had Armin’s attention, as if he wanted to ask a question. Or, make a comment on what you said. But instead he said, “Well, I’m not the one to really get into these things, but Floch does like to cause problems for himself, so maybe he deserved it?”

You nodded along, not wanting to give Eren any more information. With him, rumors tended to get out of hand quickly, and you really did not want to be the talk of the school over an altercation with Floch. To everyone in the school, you were pretty much some nobody, and frankly, you weren’t upset at the idea. If it meant less trouble for you, it was going to be something you’d stay okay with.

“Well he’s been bitching about it all day. It’s starting to get on my nerves.” Eren flipped his phone over, leaning back in his chair as he did.

“Does he expect you to do something about it?” You asked, still trying to keep a low profile, while also trying to pry more information out of him.

“I’m sure thats what he wants, but I’m not going to help him with that, Floch can fight his own battles.”

A thick silence descended over your table. You took it as a sign that you could continue working on your homework. The one for your comms class wasn’t due until tomorrow, but you really wanted to finish it.

This had always really been how you did things. You tried to finish things early, study as soon as possible, take as much time to get your work done as possible. And you weren’t the only one. Armin had also gone back to his work, and though you weren’t sure when it was due for him, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it was due at the end of the week or so.

You weren’t all that close with Armin, but the two of you had taken the time to study with eachother for the one class that you did share, and you had even reached out once to ask if he would tutor you for a few sessions, needing help with your math at the time. It was a nice thought to know that you weren’t the only student to stray from the eyes of their peers.

Though he had a harder time with it, being best friends with Eren and all. Not to mention he was also friends with Mikasa Ackerman, who was arguably the girl who drew most people’s attention.

Before you knew it, two hours had passed, and you felt your phone buzz. You picked it up from the table, squinting your eyes at the bright screen. It was Jean.

“Hey, why are you with Armin, and that idiot.”

At this, you paused, looking around the library, not seeing Jean.

“Where are you?” you replied.

After a minute or two, your phone buzzed again.

“Come and find me.”

And that was it. He didn’t send any other messages, even after you sent him two more, questioning him again. You frowned, then looked to your things. You had been working for awhile, so getting up and moving might not be the worst thing. You proceeded to pack everything that you had pulled out earlier, and stood from your chair, looking to the other two.

“I think I’m going to head out. Let’s meet up again later in the week to work on Professor Hange’s assignment.”

Armin glanced up, and smiled, “Okay! How about Thursday? I can show you what all I’ve finished!”

“Sounds good.” You gave a short wave, and turned away from the table, scanning the surrounding areas before setting off in a random direction.

There were a few more tables behind some of the bookshelves, but none of the students sitting at them were Jean. You checked out the library’s computer section next, and kept looking until you ended up near Armin and Eren again. Another frown crossed your face, until you heard a muffled laugh.

With the new hint, you looked upwards to the second floor. And there he was, leaning against the railing, smirking down at you. You felt your face heat up in what you were going to call embarrassment, and definitely not any other word that had to do with your complicated thoughts on him, and how from where you stood, he looked almost handsome.

You sent a halfhearted glare his way and headed up the stairs, making your way over to him, about to comment on his antics, but you weren’t able to get a word out before he could make fun of you.

“You looked really dumb running around trying to find me.”

You gave an astonished laugh, “Yeah, well you sounded like a complete stalker just now.”

“And you still came to find me. I’m starting to think you like me more than you let on.”

The unsettling feeling returned to your stomach at his words, though you weren’t surprised that he was poking fun at you after yesterdays game. “In your dreams.” You crossed your arms over your chest, trying to ease the increasing amount of uneasiness that was slowly taking ahold of you.

“Hm, I guess that’s true. Does that mean you want me to dream about it?” He looked at you contently, despite all of what he said being the brashest thing you had heard from him yet.

You didn’t say anything to that, instead you changed the subject quickly. “To answer your question about who I was with, I actually didn’t plan on sitting with them. Armin and Eren joined me.”

He gave a slow nod, and peered back at the table down below, where the two were still sitting, “Do you think I could spit on Eren from here?”

“No, and I dont think you should even try.”

“Buzzkill.”

You scoffed, “I am not a buzzkill. You are just in the middle of some pointless battle of being better than each other.”

Jean looked back to you, staring at you for a moment. Then back down at Eren. “I just don’t get what everyone sees in that guy. He’s clearly an egotistical bastard with no regards to anyone else.”

“Do you think that you guys have anything in common in the fact that you both have ridiculously large egos?”

“Don’t lump me in with him.” This he said more seriously, “Anyways, enough about him, do you want to go do something?”

“Like what?”

He shrugged, and started for the stairs. You followed him wordlessly, and the two of you left the library, now back outside where a light breeze met you. The silence continued to hang over you two as you walked aimlessly in a random direction. You couldn’t tell if he was still thinking about your comment on him and Eren, or something else completely. You decided against asking him about it, and instead found a different topic.

“Hey so, I found this art exhibit at the museum, it’s about the book Hange assigned us. I was thinking that we could go and check it out and see if we can find anything useful?”

He thought for a moment, eyes wandering the path ahead. “Okay, it doesn’t sound like the worst way to spend an afternoon.”

“Would eleven in the morning on Friday or Saturday be okay?”

“Friday works better for me, I think I’ve got plans with Connie on Satuday.”

“Okay, Friday it is.” You paused, a smile slowly making it’s way onto your face, “Just make sure to be on time. I wont wait for you this time.”

“Hey! I already apologized for that.” He stopped in place, giving you a pointed look.

You stopped a few feet in front of him, shrugging as you continued to speak, “I need to cover all the bases. I am not going to wait around for you, just for you to tell me that you were hungover.”

“I am not going to be hungover again. I’m not going to make you wait, I swear.”

“You better not, I won’t be as forgiving this time.” You go to move past him, elbowing him as you do.

He turns on his heel to catch up with you, giving you a slight push at the same time, “You were hardly forgiving last time. You were mad the entire time we were working on the assignment,” Jean pauses, taking a moment to look at the path that you had set off on, “Wait, where are we even going?”

You glanced over to him, then back infront of you. “Well, I’ve done nothing but school work today, and you didn’t mention anything specific other than ‘go do something’ and last time you picked where we went, so now its my turn.”

“Are you going to tell me where we are heading at least?”

“No.” You smiled a little at the statement, remembering how you had done the same thing to him when he had asked about you caring so much about seeing the stars. Looking back over to Jean, who was staring straight ahead, you took a moment to really look at him.

He was pretty tall, and when he wasn’t smiling like some sort of evil bastard, he had a pretty nasty resting bitch face, a combination that probably scared anyone who didn’t know him. Though, you could say that despite all that, he had a few attractive features to him. When he was smiling, actually smiling that is, his eyes lit up. You hadn’t noticed it much before, but now when you thought back on the past few days of being around him, you could see the way his eyes would hold a certain softness. And when he was thinking, he tended to frown, scrunching up his nose until he came to whatever conclusion he needed. And when the two of you were in the field the other evening, he had an almost blissful aura to him, as if he had no cares in the world, you wouldn't ever guess that he was someone who caused so much trouble. Honestly it was probably a good thing that he had a difficult personality. If his ego was bad now, you don't want to know what he'd be like if he knew all of this about himself.

You looked away before he could catch you staring, and before you gave yourself any more time to think about him, not wanting to let yourself actually fall for the guy.

Instead you focused on finding your way to today's randomized destination. If you were being honest, you hadn't actually thought of somewhere to go, and frankly, with how little you actually went out, you didn't know too many spots around campus. Regardless, you continued to lead the way, until an idea formed in your head.

Earlier in the year, you had gotten a tad bit lost while trying to find a class, and ended up on the edge of your campus, where you stumbled on an old tree. Aside from the size of the thing, it seemed completely normal. But when you had looked further at it, there was something of a hidey hole in its backside. Since discovering it, you had made countless trips to the tree, using it as a place to get away from the school. You definitely weren't the first person to discover it, but it seemed like no one else ever really visited the old thing.

As you and Jean came upon the tree, he gave a low whistle, craning his head back to take in it's height, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you just took me to a make out spot,"

You threw a bewildered look at him, before shaking your head slowly, "Well, since you do know better, you should know that it's more likely that I've brought you to the best place on campus to hide a body."

He in turn shook his own head, "And here I thought we we're getting closer,"

"Closer to hiding your body?"

"Not quite what I was thinking…" he trailed off, taking a moment to circle around the tree, his hand trailing along the bark as he went, "so, what made you pick here? Other than premeditated murder."

As he came back around, you watched as he took the time to drop his bag at the ground by his feet, kneeling down next to it for a moment, searching its contents.

"Hm, I'm not entirely sure. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who ever comes here anymore." You pause, eyeballing what Jean was now holding in his hands, "It's kind of like a secret hideout minus the secret part, since anyone can stumble on this old tree."

"And yet you brought me here…I'm starting to worry about my wellbeing," he chuckles, then takes a seat a few feet away from the tree.

In his hands, he held a sketchbook. It looked a good few years old, as loose pages stuck out here and there, and the sheets were starting to yellow along the edges. You watched on quietly, as he flipped open to one of the last few pages, pausing as he glanced back at the tree.

After a few moments you moved to stand just behind him, looking down at the page, which now held some sketch lines, resembling the tree just ahead of you.

You kept quiet for a bit, watching him quietly. He was lighthanded, it was as if any stray line within the whole piece would fly off the page and into the world around you.

"You know you can sit and watch me draw too, right?"

"Yeah, and sit next to you? No thanks." You moved away from him, a slight flustered tone in your voice as you realized just how long you had been observing him.

Instead, you took a seat at the base of the tree, opening your own bag, pulling out some more of your homework. Between the two of you, the only noises were the sounds of pencil on paper, and the occasional shifting of branches in the wind.

You weren't really sure just how long things stayed that way. The only thing that brought your mind back to reality was the feeling of being stared at.

"Need something?" You asked, arching a quizzical eyebrow in Jean's direction.

He shook his head, closing his sketchbook quietly, "Not at all. I was just wondering how much homework you were going to do before you got bored of being such a studious person."

You scoffed at him. He was teasing you for this again?

"Well, unlike some people, I need to pass all my classes so I can get the hell out of here."

"You hate it here that much?"

You paused, a lump forming in your throat. How were you even supposed to answer that question? All in all, this small town was horrible, and had been that way your entire life. Growing up you didn't have very many friends, and your family was fairly distant to you. You had shouldered all of your problems and responsibilities by yourself. Even now, in your college years it was hard to shake the feeling that you were still alone.

You drew in a breath. "Sometimes, I sit by myself at my desk, and just stare at one of my notebooks until all the lines blur together. And then I realize that I'm crying. But what's funny about that is, I never know why I'm crying. " you start, bringing your eyes to his, "I never have the words to describe what i'm feeling in those moments. It's the same with how I feel about this place. I really don't know if I hate it, or if I'm just…projecting something else onto it."

Jean stills with the information, until he takes a long breath in, "Art isn't much of a passion for me, as much as it is a hobby. I can't tell you how many half finished sketches I have. Sometimes I feel like I just don't have it in me to finish them, as if I'm scared of not knowing what I'm going to do next."

He isn't talking about art. You know this from the way that Jean looks at you, not with pity, but with a hint of understanding.

It was silent once again. Your brain turned over and over as you repeated his words in your head. Slowly, a wistful smile spread across your face.

"You know Jean, you're not so bad after all."

He stands up, shaking his head as he does, and makes his way over to you, holding out a hand for you to take, "I have my moments, I can't always be the charming asshole everyone says I am."

You hesitated for a moment, eyes flicking to his hand. Slender fingers and a wide palm, his hand looked soft, and the thought of holding it, even just for a moment, would be comforting. You took his hand, averting your gaze as he helped you to your feet.

"I'm sure everyone leaves out the 'charming' part."

"That's where you're wrong, everyone thinks I'm charming."

"Everyone but me that is," you chirp back, letting your hands fall to your sides.

"You dont think I'm charming?"

The churning sensation is back. You /wanted/ to say no, to tell him that he was annoying, loud-mouthed, and a pain in the ass, but somewhere in the time you'd known him, he had become annoyingly endearing, loudly funny, and a pain in the ass to ignore the thumping in your chest.

"I can't say charming is the word I'd use to describe you. Horribly pleasant maybe, but not charming."

At this he smirks, starting to walk backwards away from you, "Oh so you think I'm pleasant? Hopefully in the way that I'm nice to look at."

"You missed the word horrible,"

He waved off your comment, instead placing one hand on his chest, right over his heart, while reaching out the other hand towards you, "and yet, if I asked you to join me to a delicious five star dinner at my dorm, you'd still say yes."

You could feel your face flush, knowing that he didn't mean anything more than just to hang out for a little bit longer, and not in some sort of lame date way, "I'd only come because it would be free food, even if the food is terrible. Like you."

"So, that's a yes you'll be joining me for dinner? I've got…box mashed potatoes, frozen broccoli, and hopefully leftover seasoned chicken."

You turned back to where you had left your things, a slightly messy sight. "Alright alright, I'll come, pick up your things and we can go."

You knelt down next to your bag, trying to ignore the nervous shaking of your hands as you collected your things. Your mind raced with warring thoughts. How did this happen? How was it that Jean Kirstein of all people, had weaseled his way into being someone that you didn't fully hate? But, there was no way you were going to let him get in the way of school, and your plans to finally be free from this horrible town. But then part of you wondered, was it all one sided? Jean seemed to be the type to have all sorts of girls and guys fawning over him, even if he had only ever been open about one specific girl that he was interested in, which of course had been Mikasa. But you couldn't even blame him, she was out of everyone's league. How she seemed to be completely and obviously in love with Eren Jeager of all people was a mystery to you.

"Hey, are you listening?" His voice stopped your thoughts in their tracks, as you hadn't even noticed that he had been speaking to you.

"Now why would I be doing that?" You shouldered your bag, standing back up and facing him.

"We've been over this, because I'm charming- sorry, pleasant."

"Again, you left out the horrible part."

"I've got a feeling that you don't mean that, otherwise you'd just call me horrible." He turns halfway away from you, looking back to the general area of the school.

You paused, walking up next to him, trying to ignore the fact that he was right, "You just have selective hearing."

Jean eyed you while starting to head back to the dorms, a different and softer smile making its way onto his face, "Not when it comes to you."

You nearly tripped over a stray rock, his words repeating in cycles in your head. You could only give him a glance, busying yourself with avoiding any other stones on the sidewalk.

What did he mean by that? What did you want those words to mean? Your mind flashes back to your conversation with Marco. The feeling of your heart painfully pounding against your ribs surfaces. Your hands tremble ever so slightly while they grasp at the straps of your bag. Marco was right, and he hadn’t even said anything about you actually having feelings for Jean.

As the thought hit, you spared another quick look towards him. He was looking at you. Careful eyes studying your demeanor. The way you walked. The way your eyes struggled to meet his. The way your mouth formed a tight line as you realized all of this was happening.

“Hey, if you really don’t want to try my cooking, you don’t have to come.” He let out a breath, running a hand through his hair for a moment.

You looked away. You could turn him down, you could go home. It would be the easy way out. You could ignore any of his future attempts at hanging out. You could finish school and leave this place. Leave him and everyone else again.

The thought of it made you shudder. In doing so, you would be condemning yourself to your worst self. Being alone.

You looked back to Jean, his face morphed into one of concern, clearly puzzled as to why you were taking so long to answer.

You were tired of being alone. Tired of pushing away your own happiness in pursuit of a future that wasn’t even set in stone.

You flashed a smile his way, and waved off his words, “No way, you said it was a five star dinner. I can’t pass on that.”

He stared at you for a moment. Then, his confusion melted away, replaced by that famous cocky smile, “Okay good, I wasn’t sure what to do if you bailed on me.”

“Maybe you could have cooked for Connie too, light some candles, play some mood music, you know, make it all romantic for the two of you.” You chuckled, about to make another remark when Jean gave you a playful shove.

“Why would you say that! I can’t have a romantic dinner with Connie of all people!”

“Sure you can! It’s easy! Candles, music, food! All you need!”

Jean groaned and shook his head. “You’re horrible.”

“Pleasant, actually.” You grinned.

He hummed in response, and you could’ve swore you heard him mumble ‘horribly pleasant my ass’

His dorm room was warm, and set up similarly to yours. The same bland, small kitchen and the same questionable excuse for a couch just a few feet away. Three sets of doors that led to his roommates, and two bathrooms.

One of the doors were open, and you caught a glimpse of Connie attempting to take mirror selfies. He would take one, bring the phone close to his face, frown and then try again. It wasn’t until his third or forth picture that he noticed you staring through the mirror.

“Well if it isn’t our very own Rocky!” He grinned, hastily shoving his phone into the pocket of his sweats.

“Hey Connie” you waved, then smirked a little, “I'm sure the ladies will love all of those selfies.”

His face flushed slightly, and he stepped out of his small room, “For your information, the ladies already love seeing my handsome face. I was just taking a few more for-”

Jean cut him off, a bark of a laugh filling the room, “Like you can get a girl to think your ugly mug is anything worth looking at.”

Connie gaped, “Dude, that’s just cold. I thought you liked my face.”

You eyeballed the two, before turning to Jean and mouthing the words, ‘romantic dinner’

Jean glared halfheartedly, before a smile broke through, “and here I thought I was treating you to a five star, romantic dinner.”

Connie was now the one looking between the two of you, unsure if Jean was being serious or not. You, on the other hand, could feel your face heat up. He had to be joking. Jean was making a joke based off of your joke. That was the only thing that would make sense at the moment.

“Only if it involves candles and music.” You attempt to force your voice into sounding level, as if you weren’t sickeningly thrilled by the idea of your dinner with Jean being a little more than friendly.

His head swivels around the room, scanning the small area before emitting a sigh of halfhearted defeat, “Might need a raincheck on that, I don't have any candles.” Jean pauses, thinking for a moment, “Unless you had your heart set on the romantic dinner with candles and music, maybe I can make something work.” He smirked in your direction, true to his usual cheeky self.

You faced away from him, moving to set your backpack down on the floor by the door, “No candles, no deal.” You pause, practically feeling Connie’s wide eyed stare pointed at your back.

“That’s not a no to having a more than friendly dinner, now is it?” Jean fires back, smiling in a not so innocent way. Your stomach twisted in knots. He wasn’t wrong. You had intentionally avoided his question, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of yet another person falling for his aggravating charm.

You shrug a response, giving back another flippant response, “Sure, if it helps you sleep at night to think of it that way.”

After a moment of silence, Connie’s voice fills the room. “Yeah so, I don’t really know whats going on here, but i’m gonna head out. Sasha is waiting for me with Marco.” He slides on a pair of shoes, grabs a bag and promptly leaves, but not before saying a goodbye, “See ya later Rocky, and Jean, I hope you choke on your food.”

To which, all Jean says is, “Yeah, whatever man.”

You watch him leave quietly, then turn back to face Jean, studying him for a moment. He hasn’t noticed your stares yet, not when he’s busying himself with pulling out what he needed for this dinner supposedly high rated by Michelin themselves.

Throughout the past year or so, you had noticed that when Jean was concentrating, he tended to screw up his face a little, eyebrows scrunched in, mouth quirked off to the side, usually whatever was in his hands was being toyed with. But right now, he was different. A content soft smile, and the look in his eyes was gentle. Fond. Domestic.

“Do you need help with anything?” You asked, feeling the need to do something other than just stand around.

Jean looked back up at you, bag of frozen broccoli in his hands. “Do you want to make the instant potatoes or the broccoli?”

You walked to him, and grabbed the bag from him, “Where do you keep your pots and pans?”

“Planning on making this a fancy dinner?” He paused, taking a moment to grab out a small pot for you, and then a lid. “Are you steaming them?”

You set the bag down, then eyed the pot and lid, “Would you happen to have one of those steaming baskets? Or do I need to get creative?”

Jean smiled sheepishly, “I’ve got Connie for a roommate. If I was Niccolo I would definitely have one of those, therefore, you’ll have to get creative. But you’re pretty smart, so I believe in you.”

You nodded slowly. That made sense. Jean and Connie were in the same boat as Sasha, Marco and yourself. If you had done more planning for dinner you probably could have worked something else with Niccolo to borrow his cooking supplies. Though you were sure that the guy would say no, as he was pretty particular about his things. Oh well. You’d have to figure something else.

The rest of the preparations went fine, and before you knew it, the two of you were sitting at a dingy table that each dorm room had, making small talk over left over chicken and mid-tier potatoes and broccoli.

“Okay, so I’ll bite. What’s your deal?” Jean asked suddenly, then his eyes went a little wide as he realized the wording of his question, “I mean! Uh…Well-”

You cut him off, easily able to tell what he meant, “Do you mean why do I have no life and only study and do my work alone?”

He melted under your gaze, before nodding slowly, “I meant it a little nicer though.”

“Its okay, I got what you meant…I think.” You set your fork down, suddenly scrutinizing a small crack in your plate.

Jean cleared his throat a bit before speaking again, “It’s just that…you spend so much time studying, and it definitely pays off. I’ve heard from Sasha that you have really good grades. But…”

“But?”

“They worry about you. Sasha and Marco that is…and well, I kind of do too. At least, more now that I know you a little better.”

You don’t respond. He’s going somewhere with this. You can tell by the cadence of his voice, how he seems to be picking his words carefully.

“I think that even just in the past few days, you’ve opened up a lot…I finally got to see you smile.” He paused, “I remember one time last year, in one of our shared classes, I went to see the professor, but you were already there, pleading with him for some extra credit. And when you came out, you look like you had been crying. The next day, I went out of my way to tell you a joke, hoping that maybe you’d smile.”

“I remember that. I told you that I was busy with a make up assignment and ignored you.” You hummed a little, thinking back to Jean back then. His hair was shorter, and he was even more obnoxious that he had been this year. It was one of the few times you had actually spoke to him at the time.

“So…I guess I was just wondering where all this pressure on you comes from?” He fidgets with something in his hands. Like when he’s focusing on his work. You’ve seen it countless times in the past, you just never thought about it until now.

With a sigh, you resign yourself to telling him a little bit about yourself, “I’ve lived here my whole life. And my whole life, I’ve basically been alone. Friends were hard to come by, especially after I decided that all I wanted to do was leave. So, with no one to hold me back, as long as I finish college strong, I can leave and go anywhere I want. I have to do this. Staying here is out of the question…” You trailed off, thinking about how you had never truly said these words out loud.

“But?” He spoke softly, as if he could tell that you had been battling with yourself on what you truly wanted. He stared at you, not through you as most other people did. Your heart sped up. What were you supposed to say now? You had only started to question your aspirations because of him. And you absolutely would not be sharing that thought now.

“But nothing. I meant what I said. I’m getting out of this hell and I’m not looking back. Ever.” you spat the words out, a sudden low and hollow feeling settling in your stomach. What were you doing? A small voice in the back of your head answered that question for you. The same one that you let control most of your college days. You were wasting time, you had assignments to do and a degree to work towards.

You moved to stand suddenly. “I have to go…I forgot that I’m supposed to meet with Armin tomorrow. I should really make sure that I’m ready to show him my part..and yours too.” You grabbed your backpack, and escaping out into the hall.

You stood there quietly, chest moving up and down as you took in harsh breaths, not entirely sure why you did all of that. With a shake of your head you made the journey back to your own dorm, not bothering to take off your shoes at the door like you normally did, instead you merely trudged into your room, tossing your bag onto the ground by your desk, and finding a seat on the edge of your bed.

“Are you okay?” Your freckled friend spoke up, nearly giving you a heart attack in the process. You hadn’t even noticed that he was home.

You didn’t answer. Instead, tears began to fill your eyes. He was by your side in an instant, arms wrapping around you carefully. Muffled sobs wracked your body. With each one Marco only hugged you a little tighter. He let you cry until you were done.

“I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.” The words fell from your lips, and you couldn’t stop what came after them, “This whole time i’ve had one goal; to graduate with soaring grades, and to leave. Make as few friends as possible so that way I wouldn’t get distracted…and so that leaving would be easier.”

“What changed then?” Marco asked, his voice soft and careful. You got the feeling that he already knew the answer.

“Jean. Jean crashed into my life and ruined my plans. I haven’t even really known him that long and suddenly I’m throwing away school just to hang out with him. I haven’t been studying the same way I used to, instead I’m playing volleyball with him, and he’s holding my hand as we run away. I’m sitting with him by that old tree and thinking about him instead of the words on my papers. I’m cooking with him and thinking about how muchI want to do it all again.” Your words are quiet, but Marco hears them all the same.

“You do know that those don’t have to be bad things, right?” He lets you go, taking a moment to scoot away ever so slightly, making you look up at his face, where a small smile rests, “It’s been nice to see you let loose. And I know that you’ve been enjoying yourself.”

You attempt to frown, “Thats not true.”

A beat passes and you speak again, “Okay. Maybe a little…but I-”

“No. No buts. You are the hardest working person I know. You are smart and you always apply yourself to your work. You are doing amazing. It’s time that you see that for yourself. You will finish school, and you will be able to go out into the world and do whatever you want to do, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to have any of that fun. You deserve to enjoy your life, the one right now in the present that you are living, okay?”

His words played on repeat in your mind a few times, you tried to interalize them, make them into your own instead of letting that voice shoo them away.

“Okay.” You nodded, then brought a hand up to your face, covering your mouth for a moment, “I left Jean.”

“What?”

“We were eating dinner and talking and then I got upset and I just…I just left. “

Marco pursed his lips, nodding slightly as he tried to imagine the scene. Jean sitting alone at his table, probably confused and wondering what he did wrong. “Well…theres only so much you can do about that, which I suggest texting him. Let him know that you’re alright, and just so that the poor guy doesn’t overthink, that he didn’t cause you to run off.”

You nodded, “Right. Okay. I can do that.”

It grew quiet between you and Marco, though it didn’t last very long. There was a light tone in his voice, one he used when he wanted to tease someone without making them aware of it, though you had learned to recognize it fairly well.

“So, I’m assuming that you like Jean…at least a little bit.”

“Okay. Get off my bed. This moment is over.” You push him gently, facing away from Marco.

“Are you going to tell him?”

“Oh would you look at the time? I should really head to bed, okay goodnight Marco, get off my bed.”

He laughed, and did as you said, letting you have the room so you could change, “goodnight lovebird.”

Ignoring him as best as you could, you changed quickly, and crawled right back into your bed, under the safety of your comforter. Once there, you pulled out your phone, fingers trembling as you brought up the chat with Jean.

You stared at it for a moment. The last messages were from earlier this day. He hadn’t said anything since then.

Slowly you typed out an apology. “Hey Jean, I’m really sorry for just bailing earlier. Super not cool of me.”

You groaned at the words, quickly backspacing and starting again. “Sorry about earlier, I didn’t mean to just leave you there. I promise things are fine. It wasn’t you, or the food for that matter.”

You hit send, not giving yourself time to overthink the text any longer.

Fairly quick after your message had been sent, Jean had already replied. “Its okay! You had me worried for a minute there. Thought maybe the food tasted so bad that you just had to leave to get an actual five star dinner.”

He was being courteous. Trying to keep the conversation light as to not scare you off again.

Your fingers flew across the keyboard once more, “Let me make it up to you. Friday, 11am, at the museum.”

“You really don’t have to make anything up to me, I get it.”

“Jean. Just let me feel bad and try to make it up. Or else I will think about this all night.”

His next message wasn’t exactly what you thought he’d say…or actually, it was exactly what he would say, “Oh, so if I don’t let you have your way, you will be up all night…thinking about me?”

“No.” You hit send. Then sent another message, “Ykw nevermind. I’m not sorry. Be on time friday or else.”

He was quick to shoot back another response, “Okay fine. Make it up to me.”

Then another message, “How do you plan on doing that anyways?”

“You’ll see. Be patient.”

It wasn’t long after that did you eventually fall asleep. The next day was pretty uneventful. Your meeting with Armin was fine, as the guy already had about half of the presentation outline done, and with all of the information and other necessary work that you had gathered, Armin would most likely have the whole thing done by the time he went to bed that night.

The rest of the day passed quickly, almost too quickly for your liking. Before you knew it, your alarm was going off, signalling that it was ten twenty-five in the morning.

You had spent some time the day before thinking of how to make up for ditching Jean the other night, and finally settled on an idea. Said idea was currently sitting on your desk, inside a plastic bag.

You gave it a quick look before climbing out of your bed, moving to your dresser to get ready for the day.

You had just thrown on your shoes, sparing a glance at your phone to the time. It was eleven. You were going to be late. Of course after all that talk to Jean about being on time, you were going to be running behind this time. You could only imagine what he would have to say about it.

You hurriedly grabbed the bag from your desk, and shoved your phone into you pocket after sending yet another apology to Jean.

The trip to the museum took about twenty minutes with public transport. It was eleven twenty-three and you had finally made it to the museum doors.

Jean was standing just to the right of them, staring down at his phone, his back to you. You watched as he brought his phone to his ear, and smiled slightly as your phone buzzed in your pocket.

You let it ring. Walking up and tapping his shoulder a few times. “Sorry I’m late.”

He spun around, eyes landing on your form. His mouth hung up for a moment before he hung up the phone call, “Is this to get back at me for the other day?”

“No…I just slept past my first alarm.”

“Oh so when you’re late its okay but when I’m late its the worst thing ever.”

You shrugged slightly, “I at least texted you in advance.” You paused, then remembered the bag you were holding, “Oh…um. I got you this. To make up for bailing.”

He eyed the bag suspiciously, “I thought I told you not to worry about it.”

“I worried about it. Now just say thanks and take the bag from me.” You rushed the words out, holding it out to him, “No refunds so you have to keep it.”

His fingers deftly took the plastic handles from you, and reached inside the bag. You watched quietly as he lifted the gift out, eyes softening as he realized what it was.

“You bought me a new sketchbook?” He hummed a little, looking at the cover for a few moments, “This is a really nice brand too. I’ve always wanted to try it out.”

“Your other one looked a little full the other day…so I figured I could afford a nice one to say that I’m sorry. “

Jean let the sketchbook slide back into the bag, “Well…thank you. I really appreciate this.” He toed something on the ground, eyes unable to find yours.

You instead took this moment to find the exhibit tickets on your phone, nudging him slightly, “Let’s get going, there’s a couple of pieces I think we should look at specifically.”

Once inside, you took a few moments to study the map of the place, trying to figure out which hall you needed to go to, before Jean took your hand in his, face a little flushed as he did so.

“I come here pretty often, most of the new exhibits are near the back on the first floor.” He said, pulling you along with him.

It wasn’t too crowded, and as most museums were, it was quiet. A nice solitude for those who liked to hide away from the world, and find new ones in the art and historical pieces sheltered there.

When the both of you made it to the exhibit, you found that you were the only ones there. Meaning that you could stare at the art as long as you needed. Which you did. Slowly you let Jean’s hand slip from yours.

You hadn’t thought about seeing the art in real life, and how much it would effect you. Entrap you in every single paint stroke, every single carving of marble. It was beautiful. Clearly the story that was assigned to you had meant a lot the various artists.

You found Jean staring at a drawing. It was mostly in charcoal, though some color had been added here and there, giving the piece whimsical dimension. It looked to be a tree. A large, barren tree in a valley of never ending sand. From the branches, blue and green spilled out across the paper, spanning what would be the sky.

“You like this one?” You asked with a hush, not wanting to startle him.

He nodded, “It’s simple, but I just know that the artist put a lot of work into it. Every line is purposeful. And we will never truly know what it means.” He responded, eyes traveling down to the plaque, where it read the piece’s title, “Paths.” With an unnamed author.

You let him look at the drawing for as long as he needed. You wandered to a sculpture on display a few steps to the right. It seemed to be one of the titans depicted in the story. Creme colored marble in the form of a woman, skeletal mouth open in what the book claimed to be a war cry. There were ribs formed around her abdomen. Her hand outstretched towards the open air. From this perspective, despite the lack of facial features, the statue almost looked sad. A women with an extraordinary ability, forced to use it for harm, all because she was in love with the wrong person. At least, that’s what you wanted to think. You were sure that others in your class thought the opposite. Which of course was exactly what your analysis was going to focus on.

You studied it for a few more moments, before looking away, finding Jean now standing across the room, in front of another painting. You moved to stand next to him, looking at what held his attention.

It was of a starry night sky, bathed in dark blues and purples. Underneath, was a lone pig in a field, head faced towards the grass.

“This is what started the book, right?” You asked, watching as he nodded once.

“But that’s not what i’m thinking about.”

“Then what’s going on in your mind?”

Jean looked back to you, smiling sideways, “Why did you wait the other night, at the field? I figured that you were waiting for a star, but why?”

You brought your eyes back to the painting, looking from the dark green grass, to the pig that was grazing on it peacefully, then to a star painted to be the brightest one there.

“When I was younger, I used to stand outside, or at my window, and just wait. As soon as I saw the first star of the night, I made a wish on it.” You paused, thinking back on your childhood, “I used to wish for a friend, or someone more than that. I was pretty lonely as a kid. Eventually I started wishing for a future other than that…and then, I stopped wishing. I still would wait for the star, but I made sure that I wasn’t relying on a ball of gas in the sky to make my wishes come true.”

“I’d say that they came true then.” Jean turned his body to face yours, looking down towards you, some thought dancing in his eyes.

You mimicked his motion, allowing yourself to face him fully, “And what makes you say that?”

“You’ve made two whole friends.”

“I’ve made three.” You corrected him softly, thinking back to your first conversation about it with him, “Sasha and Marco are very nice people who I like a lot.” You state matter of factly.

He chuckles, shaking his head. “And the third? Don’t tell me it’s Floch…or even worse, Eren.”

“Mmm close. It’s you.”

He places a hand to his heart, dramatic words escaping him, “How long have I waited for you to realize that you and I are friends.”

“You’re still horribly pleasant.” You remark, shaking your head, “Maybe I should take it back about being friends.”

“Too late, you already said it. No refunds.” He drew closer to you, enough to where you could feel his warmth. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Isn’t that technically already a question?” You pause, then nod to him, “But, yeah, go for it.”

“When you graduate, and leave this town. Will you forget about your friends?”

You hesitate. You knew that he wasn’t really asking about Marco or Sasha. You can feel your stomach flip over a few times, that annoying feeling of nervousness that came whenever you thought about Jean.

“No. I wont. How could I?” Your words seem to have some sort of effect on Jean, as he dodesn’t speak. You continue, trying to pick your words carefully, “When it comes to you, specifically you…I would have one hell of a time forgetting you, Jean.”

“I am pretty cool…” He mumbles, then swallows his pride, “But, what if I don’t want you to remember me?”

You tilt your head to the side, giving him a confused look, but still allowing him to continue.

“I just mean…what if I want to be remembered as not just a friend. As more than that?”

He locks eyes with you, his face serious as he waits for you to say something, to say anything really.

You swear that your heart stops beating altogether. It wasn’t one sided. You thought back to your conversation with Marco from two nights before. You deserved this. Deserved to enjoy yourself. To let yourself live a little.

“I think i’d like that.” You smile warmly, “Because I like you Jean. I tried really hard not to, but I do. And maybe, just maybe I don’t want to look back on college and only remember you as a friend.” You pause, taking in a small breath and willed yourself to finish your thought, “Maybe, after I graduate, we both can look back on the time. Together.”

“So, you don’t want to skip town and never look back?” he asks

“Skip town? Still do, but I can’t afford to ignore my time here.”

“What if I came with you when you leave.” it’s less of a question, and more of an idea.

“Let’s just get to graduation first, Jean.”

He lets out a breathy laugh, nodding as he does, “Got ahead of myself there. But I have one more question.”

You study him for a moment, just as you had been studying the rest of the art in the museum. “You know, you were only supposed to ask one question anyways.”

“Last one, I promise.”

“Okay, okay, what is it?”

“Can I kiss you?”

You’re suddenly all too aware of the small gap in your bodies, and his baited breath, and the sensation in your stomach that feels less like churning water and more like butterflies floating around blooming flowers. You hardly hear yourself tell him yes.

The stiffness leaves Jean’s body, and he brings his hand free from the plastic bag up to your face, cupping your cheek lightly. His hand is warm, but not as warm as your flushed face is. His thumb moves back and forth slightly as he pulls you to him. His lips are soft, and you can feel his lashes flutter against your cheek. You easily find it in you to move in sync with him, allowing yourself to lean into the kiss, a small smile finding its way onto your face.

He lets you pull away first. And for a moment all the two of you can do is stand there. You’re sure that you could stand there all day with him.

You let him speak first.

“So, am I still horrible?”

“Horribly, yet pleasantly charming. Yes.”

#jean attack on titan #jean kirstein #jean kirstein x reader #attack on titan x reader #attack on titan #aot #aot fic #aot x reader #jean kirschtein #jean kirschtein fic

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herrscherrofyatta · 1 year

Text

Yesterday

Tighnari x Gn reader

cw: fluff, a hint of angst

summary: throwing Tighnari a surprise party for his birthday, you present him with your gift!

a/n: this takes place in the let you break your heart series

From the start of the day, Tighnari could tell something was up with you and your behavior. Usually you would be next to him, talking about what recent travels your older brother had and how you wished to follow in his footsteps as a healer.

But today, was today a special day for you not to be annoying his ears away?

He shrugs his shoulders, going on about his classes and while he did find you at some point, Cyno was with you every time, whispering to each other occasionally, carefully enough so he wouldn't be able to hear you two.

Sighing in frustration, he scratches the back of his head, leaving the library only to see you again, this time staring intensely at something in your hand before sighing.

"(Y/n)," you practically jump like a cat at the sound of his voice coming from behind you as you turn to look at him, sweating bullets.

"Tighnari! Hi!" Your voice is a bit high pitched when speaking as he gives you an unamused look as you nervously chuckle.

"What are you up to this time?" He crosses his arms, waiting for your answer, the tip of your ears turns red as you try coming up with something, anything.

'Why did Cyno give me the job of bring him back home for the party?!'

You yell in your mind, "um, you see....." He could see how hard you tried coming up with an excuse and sighs, he seems to be doing that a lot with you nowadays. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he waves his hand at you.

"Forget it, let's just get to our dorm room. I have research papers to finish." You rapidly nod your head at his words.

"Ok!"

The two of you leave the Akademiya, walking down the many stairs and arriving at the main streets where people go on with their day as the sun was beginning to set.

Passing by a few stalls, your eyes find a familiar face in the crowd that makes your face give off a horrified look. Cyno does a motion with his hand, signaling not yet as you quickly tug Tighnari's sleeve.

"Are you hungry!? We can go by some fruit!" You suggest, loud enough for Cyno to hear, the two of you wait for Tighnari's answer.

"..fine. Let's be quick then." He turns back around, Cyno gives you a thumbs up and you return it, giving yourself a pat on the back for the sudden idea.

After getting your fruits and snacks, you munch on an apple, the fox beside you doing the same, it's quiet between you two.

Deciding that now would be a good time to give him what you were fidgeting with earlier, "here." He looks at you, your hand holding onto a small box extended to him.

"Happy birthday, Tighnari." You say softly, a smile on your lips, your gaze holds a strong affection and love for him, one he misses as he takes the box from you.

"You can open it later, come on." Walking ahead of him, you two arrive at the dorm. Letting him unlock the door, Tighnari walks in only for his ears to spring up at the sound of a pop and confetti raining down on him.

"Surprise!"

He's surprised to see Cyno there as you suppress your laugh at the sight of his face.

When he finally overcomes his shock, he can help the smile that appears as he chuckles, "so this is what you two were planning."

You grin at him, sharing a high five with Cyno, the three of you enjoy the cake you brought, not without singing the happy birthday song to the birthday boy.

The little celebration goes by that you and Cyno are now passed out on the couch, a blanket over the two of you as Tighnari finally opens the gift you gave him.

"An earring?" He says, before spotting a little note underneath it.

'I brought myself one too, so we're matching now!'

His eyes soften at this and he blinks, finding himself back in the empty, cold room you once occupied. Staring at the earring you once wore, now on the palm of his hand.

It feels like it was just yesterday when you gave him the earring and went to go get your ear pierced together.

Now, you left him behind for good after what he said to you.

'Tighnari! Look, I got you another earring!'

He sighs, closing his eyes before opening them, putting away the earring into an empty drawer and leaving the room.

'Do you like it?'

'Yes, thank you.'

'Hehe, happy birthday!'

Without giving a look back, he leaves, he knew that now, you're truly chasing after something that will lead to your downfall, just like your brother before you, one he tried so hard to protect you from, now, it was only a matter of time till you realize the truth of the path you've chosen.

"Until we meet again," He looks up at the stars, simply wishing for the best for you now. "(Y/n)."

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

taglist: @vanivivs @maehemthemisfit @atlatcaheart @redactedhimbo @sketcheeee @mistyg156 @prefesro @atsukawolfcat @nilou-loftus @iiyumii @lychme @agentbobr @ssavne @ciphersden @kazeniya @shirmxie @strawbxrrytiger @random-names-stuff @ferumie @artemfication @shadowfoxey @apyrose @goodnight-haley @mizuariena @hxiky @mirology @sweet-seraphim @aliceathesimp @komiyaa @goodsoup101 @artistlover @steadybonkmuffindreamer @qinxin02 @kozukwn @wolfmagic24 @dainsleif-when-playable @justgiulia @leaunce @juminsamore @astrodrain @fyu707 @scalyalpaca @justmariamtings @levitsuiki @socia-lone @valeriele3 @crowleysthings @oblivyun @julesisnthereanymore @simp-for-fictional-character

@lunavixia @meirose13 @the-real-fandom-person @orginiallyann @copiko @sidecharacter101 @strawberry1894 @planet--venus @akiakiakiko @mizuariena

#yaepublishinghouse #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact #tighnari x y/n #tighnari x you #tighnari x reader #tighnari #tighnari headcanons #tighnari hcs #𒆜let you break my heart again𒆜

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blueikeproductions · 9 months

Text

Based on a conversation with @shinyhappydigistar. -Ash gets fed up with Iono filming him every waking moment, made worse they share a dorm together at the Academy, and has thrown out some of her stuff out of frustration and starts to tear into her about her sleep stream pranks on him until he realizes…-

Ash: Wuh-WHY ARE YOU STREAMING THIS?! Pikachu: -indignantly- PIKA!!??

Bellibolt: -looks embarrassed and a little fed up as well at Iono- Bellibo…! -says sheepishly-

Iono: Whaaaat? People love drama! Why do you think the Porygon does so well over Zubatman comic drama?

Ash: What, that stuff over Tim Druddigon? Pidgey the Boy Wonder should like who he likes, so long as he still gets to fight Killer Croconaw!

Iono: Wow…, that’s surprisingly progressive from you, I wasn’t expecting that. …Oh hey I got a donation!

Ash: Who would give a donation to this Trubbish fire of a live stream…? -back to being annoyed-

-Cuts away to a far off Paldean campsite Goh and Gary Oak are staying at, having teamed up again for research in Paradox Pokemon. Gary and his Electivire both give a dark chuckle as Gary swipes on his Rotom Phone to give another donation, laughing at Ash’s misery.-

Goh and Grookey just stare disappointingly at him: I thought you and Ash were friends, Gary…

Gary -shrugs-: Old habits die hard, and I still enjoy Ashy being taken down a peg.

-A Brute Bonnet walks by the boys, stops and is curious at what they’re so enamored by, shrugs and waddles on by.-

-Back at the school-

Iono: Oh another donation! …Uh oh it’s from Clavell…

Ash: Heh serves you right!

Iono: … He wants to see us both in his office pronto, dude…

Ash: Aw, Ratatta…

Pikachu: Pikachu… (says dejectedly)

-At the office, everyone is still in their jammies, which makes the situation more comical than it is, with Ash in an old Indigo League sleeveless shirt and boxers, Iono in an Elesa themed tang top and Zebstrika sleep pants, and Clavell wearing a loud colored Pokeball themed night cap and gown, along with his Oranguru.-

Clavell: -sighs- I suppose I should’ve seen this coming, having two, uh, how do the kids say it? Having two Gogoated personalities together. In the same room…

Ash: Does that mean Iono can get her own room? Preferably far, far away from me and Pikachu…?

Clavell: Unfortunately the only other dorm was taken by that pink and blue haired RA team with the Meowth we hired, so you two will have to continue sharing.

Iono: Hah! More streaming content for me!

Clavell: Not so fast, Iono. I have some rules to lay down an- Iono, please stop streaming, no one wants to see this. It’ll be boring. At least I’ll do my best to make it boring!

Oranguru: Guru-ran. (Agreeing).

Iono: Fiiiine. -makes the cut motion at her Rotom phone, who cuts off the feed.-

-Ash, Pikachu and Bellibolt all sigh in relief-

Clavell: Your streams help fund the academy, Iono, that much is clear, but for the sake of our student teacher Mr. Ketchum, please back off on him. No more of these dragged out streams and pranks for views. World Champion or not, all it’s done is be a distraction to the students, facility, and in particular it’s made Alfie upset.

-Ash and Iono look surprised.-

Iono: Lil’ Al? What-why?

Clavell: Seems he isn’t a fan of his two heroes fighting each other, well, not in a Pokémon battle I mean. He came to me earlier concerned about what was going on.

Ash and Iono look at each other sheepishly.

Clavell: So can I trust you two will get along? If not for my sake, then for your young friend Alfie’s sake?

Ash and Iono look at each other embarrassingly and fidget a bit.

Ash: …Y’know what? If you promise to limit your streams about me to just classes I need your help with and Pokémon battling, I think we can manage. -holds out hand to shake-

Iono: Throw in anytime Team Rocket crashes the party too, and you have a deal.

-They both smile and shake hands.-

-Clavell and Oranguru smile satisfied.-

Clavell: Good, good. Now if you excuse me, I have some, ah, Pokémon Sleep to catch up on. -looks at the camera and winks- Just clean up that that little pile of AV equipment in your hall, and we’re Gholdengo. -shuffles off to his bedroom-

Ash: That shouldn’t be too bad…

Pikachu: Chuu…

Bellibolt: B’bolt…

Iono: Provided none of my stuff got wrecked… -shoots a look at Ash- Some of that Silph Co. tech they don’t even make anymore…

Ash: I didn’t know… Besides I have a techie friend from Kalos who might be able to fix things…

Iono: -gives him the annoyed, narrowed eyed Phillip J. Fry meme look, before looking bright and cheerful all of a sudden- Cool beans~!

#blueike productions #blueike #pokemon anime #anipoke #ash ketchum #gym leader iono #pokemon scarlet and pokemon violet #paldea

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dustteller · 3 months

Note

What are some fantasy books you consider represent colonialism wrong/from a very white or colonial pov?

Sorry you dont have to tell which books etc you were vagueing im just genuinely interested !

Hmm, this is tough bc for the last three years most of the books I've consumed have been for college, and most of the stuff on Imperialism has been nonfiction for my PoliSci classes. When I wrote that post, I wasn't just thinking about books, but about media as a whole.

Now, I want to make it very clear that I don't necessarily consider any of the following works ✨️Problematic✨️ because they fail to capture certain elements of Imperialism/Colonialism (I'm using the terms interchangeably bc they're similar enough that in fiction they tend to get glomped together, but they're actually technically two different things but also It Does Not Matter). I don't consider a white person not completely grasping colonialism a moral failing. My issue is less moral and more of annoyance at how so often we hold up white people as the standards for writing about something *they didn't even write about well*.

And with that point made: Avatar. It's Avatar. Not the blue people movie (that one's awful, but I don't think I need to explain why), it's AtLA. Listen, I really do love AtLA. It's a great show that does an excellent job at demonstrating that just because something is targeted to children it doesnt have to be dumbed down and can still tell an incredible story. I also think that the showriters did a lot of research in order to write the Fire Nation and it's imperialist actions. It touches on a lot of elements of imperialism that a lot of other media fails to capture. It's a good show, it really is.

But it is still a children's show written by a bunch of white people. It annoys me to no end that people hold it up as The Pinnacle Of Anti-Imperialist-Colinialist-Racist Writing, the Golden Standard To Which All Things Must Be Held, when really its Baby's First Look Into Politics. It was WRITTEN to be Baby's First Look Into Politics. Half of its target audience is still literally munching on crayons.

I also don't like how it handles a lot of things. A lot of people have brought up Hama, but I also think that it doesn't do a great job with the Jet stuff. Again, its a children's show. Its HAS to show the right socially accepted moral lesson that Pacifism Best and Killing Bad. If you study real life imperialism tho, extremism is its natural consequence. Almost always, when there is a successful revolution, it IS led by extremist groups, because those are the people most willing to sacrifice themselves! I think AtLA does a good job at portraying Jet and Hama as sympathetic, but it also goes very hard on the Still Bad angle. The thing is, Aang's my way or the highway deal only really works because he's the Universes Specialest Boy Avatar. I don't think there's much of an aknowledgement that there really isn't much that people like Jet CAN do if its not turn to more extremist measures. I know a lot of white people are very pro-pacifism and love clean revolutions, but thats just. Not how it works.

If you're part of a colony, the sad reality is that you Will continue being a colony unless you can find a way to perform a mass upheaval of the existing system. And, sadly, the only viable way to do this for a lot of the colonized is violence. And violence born in anger is not known for being Clean and Pretty and Morally Just. I don't like the trend of holding colonized peoples solely accountable for their actions in response to the incredible colonial violences of an empire. I get to murder you indiscriminately, but you can't dare to murder in my general direction back, or you're just as bad as I am. Actions don't exist in a vacuum.

I think this is where AtLA's view on politics is weakest, because I feel it fails at providing a viable alternate measure to the actions of Hama and Jet. Aang, and by extension team avatar, has a privilege that they don't have access to. They're just mean to sit there and wait to be saved, I guess.

Also we spent three seasons seeing the after effect of a single shitty Emperor that the Avatar trusted deciding he was gonna be shitty and starting a hundred years of imperialism like some evil aureliano buendia, only to at the end immediately put Zuko on the throne? Maybe Zuko is a good emperor, but can you guarantee his kids will be? His grandkids? What happens if he gets murdered, Azula gets to take the throne and starts Being Evil again? The system remains unchanged, and it can still be abused in the exact same ways.

I bring up AtLA because I think it demonstrates these two aspects that I think make a lot of Imperialism According to White People (IAtWP) narratives fall flat to me. I use AtLa as an example precisely because its a good story, because I want to demonstrate that getting some stuff right and putting in effort and ending up with a good product doesn't mean that a work WON'T have these issues.

Generally, IAtWP narratives will have a very morally pure view on rebellions and demand higher levels of moral righteousness from the colonized than it does from the oppressed, or they will be overly dark and gritty and "realistic" and will refuse to interact with the morality of the setting, being an Everyone Bad, Actually narrative. Secondly, IAtWP stories tend to see Imperialism as a Good People/Bad People issue. Usually they will aknowledge the failures of an imperialist system, but they will still uphold the "superiority" of the imperialist system by treating it as the only way to govern, ergo revealing that they cannot conceive of alternate methods of rule.

On that second point, white american/european people who live in an imperial system never seem to grasp the idea that those poor suffering colonized masses are also capable of the concept of innovation. I think where a lot of white leftists fail when interacting with anti-imperialist rhetoric is that they limit themselves to the anti-imperialism. They can recognize that imperialism is bad, but they can't concieve of the colonized as anything BUT colonized. Even while free, they are Free From Imperialism. The truth is, we have entire fields of scholarship discussing the intricacies of how to navigate freedom. There's internal debates in politics and public and academia about how freedom will work for us. I'm going to talk now from a puertorrican/latin american perspective, since that's my field of specialization. Freedom is not an abstract concept to us. We have spent decades examining the fabric of our society to find alternatives to the current system. Here in Puerto Rico, the modern independence conversation dates back all the way to the 19th century. For most of that time, Puerto Rico and Cuba acted in conjunction when it came to academic matters. Until Castro, you did not discuss Puertorrican independence without Cuba also being talked about, because there was a very strong solidarity between the two nations. This is, of course, without mentioning the work that Haiti and the Dominical Republic also shared with us, as well as a wider Latin America. If you read W.E.B Du Bois' essays on imperialism, he does not focus only on Africa, but he also frequently talks about Latin America and Asia and MENA and even some European nations/ethinicities/racial groups when discussing unity. If we look at Political Science, the Dependence Theory, which is one of the frameworks through which imperialism and colonialism are understood today, was pioneered by Latin American and South/South East Asian academics in conjunction, academics of dozens and dozens of countries that worked and interacted and argued with each other to create a field of scholarship that directly countered the trends in white academia of the time. Even more colloquially, I do not know a single Puertorican that knows the basics of the history of the Philippines that does not solidarize with them and consider them our siblings in the same way that we think of the rest of Latin America. The Global South is not composed of a bunch of meek little victim nations, isolated within our own colonial bubbled, but of over a hundred countries that actively interact with each other's ideas.

I find white authors and creators often do not understand the level at which imperialism has effected the very way that we think about the world, or at the level to which we talk to each other about it. To them, we only exist within the context of interractions with our colonial powers. They often underestimate the level of solidarity in thought that has formed within nations BECAUSE of imperialism. And as a result, they always write overly simplistic resistance moments lead by vague ideologies and people that don't know what they're talking about. Theres a lot more to resistance than the resistance itself, there has to be a strong backbone of intellectual tradition to back it up.

I went off on a bit of a tangent there, but I still think it's important when discussing how white creators fail at portraying imperialism and colonialism. They fail by not being able to see it from the point of view of the colonized. I know I didn't fully answer the question, but I hope this makes sense and helps you understand the framework through which I judge a piece of media that interacts with the themes of Colonialsm and Imperialism. I just want to add here at the end, that this is just how I see it, and not an Objectively Correct Method Of Identification or anything. I know a lot of people that consider things differently, because we all have different frameworks which we use to view the issue. Its not a matter of being right or wrong, but a matter of how we all interact with the world differently. Now, please pray for me that I don't get murdered for this.

#atla #my thoughts #asks

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thelittlepalmtree · 2 years

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One framework for understanding Dracula as a novel is as a celebration of capitalism. Now I know that might rub some of us commie queers the wrong way but it is, I think, an essential part of understanding the themes and ideas of the book. I'm going to discuss some of the things I researched while writing my undergrad thesis on Dracula. I will mark spoilers for dracula daily with *** at the beginning and end.

So first let's look at the historical context for the book. Dracula is published in 1895. Stoker's contemporaries were Oscar Wilde, Kate Chopin, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Most of the literature at the time was greatly grounded in the relationships between aristocracy and bourgeoisie. People were beginning to see the absurdities of the rules that had ruled the regency era (think Jane Austen). Capitalism was new and exciting because it meant people could change their class status. Wilde did this by mocking the aristocracy's ideas about breeding and pointing out the hypocrisy of the middle class that spouted puritanical ideas of the nuclear family. Doyle was heavy into spiritualism and hated Sherlock Holmes, but it is notable that the incredibly popular protagonist was a man shirking the nonchalance of aristocracy and instead more or less starting a business.

In this lens, we can view the novel Dracula with a little more understanding of why Dracula himself is so terrifying and why characters like Lucy and Mina are portrayed the way they are.

Dracula and Lucy both represent Aristocracy in different forms. Dracula represents the feudalistic Aristocracy of eastern Europe. Now, it's worth noting that Stoker himself was Irish and would have experienced his fair share of racism as Ireland was a British colony. However, people in the area at the time would have viewed Romania and Hungary similarly to how people today view Afghanistan. And Indeed, Afghanistan was also being colonized at the same time. A modern version of Dracula might be about an evil Djinn trying to move to America and trick people into making wishes.

Lucy represents what was quickly becoming the irrelevant aristocracy of England itself. Lucy is, in so many ways, the perfect Regency Heroine. In fact before the novel starts she is practically living in a Jane Austen novel. She has multiple men courting her, she is pretty and well liked, but she doesn't actually...do anything. Her entire existence is to be pretty and sweet and eventually become a wife. The only time we really hear from Lucy is in her description of the proposals she has received. And this letter is honestly such a caricature of the regency era heroine it's kind of funny. She is dramatic to the point of impropriety, she is devastated to have to reject two men. And yet she doesn't talk much about Arthur at all, who she apparently loves. She gives all her time and voice to melodrama, the kind readers of Dracula would have been annoyed with. I don't know if it has been mentioned yet but ***we will soon learn that Arthur is the heir to a lordship, and therefore Lucy's acceptance of him and rejection of the others shows her preference for the old Aristocracy. She rejects the good hard-working men, of whom we have great details, and instead chooses a man of aristocracy whom we now know nothing about.***

Let's look at some of the other characters. Jonathan himself is a solicitor (a lawyer) and he doesn't even seem to be a senior partner. He is, really, a normal person. However, he seems ambitious as he is willing to go on this incredible expedition for work. I think we can understand that his boss is setting him up to inherit the business. Dr. Seward is already in charge of a whole hospital, another ambitious professional. And Quincy, of course, is the ultimate capitalist, an American Cowboy who has surely had countless adventures in America and made his fortunes to spend in England.

Of course Mina is the most interesting character. In this time, the role of women was more in flux than ever. Stoker purposely has mina reject the "new woman" which was a way feminists were describing themselves at the time in order to set his heroine apart from them. However he clearly does not approve of Lucy's version of womanhood either. Mina is a useful wife. She does not have a career of her own but is rather an asset to her husband. This is in stark contrast to the aristocratic who is really meant to be an ornament and if anything is a burden to the husband. Her role in society was to show off wealth. With Mina, Stoker represents a new version of womanhood and wifedom wherein she is more or less a secretary to her husband. She does everything she can to aid him in his career and therefore benefit their family. And of course, before she met Jonathan she did not idle away, she was a teacher at a school.

And of course Dracula himself represents aristocracy at its worst. He is bound by old-world rules, a specter of a society that believes in things the English have forgotten about. As England becomes more democratic, other countries like Austria-Hungary are solidifying their aristocracy in what would later become fascist movements. (The core basis of facism is to have an industrialized aristocracy). And Dracula represents the fear of this coming into England. Some of this fear may be founded, but most of it is racism. In fact, in order to colonize this region of the world, the British created deals with local lords to overthrow their King, destabilizing the nation. They would then double cross these lords. So it was a genuine fear at the time that one of these lords might seek revenge on the British public. In a similar way to how Action movies today often have a terrorist on a vendetta due to drone strikes killing their family.

Dracula very much represents the dual threat of returning back to an aristocratic nation and the threat of colonized lands coming back to punish the atrocities faced there. Jonathan's initial description of the area as "picturesque" shows the naivete many felt about British Colonization and interference. But under the surface lies the sinister nature of a force that is coming to destroy the normality of British life. I think it is important to acknowledge this while we are reading. We do not have to buy into it though.

There is more to the story and this theory, but this, I think covers what we've currently seen.

As we continue to read dracula daily, I think this lens could be helpful to anyone reading along.

#dracula daily

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armpirate · 9 months

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UNDER HIS SKIN || JJK || Ch. 29

Pairings: tattoist!jk x fem!reader

Genre: smut, angst, friends to lovers, tattoo au, virgin reader.

Summary: They say there are two versions for every story, and it's important to hear both of them. Everybody is hearing your side of the story, but it's just fair to get to know his.

After breaking up with his girlfriend, the only thing he wanted was to have fun with no attachment. You wanted to get rid of your virginity, and he wanted to tick you off his list. What he didn't expect was getting so emotionally attached to you that he would regret the deal.

Previous || Next

MASTERLIST

Seoul, Korea. 2016

Things with Areum don't seem to be going anywhere. I keep trying to talk to her, but for some reason it just never goes further than any other greeting.

She always offers me a gentle bow, making her hair move all the way to the front with the way her body bends over slightly, before she goes back to focus on her laptop and gets ready for all the notes she'll be taking.

Maybe I shouldn't have confessed to her, it just made things weird between us -and it also seems like it made some space grow between us. Or maybe I should've been more original than just telling her I liked her. Maybe if I had been more creative, she'd be feeling the same way I did? Or, at least, she'd have thought about giving me a chance.

I let out a soft sigh, before I sense someone taking the empty spot next to me. At first, I'm not bothered to look at the person, it's not like I'm curious enough. But a pair of fingers gently pulling the sleeve of my jacket get my attention.

I get completely blocked when I see those familiar black eyes staring right into me. I'm not able to move until I realize she's been talking to me for a few seconds already -well, probably the time it took my eyes to go from hers to her lips.

—I didn't do the mandatory task for today —she starts speaking—. If I don't do it, I'll fail the subject and be forced to take it again next year.

—And what do you want me to do?

—I'm sure you did it.

And, in fact, she's right. There's no way I'd leave a subject pending for no reason, when it's as easy and simple as doing it.

—You want to copy my work?

—I'll just take a look at your research, and I promise you I'll change the wording. It's the same questions for everybody, so I'm sure he expects some answers to be similar.

—Similar, but not the exact same.

After that answer, she rolls her eyes and huffs, and she attempts to leave. But before Areum is able to stand up, I hold her wrist. She looks at me annoyed, something that only encourages me more to give in.

—I'll let you copy them.

—Thank you —a smile instantly brightens her face—. I owe you one.

And maybe it was the way she said that while looking at me like that, or it could be that I'm too into her to think straight, but those words have given me an idea.

—You do —I assure her—. And I'll let you copy them in exchange for something.

Her eyebrows frown momentarily, before her eyes turn to me completely curious about what I have to say.

—If I give you my work, you'll date me —she scoffs, looking away—. I'm risking my ass on failing the subject by helping you, and I'll be saving yours if it turns out well. I'm just asking you to give me a chance, for one month.

✸ ✸ ✸

Something that started that day, and that'd only last a month, turned into half a year of relationship. With every date we had, Areum was able to see parts of me she'd have refused to see in any other circumstance. Slowly, with patience, she learned to treasure every single bit of me and everything I was willing to give her.

I'd always pick her up from her place to walk her to college, and then walk her back home from it; we'd always sit together in class, and have lunch with our friends in common; on the weekend we'd spend it either with her parents or mine, and later we'd go out for a walk -until one of those days we decided to take it a bit further when her parents weren't home. She was the first girl I ever really loved, and I was also the first guy she fell in love with.

But soon I started seeing she didn't fall for me, but the meaning of what being in a relationship with me meant. She loved the attention, being taken care of, and having someone thinking of a future with her. But that place was never mine to take, and I forced her into thinking I was the right one. Her smiles weren't genuine. And, while she appreciated every single one of my gestures, I could see that infatuation vanishing away from her eyes a little more every day we met.

Until today.

She seems shaken. Areum keeps clenching her jaw and avoiding making any type of eye contact with me, tightening the grip of her fists when I ask her for the third time what's wrong. At first I think she argued with her parents, or maybe she didn't enjoy the summer holiday in Busan like she was expecting to. Fool me actually thought for one second she was mad because I wasn't able to text her one of the days she was there.

—We need to break up —she whispers.

I look at her, confused. I try to make her step inside and talk to me about this properly, maybe let her be more calm, but she sneaks away from my grip fast, giving me one deathly look that paralyzes me completely.

—Did I do something wrong?

I've asked that question a few times, actually. It's probably the only thing I'm completely aware of before she speaks again.

—You seriously don't know what you did? —she scoffs again— You ruined my life, Jungkook.

When she drops those words, the first thing I could think about is a pregnancy. We've always used protection whenever we were together, but some accidents could happen. Honestly, we wouldn't be the first ones to be going through something similar, and it's not like I'd leave her to go through it alone either. It could totally be possible because we were last together a month and a half ago.

But then, I notice I'm wrong again.

—You and that fucking deal.

Why would she bring up a deal that we decided to move on from five months ago?

And while I side of me wanted to know, I wish I had never encouraged her to speak more after she says:

—I could've been with Tae if we hadn't dated back then —she pushes me, making me stumble—. If you had given me your task without putting that fucking deal in between, I could've dated the person I actually liked.

And that's the last thing I needed to confirm I was never the one she ever intended to date, or care about. Her heart was never meant for me, but I forced her into leaving any other choices aside because I was too selfish to think straight. She never developed feelings for me, but she fell for the idea of the great relationship I forced her into. When I got her in the deal, I never even considered she could've been after someone else.

—We're done, Jeon.

But instead of seeing through her and her words, to share the blame, to find a reasonable way to deal with it, my first reaction is to grab a jacket and head over to Taehyung's place. I know him, I know he's a quite popular guy in our college, and I know he's the brother of one of Areum's friends. But why the hell was he in Busan? And what the hell did he tell her that got her reacting that way as soon as she came back?

Good thing about him being popular is that you always know where to find him. People, especially girls, talk about him so much that I was able to overhear a few times how those girls wanted to see him play soccer with his friends. And just thinking about the coincidence of him casually playing in one of the small fields just today, the same day that Areum decided to break up with me, only clouds my mind even more.

As soon as his friends leave and he's alone, everything happens way too fast. As if something had taken full control of my body and actions. All I end up being conscious of is the way he answers back to every one of my punches, and even grabs me at some point, making us both fall, ending up with my elbow laying over his wrist in a way that makes him scream in pain.

It actually takes me a few days to realize what I've done and reach out to him, showing up to his place and falling to my knees as soon as he shows up. Overhearing a conversation his sister had with Areum, I'm aware of Taehyung's injury being so severe that it could keep him from playing piano forever. And only because I got jealous, because my girlfriend broke up with me.

I never think Tae would forgive me, nor that he would even stand my presence. I was expecting a kick right against my chin, but instead, while rubbing my hands desperately at the height of my face, I felt a weight on my shoulder.

—Come in.

After doing what I'm told, I follow him inside, aware of the way his right hand is bandaged, and how he barely moves it -because at the minimum move, pain is installed on his features.

It's while talking that he tells me he knows about Areum, and he also knows why I went there and reacted the way I did. He confesses he did tell her he liked her at some point, because he thought she was so into me that she wouldn't even care at that point, and that he stopped liking her after he kept seeing her with me and learned we were dating. He keeps insisting on how he never told her to make her feelings shift.

And even if it was the case, it wasn't an excuse to do to him what I did. So when I bring up the topic, he jokes:

—You did me a favor —he chuckles—. I was done with playing that thing. I have bigger dreams than sitting on that stool for the rest of my life, playing the same song over and over again.

—I will still make up for what I did.

✸ ✸ ✸

Seoul, Korea. 2017

Not following what he said on leaving him alone, I kept going to his place every day after college. Sometimes I'd help him to get things done -like helping him with his homework or such-, or go to pick him up to go with him to the rehabilitation center, or sometimes I'd just stop by in case he needed a friend. He was one of the most popular, but it was surprising how neither of those people were around when he needed them the most.

Friendship just grew between us naturally. Almost making us inseparable.

But there was something that kept bothering me in the back of my head, something about that place that just made it unbearable to stay there. And it was while talking with Soo that I thought I found a solution to all my problems.

—You're going to New York? —Tae almost choked on his drink.

—We are going to New York —I correct him.

After his parents kicked him out, when he refused to keep doing those rehabilitations, I tried to be by his side as much as possible. We even rented a small studio, where barely both of us fitted, not that long ago.

And as much as I love being around him, the truth is that we aren't comfortable enough to think about staying longer than just a few months. And I doubt I'll ever be able to keep living in Seoul the way I used to. There's just something wrong about it.

—Why New York?

—My sister is there —I shrug—. It'll be easier for us to get used to a place where we know someone, she'll also help us find a new place to live in.

—Are you for real though? Or are you tricking me like the time you said we'd go to Jeju last month?

—I'm being for real —I nod—. If everything goes the way it should, we'll probably leave in January.

✸ ✸ ✸

New York, United States. Currently.

And after that, we lived more things after we moved here. He went to my graduation on the School of Arts, occupying a precious spot next to my parents and my sister, he also was the first person that knew about me and Leslie -and he was also the one that had the hardest time when I told him I was going to move out somewhere else with her after two years in the relationship. He's seen me at my worst, but also has been happy for every good thing that happened to me. That's why I didn't hesitate to give him the money he needed to open the pub, he's dreamt to open since he injured his hand.

—Y/n is not Areum —I hear him say—. Yeah, it also started with a deal, so what? Did anyone put a gun to her head to accept it? Fuck, Areum just wanted to have a boyfriend at that point, because most of her friends had one. If she hadn't ever known about my feelings, she'd probably have dated you for longer, or even married you at some point. Blaming you because my feelings changed was fucked up. She was fucked up —she finishes.

Taehyung scoffs, and I know he isn't entirely done.

—Doing that to my Kook —he clicks his tongue—. Who the fuck in her sane mind? —he tries to control himself—. But you yourself said that Y/n is different, that she seems genuine. You said not long ago that she didn't want to meet other guys. You think Areum would have declined that if you had said that same thing years ago? That girl actually likes you, and you're being a dumbass for allowing others to hit on her.

He might be right, or he might be wrong. Honestly, there's no turning back. I already told her, and as much as I hate the idea, I still think it's the right thing for me to do. If she chooses me at the end of the day, it'll mean it was always me. And if she chooses someone else, then I'll be happy to let her go and see her happy, because it was never me, the person she was supposed to end up with.

#fanfic #ff #jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkookxreader #jk #bts #wattpad #kookie #smut #jungkook smut #tattoistjk #tattooau #jungkook pov #Under His Skin #reader insert #armpirate

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moss-bride · 3 months

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You make me want to believe in love. Chapt 11 sneak peek (my phone was stolen so forgive the tardiness)

With the king's blessing Lords black and white increase their meetings, dragging her along to show off, being in their company is a balancing act that refreshes her more of theater class.

She fetches wine and cigars for the two. More servant than spy, it's an upgrade that she doesn't dare complain about. Last thing she needs is to be sent on another brain melting mission.

After having her be an errand boy they put her in a brightly colored corral. Anguish shoves her in and they shut the gate. She's confused at the enclosed space with plush walls.

There was a ball and toys. Once the realization set in it was humiliating, she was in a playpen with a lower form of life that belongs to White. (It was an armadillo creature. Larger than ordinary. When she glanced its way it nervously curled up into a ball.) Leaving her to do nothing except sit and stare into space until it's time to leave. Rinse, repeat.

Days drag on. It feels like months and it honestly could be for all she knew. She asked the Black lord how long she's been here and he had shrugged, saying it made no difference and that ‘if it's an important day I would tell you’

Lost track of time, slowly her dormant senses deteriorate.

With a sinking depression she realizes the foundation is not coming for her. She has sent countless food messages through the cabinets including a creative ‘S.O.S’ made with broccoli and cheese. No response in turn.

She had been lying to herself thinking there was a chance in the first place. Her employers and the board of directors aren't known for spending precious funding in sending troops to rescue unimportant researchers . Yet foolishly she believed herself an exception despite all evidence pointing otherwise.

She needs to continue to look after herself first. Lord knows no one else will.

Tonight the air is less heady. She was allowed to stay at his palace and yet after training with Sforza she succumbs to a nigh constant emotion. Boredom. Her body is light with exertion but her mind is somewhere else as she helps Giorgia sweep nonexistent dust on the floor. Trailing behind the maid to help with whatever she has on her schedule to do.

Last night, Yellow stopped by and the whole palace rumbled with explosive shouting coming from the east wing before the two emerged enraged. Capes fluttering, Whatever the talk was about, it went neither of their ways.

She would rub it in Black’s face if He hadn't ordered poor Giorgia to clean the mess. Torn curtains and pages. Might as well been a rage room

They pick glass off the floor and pluck wood from the wall. Several chairs were shattered and the paintings were sprayed with a foul smelling mustard substance. She dips a finger into the sticky substance and kisses as it burns, wiping it on the curtain.

“There isn't any reason to treat you like trash, tell you to drop everything and immediately help him. I'd be pissed if I were you!” if only they had a workers union here. She could speak at a podium and demand pay for overtime or mandatory breaks.

The ever so calm Giorgia doesn't talk shit about her boss. Any dreams of ceasing the means of production would have to wait until the glass on the floor is cleaned. But she does it enough for both of them. “Next thing we know he's going to tell you to fold his dresses, prepare a carriage, and fix him a meal simultaneously. Seriously, how do you stand it.”

Giorgia takes a great breath. Annoyed with her constant battering of Lord Anguish’s character.

“Before this happened. I had a wife. “ She keeps her head done and focused on the task at hand. “He helped her cross the bridge out of alagadda. Escape mere hours when the land was claimed for the Ambassador and the crows were made to laugh.”

There is more emotion now then she's ever heard from the maid. She's respectfully quiet as Giorgia finishes her tale. “ Likely dead and dust now. I remain in his service eternally.”

“That was kind of him.” she sarcastically replies

The maid turns to her and breaks from the stoic emotive to hiss. “He didn't have to aid a peasant woman under his service but he did. If he did on a whim or for laughs matters not. the outcome is the same.”

She doesn't say anything to Giorgia for hours after that. Biting back an apology that she wouldn't mean if it left her mouth. She can't view the mask on kind terms with the point of view of an unwilling captive.

#x reader #ao3 fanfic #fanfic #scp 035 #scp foundation #alagadda #scp fandom

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salparadiselost · 1 year

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The bitty universe is so good omg 💜 thank you and jube and birbteef, ahh I can't wait to see where you take this universe (I mean I can and will but also know my brain is spinning it around like a yoyo)

Thank you! Thank you!

We have been having a ball writing the bitties. They are so versatile and adorable. But that underlying sense of horror… I think that’s delicious.

Here’s a small snippet! I hope you enjoy:

“You little shits, get away from that!” Bruce yelled, chasing the itty bitties away from the shoe they had begun to tear apart.

Last week he made the mistake of showing them a documentary about important inventions throughout history. He thought it was a safe, albeit maybe boring, subject for them.

He was wrong.

Now they were taking everything apart to see how it worked. Everything.

The itty bitties paused, blinked, and then scrambled with the pieces of shoe.

“No!” Bruce yelped as he watched Jason physically tear the tongue out of his $800 Italian leather loafers. Tim had the shoelaces and kept being distracted by them to hunt them despite the fact they were hanging from his mouth. Dick had the sole which he had been chewing on.

They took their bounty with them as they scampered out. They chirruped merrily and Bruce got the distinct sense they were laughing at him.

“Those little….” Bruce picked up the remnants of shoes and frowned. “I’m going to need to replace the pair.”

“Can’t you get them some training?” Clark asked from the bed shoes off and watching Bruce with a disapproving frown.

Clark… wasn’t the biggest fan of the itty bitties. Dogs and cats he was fine with, hell he even liked them, but the itty bitties…

Clark never said it outright, but Bruce could tell. Clark avoided them. He never touched them. Their antics earned frowns and annoyed eye twitches instead of the bursts of affection that their shenanigans inspired in Bruce.

Clark never hit them. He never showed them any aggression whatsoever. Bruce would kick him out the moment he dared try, but it was clear that he wished Bruce didn’t have them.

“I’ve taken them to training,” Bruce said with a sigh. “It wasn’t a good fit.”

Bruce frowned at the memory. He had tried to take Dick and Jason to training only once before he had adopted Tim.

He had shown up at the gymnasium with his two bitties both fitted into their chest harnesses because Bruce had researched that those were the best options for a lead. Dick and Jason didn’t love their harnesses. They more enjoyed playing in them and tangling each other up in the straps than actually wearing them.

But they were obedient enough to allow them, especially because harnesses meant they got to go outside or into town.

The moment Bruce had walked in holding onto the leashes that were attached to the harnesses, the trainer had immediately frowned.

“Those things are useless,” he said to Bruce’s face. His bitties crowded around his legs, chirping anxiously as a stranger got too close. “Your bitties will never be trained if you use those.”

Instead, he had given Bruce two noose collars that were spiked on the inside to intentionally cause pain.

Bruce had hated the twisting, awful feeling that curled in his stomach when he slipped the collars onto his bitties’ throats. They looked up at him with their huge eyes, so completely full of trust, and Bruce’s chest physically clenched at the sight.

“Won’t these hurt them?” He asked while staring at Dick as the bitty shook his head and scratched at the uncomfortable collar with a back leg. He was already beginning to try to pull it off. “I read that their necks are delicate and very sensitive.”

“If they follow directions, then they won’t get hurt at all.”

The rest of the class had been a complete disaster. Dick and Jason were wary of the stranger and they didn’t take well to having a lead handed over to him. They were confused by the commands. They were punished for every sign of confusion. Their curiosity was quickly turning into fear as the stranger drove spikes into their throat with every mess-up. They ended the night hiding behind Bruce’s legs absolutely refusing to come out as Bruce yelled at the so-called trainer for making his bitties bleed.

The trainer said that his bitties would never be trained. Bruce said that he didn’t want them trained if it meant beating them into submission.

Clark huffed, rolling his eyes. “Maybe you could take them to different training?”

Bruce shrugged. “I don’t mind them the way they are. I love that they get into mischief and attack the world with curiosity. Training usually destroys that.”

Because most times it breaks a bittie’s spirit into a hundred pieces.

“I mean, you’re not going to keep living with them being so wild are you? There has to be better options. statistically, most itty bitties get either in their second home or repurposed by age eight-“

“I’m not fucking giving them up,” Bruce snapped, practically growling. “Do you hear what you’re even saying? Re-purpose. Do you even know what that means?”

Clark fell silent, and Bruce heard him shift on the bed. “No,” he admitted. “Why? What does it mean?”

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naminethewriter · 2 years

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Self Care Can Include Many Things

Loceit Week comes around once more 😍 I’m so excited to see what everyone comes up with! There will be quite a few references my entries from last year, look forward to that 😊

Thank you @loceitweek2022 for organizing this! 💛💙

Here on Ao3

Masterpost | Loceit Week 2022 Masterpost

Summary: Janus and Logan have a project to work on. But they also need to take a break sometime. Janus knows an opportunity when he sees one.

Janus arrived in front of his project partner’s house two minutes before their agreed meeting time. Normally he wouldn’t have bothered with being punctual but Logan was annoying about stuff like this and he wasn’t up for a lecture, so he left his house early. He locked up his bike and went to the front door, ringing the doorbell. Less than two seconds later a child’s voice loudly called:

“I’ll get it!” Then quick footsteps approached. Patton, Logan’s younger sibling opened the door and started grinning as soon as fae saw him. “Janny! Did you come to play? Can we play Mario Kart? I practiced and now I’m super good!” Janus chuckled but shook his head.

“I wish I could, Pat, but your brother and I have a project we need to work on today.” Patton started to pout and Janus quickly gave faer a pat on the head as compensation. “If we finish quickly we might be able to play a bit later. Or I’ll come over again in a few days, that okay?” Fae continued pouting but nodded.

“If you pinky promise!”

“Alright, if you insist.” Just as they linked fingers, Logan appeared behind his sibling.

“Salutations Janus. I see Patton coaxed you into a pinky promise, I hope fae didn’t ask for anything unreasonable.”

“Did not!”

“No, fae didn’t. I just promised to play Mario Kart with fae sometime soon so fae could show me how much fae improved, right?” He grinned down at the child who nodded in agreement.

“Very well then. Patton please go back to your activities now; Janus and I have work to do.”

“Okay, but you need to finish quickly so we can play!”

“I will make no promises.” Apparently Patton had expected as much since fae ran off without another word. Janus laughed quietly.

“Visiting your house is as delightful as ever.” Logan sighed.

“I would have preferred to go to yours but my parents are both out and Patton cannot be left alone for such a long time yet.”

“I understand. Then shall we?”

“We shall.” Logan led him into the house and up the stairs into his bedroom where he had already prepared enough space to work, materials they could use for their research as well as snacks and drinks. The perfect host like always.

It didn’t take long until they were both seated and comfortably at work. Logan had gone to the library to get them reference books which Janus found a bit unnecessary, they were only supposed to prepare a twenty-minute presentation on self care for health class, citations not needed. But Janus also knew Logan well enough to know that that wouldn’t stop him from doing so and he didn’t mind as long as Logan didn’t force him to read through those books. He preferred online articles.

They had agreed to work in silence for the first fifteen minutes and then present to each other their findings and after that narrow down the examples they wanted to use and research more. Logan started, talking about how important a healthy diet and drinking a lot of water were, as well as dental hygiene. Janus listened patiently even as Logan’s explanation turned more into a rant that went slightly off topic but if he was being honest, and he didn’t tend to be often he just knew to tone down his sarcasm in front of Logan and his sibling (both often got confused with his way of speaking), he could listen to Logan talk about anything for the rest of the day. His crush on the bookworm was not really a secret but Logan was very dense when it came to romantic relationships. He hadn’t been aware of their friends’ relationship until Roman and Virgil kissed right in front of him and even then he needed to ask for clarification.

Janus was patient though; he was waiting for an opportunity to make his move and he had a very good feeling about today.

Logan eventually stopped himself and blushed a bit when he realised how much he’d been talking.

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to ramble.” Janus waved him off.

“I don’t mind. You made some fascinating points.” Logan’s face got even more red.

“Thank you. For listening I mean.”

Janus good feeling increased ten-fold as a plan formed in his head. He grinned.

“No problem, Logan, I truly enjoyed myself.” He delighted in seeing Logan’s ears turning red now as well.

“Would you like to present your findings now?” he asked after clearing his throat. Janus’ grin got a little bit wider. Logan was way too cute; he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from teasing him a bit longer.

“Of course. I decided to look up how to build a healthy work schedule. It felt appropriate to our current situation and will be beneficial to our classmates.” Logan nodded along, taking notes. He wasn’t as flushed anymore but still a bit red. Janus was looking forward to making him flare up again.

“One of the main points I found is the importance of taking breaks, to stretch and clear ones head every now and again.” Logan continued to scribble his thoughts down, not picking up on what Janus was hinting at but he hadn’t expected him to. So he slowly reached over, gently grabbing Logan’s hand to get him to stop. The blush intensified again as Logan looked up and met his eyes. Janus smiled at him.

“We’ve been working for almost half an hour now, I think we deserve to take a break, right?” Seemingly unable to break eye contact, Logan again nodded and allowed Janus to carefully remove his notebook and pen, setting them down on the table.

“Wonderful. Then let’s try another suggestion I found that might be helpful. It’s about avoiding touch starvation by initiating physical contact with people close to you. So, would you mind coming over here, Logan?” Apparently his friend’s brain had short-circuited because Logan let himself be pulled over and into Janus’ lap, facing him, without any protest though his face was bright red again, including his ears. Janus could look at him like that for hours but there was something else he wanted to do in that moment.

“Is that comfortable, Logan?” He nodded, still seemingly speechless and unable to look away from Janus’ eyes. Janus smiled fondly, deciding that he’d teased and waited enough.

“Would you be willing to hear a not-so-well-kept secret of mine?” Logan didn’t answer so Janus took his silence as agreement. “I like you a lot, Logan. You are smart, passionate and very fascinating to observe. And I would love to take you out on a date sometime if you would let me.” By then Logan was the brightest red he’d been all evening, finally breaking eye contact to look down at his hands which were now fiddling with the hem of his shirt.

“You are not joking?” he eventually asked in a small voice. Janus carefully guided his head up by his chin so he could look him in the eyes as he answered.

“I would never do something so cruel, Logan. I mean every word.”

“Could you kiss me, please.” The request rushed out of Logan’s mouth and he himself seemed surprised by it but before he could take it back, Janus leaned in and locked their lips together.

#namiswriting #loceitweek2022day1 #day 1: self care #loceit #logan sanders #ts logan #janus sanders #ts janus #patton sanders #ts patton #logan and patton are siblings #nonbinary patton #fluff #getting together #sanders sides fanfiction #fanfiction #reblogs are appreciated

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akirakirxaa · 1 year

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WIP Wednesday Uh, Friday?

@bnuuywol tagged me for WIP Wednesday and now that I've been able to get my computer working again and rescue some files, I can finally share something! Tagging anyone who would like to do it, I think most of my usuals have already been tagged for it haha.

This was something I was dabbling with about the ancient polycule and how they got together, but I hit a hard roadblock of, well, I don't actually know how most throuples actually happen? I only know one personally irl and two of them had been married for years before they met their third. Anywho, I guess here's something silly that I might come back to sometime once I've done some research.

The door to the library flew open with enough force to bang against the walls on either side. A young woman stormed through, black robes rustling irritably about her. Her impossibly long, brilliant red hair swished through just before the doors closed behind her. The robed librarians behind the counter glanced up at her. Even around their masks she could sense the irritation on their faces, but as usual she didn’t really care. She spotted a familiar figure at a nearby table and headed straight for it, flopping down in a chair across from him with a dramatic groan, earning at least half a dozen shushes from nearby librarians. “Something troubling you?” The man gave a smile, adjusting his lavender hair out of his face as he looked up from the book in his hands. “Just someone in my class,” she grumbled, cheek planted on the table as she grumpily glared at a nearby shelf as though it had insulted her. “Someone who was being very annoying today.” The man chuckled and she pushed herself up, leaning slightly over the table as she moved her glare to him. “It’s not funny, Hythlodaeus!” she snapped, folding her arms and sitting back with a pout. He cleared his throat and purposefully made his face exaggeratedly serious. “Of course it isn’t, Persephone,” he soothed, and she bristled. “Why don’t you tell me what happened?” “Ugh, just the usual.” Her lips pursed in a slight pout. His stern look cracked as he smirked. “What did Hades do this time?” he asked, barely restraining his snickers. She grit her teeth. “He just always acts like he knows so much more than everybody, and he talks to me like I’m five!” Persephone raged. Hythlodaeus looked at her for a long moment when she didn’t continue, and she relented to his wordless probing. “He was being downright rude to one of our classmates, so I challenged him to a contest of skills.” “Skills in…?” “…Spellcasting.” Just through the holes in his mask she could see Hythlodaeus’ eyes widen slightly. “I’m going to guess it didn’t go well then,” he closed his book and set it aside. “No, and he just had to go and gloat by pointing out all the things I did wrong. He’s infuriating and stupid and annoying and…” she groaned again and plopped, forehead first, back down on the table. “And…?” “And his stupid, annoying face has no right to be so pretty,” she grumbled into the wood, and Hythlodaeus chuckled into his hand. “Do you have a crush, Persephone?” he teased, and she lifted her head just enough to bang it back on the table. “No,” she snapped. “Why would I ever-“ “How about we go to dinner tonight?” Hythlodaeus asked. “My treat.” Persephone rolled her head so her cheek pressed to the table as she looked up at him. “I don’t know.” She closed her eyes thoughtfully. “I have a lot of studying to do…” “Oh, come on!” Hythlodaeus reached out and grabbed her hand with both of his, looking at her pleadingly. “We haven’t spent time with each other outside of the academy in ages!” She hesitated for a few more moments, then grinned. “Alright.” Persephone pushed herself up, straightening her robes. “Sounds like fun!”

#hythlodaeus x azem x emet selch #ancient polycule #my fanfiction #wip wednesday #do not perceive me #i really wanted to explore their relationship before the final days but turns out i'm bad at that #the plan was hyth was going to trick them into going on a date with each other #and somehow after they got together we'd get hyth in there #i never figured out exactly how my brain just sort of skipped that part #oc: persephone 'azem'#hythazemet #endwalker spoilers #shadowbringers spoilers #ship: distant skies

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