#‘we don’t appreciate our teachers enough’ like. we hold your kids’ lives in our classrooms every.day. do you realize the damage a bad tesche

[quiteunpersuadable]

Your quippy tagline to get viewers encompasses my job. Congratulations. 💯

#I realize I work in a very large urban school district that is run like a bureaucracy rather than a school system #and that I choose to stay because I am passionate about my kiddos and the community #but why are you using my life as a way to draw in viewers!!!! if you are recognizing it then goddammit help us fix it!!!! #quite saying we are underappreciated and underpaid and help us fix the system!! I’m sick of the ‘we all know teachers don’t get paid enough’ #‘we don’t appreciate our teachers enough’ like. we hold your kids’ lives in our classrooms every.day. do you realize the damage a bad tesche #teacher can do to your kid??? the trauma a misplaced or misguided comment or redirection could cause?? don’t we all have memories of a #teacher or admin or counselor who did or said something that embarrassed us?? why would you laud us in this way and not realize the potentia #potential negatives for giving teachers so much power over our kids without compensating us or daily appreciating us.

[mae-gi-writes]

Once Again (PT.I) | Iwaizumi Hajime (Haikyu!)

ONCE AGAIN : PART ONE 

Summary:  Iwaizumi’s broken marriage results in his five-year-old son trying to match him up with his primary school teacher, whom he thinks will make a wonderful replacement for a mother. 

Genre: fluff, slight angst, f!reader x dad! Iwaizumi 

A/N: There will be 2 or 3 parts of this oneshot! Depending on how long I feel like writing. Thanks for checking it out and stopping by! Let’s dive into some Iwa moments :,)

NEXT PART --> 

---

“What’s your return policy on rings?” 

The saleswoman smiles sympathetically behind the counter. That stupid sympathetic smile he’s been getting for weeks on end now. And it never stops; with his co-workers, with his family, his friends...

Iwaizumi’s sick of it. He’s sick of having to prove that he’s doing just fine, thank you very much. When in truth, his heart is constantly being torn apart and stomped upon as is people have nothing better to do than torture him in their free time. 

“I’m sorry, but these rings have been brought more than three years ago, and our warrant only lasts for three years,” the saleswoman keeps on talking but it doesn’t matter, for Iwaizumi can already feel the anger slowly creep up through the back of his neck, can already feel the vibrating emotions clogging up his sense of judgement. 

His fists clench at his sides upon impulse, the physical pain of his nails driving into his palms enough to remind him to stay cordial. It’s not the woman’s fault, the better part of him chants, it’s not her fault at all. 

“Fine,” he manages to grovel out, barely, “thanks anyway.” 

He all but storms out of the shop while shoving the rectangular box back in his pant pocket, and though it’s been more than four months since his ugly divorce with the woman he’d hoped to share the rest of his life with, the weight of their promise hangs heavy and hot upon his thigh. 

The thing is, Iwaizumi is mad. He is seething. If one were to give him a bat, he’d probably destroy the entire town by himself. Not because she was the one that cheated, not because she was the one going behind his back numerous times a week to seek out her lover when he’d been basically driven mad between Hoisuke’s cries and the stress of call meetings scheduled back to back. 

No, he’s angry. Because how the fuck could she do this to Hoisuke? How can she break the child’s heart like that, so ruthlessly, without even thinking twice about the consequences? 

Because if there is a victim in all this, then it’s definitely Hoisuke. And not only that, Hoisuke understands that his mother has been acting strange, that she doesn’t return at regular times and that her hugs now smell of cigarette smoke with a bittertaste of alcohol. 

Iwaizumi is so caught up in anger that he almost blunders past his battered Hyundai, red and chipping away at the corners. Still, this car holds so many memories, the good and the bad ones. 

“Can’t you get a newer car? I thought your company could sponsor you,” the ghost of his wife’s voice echoes through his head, a blatant reminder of all the things she’d found wrong in his life.

“Why?” he’d tilted his head around to fix his gaze on her figure bending over the sink. The TV was playing in the background and he thanked the gods that the morning comics were taking up Hoisuke’s attention, enough to distract him from his parents’ quibbles. 

“It’s just--so old and tacky.” 

“It still works well, doesn’t it? Why change it now?” 

She’d paused, hesitated slightly before blundering on, “It’s embarrassing. My colleagues keep asking if we're poor or something."

"Who cares what your colleagues think?"

Fuck her, Iwaizumi mentally swears as he turns on the ignition. Fuck her and all her needs for a better life. As if the life they had wasn't more than enough. Pulling out into the street to join the incoming traffic, he blinks away the sudden tears accumulating at the corner of his eyes and swears once more, this time aloud, glad that Hoisuke isn't in his presence when he gets in such a foul mood.

Iwaixumi may be angry. He may be filled with pent-up rage from the memory still attached to the day he'd discovered a used condom in their bathroom trash. But that doesn't mean it hurts any less.

That doesn't mean he does not still cry into his pillow over it every night.

----

"Please don't forget to do your homework for tomorrow! We'll correct them before moving on to the next chapter," you call out to your students as excited chatter fills the air. Students rise from their seats, some calling you bye and waving as they all file out of the classroom and you can't help the small smile lingering over your lips even though your feet are killing you.

Outside, parents have already lined up to collect their kids, the chatter and bustle of people ebbing away down the corridor as you let out a soft sigh.

"Miss?"

You jolt, not realizing that one of your students stands by the table wringing his hands, "what's wrong Hoisuke? Dad's not here yet?"

He shakes his head, watery eyes blinking up at you as he raises his thumb to his lips. You stand quickly and motion him to come close until he's within reach before your hand smoothes over the back of his head, "it's okay. He's probably stuck in traffic. I'll wait with you."

It's not surprising that parents get tardy once in a while and you're all too accustomed to those slight change in plans. Thankfully, you manage to distract the young boy with some coloured crayons and a piece of paper while you dial for his father's number.

It keeps ringing. No one picks up.

You try once more, one more time after that. But still, nothing. It shifts to voicemail. You decide it's better than nothing, "hi Iwaizumi-san. This is Y/N, Hoisuke's teacher. I was just wondering what time you would be picking up Hoisuke? Please call me as soon as possible. Thank you."

You end the call only to spot Hoisuke's eyes on you, intent and impatient for you to explain, "it's okay," you tell him with a smile, "he'll be here soon. Don't worry. Do you want to keep colouring some more?"

Hoisuke nods, to which your smile widens. It's those special moments, where your shyest students express themselves, that your chest warms with sympathy and affection. You've been there, you know how it feels like not to be heard, and you appreciate every interaction they offer you.

Being a primary school teacher is tough, especially since it wasn't in your original plans. But the satisfaction of bringing up some of the world's future leaders cancelled out all the late nights correcting tests and scrambled weekends trying to finish off as many worksheets as you possibly could for the coming week. You can’t complain, not when you have a decent salary that keeps bread on the table and a roof over your head.

A tug on your sleeve brings you back to Hoisuke looking up at you, a scribbled drawing of what seems to be of him and his dad. You feel yourself chuckling at how he's drawn both their hair in brown spikes, erratically extravagant and yet so close to reality.

"That's really good, Hoisuke!" You beam down at him, "what do you and your dad do on weekends?"

He shrugs shyly, head averted to the side so that there's no need for eye contact. And in the shyest voice he can muster up, he says:

"Daddy brings me...to see Mama," Hoisuke's words are barely above a mumble, "they live in different houses. They can't live together anymore."

Uneasiness squeeses in your stomach, followed by sympathy for this soft-hearted boy. You had overheard some of your colleagues giggling about Hoisuke's dad being attractive and single -- a combo that teachers adore -- but that doesn't mean that the weight of his words don't lay heavy on your own conscience.

"Do you miss your Mama a lot?" You ask him softly. Unconsciously, your hand finds a way to smooth over his head.

The boy doesn't pull away. Instead, he nods, "sometimes. But it is better this way. Daddy smiles more now. And there's no one to shout and make noise."

"Are you happy, Hoisuke? With your dad?"

He nods and to your amazement grins, "daddy is funny. He tells me not to swear but when he burns the food he always swears. And then he says to shush and tells me to close my ears. He also makes me pancakes every Saturday morning before I go see Mama."

Right on cue, a figure bursts through the open classroom door and both your heads snap to see a drenched, older version of Hoisuke who looks like he just finished running a marathon.

"I'm--" he wheezes, causing you to stand in alarm and concern, "I'm sorry I'm--so late--"

"Daddy, you forgot me again!" Comes Hoisuke's statement as you ask Iwaizumi if he's okay. He shakes off your worry with a flick of his hand and a shake of his head, "I'm fine. Sorry-- there's a nasty rain outside--"

"It's okay," you reassure him as Hoisuke practically barrels into his father and almosy knocks him off his feet.

"Sorry Hoisuke," you watch Iwaizumi's hardened features soften ever so slightly as he ruffles his son's hair. Then, looking back up at you as you bring over Hoisuke's backpack, he says, "thank you. For looking after him."

"It's no problem, honestly. We had fun didn't we?" You grin down at your student and are delighted to find Hoisuke grinning back up at you, albeit shyly, "I put his homework in his diary. He'll need to complete it for tomorrow so that he doesn't fall behind in class."

His father nods, "alright. Thanks."

"Daddy, your hair looks atrocious," Hoisuke says, tugging onto his shirt.

"Atrocious huh?" Iwazumi's eyebrow rise, "someone was listening in their English class today."

"Atrocious means that it looks bad. Daddy, your hair looks bad."

"Thanks buddy, I knew that. Now say bye to Miss Y/N."

"Bye bye, miss Y/N," Hoisuke says, wriggling his short arm through the air as you wave back with a giggle. His father nods at you in silent thanks, makes a move to walk out of the class, only to swivel back to you just as you're collecting your bag.

"Uhm," he clears his throat, causing you to jump slightly, "yes?" You blink back at him and try hard not to stare at the way his white shirt clings to his toned chest, translucent from the rain.

"Do you need a ride?"

-----

You've known Iwaizumi since high school. Having graduated just two years later than he did, his reputation had preceded him throughout the school halls even though you'd never actually had any face to face interaction with the said man. Iwaizumi doesn't know this of course and you are adamant about keeping it a secret. But that plan seems to be unraveling before your very eyes the moment your small talk turns towards your academic history.

"You're from Aoba Johsai?" His surprised glance doesn't escape your notice, especially since that's the most reaction you've gotten out of him.

"Yeah," your eyes stay glued to the row of cars crawling through the motorway, "I remember you went there too, right?"

"How'd you know?"

"You were Aoba's ace volleyball player. Everyone knew who you were."

His silence answers you and for a moment, you fear that you might have offended him. Not that it's something to be offended about.

Before you try to scratch your brain for some kind of response -- any response -- Hoisuke pipes up from the back seat, "Daddy was famous back when he was in high school. He hit the ball like kapow! And jumped so high he can touch the sky."

"Oh? Have you seen him on camera?" You turn slightly, a small smile dangling off your lips at how adorably amazed and excited Hoisuke seems to be.

"Yeah! His spikes are so awesome! It goes pow! And it zooms! Like a cannon ball!"

You burst out laughing, "yes, your father was amazing whenever he was on the court. Every girl in our class had a crush on him."

"What's a crush?"

"Hmm, you know when you really like someone. You like like them, you want to be together with them. Like, girlfriend and boyfriend."

"Oh," Hoisuke draws out, "did you really like daddy too?"

"Yeah I did."

"What?" Iwaizumi almost chokes on his own spit at the same time traffic eases and you're glad for the distraction, for you're certain there's a scattering of colour upon your cheeks.

"Do you really like him now?" Hoisuke persists, undoubtly untouched by the embarrassment taking over his father's features and you swear that more than ever, you want to laugh at how flustered Iwaizumi looks.

You decide to play nice though and instead turn to wink at your student, "that's a secret for me to keep."

You don't have to look twice to know that the man beside you is bursting into hot flames.

-----

"Did you really like Mama before you started living separately?"

Iwaizumi swears that he's never felt so uncomfortable in his life. Not when he's had to state that he was divorced, not when he had to sign divorce papers half drunk off his ass. Not even when he'd raged after his said ex-wife after finding a tie that wasn't his own in his laundry pile.

Now is probably a good definition of what uncomfortable means.

"You're not gonna let me off the hook are you?" He steals a glance at Hoisuke from over his shoulder while stirring the vegetable curry, "yes, I really liked your mother."

"Did she?"

The word 'yes' almost slips past his mouth. Except, he isn't sure whether that's the truth and decides to shoot back with, "have you finished your homework, Hoisuke? You know it's due tomorrow. Miss Y/N said so."

"Do you really like miss Y/N?"

"What?" Iwaizumi frowns, "well--no. Not like that."

"Why?" His son whines, "I really really like Miss Y/N. She's nice to me and she never shouts. And she bakes good cookies!"

"How'd you know that?" Iwaizumi leans over to taste a bit of the sauce. Not bad, he thinks and mentally pats himself on the back. A few weeks ago, he would've probably burnt the entire house down.

"Because she bakes them every month. Every time we finish a test."

"That's nice of her."

"Yes," there's a pause as the man fishes out a bowl in which to serve the curry, "daddy, what do you do when you really like someone? Do you marry them like you and Mama did?"

"Uh--yeah. Sure."

"Then does that mean I need to marry Miss Y/N if I really like her?"

"Yup."

"Daddy!"

Iwaizumi bursts out laughing. Turning off the stovetop and bringing the bowl over to the dining table, he reaches out to ruffle his son's hair with a grin, "you're the one who has a crush on miss Y/N."

"She's too old for me Daddy," grumbles Hoisuke while scooping out two rice bowls as the pair sit down for dinner, "but she'll be good for you."

"Not that simple, buddy," Iwaizumi says as he dumps two spoonfuls of curry into his son's bowl, before doing the same with his own, "there's a difference between like and love."

A frown falls over his son's face, so like his own that Iwaizumi can't help but chuckle, "what is the difference?"

"Well, when you really like someone, you might want to get to know them better. Or play with them andd shit--stuff like that. When you love someone, it's..." he hesitates, "it's different."

"Why?"

There goes that innocent question that punctures his chesy a little too deeply. The brown-haired man steadies his gaze upon the calendar fixed on the wall opposite him as he answers with:

"When you love someone, you want to live with them. You want to start a family with them. Their happiness," his brown orbs switch back to his son's focused attention, "their happiness is all that matters."

Maybe it's the fact that he's not used to speaking so truthfully about such things. Maybe it's just Hoisuke who suddenly realizes the layers hidden beneath his father's poker-faced exterior. But for a moment, neither of them speak, as if bewitched by a silencing spell if broken by the scraping of cutlery against porcelain.

"Did you love mama?"

Hoisuke's voice is small, fragile. So fragile that Iwaizumi pauses just as his spoon reaches his mouth, glancing over at his boy. His beautiful boy.

"Yeah."

Another short pause. "Did she love me?"

"Of course she did," Iwaizumi's face softens. To be honest, Hoisuke hadn't showed any kind of restraint during the entire divorce procedure, had merely accepted things as they had unfolded before his very eyes. But sometimes, Iwaizumi fears his son might be keeping more from him than he lets on.

He ressembles his mother a lot in that sense.

"Then," wet coffee-coloured eyes blink up at him, lips trembling with a hoarse whisper, "why'd she leave?"

Before his father can say anything, the young boy bursts into tears.

Iwaizumi rushes over, clasping Hoisuke in his embrace as the child buries his face into his neck and cries and cries and cries. His little heart beats like wild horses and with every sob echoing through hid body, Iwaizumi feels his own heart break over and over again. One of his hands rub comforting circles of Hoisuke's back, while the other smoothes over the back of his head as he murmurs soft nothings in hopes that it will calm down the young child.

"I want--" Hoisuke's voice is thick with tears, "I want Mama--"

"Shh, hey it's okay," Iwaizumi murmurs out, "s'alright kiddo. I got you."

Hoisuke falls asleep eventually, the soft sniffles dying out into even breaths as he slumps against his father’s shoulder, probably tired out from his earlier emotions. Iwaizumi takes this as his chance to tuck the boy into bed, glad that he’d listened to the small subconscious in his head telling him that Hoisuke would be falling asleep sooner rather than latter. 

As he smoothes over his son’s hair, a part of him wonders how much Hoisuke is still silently hurting from his mother’s departure. He can’t imagine it; suddenly changing lives like you’ve merely changed your bed sheets and Iwaizumi had been so caught up in his own heartbreak, in his own bout of silent rage, that he’d forgotten that along the way, Hoisuke was also a victim to their endless fighting, the cold war that had broken his family apart. 

He wishes he can take the pain away, ease it somehow. But it’s not that simple. The truth is, no one can actually predict how a heart gets broken, nor when it does. The only evidence are the repurcussions. And it’s only now that Iwaizumi gets to see it truly take its form. 

Leaning over to press a soft kiss to Hoisuke’s forehead, Iwaizumi murmurs his silent goodnight before walking out and gently closing the bedroom door behind him. 

He leans onto the hard wooden surface and rubs his eyes. It is only upon pulling them away that he takes notice of the family photograph hanging on the opposite wall, frozen smiles wrapped up in lies.

He really needs to take that down.

-----

#iwaizumi fluff #iwaizumi hajime #haikyu #haikyuu!! #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu headcanons #haikyuu oneshot #haikyu x reader #iwaizumi x reader #iwaizumi headcanons #iwaizumi drabble #iwaizumi x y/n #iwaizumi angst #iwaizumi imagine #iwaizumi scenarios #oikawa x reader x iwaizumi #haikyuu drabbles #haikyuu x oc #haikyuu x reader #haikyu!! x reader #iwaizumi x you #haikyu!! x you #hinata shoyo #kageyama x reader #oikawa x reader #aoba josai x reader #aoba josai headcanons

[waitimcomingtoo]

I knew it. I knew tumblr glitched again. Here it is when you have a chance. Teacher!tom has an unruly elementary class to put up with but things change when the new music teacher shows up. Eventually feelings develop between the two and only their students are willing to do something about it.

Here Comes The Sun

pairing: teacher!Tom Holland x Reader

Masterlist

“Jeremiah. Please. If I have to ask you to stop drinking the Elmers glue one more time, I’m gonna have to send you to the principle.”

“It tastes like white!” Jeremiah cheered before squeezing the bottle into his mouth again. All around him, Toms students were screaming and making trouble. His class was known to be unruly, and this day proved to be worst than most. Before Tom could take another step towards just one of his many misbehaving students, a woman he had never seen before slipped into the classroom and knelt down beside Jeremiah.

“Woah there. We don’t want to drink that, my friend.” You chuckled as you took the bottle of glue from him. “It’s not good for our tummy. Why don’t you try milk instead?”

“I’m black toast and taller ants.” Jeremiah told you.

“You’re lactose intolerant?” You connected the dots. “Tell you what, you come find me at lunch time later and I’ll give you a lollipop. Do you like lollipops?”

“Yes.” He nodded eagerly.

“Cool. Can you tell me your name so I know who to give it to?”

“This is Jeremiah.” Tom appeared behind his student and patted his back. “He does this a lot.”

“I had a feeling.” You laughed as you stood up. “I’m Miss. L/n.”

“Mr. Holland.” Tom reached out to shake your hand. “Nice to meet you. Jeremiah, why don’t you go sit down for some quiet time, okay?”

“I’m Y/n.” You said as soon as he left.

“Tom.” Tom laughed. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”

“I’m the new music teacher.” You told him. “I’ve been making my rounds and introducing myself to the other teachers. Your kids are still a little young for music so that’s why you haven’t seen me.”

“Oh. That’s a shame.” Tom pursed his lips. Of course the gorgeous new teacher who could magically tame his kids wasn’t on his floor. He knew he’d barely see you, and he really wanted to see you.

“Is it?” You smiled coyly.

Just then, a scream ripped through the classroom. No one was hurt, they just wanted to scream.

“For the kids, I mean.” He covered up his accidental flirtatious remark. “We could all use a little music in our lives.”

“I completely agree. It calms the kids right down. It’s like magic.”

“I could definitely use some magic.” Tom laughed over the noise.

“When I play In My Life, they get so quiet, you’d think they were asleep.” You told him your secret.

“I love that song.” He smiled softly at you. “I love Here Comes the Sun too.”

“Me too!” You gushed. “My favorite is I Wanna Hold Your Hand though.”

“I like it too. I have a feeling we’ll get along.”

“Mr. Holland, you may be my first friend here.” You smiled shyly at him. “I’ll see you around.”

Tom watched as you left with a happy smile on his face.

“Is that your girlfriend?” Amanda asked, making Tom jump a little. He looked at her and then out at the class, who was suspiciously quiet. They were all staring eagerly at Tom.

“No. That’s the new music teacher.” He said skeptically as he made his way to the front of the class.

“She’s pretty.” Another student spoke up. All the kids nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, she is.” Tom laughed shyly. “Now, who wants to do some math?”

October

“Hi.” You knocked on Toms doorframe as you walked into his classroom, the same thing you did every day. He sighed in relief at the sight of you and made his way over to you.

“Hey little darling.” He greeted you. “How is your Tuesday treating you?”

“I’m gonna assume it’s treating me better than yours is treating you.” You chuckled as his students screamed and ran around behind him.

“What gave it away?” He asked sarcastically as a paper ball flew over his head.

“I had a hunch.” You played along. “How are you holding up?”

“Not great.” He sighed. “I’m getting a migraine and it’s not even 10 am.”

“Would apple slices make it better?” You presented a bag of apple slices from behind your back.

“They might.” Tok said sheepishly. You held the bag out to him and let him take a few, rubbing his arm to soothe him as he took a bite.

“Thank you. You’re a life saver.” He said with his mouth full.

“I have some Motrin in my bag if you want.” You offered. “It might help with the migraine. And your PMS.”

“Funny.” He narrowed his eyes at you. “Thank you again.”

“No problem. Why don’t you step out for a minute and I’ll look after your class? I’m off this period anyway.” You squeezed his arm to comfort him further.

“Are you sure? They bite.” He grimaced, and you let out a laugh.

“So do I.” You shrugged, making Toms eyes widen.

“That was a joke.” You said quickly. “Take a minute, gather yourself, and then come back. I’ll be here as long as you need.”

“You’re an angel. Thank you so much.” He brought his arms around you and squeezed you.

“I thought I was a little darling.” You chuckled into his ear as you hugged him back.

“A woman can be more than one thing.” Tom teasingly rolled his eyes.

“Very true. See you in a few.” You squeezed his hand. He gave you an appreciative smile before leaving the classroom. You made you way to the front of the class and clapped your hands.

“Hi my friends.” You shouted over the noise. “What have you been learning today?”

The students quieted down at the sight of you and one girl raised her hand.

“Yes, Carly?” You called on her.

“Are you and Mr. Holland dating?” She asked politely. The rest of the students nodded and looked at you, as if they all had the same question.

“No, we are not dating.” You laughed nervously. “Boys have cooties, haven’t you heard?”

“Do you like him?” Another student raised her hand.

“He definitely likes you!” A girl called out.

“Now class, I know it’s fun to speculate, but Mr. Holland and I are not together.” You told them. “You know who is together though? Q and U. They’re married, in fact. That’s why they’re always together in words like quiet and question. Can anyone else give me a “qu-“ word? Yes, Elizabeth.”

“Croissant.” Elizabeth answered.

“So close.” You nodded. “That’s actually a “cra” not a “qua” sound.”

“Not the way Mr. Holland says it.” Another student cut in.

“That’s because he’s from the O.K, Josh. They speak differently.” Elizabeth turned around in her seat and rolled her eyes.

“Oo, very close again.” You tried not to laugh. “Mr. Holland is from the UK.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth turned back around in shame.

“That’s okay.” You assured her. “Everyone makes mistakes. How do you guys feel about Mr. Holland anyway?”

“I love him.” One of the boys raised his hand. “He lets us have snack time. Mr. Osterfield’s class doesn’t do that.”

“I like him too.” Another boy chimed in. “He gave me extra time on my math test when I couldn’t figure out what 9x10 was.”

“Do you know the answer now?” You asked him.

“Uh huh.” He nodded eagerly. “90.”

“Great job.” You clapped for him. “Maybe you’ll be a math teacher one day.”

The boy smiled and shrunk down in his seat, proud of himself for knowing the answer.

“Hello, class.” Tom came back into the room and smiled at you. “Did you all behave for Miss L/n?”

“Yes they did.” You beamed at the class. “What a smart, well behaved class.”

“Are you sure you watched the right class?” Tom said out of the corner of his mouth so only you could here.

“I’m sure.” You chuckled. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Holland.”

“See you tomorrow little darling.” He smiled softly at you as you walked out of the classroom. He sighed happily and went to his desk, immediately noticing a packet of apples slices you left for him.

“Mr. Holland! I have a question.” A student calling out caught his attention.

“Yes, Amanda?” He asked.

“Is Miss L/n your girlfriend?” She asked, making Tom go bright red.

“What? No. What? No. What? No.” Tom stammered.

“You like her!” Amanda gasped. “I knew you liked her. I told you Elizabeth. Carly and I were right.”

“Whatever.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes again.

“I have a question.” Tony raised his hand.

“Yes?” Tom asked nervously.

“When are you gonna ask Miss L/n out?” Tony asked, making the class nod.

“This is not appropriate for class time.” Tom laughed nervously as he made his way to the blackboard.

“But you guys are so perfect for each other!” Carly whined. “You need to ask her to be your girlfriend. She’ll totally say yes.”

“You think so?” Tom asked them shook his head when he realized he was asking third graders for relationship advice. “I mean, this is not up for discussion.”

“But you guys belong together.” Amanda gushed.

“She totally likes you.” Jennifer piped up.

“Ask her out already.” Joseph called out.

“Please? I’ve always wanted to go to a wedding.” Kaley said and all the girls agreed.

“Me too. Can I be the flower girl?” Elizabeth raised her hand to ask.

“I wanna be the flower girl.” Carly whined again.

“Her niece Sophie would definitely be the flower girl.” Tom chuckled, then shook his head again. “Not that we’re getting married.”

“Why not?” Candy pouted.

“Because she’s not even my girlfriend.” Tom reminded them.

“So ask her out.” Jason said simply. “She’ll never be your girlfriend unless you ask her out.”

“I think that’s enough of this topic for today.” Tom clapped his hands as he diverged from the topic. “Who wants to do some sentence structure?”

November

“Jason, please stop biting Candy.” Tom begged. “That’s just her name. She is not actually candy.”

His attention was immediately drawn to another student who was misbehaving.

“Elizabeth! Get that out of your mouth! Erasers are not food. I say this everyday.” Tom whined as he made his way over to Elizabeth to take the erasers from her. His eyes drifted to the boys, and he immediately regretted it.

“Oh my God. Joseph, put that back in your pants.” Tom groaned. “Please.”

“Mr. Holland! Mr. Holland!” Eric screamed from across the room. “Watch me floss, Mr. Holland!”

Tom looked at Eric, who was flossing rapidly in the back of the classroom.

“Very nice, Eric.” Tom nodded stiffly.

“Who’s Eric? My name Jeff!” The child quoted the outdated vine, making all his friends laugh.

“Okay.” Tom said weakly.

“Epic chungus moment.” Eric and his friends shifted into a T pose. “Bruh bruh bruh BIG OOF bruh bruh bruh.”

“Okay.” Tom repeated.

“Mr. Holland?” Tom felt someone tap him from behind.

“Yes, Jeremiah?” Tom knelt down beside his student.

“Watch this!” Jeremiah cheered before opening his mouth and squirting Elmer’s glue inside.

“Oh my God. Please. Don’t drink the glue. I’m begging you.” Tom pleaded as he wrestled the glue bottle from his hands.

“But Rachel is.” Jeremiah said with a full mouth.

“Rachel is - - RACHEL.” Tom yelled when he saw another student pouring glue into her mouth.

“No drinking glue.” Tom snatched the bottle from Rachel. “This is not a snack.”

“But I’m hungry.” Jeremiah whined.

“We just had snack time.” Tom reminded him.

“Tony ate my snack.” Jeremiah pouted.

“Why did Tony do that?”

“Because I gave it to him.” Jeremiah said simply and Tom groaned.

“Remember what I said about sharing snack?” Tom said through a forced smile. “We can’t share snacks in case someone has an allergy.”

“But you said sharing is caring.” Rachel spoke up.

“Yes, I did say that.” Tom kept a tight smile. “Sharing is caring unless it comes to snacks. Then we have to keep our snacks to ourselves.”

“But you and Miss L/n share food all the time.” Rachel continued.

“It’s different with Miss L/n and I.” Tom explained. “We’re adults so we can share snacks. She’s not allergic to anything I give her.”

“Do you think she’d like some glue if I shared it with her?” Jeremiah asked.

“Maybe, if she was making an arts and crafts pro-“

“I mean to drink.” He cut Tom off. Before Tom could answer, a scream caught his attention.

“Candy!” He shouted. “Don’t bite Jason!”

He spun around in circles, seeing children misbehaving everywhere he turned. He was getting over whelmed very quickly as just as he was going to succumb to defeat, you opened his classroom door.

“Hi my friends!” You shouted over the noise and held up your guitar. This caught their attention and they all stopped in their tracks, eyed glued to the guitar like bugs to a light.

“Hi Miss L/n.” The class said in unison as they returned to their seats.

“Does anyone here like music?” You asked as you rested your guitar against your chest. You looked at Tom and winked, and he instantly melted. Like Superman, you had burst in the room to save him. The students nodded eagerly and watched your every move.

“You do?” You gasped. “Me too!”

You stood in front of the class and began to strum a simply melody on your guitar.

“Here comes the sun, do do do do.” You sang to them.

The children fell silent as they became enthralled by the music. Tom leaned against his desk with a huge smile, unable to be more in love with you.

“Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here. Sing along, my friends.” You asked of them.

“Here comes the sun do do do do. Here comes the sun and I’ll say.” The children sang along with you.

“What’ll you say?” You asked as you continued playing.

“It’s all right.” They sang in response. You finished out the song, slowly letting the music fade out at the end.

“Thanks for listening my friends.” You spoke softly. “Now, let’s all put our heads down for some quiet time.”

The children listened to you and kid their heads down on their desks, shutting their eyes as well. Tom walked over to you and pulled you into a tight hug.

“Thank you. You are such a gift.” He mumbled in your ear.

“I try.” You laughed as you pulled away. “I learned the song just for you.”

“Did you really?” His eyes widened in appreciation.

“No. I’ve known it for years.” You admitted. “But wouldn’t it be romantic if I did?”

“That’s very romantic.” He agreed. “Has anyone ever done that for you?”

“Unfortunately, I have yet to be serenaded.” You sighed dramatically.

“How rude.” Tom teased, making a mental note of what you were saying.

“I know, right?” You added. “It’s a tragedy.”

“I think my class might be asleep.” He realized as he looked around. “You’re like a child whisperer.”

“I told you. Magic, baby.” You smiled as you held up your guitar.

“Oh, it’s definitely magic.” He noted with a grin.

“Well I should head back down. The recorders won’t play themselves.” You sighed again, a little sadly this time.

“See you later, little darling.” He squeezed your hand.

“See you later.” You waved, your high heels clicking against his floor as you left. Tom let out a content sigh, reveling in the rare silence of the classroom. Jeremiah slowly raised his hand and looked at Tom.

“Mr. Holland?” He whispered.

“Yes Jeremiah?” Tom asked.

“You know what you have to do.” Jeremiah gave him a pointed look. The rest of Toms students looked up with wide open, blinking eyes, all staring at Tom. Tom sighed again, knowing his students were right.

December

You knocked on Toms door the following week, the early December chill in the air. He let out a nervous breath as he opened the door for you, knowing it was finally time to enact his plan.

“Class, we have a special visitor with us.” Tom announced as he let you in. “Can we all give a musical welcome to Miss L/n?”

The class greeted you with excitement and you did the same.

“Hey kids.” You waved. “Good to see you all.”

“Good to see you too.” You turned to Tom and held up a bag. “Pretzel?”

“Thank you.” Tom smiled as he took a pretzel from the bag. “So, um, I have a proposition for you.”

“I’m listening.” You nodded as you munched on a pretzel.

“We always have lunch together, right?” He began.

“That’s right.”

“Would you maybe want to have dinner together one night?” He squeaked, knowing his face was bright red. Behind him, his class was dead silent, all pretending not to listen as they tried to hear every word.

“Ooo.” You raised your eyebrows in surprise. “Like an after school activity?”

“I was thinking this Saturday.” He offered. “I could take you somewhere where they have better food than apple slices and pretzels, though I do love those.”

“You wanna give me your weekends, Mr. Holland?” You asked through a coy smile.

“You know, little darling, I really do.” He smiled back.

“Then it’s a date.” You blushed. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

“All right. Saturday.” He nodded, letting out a nervous laugh.

“Bye now. See you at lunch.” You put your hand on his arm and kissed his cheek before turning to his class.

“Well it was great to see all of you!” You grinned. “I hope you have a fantastic rest of your day.”

You winked at Tom before leaving swiftly, a silence settling in once you were gone.

“Well?” Amanda called out.

“Well what?” Tom asked.

“Did you do it?” Carly was nearly bouncing out of her seat.

“Class, I know you like Miss L/n but our personal relationship is none of your concern.” Tom reminded his students. The class let out a collective groan, and Carly looked like he might cry. They were all dead silent, and it made Tom feel slightly bad.

“Yes, I asked her out.” He admitted and the class erupted into cheers and applause. Tom rolled his eyes as an embarrassed smile tugged at his lips.

Tom walked into his class the following week and was met with an uncharacteristically silent classroom. His set his bag on his desk and looked around, growing more suspicious by the second. All his students were staring at him expectantly, yearning for him to speak.

“You guys are oddly quiet.” Tom commented. “Did Jeremiah eat another book?”

“How was the date?” Carly was the first to speak up, and everyone chimed in. They were leaning on the edges of their seats, impatiently waiting for the answer.

“Did you kiss her?” Tony asked.

“Did you guys hold hands?” Elizabeth sighed.

“What did she wear?” Amanda wondered. “I bet she looked so pretty.”

“Did you take her to your penthouse and freak it?” Jeremiah asked.

“Did I - - what?” Tom looked at his student in confusion.

“Are you guys gonna get married now?” Jennifer called out.

“No, Jennifer.” Tom chuckled. “We’re not getting married now.”

“I hate it here.” Jennifer grumbled as she shrunk down in her seat.

“Okay, we have a lot to get though today so I hope you all had a good nights sleep. If you could all take out your social studies textbooks and turn to page 116 for me.” Tom began to teach. He turned on the Smartboard and turned to his class, seeing them all sluggishly taking out their textbooks with glum expressions. He let out a sigh and rested his hands on his hips.

“You guys aren’t gonna focus unless I tell you about the date, huh?” He realized. His students shook their heads and he chuckled a little.

“The date was amazing. She wore a black dress with white music notes on the waistline. She looked very pretty. We held hands when I was walking to her car and yes, I kissed her.” He answered their questions. The class dissolved into giggles, applause, and commentary.

“All right, I told you. Now, textbooks. I mean it.” He said pointedly, and for once, they complied.

You and Tom continued to date, keeping up with your lunch dates, but engaging in weekend and after school dates as well. Tom students kept an eye out for a ring on your finger as the months went by, asking him almost every week when the wedding was. Come May, he actually had an answer for them.

May

“Class, I have a favor to ask you.” Tom announced to his class on a particularly warm morning. “I am going to ask Miss L/n to marry me.”

His class began to scream, and this time, it was welcomed. Carly started crying while Jennifer and Kaley jumped up and down.

“I know, I know.” Tom grinned. “It’s been a long time coming. That’s why I need your help. If I’m going to pull this off, I’m gonna need all hands on deck. Are you guys in?”

“We’ll do anything.” Carly promised.

“Great.” Tom nodded. “First, I need some ideas.”

“You have to show her how much you love her. You need to make a romantic gesture.” Rachel declared.

“Yes! You have to do something big so she knows how much you care.” Jennifer agreed.

“Get her a dozen roses.” Kaley suggested.

“No, he needs two dozen.” Carly said. “And chocolate.”

“You should get a flock of doves to deliver the ring.” Elizabeth spoke up.

“Or show up on a horse.” Rachel added. While the girls began to discuss, Amanda quietly raised her hand.

“Yes, Amanda?” Tom called on her.

“She’s a music teacher, right?” Amanda asked and the class quieted down to listen.

“Yeah.” Tom nodded.

“So play her some music.” Amanda shrugged.

“What do you mean?” Tom wondered.

“I have an idea.” Amanda grinned.

June

“Hey, Mr. Holland asked that you go to his classroom.” Mr. Osterfield popped into your class to tell you. “He said his students are a nightmare right now.”

“Oh, sure. I’ll be right there.” You hopped off your desk and went to the door. “Thanks.”

You quickly made your way to Toms classroom, knowing how unruly his class could be. You opened the door and stepped inside.

“Mr. Holland, are you ok-“ You stopped mis sentence when you saw Tom sitting on a stool, surrounded by all his students. They were quiet and tame, smiling eagerly at you as you shut the door behind you. The weirdest part, however, was the guitar in Toms hands.

“Whats this?” You asked through a hesitant smile.

“1,2,34.” Carly counted down to cue them in.

“Yeah I’ll tell you something I think you’ll understand.” Tom began to sing as he played along on the guitar. “When I say that something, I wanna hold your hand.”

“I wanna hold your hand. I wanna hold you hand.” His students sang in perfect unison. You covered your mouth with your hands as tears welled up in your eyes.

“I wanna hold your hand. I wanna hold your hand.” His students backed him up. They finished out the song while you stood there is happy shock, hanging on to every note. Tom set the guitar down once he finished and stood up, slowly making his way to you. He took your hands in his and smiled softly.

“You’ve given me your lunch time and weekends. Would you mind giving me the rest of your life too?” Tom asked as he presented you with a delicate diamond ring. Your eyes flickered to the ring and widened before looking back at Tom with a dropped jaw. The anticipation in the classroom was palpable as the students eagerly awaited your answer. All at once, your mouth closed into a smile and you nodded.

“You know,” you laughed as a tear of joy rolled down your cheek, “I really would.”

Tag List 🏷

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@maybemona @young-romanoff @alexxcorona113 @fancyxparker @lethal-wisdom @xo-spidey @im-still-tryin-to-find-it @big-galaxy-chaos @pandaxnienke @theincredibledeadlyviper  @thestylestour  @officialsimppage @mrvelscaptains @peterspideysstuff @reemusluupin @perspectiveparker @itsemohours @satanswitchings @okkulta @parkerlovebot @sarcasticallywitty15 @mati4188 @geminiparkers @jungkxxkk @friendlyneighborhood-mendes @whatthefuckimbisexual @olixerwxxd @starkbrain @creatorofthegalaxy @far-from-holland @f-hollands @ilovefrogs1000 @itstaskeen

#tom holland x reader #tom holland x you #tom holland fluff #tom holland fanfiction #teacher!tom holland #teacher!tom Holland x reader #peter parker x reader #peter parker x y/n #peter parker x you #iron man #peter parker fanfiction #peter parker imagine

[emilysshortstories]

Steven Meeks x Reader, Part 1

I haven’t figured out a named for this yet so if you have any ideas please send them my way. 

warnings: sad kids? idk i can’t think of any atm

words: 994

“ Joining Mr. Keating at this school is his niece, Y/N Keating. I expect best behavior from our students when seeing her around campus. She will be joining our curriculum but no class rooms with the boys”. 

I have never had so many eyes of judgement on me at one time before in my whole life. Mothers looking at me like I was going to give their sons syphilis, fathers hating how I got into this school through nepotism, and so many boys looking at me like they have never seen a girl before in their whole lives. Which made me wonder if any of them had seen a girl other than their mothers, especially the younger boys with candles in their hands. Do those young boys really understand what they're getting into? That’s a sad thought that could lead me down a rabbit hole. 

Soon the ceremony was over and I was standing next to my uncle and all the teachers, shaking hands with so many families it was getting harder and harder to believe that less than four hundred boys were attending this school. I was starting to regret wearing heals to this stupid thing when a boy with the proudest smirk I had ever seen came up to me. “Charlie Dalton, pleased to meet you” he said, putting his hand out for me to take, but when I took it he didn’t crush my hand like every other boy. He actually very gently lifted my hand and kissed it. So light I barely felt it, but bold enough for me to be quite stunned for a few moments. “If you ever need any help or have any questions, let me know. I hope to become good friends in the near future”. By the time he finished that sentence the shock was gone and I was able to see through his flirtatious ways. “Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I could really use a good platonic friend, it doesn’t seem like I’m going to get the same offer from the other boys. Catch you later buddy”. This made his cocky smirk seem to disappear from thin air, only to reappear on my face. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see much of this because my eyesight was off to the next family. 

Once my eyes focused on the next set of people, my own smirk fell completely to the floor. A sea of fiery red hair all lined up shoulder to shoulder, the first was the mother, strawberry hair pinned up in a hat, wearing a three quarter length dress, gloves, cateye glasses and red lipstick. Next was the dad, thick light brown hair with a plain three piece brown suit. Lastly, was the most handsome boy I had seen all day. He had his mothers red hair, yet his wasn’t tamed but had poofy curls framing his face. He had classic brown glasses that made his brown eyes bigger, ‘good, I can see them better that way’. He had pale skin littered with freckles I suddenly had the urge to spend hours counting. I didn’t hear anything that anyone said, but I don’t doubt that I missed anything particularly valuable, until the boy in question came face to face with me. Neither of us stuck hands out just stared for a moment, “Hi” I said before processing how stupid I must have sounded. “Hi” he said back while we both just stared, studying his face while I was this close to him. His father nudged him and woke me up from my daydream in the process. “Keep up Steven.” His father said sternly. 

Steven. How dare they give such a bright looking boy a plain name. Plain or not, I’m remembering that name and possibly asking Charlie about him later. That didn’t stop me from spending the rest of the hour thinking of ‘Steven The Red Head’. 

Once I was outside, finally getting some fresh air, my attention fell to all the boys saying goodbye to their parents. My heart broke looking at all the younger ones holding back tears, hugging their mothers super tight, and saying how they didn’t want to go here. It was a stark contrast to the older ones who barely gave their mothers a kiss on the cheek and their fathers a hand shake. Attention sticking to their luggage, friends and roommates. It was at that moment I vowed I would never ever send my child to a school like this. ‘You should never have to choose between relationships and education, but on the chance that you do, pick relationships’. I got mad that this didn’t seem to be a no brainer to these parents. 

“Come Mr. Keating, I will show you to your room.” said the headmaster, leading us away from the students before I could find Steven. Not that I wanted to say hi, just to see his face again. “This is your classroom and here is your office, through that door is what usually would be your room Mr. Keating but due to your unique circumstance, we thought that this would be Y/N’s room and you could have the room next to Dr. Hager in the senior dorm's hall since it would be separate from the boys” “That sounds splendid Mr. Nolan” my uncle responded. 

When they told me my room would be separate from the boys I too thought that was a good idea, but Mr. Nolan didn’t say that it would not only be away from everyone, but it would also be in a completely different building. The english building. I couldn’t hear anything but owls outside and the harsh and cold wind blowing through the building, making the building creak, doors swing randomly, and overall make it seem very haunted. I have always had a problem with nightmares but this just seemed to be fuel to the fire. Needless to say I didn’t get much sleep that night. 

#steven meeks #steven meeks x reader #dead poets society #DPS #dps fanfiction #DPS fandom #charlie dalton x reader #charlie dalton #knox overstreet #Neil Perry #todd anderson #gerald pitts #Richard Cameron #mr keating #mr nolan

[the-fandom-is-now-my-life]

This thing's existence is to be blamed on @anonymouscake you gave me too much inspiration to write this

After the exams were taken and returned to williams to grade them, all the eyes were in him

"That would be our class for today, we have a few minutes but start packing" William started stacking the exams. After not seeing any of the students start moving or packing he couldn't help but wonder if they truly remembered their bet "you can start packing, we will see again after holidays"

"Teacher! You promised" one of the students chimed in

" Yeah! You owe us a story. To think our teacher wouldn't honor his word" other student agreed

" You truly remembered, didn't you? I still have to grade this. So unless you want to be late to your next class I will see you after Christmas" nobody moved " well?"

" Your class is our last" those words made him stop

" No, you have modern literature with mister johnson" williams returned to stacking the exams " did you finish, mister Adams?"

" Professor johnson had an emergency last moment and couldn't find a replacement in time"

" You are awfully insistent" he sighed softly " if you wait for 5 minutes I can grade your exams"

Everyone stayed in place and William started grading, after a few minutes of silence William stood up

" The results of your exams are…" Williams didn't calculate that his bribery would make such a big effect "outstanding. If I knew a story was all I needed to make you study I would have started a long time ago "

Cheers resonated in the classroom. All their efforts didn't go to the trash.

" Average 96.5" he didn't truly want to tell so much about his love life, but a man doesn't back away from a fair bet" well, what story do you want to hear now?"

The room got filled by silence and now the true question arises, what story? Maybe their wedding, or their first kiss. But at the end they decided on their engagement.

" Our engagement? It officially started around 7 years after our meeting, I was 21"

" So you married at 21? Your marriage must be pretty old by now" said a voice in the back

" Mister stone, if I might know, how old do you think I am?" No one dared to breathe, less say anything " I am waiting mister stone"

" Your latmiearly thirwenties?"

" I am not going to bite" followed by a laugh " 24 years old. That is my age. Now where were we?"

" Who are you writing that letter to?" The now young girl of 19 wrapped her arms around his neck, snuggling against it

" Your father"

" Why? Do you want to have a business meeting with him"

" You could say so"

" If so I could have said him directly, my dad quite likes you. It will be faster"

" Still, it would sit bitter in my mouth to not do this as it is customary to"

" Is it really a serious meeting isn't it?"

" Nothing bad happened, don't worry about it" William patted her head, laughing softly.

" Stop treating me like a child! We only are 2 years apart!" The girl protested. Now sitting on a chair behind his desk

" Yet still you behave as a kid" William teased without stopping writing

"Hey!"

Before they could keep quarreling louis entered the room

" Here is the tea"

" Thank you louis!"

" Thanks brother. If I could ask you to do a little favor could you send this to the mail?"

"Yes, of course"

" I really appreciate it. Now, should we have tea?"

"Eeeh! Professor moriarty sent his engagement letter without telling his wife?!" A student cut William

" maybe they talked about this beforehand? And this was some kind of surprise? Maybe her father is strict about who will marry his daughter?" Another student theorized

" I think it is a good theory" another agreed

" If you wanted to hypothesize about my life you might as well not have asked"

" Sorry professor"

" For context, YN, My wife, was going to get married to another noble-" William tried to explain but was cut again

" So you were jealous! I didn't peg you as that kind of man"

" I-" William Inhaled before deciding to not say the total truth, in fact the noble had a record of all his wives dying weeks after marriage. But ignorance was bliss " yes, I was jealous" he indeed had a little attraction towards you, but brushed it off more often than not.

Mister YS gave him a meeting. The door seemed to be heavier than usual,as if it was tempting him to go away, but he already set his mind on it.

He steps into the room, the lights on even if the aura of the room was far to gloomy for it to match

" William, son, do you know what you sending this letter mean?" your father sat straight in his chair, as if he was really to catch his prey

" I am pretty sure I know what it means" leaving his case by his sit he sat down " I want to get engaged with YN"

Taking a huff of his cigarette your father continued " you are a bright young man I'm sure you catched on to general merryland wish to marry my daughter. What is your counter for that"

" The general merryland has had 10 wives in a period of 1 and a half years. All of their deaths of mysterious circumstances. I fear her marriage with the general may cause her assesination"

" Kid, as much as I might love my daughter the general won't take a 'I think you might kill my daughter' for an answer". He is an influential man, he can't risk to anger him"

" But he might take an "apologies, my daughter is already engaged, we were yet to announce it"

" The general is a man who is well known and has reasonable wealths and reputation, if you blamed him for murder it would make us lose face, and is well settled too. You on the other hand, just settled and started working as a professor of university, what can guarantee my daughter to live well with you? Give me ten reasons to let you get engaged"

" I knew you were going to say something like that, I bought my finances book with me,you may judge if it's enough or not" even if he was playing innocent he knew the wealth he managed to hoard was a bit too nice for his age " plus, wasn't the general going through a bankrupt? His family business hasn't been talked about a lot lately" planting the seeds of doubt is an important part of his plan, if not the most.

" One reason down. nine left."

"So you tried to get him to let you get engaged for three hours, I can see how he let you, if my future in-law tried that I would give in too" a few students agreed

" It was tedious and long, I will have to admit. But it was worth it" admitted William.

" Then, how did you break the news?"

" I originally wanted to do it with the two of us alone. But it wasn't possible…"

After getting her father's blessing, now the only thing left to do was to wait for YN to go come to the state and break the news privately.

" Brother? What are you doing?"

"Oh? Nothing louis, I'm just waiting for YN to arrive to have tea"

"Then I shall put the kettle on" Louis was about to leave but noticed the bouquet on the table" brother you bought her flowers?"

" Yes. You will understand soon enough"

" I am off to the kitchen"

The fragrance of the flowers William brought was quite strong, intoxicating if you must. If you asked albert he would say they smell disgustingly sweet

" William, I haven't seen you at lunch, where were you?"

" I was at a meeting, albert. It was of dire need to have it as soon as possible"

" Who did you have a meeting with?"

" YN father"

" Mister YS? Why was it? If I might know"

" You will know soon enough"

" Then, I'm off to check some papers, I will skip tea."

A few minutes went on for you to arrive, in that moment William had everything ready for it to go smoothly. Everyone was busy, albert with his paperwork and louis had already brought the water but still had some chores to do so he would let you two alone for a while

" Liam!" The girl came almost running to him and hugged his torso "You haven't invited me in a few weeks, were you mad at me"

" Not at all" he brushed some bangs that came out of their place " I had to sort a few things out"

" That makes me happy"

"Should we go and have tea"

" If you want to"

After some idle chatter and small chat he thought it was the right moment

" YN" he calls you while sitting up to kneel in front of you " I already got your father's blessing but the word that matters the most is yours, so what do you say, will you let me be your husband in a future" taking out the engagement ring

The sound of copper hitting the floor snapped you out of your bubble

"I-"

" Louis, I see you finished all the housework"

" I just wanted a minute for ourselves" the girl lamented before noticing albert holding a few papels behind louis " if three wasn't plenty. well, they were both going to know soon so I guess it doesn't matter that much" she stood up after taking the ring and putting it on the correspondent finger" I was going to give you this in your birthday, but I guess I could give this now" she said before handing a cigarette case with a few designs engraved. " Father told me to return early so I must get going. Let's talk again soon"

" So Teacher does mess up sometimes"

" I don't truly think it was his fault, how was he supposed to know they were there" argued a back row student

" You got what you wished for, now go to your houses it is late and your families must be waiting for you"

The whole classroom started to run towards the exit. While a chorus of " Merry Christmas teacher!" And " see you soon" flooded the room. even if he liked to teach sometimes it was exhausting.

#yuukoku no moriarty #yuukoku no moriarty x reader #ynm #williams james moriarty x reader #william james moriarty #moriarty x reader #moriarty the patriot #professor moriarty

[sneezefiction]

hi hi it's me again 😊 could i request daichi and kuroo with a s/o that's a kindergarten teacher? school just ended where i am and been feeling a bit down that i haven't been able to see my kiddos in person since march cus of covid 🥺😭

Daichi and Kuroo with a Kindergarten Teacher S/O - Headcanons

a/n: oh wow i didn’t realize how much i needed this in my life. i love kindergartners so much and several of my friends teach their classes. most of them are really sweet and they’re all so easily influenced, which makes being their teacher both difficult but incredibly meaningful. i know both of these babes love kids, so i hope you enjoy these headcanons!

warnings: just barely mentions nsfw

total wc: 875

---

Daichi

so you and Daichi have already been together for a couple of years

but for some reason, he has ALWAYS avoided your work

you usually assume it’s because you teach a bunch of messy, wild (but absolutely beautiful and intelligent) kindergartners and that he might be easily stressed by children

you would never want to force Daichi to be around the kids, but your heart is so invested in their lives that you can’t help but wish he would visit every once in a while

sooo, you decide to try something:

“Hey, baby?”

“Yeah, y/n? What’s up?”

“Would you… how about you come to our end of the school year celebration?”

there’s a huge pause and a whole lot of silence

you take his reaction as a no and try to hide your crestfallen expression, suggesting something for dinner to change the subject 

BUT Daichi stops you, his cheeks tinted pink for whatever reason, letting you know he’d be happy to join you

cut to a few days later and both of you in the parking lot of the school

Daichi is lookin REAL nervous

so you grab his hand, trying not to make him feel self-conscious, while still letting him know you’re there

“Daichi, it’ll be okay. I don’t know what you’re worried about, but if it’s the kids…” You pause to gauge his reaction to the words, seeing his eyebrows raise

“I told them about you and they are so excited. They’ll love you.”

you had no idea how much he appreciated that

once y’all get inside, you’re greeted by so many sweet, squishy faces

“Hi, y/n!!” The whole class calls out

Daichi just stands in the doorway, in awe of the little faces looking up to you

and then their tiny heads turn right to him

and his whole heart explodes :,))

you see, it’s not that Daichi is scared of kids…

he actually loves children so much and doesn’t want to scare or disappoint them

you figure that out quickly, as you watch how he interacts with and speaks to each individual child with such care and interest

as y’all pull up to the front of your home after this hecka long day, Daichi decides to “ask” you something

“Y/n… would you, uhm...” He’s looking uncharacteristically flustered .

“Yes, baby?”

“Let’s have kids together!” He blurts out. “I- I mean, if you want to, of course!”

something about Daichi being a dad makes you both want to cry and make out with him immediately

and wow, y’all really get to it that night and it’s the most beautiful mixture of intimacy and passion

so yeah, this is one of the best days of your life

and Daichi will be visiting you at the school as often as you’ll allow him to from now on

Kuroo

i don’t think we give Kuroo enough credit for his love of kids

when he first met you, you were already working at a local kindergarten through 5th grade school

and he was SO excited to learn that you’re a teacher

honestly, something about you teaching, speaking to, and loving on little people feels incredibly special to Kuroo

he sends you cute texts throughout your school day like,

“Y/nnn, please show me their art projects!! It took me so damn long to find glitter for it the other day, so they better be good.”

and, “I’ll bring you lunch this afternoon, are you gonna eat with your class in the cafeteria? I’ll meet you there.”

as teasing and sassy as Kuroo can be, he secretly adores seeing you and your class really happy

his volleyball years ingrained in him that looking out for others and making the little things exciting affects the whole team, and in this case, the whole classroom

so he’s really supportive of your hard work and always enjoys contributing to the kids’ enjoyment of their classes

on days off, you’ll catch him casually throwing supplies like crayons, colorful cardstock paper, and pre-made cookies into the shopping cart at the store, which completely warms your heart

he just knows how to show his thoughtfulness through his actions, which is a stark contrast to other guys you’ve dated in the past

ALSO ALSO ALSO, this boy just intuitively knows when you’ve had a crappy day or even week at school and how to help you

“Come cuddle with me, y/n. Lemme see your sweet smile.” He’ll say as he wraps his strong arms around your middle, pulling you playfully toward the couch

he’ll let you rant about that one kid who keeps licking the doorknobs, the one who runs at you with scissors, and the little girl who cries whenever she gets timeout

sometimes the days are so hard that you come home with tears already pouring down your face and he’s just there to hold you and kiss your tear-streaked skin

you let him love on you because there’s no way that he’ll let you go until you’re laughing or at least cracking a tired smile

but Kuroo always reminds you why you do what you do, why you love these kids, and how much he loves you through it all

P.S. i think he wants to adopt soon… just an fyi

#haikyuu!! #haikyu #hq #haikyuu headcanons #daichi sawamura #daichi #daichi x reader #daichi x you #kuroo testuro #kuroo #kuroo x reader #kuroo x you #daichi fluff #kuroo fluff #daichi headcanon #kuroo headcanon #sneezefiction

[coeurdastronaute]

Essays in Existentialism: Ages

Hey there, in case you're taking prompts right now I would love to see you write something about Clarke & Lexa at different stages in life/ages, from like little kids (first meeting) to adults. Thank you for your time and love your writing!

5

The classroom was colorful and happy, brimming with numbers and letters and pictures of animals on the walls. An entire side had windows that looked out toward the yard and playground for recess and there were tiny desks arranged in little squares, while the back corner had a very nice looking story time circle. 

Nervously, a tiny girl with messy brown hair stood behind her father’s legs and peered out at her new classroom. She could hear the kids screaming and having fun outside, and she wanted to sneak toward the window and see what they were doing, but she had to put her things in a cubby first, and her teacher had to tell her how to get there and where to sit. 

It was all very new, and Lexa wasn’t sure how to handle it all, so she held onto the leg of her father’s uniform. She missed her old house, and her old park, and her old friends and her old city. She didn’t like the moving part, or that her new house had a scary  basement. 

“We are very excited to have Lexa here, and we appreciate you keeping us up to date on your deployment schedule,” the smiling teacher nodded before squatting down lower to Lexa’s level. “I know kindergarten can be kind of scary at first, but soon you’ll look back and say ‘wow, I didn’t have to be scared. I love it here’.” 

Lexa dug into her father’s leg a little more, shying back slightly. He patted her hair before kneeling down as well. 

“Hey, kid, come on. You’re not usually this shy,” he furrowed and held her tiny hands in his large ones. “What’s wrong?” 

At first, Lexa looked around and shifted back and forth in her new sneakers. They lit up. But he waited patiently for a response. 

“I don’t know nobody,” she mumbled. 

“You’re going to meat the class soon,” he promised. “And you’ll make all kinds of great friends.” 

“And now you know me,” Mrs. Gates offered. “Your dad told me you like superheroes.” 

Lexa nodded after looking at her father for confirmation. 

“I put you in a seat next to someone who also likes superheroes. Do you want to see your desk?” 

When she didn’t move, her father decided it was time to do a bit more. 

“I want to see your desk. That’s really cool. You can practice your letters and numbers and reading at your desk, isn’t that right, Mrs. Gates?” 

“We’re going to learn so many things. We even get to do science experiments.” 

“One time, we made a tornado in a bottle,” Lexa offered quickly. “I got to pick the color and I picked blue because I like blue.” 

Slowly, Lexa came out of her shell as she walked toward her desk, her father holding her hand and showing her the name tag on it. She sat there and smiled slightly before looking at her cubby and moving to put her bag there herself. 

The noise outside calmed and moved to the hall a few moments later. 

“I’m going to go back to work now, Lex. But you’re going to stay here and Mom will pick you up after school, okay?” 

“Do you have to?” 

“I do, kid,” he smiled. “What are we?”

“Tough.” 

“And.”

“Brave.”

“And.”

“Kind.”

“That’s right,” he nodded and kissed her forehead. “I’m so proud of you, and I will want to hear all about your day at dinner okay? So have a good time.” 

Lexa nodded and sat at her desk quietly going back into her shell when her father waved at the door and disappeared. 

At nearly the same moment, the class filtered back in, noticing a new person and not knowing what to do with the news. 

“Good afternoon, scientists,” the teacher greeted them. “We have a new friend who is joining us today. Her name is Lexa. Can everyone say hello to Lexa?” 

The chorus rang out, some more energetic than others. 

“Lexa is coming to us from Virginia. Does anyone know anything about Virginia?” 

There was a rumble of no’s. 

“Would you like to tell us something, Lexa?” 

“Um,” she swallowed. “I used to live close to the beach and I got to see a hurricane once.” 

The series of ooh’s and ahh’s made her feel a little braver than the fake level of confidence her father had instilled her with. She pushed at the haphazard hair that fell into her eyes. 

“Wow, that must have been scary.” 

“It was. There was purple lightning.” 

Again the crowd was fascinated. 

“Now I want each of you to take turns meeting Lexa over the next few days and telling her your names and being helpful. Wouldn’t we all want some nice friends if we moved somewhere new?” 

The group nodded along, still eyeing her, but less brutally than before. 

“Okay, loves. To your seats and let’s show Lexa how we behave after recess, okay?” 

With more than enough confidence to spare, a tiny blonde girl marched toward Lexa and sat down beside her. 

“Hi. My name is Clarke Griffin. I am going to show you around. It’s my job.” 

“Oh.” 

“We can be friends if you want.” 

Lexa just nodded and stared at her blue eyes. 

“I like your hair. It reminds me of Tarzan’s or Wonder Woman.” 

Still confused about the little person who sat beside her and said things with such clarity and confidence, Lexa pushed her hair away from her face again and nodded. 

“I like your… eyes. They are like the sky, and the sky is my favorite thing ever.” 

“Ever?” Clarke asked incredulously. 

“Mhm. Did you know there are like a million stars? And clouds are cool.” 

“Yeah, they are,” she nodded and dug into her desk for a notebook. “Have you seen Frozen yet?” Lexa shook her head sadly. “I just got it. You should come watch it. We can build a fort.” 

“I am really good at that.” 

“Me too! Ours will be awesome!” 

From the front of the classroom the teacher smiled to herself, allowing the group extra time to settle as the two new friends talked a little bit. She saw Lexa cover her mouth from laughing and Clarke made some kind of face and shared a pencil. 

By the end of the day, Lexa was certain Clarke was the best person on the planet. She was very nice and she liked good movies and they had the same favorite food of pizza and ice cream and candy. She couldn’t keep quiet when her mom picked her up, and she nervously paced near the front door, looking out the window for her father to come home so she could tell him everything, sparing no detail. 

“Daddy!” Lexa pounces on him from the steps as soon as he makes it into the still packed house in need of organization. 

“Hey kid, I missed you so much,” he hugged her tightly. “How was school?” 

“I made a friend! And it was very fun. We saw pictures of bugs!” 

“Wow, what a day. Do you want to go back tomorrow?” 

“Mhm.” 

“Good. Now tell me everything.” 

10

“You’re still my best friend.” 

The statement came out angry and informative. It was declarative and exact, a fact that could not be argued. It was a law of nature. It was absolute. 

Lexa nodded, agreeing eagerly and quickly. 

“We can talk on the phone and write letters,” Clarke decided. “We can watch movies together, too sometimes. I can ask my mom to use her iPad.”

Again, Lexa nodded. 

“This is stupid and I hate the military and I hate that you have to leave.” 

Nod. 

Clarke had a temper. She liked to yell when she was frustrated, and she’d stomp her foot and clench her fists at her sides, arms straight and her face would get red with a distinct type of rage that Lexa learned to avoid and how to calm her down when needed. Sometimes it was impossible. Clarke said it felt like she was trapped in one of those balls of snow that roll down a hill and get bitter and bigger, and the anger was just rolling around her and she couldn’t escape it. And Lexa could get that, even if she didn’t show it. 

“You’re my best friend,” Clarke finally sighed. “And I don’t want to lose you.” 

Lexa shook her head and hugged her friend quickly, tightly, eagerly. 

“You’re my best friend, too. I don’t care where my dad gets stationed. I wont’ be anyone else’s best friend ever.” 

The pair stood there, clinging to each other, uninterested in separating, even by a few inches. There were not many things more powerful than a friendship of two people who worked well together, already seamlessly filling in each other’s personality points and understanding the other’s moods. There was an innate ease between them that always existed, and even now, when clearly stuck in the midst of intense turmoil, they just hugged each other and tried to be better for the other. 

“When do you have to leave to move?” 

“Next month, right after school ends,” Lexa sighed. 

“So we still have time to do all kinds of hings,” Clarke decided. “Maybe my mom will let you come visit for the summer or for breaks. Or I can come visit you.”

“Yeah,” her friend agreed eagerly. “My grandma and grandpa still live near here, so we will have to come close to see them.” 

“And then we can go away to college together, and live together, like my cousin Chris.” 

“We can?” 

“Oh yeah. In the dorms. We get our own beds and sometimes they can be bunk beds.” 

“Wow,” Lexa mouthed, her eyes wide. 

Even so young, she just enjoyed listening to Clarke talk and tell stories. She bit every single time, and she didn’t care if it was true or not. The only thing that matter was the Clarke knew a lot and Clarke liked to share. 

“You won’t forget about me?” Clarke asked after a moment of looking at her shoes. She looked up at her friend, her bet friend, and she waited nervously. 

“No way,” Lexa swore. “I could never.” 

Clarke held out her little finger and waited for Lexa to shake, completing the promise. 

“And I won’t forget about you, never ever,” Clarke swore. 

The solemn vow complete, neither knew what came next, only that they were already aware of how little time a month was, and now had to fill up every second. 

15

The gymnasium was packed to the brim with people as the tournament drew to a close during the finals match. Cheers and the echo of shouts and coaching practically vibrated the entire arena. Though she wasn’t much of a fan of sports, Clarke Griffin was, in fact, a fan of one basketball player who travelled across the country to play in the girl’s high school national championships. 

Even though Lexa moved nearly five years prior, their solemn vow, that between elementary school chums who were young enough to believe in such things, held strong with them talking every day, and gradually moving up to emails and FaceTime and text. Periodically, over that half decade, they’d even been grated time to see each other, whether it was family trips or one going to stay with the other’s family for a school break. Whenever they were asked where they wanted to go, the answer was always to each other. 

When Lexa texted after they won state, she was over the moon, and Clarke immediately made sure to get tickets so she could see her best friend play, even though she still didn’t particularly understand the rules, no matter how often Lexa explained them. 

“I can’t believe you guys have stayed in touch so long,” Abby smiled as Clarke sat down from cheering and yelling Lexa’s name after she scored. “It seems like just yesterday you were coming home from kindergarten to tell me about your new best friend, Lexa.” 

“It just kind of works,” Clarke shrugged, unable to pinpoint why it did. There wasn’t an easy answer or any real logic to it. Perhaps it was mostly dumb luck. 

“Hard to believe that little girl is playing in a national championship,” Jake agreed. “I’ve been following her stats online. She’s ranked and is set to go to a Division I school.” 

“Lexa’s going to the University of Oregon, just like me.” 

“You’ve changed your mind a hundred times and you’re halfway through your sophomore year.”

“That’s where she wants to go, and it’s where I want to go.” 

“We’ll add it to the list, but don’t think about it too much just yet,” Jake shared a look with his wife. “A lot can happen in a year.” 

Clarke didn’t want to argue. Instead, she clapped and cheered as Lexa was subbed out in the third. She wasn’t particularly invested in the rest of the game without Lexa out there, but Clarke did her best to watch the entire thing and stay involved with what was happening. In the end, Lexa’s team won, and she cheered the loudest of all. She was wearing Lexa’s old jersey. She was a true fan. 

“You did so well, honey,” Jake promised as he hugged Lexa after they cleaned and gotten ready in the lock room. 

It was a long ceremony, to lift the trophy and answer questions, and listen to coaches. Clarke just grew more and more anxious. She hadn’t been able to see much of Lexa because of the game for the past two days, and she only had 2 more to see her. They always knew they had to make the most of it. 

“Congrats!” Clarke cheered as she launched herself at her best friend, hugging her tightly as they met in the lobby of the convention center. “That was amazing. You’re the best basketball player in the nation.” 

“I don’t know about that,” Lexa chuckled and hugged her back, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “Thanks for sticking through it though. I’m sure it wasn’t very fun to watch.” 

“Yeah, well. Best friends, biggest fan and such.” 

They hang on each other, never far apart as the family made their way to a celebratory dinner, facetiming with Lexa’s family to share the good news since they couldn’t make the trip. It was exceedingly normal for Lexa to be taken in my the Griffins; it happened nearly every year in some way, same for Clarke with the Woods. Jake spent dinner going over all of the plays and applauding Lexa’s efforts, amazed that she could do such things. He only took credit for her layup, as they’d spent a good portion of her last visit the previous summer working on it in the driveway after diner. Lexa let him have it. It wasn’t lost on her that he put up a basketball hoop for her and her alone, even though she spent collectively less than three months over the past five years at their house. 

Ice cream was a given. The rest of the team would be back at the hotel, probably drinking their water bottles of vodka. Lexa was the youngest on the team, the only underclassman on varsity, and she was oddly grateful to miss it. Nothing could beat ice cream with Clarke and her parents. Only there, sitting outside in the chilly autumn evening, did she swap cones with Clarke as they had since they were five. Only there, did she let Clarke wear her jacket because she was cold. 

The Griffins had a guest room. They had two, in fact. But after the festivities and still a little giddy from the evening, the two friends climbed to Clarke’s room and tried to settle in for a movie.

Freshly showered, Lexa fiddled with the menu, trying to find something to watch while Clarke took her turn showering and washing the excitement off. She played with her phone, texting back friends home and the team lazily, stretched out in Clarke’s bed. 

It shouldn’t have been as big of a deal when Clarke walked out in her towel, asking about what movie they were going to watch. But it somehow was a big deal and Lexa found herself sitting up slightly against the headboard. She looked at Clarke’s bare shoulders as she slipped underwear on. She stared, wide-eyed and dry-mouthed as the towel dropped, and Clarke slipped on shorts and then an old shirt before toweling her hair. 

“You used all the hot water, and I will not be allowing you to shower first, no matter how many championships you win,” Clarke decided, as she joined her in the bed. 

“That’s fair.” 

Suddenly, Lexa was aware of how close they laid together in bed, and how they shared the blankets, and how they watched part of the movie before falling into their normal quiet talking in the middle of the night. She wasn’t sure how or why or what except she was very comfortable and uncomfortable with how comfortable she was. 

“My dad thinks it’s ridiculous I plan on going to the same school as you.” 

“I haven’t gotten in anywhere,” Lexa reminded her. “Or any actual offers.”

“You will,” Clarke promised. “I’m just keeping my options open. It’d be nice to be near you.”

Lexa smiled to herself in the dark and felt Clarke scoot closer so they were facing each other, their knees touching. 

“We haven’t gotten much time alone this visit,” Lexa sighed. 

“Kind of rude of you to interrupt it with basketball.” 

“But at least I got to visit.” 

“True. I needed this,” Clarke yawned. “It’s been a rough semester.” 

“Because you’re dating a real dumb guy.” 

“But he’s so cute.” 

Lexa couldn’t help groaning and wiggling around in bed. She made a show of rolling over before she felt Clarke pull her back with a chuckle. 

“He’s a moron and you can do a billion times better than Finn.” 

“I know, he’s just… nice. He’s steady and doesn’t take much effort.” 

“Shouldn’t it take some effort?” Lexa ventured, not at all sure about any philosophies about love or relationships. 

“Probably a combination of effortlessness and effort,” Clarke nodded. “How’s your crush? Did she text you after you won?” 

“It’s going good,” she shrugged in the dark. “I don’t know if she knows it’s a crush or not.”

“You have to be daring and bold. You’re already charming and funny and adorable. She has to have a crush on you. Just ask her out when you get back. Or text her right now.” 

“Let me think about it a little more.” 

“Fine,” Clarke finally relents and yawns again. “Do you think being in love with someone is talking in the middle of the night, but like forever?” 

There’s a quiet in the bedroom in the middle of the night as Lexa mulls over the words. Since they were five, Clarke was the sure one, the loud one, the persistent and confident and sure one. 

“I hope love is comfortable. I hope it’s talking all night. I hope it also makes you nervous and excited to see the other person. I hope it’s being someone’s one person that they count on no matter what. I hope being in love is all of those things. It has to be, right?”

“You make it sound like we’re in love. I think you just described our entire friendship.” 

Lexa blushed and cleared her throat.

“But we’re best friends. We can’t be in love.” 

The quiet settled there again until Clarke readjusted and sighed. 

“Exactly.” 

“It’d be nice though,” Lexa sighed as well. “To be in love with my favorite person on the planet.” 

“It would.” 

“Unfortunately, my best friend is painfully straight. Oh darn.” She tried to make her voice sound lighter, like this wasn’t a very confusing hole she’d somehow dug herself into. 

“God, I have to dump Finn.” 

They both chuckled at that, breaking the fog of the layered conversation they found themselves stuck in. And with that it was easy to fall back into talking about everything else until neither could keep their eyes open. 

20

The sorority house on Sorority Row was spilling out onto the yard and into the street with people celebrating the start of spring semester. For a moment, Lexa stood on the sidewalk and looked up at the brightly lit building and took a deep breath. She’d spent most of her free time not practicing or with the team here, in Clarke’s room, or doing something with Clarke. 

It was almost an accident that they ended up at the same school, with Lexa accepting the offer late in the year, well after Clarke had been accepted and decided. And it was the best decision of her life because she got to spend so much time with her best friend, and her best friend was at every home game. And for two years, Lexa watched her best friend date her way through a handful of steadies that all bugged her to no-end. And she knew why. She knew exactly why and yet she could never say. That would ruin everything. 

So Lexa stood there for a moment and prepared herself to survive another night of being in love with her best friend and watching her flirt with someone else. 

Lexa had a fairly good reputation all over campus due to her breakout season on the court and a Division Championship under her belt. She was active in a few clubs, volunteer organizations, and mostly, she was Clarke’s friend. 

“Lexa!” Clarke cheered, hugging her tightly as soon as she found her. “I was wondering when I’d get to see you.” 

“I came as soon as I could, darling. I know you miss me too much if I leave you waiting.” 

“I’m a demanding broad, and you know me well, skipper.” 

“You two are disgusting,” Raven observed. 

Lexa just looked down at Clarke who still clung to her, arms wrapped around her middle and grinning back. They were a rather disgusting pair, especially when they did their loving rendition of a polite couple. 

“You are looking rather cute tonight,” Lexa observed. 

“I’ve been known to look cute from time to time. Shouldn’t be too surprising.” 

Lexa just rolled her eyes and waited for Clarke to tug her hand toward the bar. They were practically a packaged deal, and not many believed they’d been friends since they were children because that just didn’t happen anymore, especially across time and space to such stretched degrees. 

But the night went on as it usually did, with music and dancing, though neither were extremely heavy drinkers that often, they retained a mild buzz that lasted into the wee hours of the morning. Rarely where they far away from the other. Often, Lexa would find herself looking across the room and finding her friend. 

But the party waned, and Lexa let herself be invited to stay instead of trying to traverse her way home across campus. There were enough of her old shirts and workout shorts as part of Clarke’s wardrobe that she always had clothes around anyway. 

Lazily, Lexa lounged on the bed as Clarke finished getting ready for bed. She scrolled on her phone for a little bit and yawned, exhausted by the day and drinks. 

When Clarke walked out of the bathroom, Lexa stared more intently at her phone because her friend was in a bath towel, and that was too much to handle anymore. She didn’t look. For a solid ten seconds. But then the towel disappeared, and she saw the curly hairs at the base of Clarke’s neck, her hair pulled up in a sloppy bun as she slid on a shirt. Lexa watched all of it happen and she couldn’t pretend otherwise. 

“That was a good night, darling. We should have the gang over more often,” Clarke decided with a smile as she turned back toward the bed. 

“That was a small showing. I expected better.”

“I’ll russell up a better gang, I swear.” 

With a chuckle, Clarke flipped off the light and got into bed, careful to crawl over Lexa and find her spot against the wall. Lexa felt all of that and she remained stoic, staring at the ceiling and thinking about the queen and such. 

“I can’t believe we’ve been having sleep overs since we were five,” Clarke whispered. 

“You kind of made me be your friend. Mrs. Gates sat me beside you and that was it.” 

“Do you think she knows what she started?” 

“We should let her know.” 

An arm moved around Lexa’s middle. It grabbed her arm and pulled it around her body so that Clarke was the little spoon. Over the past few months, Clarke had been more affectionate, physically. She’d taken the time to touch Lexa and hug her, though Lexa chalked it up to her own wavering brain looking for something that wasn’t there, and resoling herself to being the best friend anyone could ask for. Best friends were the big spoon sometimes. 

Stuck smelling Clarke’s hair, Lexa closed her eyes and let her arms squeeze her friend, eclipsed by her taller frame. She held her breath for as long as she could. 

“I sleep best when you’re in bed. I’m getting spoiled,” Clarke yawned, wiggling slightly as she found a comfortable spot. 

“I’ll have to train your future husband in how to do it.” 

“I don’t think I want anyone else.” 

“You have your pick of the litter. We’ll find you a squire to court you.” 

“Nah,” she sighed, smiling. “I only want you.” 

“I, um,” Lexa gulped and felt Clarke’s thumb on her wrist, rubbing soothingly as she was known to do. “I only want you, too.” 

“Good.” 

25

It’d been a long day. The world’s longest day. The worst, longest, most exhausting day, and all Lexa wanted to do was sleep. Sleep would wash away the entire week that beat her up, and sleep would save her from dinner with her parents. Sleep was a welcomed reward she was hoping to cash in on so she could escape the stress of breathing. 

Cranky and sore, Lexa tossed her keys on the table by the door and chucked her bag on the chair in the living room, kicking off her shoes as she made her way down the hall toward the kitchen. The house was quiet and empty for a Friday night, and she appreciate that for the time being. 

From the fridge, she dug out a bottle of beer and tossed the cap on the counter before shrugging off her jacket between eager swigs. With heavy feet, she padded upstairs and collapsed into the bed with a grunt, hoping a nap would help her escape the headache that’d been brewing since before lunch. Still with her work clothes on, Lexa fell asleep quickly and without any resistance. 

It wasn’t until she felt the bed dip that Lexa smiled into the bed, a familiar weight settled atop her, squishing her slightly with affection. 

“Long day?” Clarke whispered, kissing her fiancé’s shoulder though her shirt. 

“Long week,” Lexa complained and stretched, enjoying the feeling. 

“Want to order pizza and take a bath?” 

“Very much.” 

“I’ll open the wine.” 

Though she tried to move, Lexa flipped, holding Clarke to her, finally kissing her softly, and then eagerly, and then happily. 

“How was your day, darling?” 

“Not nearly as bad as yours.” 

“Good.” 

Clarke sat up slightly and pushed her messy hair away from her face as it fell in front of her eyes as she tried to kiss her best friend and make her smile. 

“I think being in love might be wine and pizza and a bath,” she grinned, running her thumb along Lexa’s cheek and jaw and then neck before kissing her again. 

“Let’s find out.”

[punkpoemprose]

December 6th- Fuck 2020

Universe: Modern AU Rating: M (Mature, a little explicit, this is porn without plot for the most part) Length: 4383 Words A/N: The title says it all. This fic is about Kristoff and Anna having sex on New Years Eve. TW: Mentions of COVID-19, quarantine, and generally the shittyness of this year. This is the last of my decades AUs. Hopefully someday someone will write something more flattering for the 2020′s.

Anna closed her laptop and collapsed back onto the couch. She was exhausted mentally and emotionally, but her body wasn’t tired enough to let her sleep. It had been what she’d been suffering with all year, or at least since March when the world had gone from its usual level of chaos to being utter and total bedlam. She still remembered the day she’d learned that her kids wouldn’t be coming back to the classroom, and the only slightly more terrifying day where she learned that they would, in fact be coming back.

Her head was still awash with words she’d never thought she’d need to say to a room full of five-year-olds. We have to keep our masks on. Remember, six feet apart guys, that’s like two big dogs in a line. No, I’m sorry, I can’t give you a hug. She’d had to separate desks, and clean and not wipe away little tears like she normally would when a child was having a bad day.

The kids, she thought, had held up better than she had. They’d listened as well as they could, they’d followed the rules as much as they were able, and they were kind about the policies in a way that even grown adults were not. But even with all the work they’d done, even with all the kids doing their best, the second wave had hit, and now they wouldn’t be returning to school until after the middle of January, and then when it finally came about, it would be online. There was talk of vaccines in the news, and while it gave her some small spark of hope, all the changes have meant turning her holiday break into lots of online classroom prep.

It still wasn’t the worst though, she’d rather be tired than sick, and she couldn’t help but relax a bit and listen to the shower running in the next room over.

Kristoff had been given the afternoon shift for New Year’s Eve, and as per their new normal, he’d stripped down at the door after returning to their apartment, tossed all his things into the wash, and was currently showering. In the beginning, before they’d known just how bad things were, before PPE was supplied to every EMT in the county, he’d caught it.

Anna had remembered the pain of having to see him so ill, watching him suffer through what was determined to be a “mild” case of the virus while he was sequestered to their bedroom and she spent the week sleeping on the couch and barely seeing him at all except to occasionally bring him something to eat when he’d felt particularly weak. There was something particularly terrifying in watching the strongest person Anna knew, her rock, her one and only, barely able to take care of himself. He’d insisted the whole time, vehemently, that she leave to stay with her sister on the other side of town, be she’d been unable to bring herself to do it. She couldn’t and wouldn’t leave him alone when he was so sick she wasn’t sure if he’d make it through.

But, of course, he had. His voice had been strange and unlike him for weeks after he was cleared, and Anna had spent many nights in a cold sweat thinking about just how close he’d been to being in much worse shape. They’d started their procedure then, come in the door, take off your clothes, wash anything that went into work with you, and then shower. She’d done it too, but to less of an extreme because while she’d been around kids who had potentially been sick, he spent every day with Sven facing the positively ill together and trying their best to keep them well enough to get to the hospital.

The mental strain it was putting on them, Anna having to worry everyday about him getting sick again, or one of her students or even herself catching it was a lot. But Kristoff, kind and wonderful man that he was, kept checking in at the hospital to learn whether the transports he and Sven had brought in had made it. She saw the darkness in his eye, behind his attempts at levity, on the days where they lost someone.

The water shut off, and Anna let herself imagine him behind the door, stepping out of the shower, putting his towel on, walking over to the mirror to shave and comb his wet hair. He’d started keeping it shorter than usual as a precaution, and while he always looked handsome, Anna missed the days where she’d been able to put short braids into his hair and then comb them out with her fingers. She missed the days where he’d come home, flop onto the couch and that would be the end of things until one of them made dinner.

“Hey,” he said, as she heard the bathroom door open and shut, “Are you asleep or?”

She opened her eyes and tipped her head, looking at him from across the room. He was dressed in sweats and a t-shirt, nothing fancy because of course, despite it being New Year’s Eve, they weren’t going out anywhere. She was dressed similarly, but overtop her plain shirt, she’d thrown on her nicest cardigan, creating the illusion for the videos she’d pre-recorded, that she wasn’t on her couch in her pajamas, but instead was dressed in full teacher gear and was to be listen to closely.

“I don’t think I can do an early bedtime tonight,” she said, “Or even a nap. I have to be awake to see this year end.”

He laughed, but it wasn’t so much the sort of laugh he did when he thought she was being funny. It was much more of a chuckle, as if he were going to follow it with an expression of agreement. They both were rather done with the year, just like everyone else they knew. No one wanted to be living through a pandemic.

“Just imagine,” he said, “Maybe next year we’ll actually be able to go on a date or something.”

“Or,” Anna replied sadly, “Actually be able to reschedule our wedding.”

They’d planned a June wedding the year before. It was going to be a small affair. Just his family, Elsa, and some friends from work. They were going to have it at a ski-lodge in the mountains that also doubled as a summertime spa and nature retreat so that it would be like a vacation for everyone who attended. She could still imagine the way that they’d wanted to decorate the place, all sunflowers and mason jars and white ribbons. She had bought a dress and everything, and it was still stored in her sister’s bedroom closet.

They’d pushed it to August, but had given up on it past that, knowing as soon as September hit and she returned to school with in person students, that nothing would be changing anytime soon. Even her hope for the next year was a tentative thing, like a butterfly with a broken wing trying its damnedest to fly.

“Fuck 2020,” she said quietly, noticing the way he frowned at the mention of their cancelled wedding. He’d been looking forward to it as well, and she knew that this year had been just as upsetting for him as it had been for her. She tried not to swear very often, particularly because she was worried about being able to censor herself around the kids, but ultimately, the year deserved a middle finger and some very strong language.

He crossed the space and took her laptop from where it rested on her stomach, placing it carefully on the coffee table before he scooped her too, up and off the couch. He never had much trouble lifting her, but each time he did so unexpectedly, she was half afraid of falling. She flailed for a half a second in his arms, gasping at the change in height as it occurred.

“I’d like that,” he said with a grin, “The wedding. I know it’s just a formality, and that we’ve agreed not to do it at a courthouse or anything, but I’m so ready to call you Mrs. Bjorgman.”

“And have my students confused?” she teased, “Maybe you should be Mr. Arendelle.”

He laughed at that, but the shrugged and started walking in the direction of their bedroom, holding her bridal style as if it were already all over and done with.

“Why are we heading to bed?” she asked, only allowing herself a little hopefulness beyond her confusion. She knew why she’d like to be heading to bed, but maybe, she reasoned, he was just tired and wanted some company for a nap.

“You said, ‘fuck 2020’.”

She could see the cheeky smile on his face as he glanced down at her, still heading toward the bedroom, like a man on a mission.

“It sounded like a good idea to me.”

***

“So,” Anna said from her place below him on their bed, “In this analogy am I 2020 or?”

Kristoff laughed, and she was treated with a kiss on her knuckles as she obediently raised her arms up for him to remove her shirt. His laugh was one of the things that got her through the day, knowing that he could find humor in any situation, that she could make him laugh, was a blessing. It made things feel normal, and it was a joy for them both that they sorely needed.

“No. It’s more like we fuck each other, and we get a little extra enjoyment out of the year ending. Honestly, I didn’t think it through very much, I just wanted you and it seemed like a good excuse.”

That made her laugh, and she nodded appreciatively at the sentiment. She didn’t think that they needed to really contemplate it much as she was just happy with the opportunity to enjoy her fiancé for a little while.

“It’s a good way to pass the time until midnight,” she offered once she was free of her shirt, “I’m sure we’ll manage to keep each other awake.”

Her hands went up his shirt in return, letting her fingers travel over his the soft but muscled planes of his torso until he too removed his shirt, giving her better access to touch him as she leaned up to allow him to undo her bra’s clasps.

“It’s what? Seven?” He asked, tossing her bra in a rapidly growing pile of their clothes, “I can’t promise five hours straight, but I’ll do my best.”

His hands went up her sides, his thumbs rubbing appreciatively at the dips of her waist and across her ribs until they came up to he breasts. He cupped them gently first, and her hands moved to tracing up and down in spine in return as they found a comfortable position where she was somewhat seated in his lap, facing him. He pinched a nipple and she treated him to an appreciative moan and dragged her nails, lightly down his back.

They hadn’t had much time for intimacy as of late. Between what they both experienced at work and the stress of the holidays, even from a socially distanced standpoint, they’d mostly been using their bed for sleeping. It felt good for it to be put to better use.

“Of course, we’ll need to take a break for dinner. Maybe you’ll need a second shower with some company. I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”

The appreciative almost growl he made as he ducked his head down to her neck went straight through her spine and made her want to peel the rest of their clothes off and get down to business immediately. Shared shower or not, she already knew that she’d need to change her panties. If, of course, he was planning on letting her put any on before the next morning.

He squeezed and kneaded her breasts while his lips kissed down her neck and she allowed herself to surrender to his touch. Everything around her was Kristoff, his hands and mouth on her, the smell of his shampoo all she could smell as she tilted her neck to give him better access and shifted a hand up to his still wet hair. Despite him being fresh from the shower and in the cooler air of their bedroom, he was hot to the touch, exactly what she wanted as her hair stood on end from the temperature and his touch.

He moved lower then, his head ducking down to lave attention on her nipples as one arm wrapped around her back to support her leaning away and the other moved down, down, across her lower stomach and to the place where her waistband still sat.

“Off?” she asked, the word all she could form as she gave herself over to the sensation of his mouth sucking and nipping at her.

“Not yet,” he replied, barely moving his mouth from her as he answered and switched sides, leaving her wet nipple to pebble against the cold.

His fingers slid a bit lower still, under the waistband of her pants, but not into her underwear as he dipped her even lower.

His arm was strong at her back, keeping her aloft and exactly where he wanted her, even as she squirmed and bucked her hips against the hand that was moving closer and closer to her clit. She knew exactly what he was doing, but it didn’t keep her from jumping when his fingers grazed her through the fabric. He knew that she was sensitive, that he needed to work her up to his direct touch, let alone anything more. They’d had their fair share of quickies of course, but when he wanted things to last, when he wanted to see her come again and again, he worked her up first.

Anna moaned, and arched in his arms, not so much from the sensation, but from the promise it offered. He really was going to try to make this last all night long.

“What did I do to deserve you?”

“I ask myself the same question.”

She gasped as he slowly stroked his fingers up and down her, no doubt feeling how wet she was through her panties but not commenting on it. Instead, using his mouth to once again kiss down her body, moving from the valley between her breasts lower and lower, tipping her back onto the bed as he went.

Not to be outdone, Anna reached up to him as she was leaned back, letting her hands travel down and over his back, reaching for his rear and giving it a squeeze. He laughed against her skin, and she felt rather satisfied by the sound as he picked up the pace on her clit and kissed her navel. Her hands slipped forward then, moving across the waistline of his sweatpants, and dipping her fingers below them as he had.

It was a bit of an awkward angle, but she did her best to wrap her hand around him. It was a challenge, but it was worthwhile to hear his breathing quicken when she managed to slide her hand up and down over his already hard cock through the fabric of his boxers. She recalled the first time they had done this, what felt like many years before, but was just a little over a year and a half ago. She remembered touching him for the first time and being scared that she wouldn’t be able to take him. The thought would have made her laugh now, if it weren’t for the fact that his attention on her clit was making her gasp instead.

When his lips had kissed as low as possible in their current position, he sat up a bit and slipped his hand from her pants. He offered her a questioning look, as he always did, and Anna stroked him again in response, sliding her hand up and down his length and rotating her wrist a bit as she did so, knowing that it was what he liked.

“Off?”

“Off,” she replied, finalizing the unspoken agreement in words before adding, “You too.”

He nodded and she rubbed her thumb against his head before she too extracted her hand, giving him a small taste of what was to come. She fully intended to take him into her mouth if he would let her. It had been too long since she’d seen him fall apart like that, staring down at her with dark eyes and strong muscles trembling under the weight of his climax.

Maybe, she thought, she might even do it while he was laying down, so she could feel him under her and enjoy the building of tension in his body that always came before the release that left him panting and melting beneath her. She loved that he let her give him pleasure. There was so much he did everyday for her, all the care to not get her ill, the many nights he cooked dinner after a long shift, how he always listened to her stresses before offering up his own, and she liked to return his kindnesses in the bedroom.

He pushed himself up and off of her, pulling his pants down with one hand, using the other in a delightful display of his strength to hold himself aloft. He kicked them off a bit creatively, one leg at a time as if he were doing some kind of strange yoga, but never removing his eyes from her as he watched her buck her hips up and slide her own bottoms off.

He tossed them both somewhere to join their pile, and they were left, staring into each other’s eyes wearing nothing but their underwear.

She shivered a bit, both from the intensity if his gaze and the cool air around her. He noticed, his gaze softening as he lowered himself to her a bit and pressed a kiss to her lips. She responded by tipping her head up a bit, deepening the kiss as her arms raised up to wrap around his back and pull him down onto her.

“I’ll have to see if I can warm you up,” he said, their temperature differences more evident as his chest pressed into hers.

He was making a valiant effort, despite her pulling him down, to not crush her under his weight. There had been occasions where he’d allowed his whole weight to press down onto her, and while she didn’t exactly consider him light by any instance of the word, he wasn’t ever going to crush her quite so much as he made an excellent weighted blanket when he wanted to be.

His tone was lascivious though. There was no doubt in Anna’s mind as his hips rocked gently into hers that his plan for warming her up included more of the touching he’d just been doing moments before. When he kissed her again and let his lips trail, once more down her body, lower and lower, she knew that there would be nothing so simple as a blanket in his plans to warm her.

When he reached the waistband of her panties he didn’t stop, instead mouthing at her through the fabric, causing her to call his name and tangle her fingers into his hair. She felt his breath on her, hot, the inhalations and exhalations adding to the sensation as his lips nipped carefully at her clit. He slid down after a few moments, pressing kisses to her labia and center through the fabric, nudging her bud with his nose.

He could be devious with his mouth, a fact that she took immense pleasure in. He could kiss her mouth and pussy with equal skill, and she knew it came from a combination of natural talent, and plenty of practice with her and only her. His mouth could bring her to heights she’d never been able to reach alone, and the anticipation of him doing so had her trembling.

“Do you want me to?” he asked, glancing up at her from between her legs, seeking permission as he always did.

“Yes. Always.”

It was all he needed, flashing her a smile as he hooked his thumb under her waistband and pulled.

She lifted her hips obediently and was rewarded with an appreciative squeeze on her rear as he tugged the fabric off her. When it got to her knees, he leaned back and she set her bottom back onto her bed, watching him whip the fabric off her legs and onto the floor.

She would not be looking for them, she decided ultimately, until laundry day.

He spread her legs a bit more and rearranged them both on the bed until she had two pillows under her rear, elevating her, and he was half kneeling before her.

Once the matter of fabric and positioning was settled, he set upon her like a man starved. Evidently the foreplay had been enough for him, and she already felt it was enough for her, when he kissed her clit again, and then set to running his tongue over her. He went from the bottom of her slit, tasting her and groaning in appreciation, up to her clit, his tongue teasing at her before flattening against her, moving down, and repeating the process.

Her hands, desperate to show him the same appreciation he was showering her with, reached out as far as they could to rub just her fingertips, less artfully, but no less effectively, against the bulge straining against his boxers. His groans only added to the sensation as he tasted her, the rumbling of it tangible as he licked and took her into his mouth. The sound mingled in the air with her own moans, and soon, she stopped being able to tell who was making which sounds.

His tongue darted between her folds and she rocked her hips into his mouth. He rocked just far enough back that she could no longer touch him, and as such, her hands held onto him in other ways, one hand wandering across his shoulders while the other tugged at his hair.

He added his fingers to the business after a short while, taking only a moment away from her to watch her face as he slipped his fingers along her entrance, coating them in her before he, with trained dexterity, slid them inside her and began the search for the place on her inner walls he knew set her closest to the edge.

He got a satisfied look on his face when her moans grew louder, when she pleaded with him and thanked him for the new sensation, and it was a grin that she saw last before his face descended, again, to mouth at her clit with new fervor.

It was only a matter of time before she fell back against the bed, pillows falling from under her rear as she went stiff, then limp, under the force of her orgasm.

She tasted herself on his lips when he kissed her.

***

“Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!”

Anna had been somewhat surprised that they made it to midnight, both of them thoroughly spent with the amount of time and energy they’d put into their private celebration. She wasn’t counting down with the people on the television though, she couldn’t even see them as she knelt before the couch, feeling Kristoff’s tensed legs at either side of her. She couldn’t count anyway, she had her mouth full.

She’d wanted to manage to get him to come right at midnight, thinking about how funny and gratifying it would be to ensure that her fiancé, the man she loved most in the world, started the new year out right. She supposed though, as she bobbed her head up and down, her tongue running up and down his length as she breathed through her nose, that he wouldn’t mind if it was just a minute or so late.

“Anna,” he groaned, his hand on the back of her head, not pushing but encouraging her to maintain her speed, “Baby I think I’m going to…”

She hummed, keeping up her speed, flattening her tongue against him and doing her damnedest to give him the same pleasure he’d given her earlier in the day. They’d done plenty in the hours between, but this was the first time for the day, and now for the new year that she’d pleasured him with her mouth.

She hoped that the sounds she was making were encouraging as his hips rocked almost imperceptibly, his hand that rested on her shoulder tightening as the one in her hair pressed a little more than it had been.

When he came for her, she could feel the shuddering of his muscles, particularly his thighs which she was using for support, even under the fabric of his clothes. They’d only recently finally donned clothes again for the first time since dinner, and she had decidedly not let it stop her, particularly when it was easy enough to shift the fabric down enough to suit her needs.

“Anna,” he repeated, panting as she too came up for air, swallowing him.

She could feel herself flush, and saw the blush mirrored on his cheeks. He was frazzled, and when she leaned up, using his thighs for support, to get a better look at his expression, she was surprised by his dipping down to kiss her lips.

“Happy New Year Anna,” he whispered, hands already moving on her, pulling her closer as he showed her his appreciation.

She couldn’t help but laugh, accepting her New Year’s kiss as he sat before her with his pants still askew. If it was an omen for the year, she was glad for it. She’d rather the year be an amusing one than the way the previous one had been.

“Happy 2021 Kristoff,” she replied, kissing him again and letting herself enjoy the sensation of his touch before reaching down to tug on his waistband, helping him readjust before turning to shut the television off and drag him off to bed.

They’d had a long, but very enjoyable day. The perfect way, she thought, to usher in the New Year.  

#kristannaadvent2020 #kristanna #frozen fanfiction #this is just smut guys idk what to tell you #it's been a year

[honeybeeespeaks]

Room 205

gif by @pedropcl

Part Three

Word Count: 4842

Warnings: Smut (18+), alcohol consumption, adult content, lil age gap

Summary: Nell and Javier begin to spend more time together. Their friends put pressure on them.

P.S. Sorry if the formatting is weird, I usually post from mobile!<3

—————————————————— 

It had been four days since Javier’s impromptu visit to Nell’s room. Since then, it was hard to keep his mind off of her. The vision she was as she stripped down in front of the pool, the moments they shared just staring back at each other, looking away before it was too long. She didn’t expect anything of him. He hadn’t felt like that....his whole life, if he thought about it. The words she used when she talked about life were ones he’d never think to use to describe his or any life for that matter. It was like she’d been on Earth before there was life, like she was there when it started. She appreciated it in a way he didn’t recognize, in a way he couldn’t. She fascinated him completely, like no one had before.

So he found himself here. Standing at the door to the back of her classroom, lunch bag in one hand while the other was closed in a tight fist, nails digging into his palm nervously. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped in as quietly as he could. His gaze found her standing at the front of the room with a circle of at least eighteen 5 and 6 year olds sitting around her, listening intently. She wore a pale pink short sleeve sundress and teal flats. He took a seat in the back corner, a smile growing on his lips as he watched her.

“Doesn’t that sound fun you guys? You’ll each get a seed to plant in one of these little pots and they’ll live on the windowsill. During the weeks, we’ll water them and we’ll be able to watch our plants grow.” Nell’s eyes caught Javier in the corner and she tried stifling a smile when he waved lazily. Truth be told, she hadn’t stopped thinking about him since that night either. He surprised her right out the gate. He didn’t judge her, even though their lifestyles were vastly different. She thought he had kind eyes and a warm smile, something rare for someone who had seen what he saw and she appreciated that. There was something special about Javier. It felt silly saying he gave her butterflies as soon as she saw him in the classroom but she didn’t know how else to describe the feeling. She let her smile break and shook her head, giving him a small wave before turning her attention back to her kids. “Okay kiddos, the bell is going to ring for lunch any minute so why don’t we get all our things together so we can be the first ones in the lunchroom huh? We can start our project after recess.” The kids all stood up with a cheer and ran over to their cubbies to gather their things for lunch and recess. She had them line up and another teacher appeared in the doorway to escort the kids to the lunchroom when the bell rang. Once all the kids were out of the class, Nell shut the door and turned her gaze to Javier. He stood, making his way over to meet her in the middle of the room.

“Well, you certainly clean up nice, Agent Peña.” she teased, a small smirk danced on her lips as her eyes followed up his body until she met his face. He huffed out a short laugh, setting his hand on his hip. His head fell for a moment before looking back up to meet her eyes.

“I could say the same to you, Miss James.” Nell curtsied and fluttered her eyelashes, an over exaggerated smile playing on her mouth.

“Oh why thank you.” She giggled a little bit as she stood up straight, running her hand through her hair. “What are you doin’ here? Finally come to arrest me?” she raised her eyebrows at him as she moved to begin cleaning up leftover craft work from an earlier lesson. He shook his head, chuckling softly as he watched her move. She moved like water. Flowing gracefully through the tiny tables and chairs.

“Maybe later.” he teased. “What are you doing for lunch?” An eyebrow raised as his hand dropped from his hip and he shifted his weight to his other foot. Nell stood up straight after filing away a few papers in her folder. She hummed for a moment, tapping her chin a few times as she tried not to burst into a smile.

“Nothing...why?” she eyed him curiously. A smirk grew slowly on Javier’s mouth and he bit down on his lip for a moment. He wet his lips and stepped closer to where she stood at her desk.

“Can I show you something?”

----

Javier led her down a path that was next to the elementary school, a canopy of green enveloping them as they made their way. After about five minutes, it opened to a small pond surrounded by a few benches. The way the sun hit the water made it look like there were flames coming up from its depths. There were wildflowers surrounding the banks of the pond, blowing softly in the breeze as it passed. It was breathtaking. Nell let out a long exhale as she looked around, shaking her head a bit before looking up at him. 

“I never knew this place was here....it’s beautiful.” he watched her eyes return to their surroundings and a soft smile formed on his lips.

“Not a lot of people do.” he held his hand out for her and nodded toward one of the benches. “Come on.”

----

“Woodstock?” He laughed a little bit after he’d finished the last of his food. “Your middle name is Woodstock?” he turned to face her where they sat. The sun shimmered against the water in front of them. She nodded a couple times, swallowing her bite of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich she’d brought with her.

“Yeah, what about it?” She giggled a little and shrugged. “My parents thought it fitting, considering I was born there.” Javier looked at her in surprise.

“You were born at Woodstock? Huh..” he nodded once and huffed out a small laugh. “God, I’m getting old.” She smiled at him and shrugged nonchalantly. It never even crossed her mind that he was so much older. He was far more interesting to talk to than anyone around her age anyways. She looked out at the water with a fond smile forming on her lips.

“I was born at 2:24 in the morning. The moon was barely a sliver in the sky, mom used to tell me..” he watched her intently as she trailed off, then leaning forward to rest his forearms on his thighs, intertwining his fingers between his knees and following her gaze to the water.

“So you’ve really been traveling your whole life..” he started. “...have you ever had a home anywhere?” Her eyes were almost sympathetic as she moved her gaze to his back. Taking a small breath, she shook her head slowly.

“Home isn’t always a place, Javier.” she replied simply. He turned his head to meet her gaze and nodded after a moment, his lips melting into a tiny smile as he considered her words. 

A familiar silence fell between them, insects buzzing and bird songs replacing their words. Nell glanced at her watch after a few minutes. “Damn, I gotta get back.” She flashed him an apologetic smile before beginning to pack up her things. 

“Hold on a second.” He interrupted and reached over. “You’ve just got a little something.” Her breath hitched in her throat as he used his thumb to wipe leftover grape jelly from the side of her mouth. She bit her lip a tiny bit as she watched him bring his thumb up to his mouth, cleaning off the remnants. She gulped and let out a shaky breath.

“Thank you..” she flushed a little and shook her head with a nervous giggle. “Let’s go.” He smirked softly before he followed her actions and packed up his leftovers, dropping his water bottle in his bag before standing with her. 

They took their time as they made their path back to the elementary school, stopping when they came to the double doors. Nell turned to face him and smiled softly.

“Thank you for this.” He shrugged a bit with a short laugh. 

“Least I could do after keeping you up until almost 7 in the morning.” Nell laughed a little bit as she glanced to the concrete beneath them before lifting her head back up to meet his gaze.

“Oh that was nothing.” she waved it off with a small smile. They stood for a few moments just looking at each other before Nell swallowed and nodded her head back toward the double doors. “I’d better go.” Javier nodded a few times, flashing her a soft smile before he started to step backwards toward the parking lot.

“Right of course, I should get headed too.” he stopped for a moment. “Hey, um...do you wanna do this again next week?” She bit her lip as a smile began to form on her lips, nodding a few times slowly.

“Yeah, I’d like that..”

——————————————————

Their lunches by the pond soon became a weekly affair. Every Thursday, Javier would show up at the back of Nell’s classroom right before the bell rang. They would eat and complain about work together while they watched ducks pass on the water. He still showed up at her motel room every few days when he couldn’t sleep. Truthfully, Javier had been doing better and didn’t always actually need to go to Nell’s, but he wanted to be around her. They would take a long walk when the world was sleeping or stay in and drink beer in her room. He still wasn’t much of a talker but he told Nell more Greek stories that he got from his mother and inquired about her adventurous childhood. Nell happily indulged, telling fantastical tales her mother shared with her as she grew up and talking all about the different places she’d been. He was happy not talking so long as he could listen to her voice fill the empty spaces. She would smile a little wider every time Javier did talk about something in his past he normally wouldn’t. He’d slip and tell a grand story of stupid shit he’d done as a kid or stories of first going into the academy. Nothing more than that, but it was enough to let Nell know that he could open up and certainly would, given more time. He was comfortable with her and she wasn’t sure that he’d been that way with anyone in a long time. And no matter what, whether Javier brought them in a styrofoam box or they ate at the diner, the nights would always end with blueberry pancakes.

On the Friday of the fourth week, both Nell and Javier were talked into going out to a bar with Drew and Rose. The group was finishing up their third round of drinks when Drew offered to get the next one. The girls thanked him as he and Javier made their way over to the bar. The two men made themselves comfortable as they waited to get the bartender’s attention. Drew let out a sigh and turned to Javier.

“What do you think, Javi, ever gonna settle down? Not getting any younger.” he nudged him with a small laugh. Javier rolled his eyes and scoffed a bit. 

“Yeah...” he trailed off as his eyes moved back to the table the girls sat around and landed on Nell. He watched as she moved her hair off her shoulder, how her eyes crinkled when she giggled. She was rapturous. Free within herself. Javier hadn’t let himself experience that in a long time, if ever. The closest he got was when they were together. Drew was right, he wasn’t getting any younger. It wasn’t like he didn’t want the life Drew had. The wife, kids, the big house complete with the white fence and a dog. He could see a life like that, sure. What the hell was he so afraid of? His eyes caught Nell’s and it made his breath hitch in his throat. They stayed like that for a few moments before Javier cleared his throat and averted his gaze, downing the remaining contents of his glass.

Nell jumped when Rose tapped her shoulder a couple times. She breathed a small laugh and shook her head, turning back to her.

“Sorry, I got--”

“Distracted?” Rose interrupted, teasing her. She laughed and shook her head a little. “Yeah, Nell, that’s been happening all night. You two can’t keep your eyes off of each other.” Nell rolled her eyes playfully before they landed on Rosie again. 

“Oh, come on. It hasn’t been that bad.” Rose raised her eyebrows with wide eyes and shot her a smirk.

“No no not bad at all, the footsie you’ve been playing under the table all night too means absolutely nothing.” Nell’s jaw dropped a little at her and her cheeks flushed slightly. She crossed her arms and looked away.

“I..have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Nell, you kicked my foot like three times by accident.” Rosie smirked a little, stifling a laugh as Nell turned back around to face her. They burst into giggles and Nell shook her head after a moment, groaning softly as her head fell into her hands. She lifted it to look at Rose once more. 

“It is that bad.” Rosie giggled and nodded a couple of times, glancing over at the pair at the bar.

“If you need me and Drew to leave, just say the word.” Nell scoffed out a laugh and swatted at her, rolling her eyes again.

“Oh my god, stop right now.” she giggled and let her eyes trail back to where Javier and Drew stood at the bar.

After the men had ordered the drinks for the table, Drew turned to Javier.

“So...Nell. You haven’t fucked her yet?” Javier’s eyes fell to the sticky bar in front of him, huffing out a short laugh before shifting his jaw a little.

“I’m uh...I’m working on it.” he placed his empty glass down carefully before crossing his arms and turning his head back to look at Drew.

“I mean, you’ve known this girl...what? A month?” Drew breathed out a chuckle. “Not like you to wait so long Javi. She’s gotta be something special.” Javi shook his head once, trying to stifle a grin that was beginning to form on his lips.

“I don’t know man, she’s different..” he trailed off a little as the bartender set their drinks down in front of them. Javier grabbed his and Nell’s and looked at Drew again. “I don’t have to..put on a face and be ‘the DEA guy’ or anything with her.” he shrugged, glancing down at the floor as he turned a bit and found her eyes among the crowded bar once more. She met his gaze and gave him a soft smile. He watched as Rosie leaned over and whispered in her ear. Nell’s mouth fell open and her eyes were torn from his as she turned to Rose and playfully hit her arm. He shook his head and chuckled under his breath.“She’s different.”

——————————————————

It was hot today. Almost unbearably hot. The kind of hot Nell hadn’t experienced in a while. It was about a week after the night out at the bar and she found herself on Javier’s father’s ranch. She was recruited to help repair a line of fencing while Javier’s dad was away in San Antonio for a few days. If she had known the task at hand, her golden yellow sundress littered in tiny white flowers would not have been her first choice of wardrobe for the day. Though she was thankful for the lack of material on her legs. Her hair was tied up in a ribbon that matched her dress and she was covered in a thin layer of sweat. To say she actually helped fix the fence would be a stretch, considering not even halfway through she started to wander around, picking wildflowers that grew on the property. Javier couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. She was something akin to a Greek goddess, enveloped in golden light. The way the material hugged her body, the thin spaghetti straps trailing to the middle of her back. Her hair tied up in a ribbon that kept it off of her neck. Her neck, fuck, her neck. He wanted his hand wrapped around it while he fucked her in that tight little dress. 

At some point, Javier had abandoned his gray t-shirt, slinging it over his shoulder as he worked. Nell caught herself staring more than a few times as he lifted a few of the heavy boards, sweat glistening along his arms, chest and back. One moment, her mouth fell open just slightly as he walked back to where the fence stood and put down a board. Javier smirked a little as he noticed her watching him. He cleared his throat loudly enough to get her attention and her mouth snapped shut, cheeks flushing bright red as she turned away from him. His head fell with a breathy chuckle escaping his throat. His gaze moved back to her and watched her for a moment as she counted the flowers she held in her hands. He bit his lip as she bent over just slightly to pick another long stemmed flower from the ground. The way the dress fell over her ass almost made him want to take her then and there. He would have if there wasn’t a danger of any relatives stopping for a surprise visit.

Clouds began rolling in and the air got heavier as the day progressed. Nell set her flowers in a pile on the ground, looking up at the sky as the clouds merged and covered the blue sky in dark gray and white. She smiled as the familiar scent of a storm coming filled her nose and turned to look at Javier. He took his t-shirt and wiped the sweat off his forehead, his gaze finding hers as a warm smile graced his mouth. A droplet of rain bounced off her shoulder and her head turned toward the darkened sky once more as the droplets became heavier and more constant. She let her head fall back, taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowly, a smile adorning her lips as it began to pour around her. Her head snapped up when she heard Javier calling her name. She watched as he frantically covered the unused materials in a tarp, his near panic conjuring a giggle from her throat. He jogged over to where she stood and shook out his hair, already becoming soaked from the rain. He nodded back toward the direction of the main house.

“Let’s go inside.” he offered his hand to her and she shook her head, rolling her eyes playfully. She hummed softly and turned away from him, reaching up to undo the ribbon in her hair then running her fingers through as the rain wet her brunette waves. She stretched her arms out and spun around once, laughing a little at the look Javier gave her.

“Dance with me.” She flashed him a smile that hit him right in the chest. God she was so beautiful. What he wouldn’t give just to touch her. He shook his head with a laugh as he watched her spin around again.

“Dance with you? It’s pouring!” His response elicited a scoffed laugh and an exaggerated eye roll from Nell.

“Oh it’s just water!” She giggled, waving her ribbon around a few times before dropping it to the ground. “Come and dance with me, Javier.” Her tone suggested it was no longer an option for him and he gave in with a breathy laugh, taking the hand she offered him, tossing his t-shirt to the ground. He pulled her to him and she laid her free hand on his shoulder while his moved to rest on her hip. The two of them erupted into tiny giggles as they swayed together, Javier spinning her around before she came to stop against him. She flushed slightly as she looked up at him, averting her gaze to the ground quickly. She bit her lip as a small smile came to her mouth, leaning down to pick up her discarded ribbon. Javier’s brows furrowed as he watched her come back up and grab his arm. He kept his gaze on her with a warm smile as she began tying the ribbon around his wrist. Her head slowly moved to look up at him after she dropped his arm gently. Her hands came to rest just barely on his naked chest as Javier snaked his arms around her. He pulled her flush against him, his hands pressing to the small of her back. 

The rain was heavier now, soaking them where they stood. Nell let out a slow shuttered breath, her eyes flickering from his lips to his eyes and back. She sucked in a tight breath as he took one of his hands from her back and tilted her chin up with his forefinger. Her lips parted slightly as he moved his hand to cradle her face, sweeping his thumb along her bottom lip just barely. He leaned down gently, lips just barely brushing against hers when lightning flashed, illuminating the sky with a harsh crack of thunder that followed, causing them both to jump back from each other. Their heavy breaths turned into small giggles as Javier took her hand in his, both flinching again as another crash of thunder bellowed from the clouds. They looked at each other with wide eyes and started to run through the field to the nearest shelter. A particularly harsh boom made Nell shriek right as they passed through the doors to the tool shed. Javier closed the door, moving a block of wood in place to stop the wind from blowing it open. He huffed out a breath as he turned and rested his back against the door. His eyes found Nell on the opposite side of the shed, leaning against the workbench and trying to catch her breath. His eyes landed on her dampened chest, rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Her eyes caught his after a moment and they stood with their eyes locked for what seemed like ages. Their shallow breaths the only sound inside the tiny space. 

Javier couldn’t take it anymore. He thought he might explode if he had to endure one more second without his hands on her. In one swift motion, he was on the other side of the shed, wrapping an arm around her as his mouth crashed against hers. The other hand snaked into her wet hair, cradling the back of her head as he pushed her against the workbench. A whimper left Nell’s throat as her hands threaded into his hair, pulling him as close as she could get him. He took her bottom lip between his teeth as he pulled away gently, earning a soft sound from her. His hands slipped beneath her thighs, lifting her up onto the table and settling himself between her legs. His head dipped to her neck, his lips exploring the tiny valley of tanned skin. She tasted like sunscreen and sweat. There was something sweet in there too, he just couldn’t place it. Nell’s eyes fluttered closed, letting out a soft breathy moan. He slid a hand up her calf, beneath her dress to her thigh and squeezed, pulling her against him. She squeaked out a gasp and moved her hands to grip his shoulders tightly as the bulge straining his jeans brushed against her thinly covered center. She watched him continue his trail down her neck, nearly ripping the straps of her dress as he tugged the top of her dress down. His eyes shot up to hers in surprise at the sight of the little silver piercings. She took in a deep breath and bit her lip, giving him a little smirk. He groaned a little and pushed himself against her center again as he sprinkled kisses and tiny love bites across her chest. Nell sucked in a breath at the contact, running her fingers through his hair and tugging at the nape of his neck. He let out a low growl as his hands moved quickly to undo his jeans, shuffling them down to the middle of his thighs. She moved to slip off her underwear but Javier grabbed her wrists to stop her.

“Keep them on.” he commanded, making Nell’s breath hitch in her throat. Her cheeks flushed  when their eyes met and she nodded a little bit, swallowing hard.

“Okay..” she breathed as he guided her arms to wrap around his neck. His lips were back on hers almost before she finished the word, pulling her against him with one arm while the other moved between them, slipping beneath her underwear. She gasped against his mouth, squeaking out tiny moans as his fingers circled her clit. She could feel herself dripping onto his fingers, making her buck her hips against his hand and pulled away from the kiss, crying out as two fingers slipped inside her. He grinned as her head fell to his shoulder, moaning as teeth sunk in, making his cock twitch suddenly. Fuck, he needed to be inside her. Now. He pulled his hand away, Nell whimpering at the loss of contact. He threaded it into her hair and pulled her up to face him, kissing her deeply as his other hand moved under her dress, pushing her underwear to the side. He pulled away, trailing love bites and short kisses along her jaw as he lined himself up with her entrance.

“Look down, hermosa.” He whispered against her cheek as her fingers slipped back into his hair. Her head fell back with a whimper as he trailed kisses down her neck, scattering them across her chest. “Look. Watch me as I take you.” A small gasp escaped her throat as her head rolled to fall forward, her jaw dropping slightly as Javier hiked her dress up a little more.��

“Oh my god..” Her arms wrapped around his neck as a calloused hand came up to wrap around her throat, keeping her gaze down. The sensation of her ribbon on his wrist tickling her collarbones gave her goosebumps. His fingers gripped the supple flesh of her thigh as he pushed himself into her suddenly. The choked sob that fluttered from her lips was muffled as Javier’s mouth roughly met hers with a low growl. She whined against him as he began thrusting into her, his grip around her neck tightening ever so slightly as he sucked on her bottom lip. He pulled away to lay hot open mouthed kisses down her chest as his arm wrapped around her hips. He pulled himself out of her nearly all the way before snapping his hips against hers, filling her completely. She cried out as thunder crashed harshly, making the shed shake a little. Javier’s pace quickened, sliding his hand up her throat to cradle her face as he kissed her fervidly. He tightened his grip around her waist to her hips in place, feeling her walls squeeze around his cock. She started shaking gently as her orgasm ran through every inch of her body, her nails digging into his shoulder blades. She pulled away with a gasp, her head falling back against the wall as she squeezed her eyes shut. Quick little repeated whimpers fell from her lips as she finally came around him. He ducked his head to the curve of her neck, moaning against her skin as he emptied himself inside her. She collapsed against the wall trying to catch her breath, a new layer of sweat laid on her skin. Her fingers raked through his hair slowly as her body continued to shake. She hummed, a small smile forming on her lips as she felt Javier peppering small kisses up her neck. He nuzzled his nose against her earlobe, biting at her jaw and chin a little before placing a gentle kiss against her lips. He breathed out a grunt as he pulled himself out of her, wrapping both arms around her to pull her as close to him as he could get her. Nell laid her head against his chest as her arms wrapped around him, her shaking body slowing down as their breathing went back to normal. 

“Hmm...it’s about time.” she mumbled against his chest, smiling when she felt the soft chuckle he let out. He nodded a few times and kissed the top of her head as he ran his fingers through her now drying hair. 

“Agreed.”

——————————————————

Taglist: @stevieharrrr, @tarrevizslas, @coredrive​, @pascalplease​, @keeper0fthestars​, @irishleesh93, @mrsparknuts​, @emwriterblr​, @voteforpedropascal​, @valhallavalkyrie9​

#she's here!! #surprise y'all lmao #room 205 #javier peña fanfic #javier peña fanfiction #javier peña x oc #javier peña #narcos #fanfic #fanfiction #part three #chapter three

[mostlycompetentwriter]

It’s All About The Game (Part 3)

Pairing: OC X Seo Changbin (Stray Kids)

Genre: High School AU, Enemies to Lovers, Sports Fiction

Warnings: Smut and Language

Word Count: 12K

Summary: Changbin is back from his family’s villa and Kayda is surprised that the handsome boy is still interested in pursuing her. Kayda, encouraged by her new friends, is willing to try this whole dating thing. Unfortunately, nobody ever told her that turning down Seo Changbin for prom would turn into such a cataclysmic event.

August 

Life without Jisung is a summer’s day missing sunshine, clouds obscuring the crystal-blue sky with ugly gray layers threatening to fall at any moment. It was a lack of fresh air after being stuck inside a room watching the walls as they slowly caved in around you. A unique kind of pain that I felt deep in my soul because there is nothing to stop it from hurting.

A new academic year was right around the corner and I had not spoken to Jisung since last semester. He never responded to my sudden message back in June, leaving me to anxiously worry about him while I prayed to receive any form of communication to alleviate my concerns. At this point, I was willing to accept anything from him even if it was just one word sent directly to my inbox.

But those places where Jisung had left a noticeable absence in my heart were sternly occupied by Changbin, even if our summer together meant video calls and late-night text messages. Our relationship was still tentative, somewhere bordering between an intimacy shared between two people who considered themselves as more than just friends. A kind of relationship that I had never experienced before, but Changbin was surprisingly willing to give me space when I would ask, demonstrating himself to be a reliable confidant. Despite our rocky start together, I was now certain of my feelings for him. And without Changbin present over the summer, I was desperate for him to come home.

Of course, I don’t want to insinuate that Changbin’s friends weren't an acceptable company, inviting me to join them for dinners or to attend a movie together. But it wasn’t the same as being with Jisung and Changbin even as I tried to remain enthusiastic when Felix would randomly invite me out to play basketball. I’ve always been bad at hiding my feelings and I knew the others could pick up on my melancholic mood. 

Thankfully, Changbin had finally sent me a well-appreciated message promising that he was planning to return the Sunday before school would start.

From Changbin:

I’ll come by and see you, Reynolds.

I schooled my enthusiasm, patiently waiting on the porch steps until Changbin’s car finally came into view, rolling to a stop along the sidewalk. Resisting the urge to run down the driveway, I concentrated on keeping a neutral expression, allowing a genuine smile when Changbin finally stepped out of the driver’s side door. “Reynolds,” he said, voice achingly familiar as I eliminated the distance between us, falling into his open arms. His heart was beating just as fast as mine, synchronized to the rapid rise and fall of our chests pressed together. “I missed you,” he said, pulling back to attach his lips to mine, kissing me with an urgency I had never experienced with him before.

I was caught off-guard, but Changbin’s grip remained persistent around my waist, swallowing my protests as I gasped into his mouth. But Changbin always had a way of easing me into these new and imposing situations, leading me by the hand while he demonstrated with an eagerness that was practically infectious and impossible not to share. “Changbin,” I finally managed, breaking our kiss because I was starting to grow light-headed. “You should warn a girl next time.”

“Couldn’t help it,” he said, warm against the side of my neck. “You definitely should have come with me, Reynolds.”

I grinned, unable to resist his charms. “Maybe next time.”

“Do you mean it?” he asked, eyes wide as he pulled back enough to meet finally look at me.

“Depends on how well you behave,” I teased him because this was the special dynamic I shared with Changbin and his returning smile told me that I wasn’t the only one who was aware.

“Honestly, Reynolds, it’s not a big deal,” Changbin said, maintaining a firm grip on my hand as he pulled me down the hallway.

It was easy enough for him to say since he was used to the attention. “Everyone’s looking,” I whispered, blushing under the watchful stares of my classmates.

“Let them,” Changbin insisted, pausing next to his locker. “They’ll get used to it.”

“But I won’t,” I complained, silently encouraging Changbin to exchange textbooks faster. “What if they ask questions?”

Changbin snorted. “Really? Why does this bother you so much, Reynolds?”

“It doesn't,” I insisted, straightening my stance. “I’m just not used to everyone paying attention to me.”

“Well, they’re all a bunch of gossips,” he said, whispering directly into my ear as if unaware of the effect it would have on me. “Let them talk.”

Changbin resumed his hold on my wrist and the two of us walked to first period together, finding a pair of desks at the back of the room. I quietly pulled out my used textbook, dusting off the cover. Meanwhile, I had yet to notice the way Changbin was currently looking at me. “What?”

He tapped his pencil against the side of my book. “Where did you get that, Reynolds? It looks used already.”

“That’s because it is,” I said. “I bought it online from an older student.”

“You shouldn’t use that,” Changbin declared, snatching the book from me with precision, elbowing his new edition in my direction. “Use mine for today. I’ll just buy another one.”

“Changbin,” I started, hesitantly considering the book. “I don’t want you to pay for something so expensive.”

“It’s not that much, Reynolds,” he insisted, but I could definitely offer protest because I saw the price for a new edition on Amazon. “Besides, you’re the brainiac anyway. You deserve this.”

My cheeks heated at his words. “But it’s really nice.”

“Of course it is,” Changbin said, flipping open the cover before pulling off the lid to his pen. “And now it’s yours.”

I watched as he scribbled my name across the front page. It almost physically hurt me to watch him devalue the textbook in one fatal swipe. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” Changbin insisted, expression warm as the instructor walked into our classroom.

I relaxed as the familiarities of the instructional setting eased me into a new lecture, complete with an impressive PowerPoint. I took notes diligently, ignoring the way Changbin would study me instead of the screen, chin propped in his upturned palm. I shook my head of the distraction because I had a shining 4.0 GPA to protect, a one-way ticket into the best colleges.

At the sound of the bell, I let out a deep breath while tucking my notes and Changbin’s expensive textbook into my bag. “I’ll see you at lunch, Reynolds,” Changbin said outside the classroom, holding me close for a moment longer than necessary. I waited until he was out of sight before hurrying in the opposite direction.

The front office was busy and I was growing impatient because I only had a ten-minute break before my next class. Still, my curiosity far outweighed the idea of receiving a late notice from my teacher. I was desperate for any information about Jisung, kindly asking the office secretary if she could tell me if Jisung was still enrolled. She offered me a bored nod, searching through the files on her computer while thoroughly testing my patience.

“Jisung is taking the semester off,” the lady informed me. “He’ll be back next term.”

“Really?” I questioned immediately. “Do you know what happened?”

“I can’t give out that information,” the lady said dismissively and I knew when I was pushing my luck.

September

Changbin and I settled into an easy routine. Since basketball had yet to start, the two of us often spent time at his house for hours after school. It was usually with great persuasion that I was able to leave at night because Changbin was growing more and more determined that I should just live with him. But I enjoyed spending time with Changbin even if it meant doing homework while he would (not so subtly) watch me from over the top of his textbook. In any case, I liked what we had together and Changbin was surprisingly nice to be around once he dropped the arrogant facade he insisted on maintaining for our classmates.

“What do you want to do, Reynolds?” Changbin asked me the moment we stepped inside his bedroom.

“I don’t know,” I said. “I have an essay due tomorrow.”

“Ah, that’s right,” Changbin acknowledged, lying across his bed with a sensual stretch. 

“Can I borrow your computer?” I asked him shyly because I hated asking Changbin for something like that, but the library was crowded during this time of day.

“Of course,” he nodded, eyes closed as if considering the possibility of falling asleep while I was working.

I switched on his monitor, waiting patiently for the screen to load. Changbin had a really nice computer, equipped with a hard drive that could load dozens of applications with ease. It was fun to multitask when I had the ability right at the touch of my fingertips against the raised keyboard. 

I relaxed in his office chair, thinking about the best way to open my assignment, when an obscene moan resounded through the speakers. I was immediately at attention, watching in horror as a scandalous video started to play right in front of my eyes. Almost immediately, Changbin was behind me, muttering a curse as he closed the browser with a resounding click! 

We were both silent as I continued to look straight ahead, unable to forget the images I had seen. “Sorry, Reynolds,” Changbin finally apologized, leaning against the side of his desk with obvious shame written across his face.

“It’s okay,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ve just never seen....that.”

“You’ve never watched porn before?” Changbin asked, appearing entirely surprised by such an innocent revelation.

“No,” I said, gaze dropping from his. 

“It’s not so bad,” Changbin said and I realized it sounded less defensive and more like someone trying to convince me.

“I mean,” I started, looking for the right thing to say. “I get that a lot of people watch it.”

“Yeah,” Changbin. “You know how we were talking about trying new things, Reynolds?”

I swallowed hard. “I remember.” It was a frequent topic of our summertime conversations.

“Maybe we could watch it together sometime,” he said, sounding more nervous than I was used to hearing from him.

“Really?” 

“Only if you want to,” Changbin said. “Just as a next step or whatever.”

Honestly, the idea of watching porn was so incredibly taboo to me that I was surprised I could still form coherent sentences. “Okay.”

Changbin considered me for a moment, eyes searching my own. “Okay.”

October

Basketball workouts had started early this year because my coach was more determined than ever to push our team to the state championships. Apparently, she had a lot of confidence in the new players she had recruited. But whatever the case may be, I was suddenly spending a lot of time in the gym after school, body sore as I forced myself to run an extra mile before it was time to adjourn for the day. 

On one such occasion, I was preparing my bag when I noticed that Changbin had entered the gym from the side doors, ignoring the envious stares from my teammates. I could see the perfect shine to his fancy docker-brand shoes in my peripheral vision. “Reynolds,” he said, drawing my attention.

“You stayed late?”

He nodded in response. “My parents are going out of town this weekend.”

“Oh?” I questioned absent-mindedly, zipping my bag closed.

Changbin cleared his throat. “I thought you could come over Friday night to uh-” he broke off as if unable to finish his sentence. I looked up at him, a silent invitation that he should continue. “Maybe try what we talked about before.”

I immediately caught-on to his implication, suddenly feeling far too flushed in the warm gymnasium. “Sure.”

Changbin nodded. “Is that alright?”

“Of course,” I assured him quickly, rising to my feet only to be met by his eyes suddenly very close to mine. 

He was looking for something and whatever he found must have satisfied him. He brushed a soft kiss across my lips. “6:00, don’t be late.”

Changbin answered the door far too quickly for my expectations, standing in the entryway looking absolutely handsome wearing jeans and a t-shirt. We both paused, staring at each other for far too long considering how bitterly cold it was outside. “Uh...” I swallowed hard, “can I come in?”

“Right!” Changbin said, stepping back to allow me enough room to squeeze into his house. “We can go upstairs,” Changbin added, reaching for my hand to guide me to his bedroom. His hold was appreciated because my legs were shaking and I felt a few seconds away from passing out against the wall.

“It’s warm,” I remarked, ignoring the obvious way he had set up his room, couch covered with blankets while his laptop was sitting atop the desk.

“Since you’ve never watched before,” Changbin started, getting right down to the matter at hand, “I just picked some of my favorites.”

“Okay,” I said because I didn’t know how else to respond to the idea of Changbin’s favorite porn videos.

“We can sit down,” Changbin said, already half-way to the couch before I could even blink. I followed him slowly, trying to relax against the cushions while he pulled his computer closer, typing in his password before the home screen appeared. “You can...just relax,” Changbin said, pulling up the first tab to a familiar scene and I quickly realized it was the same porn I had accidentally discovered on his computer before.

“Okay,” I managed again, wiping my sweaty palms against my jeans while the video began to play. And I visibly shuddered at the sight of the actors already undressed on-screen, the woman arched dramatically as a male knelt behind her. “This is fast,” I observed, glancing at Changbin briefly only to startle when I realized that he had been looking at me.

He moved away quickly. “It’s good though.”

I didn’t know very much about sex with the exception of the unforgettable health education classes in middle school and my mother’s half-hearted effort of talking me through my first menstrual cycle. Back then, the idea of maturing was especially horrible with the added pain of cramps and bloating. But what I did know, thanks in large part to curious research, was the very basics which quickly manifested themselves on-screen when the male actor started to hammer his cock inside the moaning woman, hips moving at a rapid pace.

Changbin swallowed hard, hand pressing against the hard swell of his obvious erection through his tight jeans. The actress on-screen let out an exaggerated moan and I blushed furiously, squirming next to him on the sofa that suddenly seemed far too small to handle the two of us. It was difficult enough to watch the video without knowing that Changbin, the object of my affections, was also aroused. The same Changbin that I had once dreamt about doing those exact same things to me and the reminder was enough to get my blood pumping, crossing my legs against the sudden heat.

I studied Changbin now, watching the way he pressed down against his cock straining for release. “That looks uncomfortable,” I remarked without much thought, only realizing my words when he met my gaze. His eyes widened slightly when he read my expression and I nodded my consent because I didn’t know what I was doing anymore, but I really liked the way Changbin’s entire body seemed to flush. I watched as Changbin managed to pull his pants down to his thighs, grabbing his cock free from the confines of his underwear, holding it with a tight grip as he fisted the engorged erection. And I couldn’t take my eyes away from the unexpected sight, studying his movements with an unblinking gaze. 

“It’s alright you know,” he said in a gruff tone, eyes wandering down to my lower-half. “If you want to do the same.”

I let out a shaky exhale, reaching down for the button on my jeans. What was I even doing? This went beyond everything that was expected of me, but the thought of touching myself was almost too much to resist, especially when Changbin had given me permission. I tucked my pants down to my knees, reaching into my panties because I wasn’t comfortable enough to go any further with an attentive Changbin sitting right next to me. 

Meanwhile, Changbin maintained a steady rhythm, fist moving up and down with well-timed movements. His gaze had moved from the screen to where I had tentatively started to slowly rub circles against my clit, head thrown back to remedy the weight of his attention. He released a groan that somehow sounded way better than the practiced sounds of the actors on-screen and I pressed down harder, aching for a release from the built-up tension permeating the space separating us by only a few inches. If I moved just enough, I would be pressed up against him, feeling the way his biceps flexed as his hand moved on his cock. 

The video on-screen was close to ending, and I sped up my movements, hearing a low grunt from Changbin who had managed to release sticky white semen across his hand. The visual alone was enough to take my breath away, circling faster until I felt the warning signs of my orgasm, closing my eyes to enjoy the accompanying feeling of divine pleasure from being stimulated just right. And when I reopened my eyes, Changbin was watching me as if he intended to never look away.

November

Changbin and I didn’t really talk about our unexpected pornography session, if that’s what we were to call it, but I had no time to linger on the subject. We were both suddenly busy, seeing less of each other as we both focused on our respective basketball tryouts. Because if there was one thing that Changbin and I shared in common, it was our commitment to the game. 

For this reason, I was completely unprepared to see Changbin in the parking lot, leaning against the side of my car. “Fully Licensed now, Reynolds?” he asked me with a smirk.

“Very recently,” I agreed, pausing in front of him. “Your practice ended hours ago.”

“I went out to eat with some friends,” Changbin said. “But I really need to talk to you.”

“Okay,” I said, nodding at him in encouragement. 

Changbin sighed heavily. “Tryouts are over this Friday. Wanna come over to celebrate afterward?”

I agreed easily, unaware of the evident tension in Changbin’s shoulders. “That sounds nice.”

“Reynolds,” Changbin hesitated and that was enough to catch my attention. “I want to ask you something.”

“Hmmm?” I encouraged him to continue, puzzling over the indecipherable look in his eyes. 

“When you come over...” Changbin started, “maybe we could try getting each other off this time?” 

I wasn’t expecting that, feeling my entire body stiffen at his intimate proposal. “Oh....”

“We don’t have to,” Changbin quickly added. “If you aren’t comfortable.”

But he was bad at masking his disappointment which might explain why I was so readily accepting when I nodded my head slowly. “Let’s do it.”

Changbin’s eyes widened, but a smile managed to break free. “Really?”

“You’ve been very patient with me,” I said with a shrug before mustering a look of total determination. “I’m willing to try.”

“You act like I’m asking you to do something impossible,” Changbin teased. “I’d never force you to do anything, Reynolds.”

He was always so earnest, and if we were to talk about things that were impossible, then saying no to Changbin like this was very high on the list. “When can I come over?”

Changbin leaned in closer, cologne heavy against his jacket. “How about now?”

I was a complete mess, moving constantly on Changbin’s bed while my boyfriend did his best to make me feel more comfortable. He brought me a glass of water at my insistence and even a plate of snacks that his mother had prepared. My fingers curled tightly around the glass while I reached for a handful of the little sandwiches that reminded me distantly of a fancy dinner show scene from a television series. It was a nice distraction until Changbin pulled his shirt off, messing around with his speaker to start playing music in the background. “It’s hot in here,” he offered in explanation and I merely nodded as I forced even more food into my already stuffed mouth.

“Do you have any homework?” I asked, trying to make conversation despite how obvious it was that Changbin was not interested in school, dropping a container of lotion onto the bed next to me.

“Not really,” he said.

“Essays,” I whispered, trying not to stare at his exposed chest.

Finally, Changbin joined me on the bed, tucking away our snack try on the floor before stretching out his limbs in a way that had me almost choking on my water. “Come here, Reynolds,” Changbin grumbled, and I let out a rather unattractive squeak when Changbin planted me on his lap, pressing our foreheads together. “This is better, right?” he asked. 

“Yeah,” I agreed, holding tight to his broad shoulders for stability.

Changbin reached down, thumbing across his belt. “Are you okay?”

“Mhmm,” I nodded, watching as he carefully undid the intricate clasp of his belt buckle, unzipping his pants before letting out a sigh. It only served to heighten my awareness, hands moving across the smooth, muscled skin of his upper body. He was quiet for a moment and I realized that he was waiting for me, eyes focused from beneath a curtain of brown hair. “I’m not sure what to do,” I told him honestly.

“You’re doing fine,” he said with a gentle kiss that was obviously meant to serve as reassurance, especially once his fingers made quick work of the button and zipper attached to my own jeans.

“Changbin,” I said, closing my eyes as I helped him pull down the waistband, grabbing onto him tightly as I carefully maneuvered out of my jeans, leaving me feeling far too exposed for my personal comfort.

“Relax,” he whispered, raining soft kisses across my lips while his fingers smoothed down my sides. “This is your pace.”

I nodded furiously, forcing myself to open my eyes when I felt his fingers latch onto my panties, tugging them down my legs with slow and practiced movements. A whine was muffled against his neck to hide my embarrassment, especially when his hands grabbed my ass to pull me closer. “It’s okay,” I said when I felt him pause, waiting for my permission to continue. 

“So beautiful,” he said, fingers delicately parting the folds of my throbbing sex, thumb offering a tentative stroke across the pleasurable organ.

“What about you?” I spoke into his skin.

“Watch,” he replied, using his free hand to direct my chin. I obeyed his request, keeping my eyes open when he reached into his underwear to pull his cock free from its confines, fully erect in his hand.

He tucked the waistband of his boxer short beneath him, stroking up and down in rapid succession. “But you’ve seen it before,” he teased, noticing the vibrant blush painting my skin.

“It’s different,” I said. 

He nodded in understanding, jolting me in surprise when his thumb began its slow circles around my clit. “I’ll take care of you, Reynolds,” he said, allowing me to tuck my head back in against his shoulder.

“So good,” I made sure to tell him, releasing shallow pants as I fought to control myself, focusing on the rough force of his thumb moving harshly against my throbbing sex. Occasionally, he rutted against me, reminding me that his cock stood waiting for attention, red and furious against his smooth stomach. I held my breath as I reached down to gingerly touch my fingers against the curious bead of white collecting at the slit of his cock. Changbin let out a harsh gasp, stilling my movements as his free hand came down to take a firm hold of mine, manipulating my fingers to spread out across his erection, directing them into a position he clearly liked if the ragged moan he let out was any indication. “Do it like this,” he said with a husky tone, moving the hand that now fisted his cock in delicate strokes along the full expanse of his throbbing organ.

“Does it feel good?” I asked shyly, enamored by the gorgeous flush to his cheeks, the beautiful sweep of his bangs stuck against his forehead. 

“It does,” he stuttered, obviously fighting to hold back as he continued to pleasure me in return. “Are you close?”

“I think so,” I exhaled, feeling the familiar symptoms of my impending orgasm take complete control over every rational thought raging through my head as I tried to keep a mental image of this Changbin permanently stored away.

“I want you to cum first,” he practically begged, looking at me with so much affection that I could barely breathe. 

I leaned into him more, encouraging his practiced movements as I allowed my hips to tentatively thrust in time to his strokes. Everything was hot and wet, an intimate exchange of precious oxygen as we both struggled to keep ourselves together. “I’m here,” I tried to convey, grasping tightly to the short locks at the back of his neck, fingernails digging in slightly as I rode out my orgasm with a barely restrained moan. My head fell against his broad shoulders, hand still worshipping his erection until I felt his entire body tremble against mine, something thick and warm leaking around my hand. 

December 

Changbin was absent from school the following Monday to visit a college with his family. But I took advantage of the unexpected opportunity, confronting Felix because he was close friends with Changbin. If anyone could be considered a reliable friend, then it would definitely be Lee Felix. But that still didn’t prepare me for the nonchalant way he regarded my question. “So what?” Felix rolled his eyes with a dramatic flourish. “You jerked him off, is that really a big deal?”

I blinked rapidly, surprised Felix was treating it so carelessly. “I’ve never done anything like that before.”

“Good, that means the awkward part is over,” Felix said with a wink. “Now, you can do fun stuff.”

“Fun stuff?”

“Like actually fucking,” Felix said and his blunt honesty nearly had me choking. 

“This isn’t what I meant by advice.”

Felix shrugged. “Most kids our age have already done way worse.”

“I guess that’s true,” I acknowledged, briefly considering the possibility that maybe I was overreacting. “When should we...you know...”

“Fuck?”

“Don’t say it out loud!” I whined, checking over both my shoulders to make sure nobody had overheard the two of us.

“Christmas break is coming up,” Felix said, pushing his lunch tray aside. “Why don’t you plan for something then?”

“Me?” I asked with a squeak. “How can I plan for something like that! I have no experience.”

“Well, Changbin insists on taking things slow,” Felix explained. “Which means only you have the ability to take your relationship to...that level.”

“What would I even do?” I asked. 

“Don’t worry,” Felix said with a smirk. “I can always help you plan.”

I grimaced at the idea. “Isn’t that too personal?”

“Changbin is one of my best friends,” Felix said. “You have nothing to worry about, Kayda. Just listen to me and everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”

“Felix,” I said. “How do I even bring something like that up? When would I have the opportunity?”

“Bringing it up is easier than you think,” Felix said. “You just need to be more confident when you talk about those things. As for the right opportunity...” Felix trailed off as his eyes landed on my cell phone. “Come outside with me.”

“What for” I grumbled, but still obediently followed Felix into the picnic area next to the main parking lot. Felix was engrossed in his own phone, barely paying me any attention until he suddenly paused next to the fence. 

“Okay,” Felix said with a smug smile. “Any moment now.”

I frowned, waiting for further explanation until the ringing of my phone disrupted our conversation. “Hold on,” I said, holding up the screen so that he could clearly see Changbin’s contact name. 

“Perfect,” he whispered. “Answer it!”

I gave him a wary look but accepted the incoming call. “Hello?”

“Reynolds,” Changbin said. “I have a proposition for you.”

My entire face heated as I immediately misinterpreted his implications. “Wh-what?”

“My parents invited you over for Christmas eve,” Changbin said. “We always have dinner with our family.”

I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized Changbin wasn’t asking for anything too intimate, especially considering the last time I stayed at his house. But then, I immediately tensed when his request was fully processed in my head. His family? The idea of meeting another Seo was incredibly intimidating and I rightfully panicked as I put my hand over the receiver to explain the situation to Felix.

“Your opportunity,” Felix whispered. 

“But...it’s his family...”

“Yeah, but you can put my plan into action,” Felix said.

“You already have a plan?”

“I told you I would help.”

I was still hesitant when I told Changbin that I was fine with meeting his family. I was putting my trust in Felix who had proven to be a reliable source thus far during the short amount of time that I had known him. Meanwhile, Changbin’s resounding excitement was palpable, but Felix's accompanying look of mischief certainly did no favors to the steady thrumming of my heart.

Changbin’s house looked like an extravagant affair straight out of the Great Gatsby and I was Nick Carraway driving up in my shitty car that easily paled in comparison to some of the sports cars lining the driveway. There were people everywhere, standing outside in social circles while chattering with glasses of expensive wine, spilling out the front door with their gorgeous dresses and handsome suits. I already felt out of place and I still hadn’t killed the ignition.

I immediately pulled out my phone, pulling up Changbin’s name before bringing the device against my ear. “Reynolds?” he answered from the other end.

“Uh...” I cleared my throat anxiously. “I’m here.”

Changbin snickered. “Okay? I’ll meet you out on the front porch.” 

He hung up without another word even though I was only seconds from begging him to find a way to sneak me in through the back entrance. Instead, I tried for a deep breath, checking my hair briefly in the reflection of the rearview mirror. “Hello,” I bowed to a woman who had pulled in behind me. She blinked twice before turning away without any further acknowledgment. “Perfect,” I grumbled because it was exactly what I was expecting.

Nevertheless, I found the courage to navigate the crowd of guests to stand awkwardly on the porch by myself. At least, for the most part, Changbin’s family and friends were more content to ignore me. This was certainly fine by me because I definitely didn’t want the additional attention. “Where is he?” I sighed, standing on my toes to look for Changbin over the towering stances of the rich assholes who were intent on blocking my view. Finally, I spotted Changbin from the doorway, nodding politely at the people who stopped to speak to him. 

Changbin’s familiar smile eased my nerves as he eventually made a path to greet me properly. “Oh, wow, Reynolds,” Changbin said, eyeing me up and down as I stood on his front porch.

“It’s weird isn’t it?” I asked, fidgeting with the hem of the dress that Felix insisted I wear to the dinner.

“No,” Changbin immediately protested, reaching for my hand to pull me inside. “I like it.”

“Thank you,” I murmured quietly, suddenly all too aware of the sounds of intermingling voices emerging from the living room.

“I want you to meet my mother,” Changbin said, grip unwavering as we entered the maze of well-dressed faces conversing over wine and tasty finger foods being passed around on serving trays.

“Your mom?” I spluttered, wishing I had the strength to pull away from Changbin and hurry back outside where I the guests had the decency to simply ignore my presence.

“She’s been asking about you,” Changbin said. “I think she’s curious.”

“Really?” 

“Of course,” he said with a smile. “You’re my girlfriend.”

“Uh-huh,” I agreed, easily recognizing Changbin’s parents standing together near the fireplace. After all, these were the same people who I had unfortunately met when Changbin had rear-ended my car Freshman year which suddenly seemed like an entire lifetime ago.

“Changbin,” an elderly woman screeched, holding out her arms in a friendly demeanor. “I haven’t seen you in ages!”

“Since Thanksgiving,” Changbin gruffed, but still allowed the woman to squeeze the life out of him as if he was used to the treatment.

“And this must be Kayda!” the woman said, finding my eyes from over Changbin’s shoulder. “How are you, young lady?”

“Oh, I’m fine,” I said shakily, glaring at Changbin who was clearly mocking my stuttered response.

“Don’t be nervous,” the woman said, pulling me closer by my arm. “Changbin talks about you all the time.”

“He does?” I questioned, studying the boy in question who was now talking to his father, hands tucked away in his pockets.

“My grandson tells me that you play basketball too,” the woman grinned. “And that you’re very smart.”

I blushed at the compliment. “I try my best.”

“She’s a genius,” Changbin suddenly declared, tossing an arm around my shoulder. 

“So we’ve heard,” Changbin’s mother said and I felt myself subconsciously straighten my posture.

“We didn’t meet on the best of terms,” his father reminded me and I winced as I recalled the accident as if it had just happened yesterday. 

“I’m good friends with some of your teachers,” his mom said. “They’ve mentioned you before. I can only assume that you’re much brighter than you like to give yourself credit for.”

“Ah,” I laughed, pressing myself even closer to Changbin’s side because I was entirely dependent on his strength at that point. “It comes naturally.”

“If only Changbin could share your passion,” his mother sighed. “All he wants to do is play basketball.”

“Well, when it earns him a scholarship,” his father added and I could clearly see how proud he was of his son’s accomplishments.

“Are you hungry, Kayda?” 

“Maybe a little.”

Changbin’s mother smiled. “Binnie, take Kayda to the kitchens. We can talk later.”

Changbin’s arm was a helpful guide, pulling me along as I waved to his family members. I only glanced away once I realized we were moving upstairs. “Where are we going?”

“Do you want to go to my room?” Changbin asked and I immediately nodded my head. Changbin smiled, reaching for my hand before graciously excusing us from the crowded room of his relatives. It hadn’t been so bad, but I was still worried about embarrassing myself in front of the same people who controlled one of the country’s biggest enterprises.

Changbin’s room was a quiet sanctuary, and I made myself comfortable on his bed while he messed with the elaborate sound system connected to the generous speakers. Music began to fill the room, distracting me from the party still progressing downstairs. It was something familiar that Changbin liked, but I was too distracted to recall the name of the artist he deeply admired.

“What do you want to do, Reynolds?” Changbin asked as he joined me on the bed. I recalled my conversation with Felix from school, reminding me that this would be the perfect opportunity to explore his suggestion. Changbin must have noticed the way I nervously drew my lower lip between my teeth, catching me around my waist to pull me down on top of him. “Do you have something to tell me?”

“I want to try something,” I admitted nervously, looking down at Changbin lying pliantly beneath me on the bed.

“Yeah,” Changbin nodded. “Whatever you want, Reynolds.”

It was always so easy with him, but I still struggled to convey my expectations. I remembered Felix’s words, reaching down to run my hand down the front of his dress pants. Changbin’s eyes widened in surprise, reaching out to capture my wrist. “What are you doing?”

“Whatever I want,” I reminded him and he scoffed at my cheeky attitude.

“You know what I meant, Reynolds.”

“It’s no big deal,” I lied, and Changbin was quick to read through the fabrication, sitting up despite my faint protests.

“What’s going on with you, Reynolds? You know you can be honest with me.”

“I know,” I started, flustered beyond belief with the way he was looking at me. “I talked to Felix the other day...”

“Ah,” Changbin interrupted. “You don’t have to listen to him. He always thinks he knows everything.”

“But I liked what he said,” I insisted. “I want to try it.”

“Try what exactly.”

The words were still embarrassing even in my head so I whispered them into Changbin’s ears. Immediately, my boyfriend’s mouth dropped open in shock. “He said that?”

“As a suggestion,” I said, fidgeting nervously because of his reaction.

“You don’t have to, Reynolds,” Changbin said, delicately using one finger to lift up my chin. His gaze was sincere.

“I know,” I nodded solemnly. “It might be...interesting?”

Changbin chuckled at my choice of words, deft fingers already working apart the button and zipper on his dress pants. “We’ll see if you think it’s really interesting,” he said, pulling both his pants and boxers down to his ankles before allowing them both to fall into the floor.

“I want to,” I insisted, looking down at his exposed cock. 

“I’ll help you,” Changbin said. “But it might be easier if I was on the edge.”

I nodded frantically, moving into the floor while Changbin made himself comfortable, fisting his cock as he parted his thighs. “How should I start?” I asked him.

“You can just try the tip?” he said, clearing his throat when I abruptly leaned in closer, opening my mouth to wrap my lips around the stream of pre-cum steadily leaking from his slit. “Woah,” he gasped, both hands grabbing my hair tightly. “Easy.”

I ignored his warning, taking in more of his impressive girth, tongue exploring the taste of him. It wasn’t bad, but I certainly wouldn’t declare it as one of my favorite moments with Changbin. My inexperience was obvious, saliva dripping from my lips, focusing on breathing in through my nose since it was proving difficult with his cock in my mouth.

“Shit, Reynolds,” Changbin moaned and the sound almost made up for the bitter taste coating my lips. “You won’t hurt me,” he added, almost as an afterthought. “Just-just don’t use your teeth.”

I heeded his warning, but it forced me to hollow my cheeks. However, that seemed to only please Changbin whose hips stuttered in place, fingers providing an unforgiving hold on my scalp. I moved my head up and down his cock, listening to the advice he offered and trying to ignore the light-headedness that warned me that I desperately needed to breathe. I pulled off for a moment, inhaling fresh oxygen while Changbin maintained his hold, barely allowing me time to recover before he was encouraging me to swallow him again. Testing my limits as my nose brushed against his pubic bone, but it was far too much and jerked back in surprise when I felt him at the back of my throat. “Be careful,” Changbin said, sounding like he was completely out of breath despite the fact that I was doing most of the work. Still, it made me feel almost proud of myself to be affecting him so much, especially when I was the one who lacked experience. “I’m close,” he said. “Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to swallow.”

I heeded his warning, pulling back from his cock to take in heavy breaths while Changbin reached behind him for a tissue, wrapping it around his erection before jerking himself to completion. Afterward, the two of us could do nothing but stare at one another in obvious wonder at the new discovery we had just made together. Breathing hard as the music continued to play in the background.

January

“My mother asked about you,” Changbin said with a grin. “You made a strong impression.”

The two of us were currently driving my car to the mechanic shop, an extra layer of jackets to compensate for my broken heating. “I did my best,” I said, adjusting my sunglasses slipping down the brim of my nose. “Everyone was intimidating.”

“That’s just because you let them intimidate you,” Changbin said, reaching for my hand across the console. “You never had anything to worry about.” 

“Easy for you to say,” I retorted. “You’ve been living with them for your entire life.”

Changbin laughed. “Okay, but I would be a good judge of character. Trust me, you were the star of the party.”

“Against Seo Changbin?” I gasped. “The most heavily recruited point guard in the state?”

“My accolades paled in comparison to you,” Changbin said. “My parents were thrilled when I told them what your GPA is.”

“Well, I guess that gives me more motivation to study,” I said, pulling into the empty parking lot of the mechanic shop.

“You can study with me,” Changbin pouted and I resisted the urge to lean over and kiss him when he looked so adorable.

“Let’s go inside,” I said, ignoring his question in exchange for the quaint little store attached to the mechanic’s garage. Inside, I found an immediate contradiction between my boyfriend and the shop that had been around since my dad was a kid. It was almost comical, how much of an outsider Changbin looked in the moldy shop, Gucci-toed boots scuffing against the linoleum floor in clear disparity. 

“This is the place?” Changbin asked me.

“We’ve gone here for years,” I said, walking up to the bored, middle-aged mechanic slowly flipping through a magazine.

“Name?” he asked in a monotone voice.

“Kayda Reynolds,” I said. “I made an appointment online.”

The mechanic sighed, reaching for the faded keyboard attached to the computer monitor that belonged exclusively to the 90s. “You’ll have to redo the form,” the mechanic said, irritation leaking from his tone. “Most of the information is incorrect.”

“I’m sorry,” I quickly apologized. “Is there a way to do it here?”

“We don’t keep forms in the office,” the mechanic dismissed me quickly, returning his attention to his magazine.

I was more than ready to head back home, deciding that my father would probably have more luck than me when it came to these things. But when I reached down for Changbin’s hand, I noticed that my boyfriend was glaring at the mechanic. “You have a customer here who needs work done. Why the hell does it matter if the form is wrong?”

“We require the information on the form for all appointments,” the mechanic said. “It’s written at the very bottom of the screen.”

“Yeah? Well, maybe you could still work on the car and she can send you the form later.”

“Changbin,” I said, tugging on his jacket sleeve. “Let’s just go.”

“How the hell do you even stay in business if you won’t work on the cars from paying customers?”

“Sir,” the mechanic rolled his eyes, “your girlfriend filed the report, not us. It’s not the shop’s fault if she can’t read the fine print.”

“Say another word and I’ll make sure you wake up in a hospital.”

“Changbin!”

I practically drug the incensed boy outside the body shop, planting my hands on my hips as I fixed him with a reprimanding look. “You can’t say that!”

Changbin glared in the direction of the shop entrance. “Those assholes shouldn’t be allowed to treat you that way. I told you to go to my guy.”

“I can’t afford that place,” I retorted.

“I’ll pay for it,” Changbin declared. “Hell, I can buy you a better car, Reynolds.”

“Changbin,” I sighed, “you can’t just buy me things like that.”

“Why not?” he asked, perfectly earnest as he appraised me.

“Because I don’t want you to,” I said. “This isn’t even a big deal, I’ll just have my dad take care of it instead.”

“Reynolds,” Changnin glowered. “They shouldn’t talk to you that way. I wouldn’t give them another cent of your money.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “Why are you so mad? I don’t even care about them. They always act that way, but they do decent work at cheap prices.”

“I’m mad because they disrespected you,” Changbin said. “Right in front of me! Next time, I’m taking you to my guy and I don’t want to hear anything about money.”

I was surprised by how upset Changbin was, so I quickly agreed with his request because I didn’t want to ignite his anger any further. Of course, I knew that my father could handle any future problems, but Changbin didn’t need to know that. Because he had finally allowed me to take his hand, slowly leading him back to my car.

Jisung returned to school for the beginning of the spring semester. I saw him in the parking lot, grabbing his bag from the passenger seat of his car. My first instinct was to call out his name and run across the parking lot like a scene from a melodrama to demand one of his familiar hugs. But I knew we stood on shaky ground, and I could only watch from afar as he walked by himself to the school’s main entrance.

I needed to figure out a plan to confront him because I was feeling increasingly desperate the longer I was forced to pretend like Jisung and I were just simple acquaintances. What happened to our vacation together during Christmas last year? With the exception of our shared kiss, I had never felt closer to Jisung, sharing intimate secrets and desires by the warm fire of his family cabin. But instead of growing our friendship, I could feel us moving apart in entirely different directions and it was nothing short of painful to watch Jisung ignore me.

What could I do to convince him? I wondered to myself, ignorant of my boyfriend’s impending approach until his arms were wrapped around my waist. “Reynolds,” he said, offering me a chaste kiss. “What are you doing?”

“Freezing,” I replied, deciding not to share Jisung’s return with Changbin. “Did you finish your math assignment?”

Changbin’s apparent look of guilt told me everything I needed to know. “We had lat practice,” he reminded me, but I was having none of his potential justifications.

“You promised,” I said, fixing him with a stern glare.

“It’s my last class of the day,” Changbin pouted. “Will you help me at lunch?”

I hesitated because I had planned to confront Jisung at lunch, but I suppose it was better to figure out what exactly I needed to say to him first. “Okay,” I said, groaning when Changbin pulled me against his side. “But you need to focus! You won’t be able to play in any more basketball games if your grades slip.”

Changbin sighed as if he had heard the same lecture before. “Look, I promise that I’ll do better.”

“For me?” I tried again.

“For you,” Changbin agreed. “Just as long as I get my reward later.”

I blushed at his tone. “As long as you behave.”

But Changbin was clearly pleased with how flustered I was, smirking in that familiar self-satisfied manner. “See? A compromise.”

I bit my tongue to hold back a sharp retort considering that Changbin probably had greatly misinterpreted what a compromise really entailed. But my boyfriend was in a good mood and he started chattering away about a tournament his team was participating in that weekend. Meanwhile, I was consumed with thoughts of Jisung, determined to restore our friendship.

February

I would never consider myself a courageous person, but right now, setting my tray down across from Jisung’s, I felt just like an action hero. “Jisung,” I said quietly, shivering when we finally made eye contact. “You don’t mind, do you?” For a moment, I briefly entertained the possibility of Jisung asking me to leave, but I was willing to accept the potential risks. Because this was Jisung and I desperately wanted him to be a part of my life again. “Sungie.”

He glanced up at the nickname, expression blank. “Did you need something?”

I bit my lower lip because it was clear that Jisung wasn’t going to make this any easier on me. “I just wanted to make sure that you were okay.”

“I’m fine,” he said dismissively. 

“Jisung, I don’t understand what I did wrong,” I said. “Tell me what’s wrong. I’ll do anything to make up for it.”

Jisung returned his attention to his tray. “What are you talking about?”

“You’ve been ignoring me,” I said, swallowing down a whine. “I’ve been sending you messages.”

“I got them,” he said shortly. “I don’t know if you even realized, but I took last semester off.”

“Of course I noticed,” I said, offended that he would insinuate otherwise. “That’s why I was so worried. Ever since I started dating Changbin...”

Jisung stiffened at the mention of my boyfriend and suddenly everything clicked into place. “Are you mad that I’m dating Changbin?”

Jisung cleared his throat. “I don’t care who you date, Kayda.”

“Don’t do that,” I said sternly. “I don’t want you to pretend like you don’t care.”

“What exactly do you want from me?” Jisung bit out harshly, pupils blown wide with his anger.

I wilted under that rage, folding my hands together in my lap. “This is hurting me, Jisung. I just want my friend back.”

“You hurt me just as much,” Jisung retorted, sliding his lunch tray out of the way as he glared at me. “I really liked you, Kayda, and you just pushed me away. Now, when it’s more convenient for you, I get an apology?”

He was right, and I struggled for something to say. “Jisung,” I finally sighed. “I know you’re right. Look, I’m really bad when it comes to apologies. I can never figure out the right thing to say, but I care about you a lot and if I did anything to make you think otherwise, then I want to try and make things better.”

“It’s not so simple,” Jisung said, but his expression had softened. “After the kiss, I thought we might have something more than just friendship, but you insisted that day...” Jisung broke off, appearing conflicted as he shook his head. “Things got worse with mom and then she passed away over the summer. I was forced to take the semester off and I had to do it without you.”

I’m sure the tears in my eyes matched the steady waterworks filling the corners of Jisung’s beautiful eyes. “Jisung,” I managed softly. “I’m sorry things broke down between us because I would have been there for you over the summer. In fact, I’ll probably regret this for the rest of my life.”

Jisung tersely wiped away a stray tear, blinking rapidly as he struggled to compose himself. “It’s done, Kayda. There’s nothing left to regret.”

“Of course there is,” I said, reaching across the table for his hand. I let out a sigh of relief when he didn’t pull away. “I miss you a lot, Jisung. You’re very important to me and I’d really like it if we could still be friends.”

Jisung took a long time to respond and I allowed him every second to think because I was determined to win back his trust. Finally, after an excruciatingly long pause, Jisung managed a slow nod. “I miss you too, Kayda.”

I offered him a warm smile, curling my fingers through his own. “You want to come over after school?”

He nodded again, soft eyes meeting mine from across the table. “I’m willing to try again for you.” 

Jisung and I started to spend time together on the weekends, driving together through the countryside or reclaiming our former spot in my backyard tucked away beneath the trees. We talked a lot about Jisung’s mother and it was reassuring that Jisung appeared to be, for the most part, at peace with her passing. He was still obviously sad, speaking in a whispered tone when he talked about how hard it was to accept. 

“I should’ve been there for you,” I said.

Jisung shook his head. “You’re here now and that’s all that matters.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath because it felt like everything was starting to return to normal. “What are you doing this weekend?”

“I don’t know,” Jisung said. “I might need a suit rental.”

“Why?”

“Prom is coming up,” Jisung said. “Even if nobody asks me to go, I still can’t miss out on my senior year.”

I shrugged indifferently. “I don’t care about prom.”

Jisung chuckled. “Yeah, but your boyfriend might.”

“I feel like Changbin could care less about a stupid dance,” I said. 

Of course, only in hindsight can I look back on my words and regret them because the very next day at school, Changbin approached me in the parking lot with his hands behind his back. “Reynolds,” he said. “Guess what?”

“Hmmm?” I acknowledged, busy shuffling through the notes I was planning to lend to a teammate.

“Hey, look at me,” he insisted softly.

I entertained his request. “I feel like you’re planning something elaborate.”

“Maybe,” he giggled and I narrowed my eyes because Changbin only ever got this way if he was feeling particularly mischievous.

“What did you do?”

He brought both hands forward, holding an impressive bouquet of flowers between his hands.  “Reynolds,” Changbin smiled, extending the flowers in my direction. “You should go to prom with me.”

I took the flowers since he was practically shoving them at my face. “Prom?”

“Yes,” Changbin agreed with a nod. “We have a lot to plan. What do you think about matching colors?”

I laughed at his enthusiasm. “Plan? Changbin, I don’t really want to go to prom.”

His smile vanished in an instant. “What?”

“I’m not that interested,” I shrugged, opening the door to my car before carefully laying the bouquet across the front seat. “You can always ask somebody else.”

Changbin was quiet for far longer than I was used to, but the way his jaw clenched spoke louder than words. “That’s fine, Kayda,” he said, shaking his head as he took a step back. “I don’t care.”

“Binnie,” I tried, reaching out for his hand but Changbin just ignored my attempts to pacify his anger, shoving his hands into his pockets before turning his back on me.

March 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

I glanced up at Felix in surprise. “Huh?”

“Why aren’t you going with Changbin to prom?” he demanded, foot tapping against the floor impatiently.

“What’s the big deal with all of you?” I grumbled. “I didn’t want to go to prom in the first place.”

“Kayda,” Felix groaned as if I physically exasperated him. “Of course it’s a big deal! You don’t understand how important this is to Changbin.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s just a stupid dance.”

Felix gasped. “The audacity!”

“Felix, I’m not in the mood for a lecture, okay? I’m telling you that it’s not a big deal.”

“Alright,” Felix sighed, disregarding all formalities as he sat down next to me. “I guess you need a reminder.”

“Reminder?” I repeated, already tired of the conversation.

“Do you know how hard it was to get the two of you together in the first place?” Felix asked. “Impossible.”

“We’re together now, aren’t we?”

“Exactly! And you’re clearly oblivious to just how proud that makes Changbin.”

“I wasn’t aware you were a therapist,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “I’m trying to eat in peace.”

“Kayda,” Felix said. “Listen to me, Changbin has wanted you for a very long time. And now that you two are dating, he wants to do everything that normal couples do, and that includes going to prom together. Don’t you know how ridiculous it looks for the school’s basketball star to miss out on prom!”

“I doubt Changbin cares about that,” I scoffed.

“But he does care about you, and in his mind this is like the perfect opportunity to show you off to everyone,” Felix said. “Prom has always been important to Changbin, and he was so excited to ask you to go with him.”

“Are you trying to make me feel guilty?” I grumbled, jerking my gaze free from the intensity of Felix’s scowl.

“No, I’m just trying to help my friend. I didn’t know that would mean reminding his girlfriend that he had feelings too.”

“That’s enough, Felix,” I snapped, pushing my chair back as I stood up from the table. “I don’t have to take this.”

I was a storm of rage on the inside, seeing nothing but red, when a familiar voice sternly brought me back to Earth. “What’s going on over here?”

Jisung was standing at the end of the table, glancing back and forth between Felix and me. “Nothing,” I grumbled, grabbing my tray and brushing past Jisung without another word.

But Jisung followed me regardless, catching up to me in the hallway after I deposited my tray at the counter. “Kayda,” he said, grabbing my arm to force me to stop walking.

“What?” I said, spinning around with my arms crossed over my chest.

“Why are you yelling at Felix?” he asked. “What’s going on?”

I sighed because it felt like everyone was trying to worm their way into my private life. “It’s just something with Changbin.”

“The thing with prom?” he asked.

“How did you know?”

“Everyone knows,” Jisung admitted. “I guess it’s like a big deal or something.”

“Felix told me that I made a mistake,” I said. “But it’s my life and he has no right to interfere.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Jisung shrugged. “I saw Changbin yesterday in the parking lot. He looked pretty upset, and you weren’t glued to his side like usual...” Jisung trailed off as if waiting for me to fill in the gaps, but I determined not to give in this time. “Alright, look Kayda, I know what happened with Changbin, and I guess you’re probably tired of hearing about it.”

“Exactly!” I sharply retorted.

“Okay, but can you at least tell me why you turned him down? Do you really hate the idea of going to prom that much?”

“It’s not that I hate it,” I sighed. “I just don’t get why it’s such a big deal. I would honestly rather stay at home.”

“Even if it hurts his feelings?”

“So now you’re against me too?”

“No, no,” Jisung said, waving his hands around frantically. “That’s not what I meant at all, I just think you should consider that it might mean something to Changbin, even if it really doesn’t matter to you. Yeah, you might not like the idea of going, but it’s obvious that it means a lot to him. Maybe you should think about it that way instead of everyone turning against you.”

I froze upon hearing Jisung’s blunt honesty. “But now it’s like a whole thing and I don’t understand what’s wrong with everybody!”

“Well, if I know Kayda Reynolds, then I can only assume that this probably has a lot more to do with you being stubborn as opposed to refusing to give in to peer pressure or whatever you’re thinking.”

I considered his words, shoulders falling as I realized that Jisung was right. “I’m just tired of being told what to do.”

“I get that, but this involves more than just your feelings, okay?”

I hated that he was actually making a lot of sense. “So what should I do now?”

Jisung smirked, wordlessly pulling out his cellphone. “How do you feel about dress shopping?”

I pulled up outside of Changbin’s house, smoothing down my dress while trying not to trip on my heels as I walked to his front door. “Deep breaths, Kayda,” I encouraged myself, reaching out for the doorbell as I waited patiently on the outside porch.

I hesitated when the door finally opened revealing Changbin standing on the other side. “Reynolds?” Changbin immediately questioned me.

“Get dressed,” I said, glancing at the time on my phone. “We can still make it on time.”

Changbin didn’t move from his spot in the doorway. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Prom,” I groaned. “It starts in an hour.”

Changbin took a step back, clearly reeling from the encounter. “You want to go to Prom? I thought you insisted otherwise,” he said with a bitter tone.

“I’m sorry, Changbin,” I said, looking down at the sharp point of my shoes. “I didn’t realize how important it was to you.”

Changbin was silent for a moment. “So you just decided to show up here without calling me first?”

“I thought it would be better to surprise you,” I told him honestly, finally mustering the courage to meet his gaze. “If you still want to go. I’d totally get it if you, like, shut the door in my face or something because I probably deserve it after the way I treated you.”

Changbin’s gaze softened. “I’m not going to do that, Reynolds.” He sighed as he seemed to consider my proposal. “Give me twenty minutes.”

“I’ll be in the car,” I told him excitedly, thrilled that Changbin had opened up to my proposal. The next time I saw Jisung and Felix, I owed them a thorough extension of my gratitude. 

“You’re driving?” Changbin scoffed. “That wouldn’t have been my plan, but I kinda like it when you take control.”

“Well, hurry up,” I said. “We don’t have all night.”

“Says the person who gave me no time to get ready,” Changbin said, but his smile seemed to suggest otherwise.

“I prepared nice transportation for you,” I said while retreating down the stairs. “My dad’s car actually has heat.”

Changbin laughed. “Stop distracting me, Reynolds. I thought we were on a time constraint.”

“We are,” I said, reaching into my pocket for the keys. “I’m giving you time while I try to make things as glamorous as you always imagined them.”

Changbin didn’t say anything, far too busy leaving the front door wide open while he rushed to change his clothes. Meanwhile, I was ensuring that everything was ready, switching the music to his favorite genre and reaching down for the messy boutonniere that Felix insisted was mandatory. As Changbin had desired, I made sure that my corsage matched in color, even going out of my way to splurge on a ridiculous clip to wear in my hair. 

Jisung and Felix were both adamant that they help me plan for the occasion, and despite their annoying habits of perfection, I knew everything would only prove to benefit my night with Changbin. Even I threw away my usual inhibitions, spending more money on my prom dress than I would usually allow, especially since I was only going to wear it for this one occasion. I grinned as I thought about Changbin’s reaction. He would be the first to tell me that the money meant nothing because it was okay to indulge when the occasion was just right. Changbin always had that ridiculous sense of self-confidence that at one time might have infuriated me, but now I only saw it as another aspect of his character which I was unwittingly falling for with each passing day.

“Ready, Reynolds?” Changbin asked with barely concealed enthusiasm, fussing with his hair in the rearview mirror.

“Hey, you look fine,” I insisted, swiping his hand away before throwing the car into drive.

Prom might be a time-honored tradition, but that didn’t equate to the formalities that most people expected. In fact, the minute we walked through the door, I was greeted with the sound of some over-played pop song and a mirage of teenagers abandoning their high heels just so that they could grind on their partners. Well, I shouldn’t have anticipated anything different when it came to my fellow classmates. But this night was about Changbin, and I allowed him to drag me from couple to couple, talking with his teammates while I tolerated the envious glares sent in my direction from the masses of Changbin’s admirers. “Here,” Changbin said, handing me a plastic flute of punch. I took it gratefully, savoring the cool taste of the liquid as it soothed my hoarse throat. “Should we sit down?” Changbin asked and I nodded in agreement.

The two of us had been talking for hours, flitting from one person to the next like the social butterfly Changbin liked to be. We met Felix on the edge of the dancefloor, forcing him to take a break from what might have amounted to a stroke if the younger continued his dalliances. Felix was practically drenched in sweat, eyes wide with adrenaline. “Are you having fun?” Felix yelled at us with an unnecessarily loud tone.

Next, we found Minho and Hyunjin surrounded by a group of younger Freshman girls, soaking up the attention with smug expressions. “Laura,” Minho listed off, pointing to each girl in succession. “Katie, Amanda, Lisa...Amy?”

Finally, I convinced Changbin to give me a moment with Jisung. “Did you come alone?” I asked him.

“I came with a few other guys,” Jisung sighed. “But I think they abandoned me.”

“Poor baby,” I said, unable to resist squishing his cheeks between my hands.

“It’s fine,” Jisung whined, but I could tell he liked the attention. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

“He went to find us a drink,” I said, scanning the perimeter of the room. “Is it fun yet?”

“It’s alright,” Jisung shrugged. “But I think you might’ve been right about prom all along.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? If you go to one dance, you’ve been to them all.”

“I thought it might be different,” Jisung said. “Since the school actually paid for the caterer.”

“And the food?”

“Kinda gross.”

I laughed at his observation as Changbin joined the two of us with a drink in each hand. “Hi,” I grinned, leaning against his side.

Changbin leaned down to brush his lips across my forehead before offering Jisung a courteous nod. “How’s your night?”

“Interesting,” Jisung said. “I’ll see you two later.”

Which brings me to the present, perched neatly in Changbin’s lap while we took a break from the commotion in the empty lounge. My eyelids were growing heavy and I took the liberty of claiming Changbin’s shoulder as a suitable pillow. “This is tiring.”

Changbin’s arm tightened around my waist, bringing us even closer together. “I know you only did this for me.”

“Are you crazy?” I asked. “This is like...the most fun ever.”

“Don’t lie to me, Kayda,” Changbin said, fingers sorting through the mischievous strands of hair bothering my eyes. “I’m really glad we came.”

“Yeah,” I nodded, unable to hold back a yawn. “I wish I had more energy.”

“It’s cute,” Changbin said, ignoring my protests as he kissed me softly. “Thank you for entertaining me.”

“It’s my job,” I said. “But, if it’s okay with you, I might need to find a nearby audiologist because my ears are ringing at this point.”

“Let’s get you home,” Changbin said, offering me another kiss which I gratefully accepted.

April

There was a noticeable optimism following the events of prom, a sense of complacency settling amongst the student body. Despite the drama that offered a precursor to the evening’s events, I noticed that most people seemed happier, especially the seniors who would be graduating soon. This included Jisung who had managed to make-up his lost semester by promising to dedicate himself to summer school. In any case, the opportunity meant that Jisung would no longer be attending school with me next year and I was rightfully chastened by the thought of never seeing my best friend again, which is why I was determined to spend as much time with him as possible.

The two of us frequently liked to get together at my house, spreading out a blanket in the backyard like we used to do, laying together quietly under the steady influence of the warmer weather. “I like the spring,” Jisung said, stretching his arms above his head. “There’s always more sunshine.”

“Hmmm,” I agreed with him, distracted by the edging drowsiness eclipsing my ability to form rational sentences. 

“I got my acceptance letter today,” Jisung said. “If I pass my summer classes, then I’ll start Community College in the fall.”

I perked up at this information, opening one eye to glance over at Jisung. “You won’t be going far away?”

Jisung smirked. “Not at first. I plan to transfer eventually, but this seemed like the right start.”

“I’m proud of you, Jisung,” I said without a single ounce of malice. Those hard feelings between the two of us had dissipated like the morning frost chilling the discarded leaves decorating the grass. Instead, all that was left was a beautiful trust that cemented us together as equals in every sense of the word.

May

The end of the school year was growing closer with every passing day, and Changbin and I had started making a habit of spending time after school at the park. The two of us liked to walk the trails together, talking about whatever it is that we found interesting. This could be anything from Felix’s new girlfriend to the topic of Changbin’s conversation with a college recruiter who was more than ready to offer him a scholarship to play basketball. I was proud of him, but I was also wary of the impending topic of our Senior year and what might happen when we both graduated.

Changbin didn’t seem to notice my anxieties, talking openly about his dreams. “The dorms were pretty small,” he said. “I wanted to stay off-campus or something.”

“They won’t let you?”

“Freshmen have to live together,” Changbin grimaced. “I’m not sure I want a roommate.”

I grinned because Changbin acted every bit like the only child who was never forced to share with a sibling. “It might not be so bad.”

“Maybe,” Changbin replied distantly, silent for a moment before pausing next to the lake. “We’re going out of town for the summer again,” Changbin said.

“That’s not surprising,” I attempted to tease him, but it was difficult when Changbin looked so serious. “You leave every year.”

“Reynolds,” Changbin said carefully, watching me through cautious eyes. “You should come with us this time.”

His words were met with silence while I took a moment to admire the way the sun reflected off the smooth surface of the lake. “It’s your family vacation.”

“Yeah? Well, I want you to be there,” he said, tugging my hand as if trying to convince me.

But Changbin should know by now that it took little to convince me when it came to the school’s revered sports celebrity. “I’ll go.”

“Really?” Changing gasped, managing to look completely taken aback by my simple acquiescence. 

“It sounds like fun,” I shrugged, but I was hardly indifferent, especially once he leaned down to offer me a gentle kiss to seal my promise.

#mostlycompetent #stray kids #stray kids fanfic #seo changbin #stray kids seo changbin #seo changbin fanfic #changbin #changbin fanfic #seo changbin smut #changbin smut #seo changbin imagines

[randomguywithwords]

Thanks For The Assist: Chapter 3 (Itsuka X Neito Story)

AO3 Link: Here

Chapters: 1, 2 

Chapter 3: First Meetings

–––––––––

A fresh start. 

A lot of people like to say that, do they not, usually on their first day at a new school, a new job, whatever. These new people didn’t know who you were, after all. It bestowed a rare opportunity to change yourself in a way that people who did know you would find strange. 

In other words, taking off one mask and donning another. 

How many masks had he worn in middle school alone? One for his teachers, one for his classmates, one for friends he didn’t consider friends. He was sure the feeling was mutual. Perhaps the shape of the masks were different for each one to cater to what they wanted to see, but they shared the same colour – the colour of the background. Like a chameleon, he fit in. For four years, all he did was fit in. 

He hated nearly everything about that life he had lived in supplication. He had donated his old uniforms to his school in the same week he had graduated. It had no place in his wardrobe. 

The new uniform was unexpectedly comfortable despite the formality and prestige of it all. It was cliche, but he felt a tad prideful by simply wearing it. Everyone who saw it knew he was: a student of U.A, the grandest hero school in Japan boasting standards as high as the hill on which it was built. 

Was this uniform going to be donated as well when the three years were up? Another three years spent in silence, in the background, while the main characters paraded themselves onstage?

He didn’t want history to repeat. It could not repeat. 

He looked at himself a last time in the mirror, before he left his room. Try not to think about it.

————

He slid open the classroom door to see two students standing up, mid-conversation. One of them was sporting a recognisable orange ponytail. His lips formed a tiny smile. Guess I won that toss. 

She turned around to see who had entered, and her face lit up as well. She smiled and waved, while the green-haired girl that she was talking to looked to see who he was. 

He plopped his bag on a random desk and walked up to them with a curt greeting. She stuck her hand out for a high five, which he took. 

“Nice, guess we are classmates.” Kendo said. 

“You guys know each other?” The other girl’s eyes flickered between the two.  

“Ah, sorry. Tokage, Monoma. Monoma, Tokage. We met during the entrance exam.” 

“Pleased to meet you.” Monoma offered his hand. 

Tokage didn’t seem to move an inch, and he was about to be act affronted when he saw Tokage’s hand detach from her arm and shake his. He took a step back as the girl giggled. 

“Setsuna Tokage. Sorry, just a habit of mine when meeting new people.” Her hand floated in the air, waving, before flying back to reattach itself to her. 

Kendo was grinning as she glanced at Neito with a knowing look. 

“I see.” Monoma gave a grin of his own as the familiarity of his quirk registering hers flowed through his hands. He felt a strange airy sensation as his left hand popped off his body and gave a wave back. 

“What the hell?” Setsuna scrambled back, pressing up against the wall. Itsuka barked out a laugh. “You have a similar quirk?” 

Monoma reattached his limb, which took more effort than he thought it would. “Nah, my quirk copies others.”

“It got me the first time too,” Kendo said. 

“That’s sick,” Setsuna gaped. 

The door slid open again, and the three turned to see an imposing figure in the doorway wearing a crimson suit. 

“Only three of you?” He counted the number of people in the room. “That’s disappointing.” He strode to the centre of the room while the trio looked at each other with wide eyes, none of them willing to speak to the stranger. Luckily, as though he had read their minds, the man introduced himself. 

“I’m Vlad King, your homeroom teacher. What are your names?” 

Itsuka spoke up first. “I’m Itsuka Kendo, sensei.”

“Setsuna Tokage.” 

Vlad King appraised her with a look as he heard her name. “Recommendations student, huh? I look forward to seeing what you’ll do later.”

Itsuka and Neito looked at her incredulously, but Setsuna only returned a sheepish grin. “Wasn’t sure how to bring it up.”

“And you, young man?”

“Neito Monoma, sir.” 

Vlad King gave a gruff nod. “Take your seats first. I don’t mind you guys talking. We’ll start when everyone is here.”

As Monoma took his place, a thought crossed his mind about the exchange between Tokage and the teacher. What did he mean, later?

––––––

Later turned out to be a test, on the very first day of school. Brilliant.

At least Vlad King was nice enough to allow them to attend the opening ceremony, which according to Tokage, the other hero class skipped because their homeroom teacher didn’t think it was “rational”. 

The ceremony was nice. Principal Nezu had given a speech to welcome the newcomers as well as the returning seniors. He introduced the teachers for the various subjects aside from heroics, aside from Aizawa-sensei whom Monoma presumed was Class 1A’s homeroom teacher. But the main event was heralded with a familiar booming laugh that sent the school into a craze, as All Might himself was announced to be joining the school as a heroics teacher. 

Monoma should have felt more enthusiasm or described it as such, but he somewhat expected it, given how Kendo told him All Might had sent the welcome letter. Furthermore, he had no wish to be a part of the group of people acting like monkeys. It seemed that U.A was just like any other school when it came to the maturity of its students. So much for prestige. 

Another reason he was narrating this with less energy than he should have, when the number one hero was teaching him, was what came after the welcome ceremony. The Quirk Apprehension Test. 

In short, Monoma performed like a fish flopping on land. Not that he wasn’t trying. Itsuka gladly let him borrow her quirk for the Softball Throw and Grip Strength stations, which he appreciated, but a lot of his classmates’ quirks just didn’t seem appropriate for the other six, or they were quirks he couldn’t use, or too complex to use, like Tokage’s. 

As he watched her split herself up and fly across the gym – a swarm of green, disproportionately sized bees – he knew he had no chance to replicate that much skill with her quirk. Detaching his hand earlier was a party trick that demanded enough concentration. It was no wonder she was admitted on recommendations.

Hence, he found himself at the mercy of his frail, untrained body, which was partially his fault anyway. He was heaving for air by the time the last station – the Long Distance Run, concluded. Meanwhile, he saw how a lot of his classmates seemed somewhat unfazed. They looked tired, but not as much as him. Seeing this, he struggled to maintain his composure so as to not have himself pegged as the weak, scrawny kid on the very first day. 

Even though Vlad King concealed the results of the test, Neito could tell he was at the bottom for most of them. His classmates probably came to the same conclusion too. Great start. Thankfully, the first day of school was finished with that test, aside from a last piece of instruction to pick up their curriculum. 

But it wasn’t over for Neito, even as the school day ended with the students packing their bags in class before leaving. He was packing his when he looked up to see Itsuka. 

“Hey Monoma, you wanna come with us? We’re heading to the station.” Itsuka gestured to a group of classmates. How had she made so many friends? Neito had only talked to a couple throughout the day, and they were still basically acquaintances.

“Uh, you guys go ahead, I have somewhere to be, sorry.” Neito rubbed his hair, evading eye contact with Kendo. 

She seemed to take it well, or so it looked. He couldn’t decipher if she was disappointed, or indifferent, or actually amiable about it. Why would she be disappointed, she’s made other friends. You’re not that important.

“No problem, see you tomorrow!” She smiled gave a wave which Neito returned, and the group departed, leaving him with a bitterness inside. He wished he didn’t have to meet Nezu. 

Alone in the classroom, he turned off the lights and closed the door behind him. To Nezu’s we go.

––––––

“Ah, Mr Monoma, come in. Take a seat.” Nezu sipped on another cup of tea. Neito made himself comfortable on the leather seat in front of his desk. 

“I don’t want to hold you back. This meeting should take roughly ten minutes. Let’s start immediately.”

With Neito’s nod, Nezu began, “If I might inquire, what are your motivations in aspiring to be a hero?” 

“Um...same as everyone else. Helping others, keeping the peace, stuff like that.”

Nezu’s eye contact did not waver throughout Monoma’s answer. He wondered what the principal was thinking. He soon found out.

With the bluntness and force of a hammer, Nezu replied, “I see. I understand that this is our first time meeting in person, so it’s only natural that the lack of built rapport would affect your answer. If you would wish to tell me your full answer in the future, I would be very grateful. Thank you, nonetheless.”

Monoma shuddered in his seat, his ears heating up. Though Nezu didn’t seem like he meant to shame him. 

“Moving on, I trust that you are a mature young man, able to take my following comment with the apt amount of gracefulness.”

In a chirpy voice, Nezu delivered a sentence that rung like a death knell. “You did not, initially, pass our entrance exam.”

Two seconds passed, and in those two seconds a tidal wave of emotions and thoughts tore through Neito’s mind. Was he going to be expelled, and all of this was some sick joke? That wasn’t possible, right? It was illogical. What merit was there in humiliating him? 

“I – I see.” A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Then he continued, when Nezu seemed to look at him with some expectancy. Was this a test? An interview to judge his worth as a U.A student? “But I’m here, so I – I assume you have a reason for that?” 

Nezu hummed, and Monoma wondered whether there was a scratch of approval in his voice. “Officially, and practically, students are given a score on their combat and rescue ability. Defeating the machines nets you points, but so does helping your opponents, like your peer Ms Kendo demonstrated in the fight.”

“That’s all well and good, but I suspect that you have criticised this grading system, in your mind at least, for its shallow and superficial awarding of points. And you would be correct. What’s to stop a candidate from stealing points from other candidates, or even intentionally harming others?” 

Monoma thought that was a rhetorical question, until a few seconds passed in silence that he realised Nezu was waiting for an answer. “Um, that would be a hero-like behaviour expected from all of us.”

With a nod, the principal continued, “Exactly. And that is the main criteria. Every action performed by each candidate has to be asked, ‘Was that what a hero would do?’ So now I turn to you to ask, Mr Monoma, were yours?” 

Heat rose to Monoma’s ears, a concoction of embarrassment and anger. So this is a discipline session now? 

No, he wants something else. He wants me to fight for my spot. 

“No, maybe not, but it’s as you said,” Neito said, straightening up in his chair. There was a glimmer in Nezu’s beady eyes as he did so, “My quirk’s unorthodox, so I have to do what I can. And perhaps it isn’t fitting to take my peers’ points, but if you were watching us all, through surveillance I assume, then wouldn’t you have spotted instances where I stole points? That means you could have simply denied me the points and awarded them to the other candidates anyway.”

Nezu grinned. “That is correct.”

“But I didn’t make the cut, with or without the stolen points, because you saw something else in me. If I didn’t pass the entrance exam, I passed your own examination to get in.”

“Hmm, a bold statement, Mr Monoma,” Nezu said, causing Neito to falter, “But I admire your audacity. You are partially correct. I’ve said in your letter that I saw an intelligence inside you that I felt had potential to be furthered in this school. You might not be at the standard now, but with my tutelage, you will reach it one day.”

“I’m sorry, your tutelage?”

“That’s correct.” Nezu passed him a piece of paper. “Just because I’m a principal doesn’t mean I’m not a teacher. I was just discouraged from doing so because students were...intimidated by my style. I hope you will think differently.”

“Of course.” Monoma did a quick scan of the contents before looking back up.

“It’s a new schedule, and an additional curriculum of my choosing. Think of it as supplementary lessons to make up for the gap between you and your peers, who have all passed the entrance exam. You’ve a lot to learn, Mr Monoma.” Nezu finished his tea and stared at him, eyes flashing. 

Neito swallowed. “I’ll do my best, sir.” 

“Oh, call me sensei from now on. That will be all, Mr Monoma, you may leave.”

Neito stood up and bowed. As he walked away, a question came to him. He turned back. 

“Sensei, am I allowed to disclose this to my classmates?”

“That will be at your discretion, I would not be affected by either outcome.”

Monoma nodded and left. 

–––––––

I am way too braindead to write a note or anything here. My A/N is on AO3. Hope you liked this chapter. I’m heading back to work zzz

#bnha #mha #bnha fanfiction #mha fanfiction #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha fanfic #mha fanfic #bnha itsuka #itsuka kendo #mha itsuka #itsuka kendou #neitomonoma #bnha neito #mha neito #monokendou #kenmono #Itsuka x neito #monoma x kendo

[sope-and-shine]

Christmas Special: Day 6

-> Pairing: Hoseok x Reader -> Teacher AU! // Fluff -> Word Count: 3.4k -> Summary: You and Hoseok are hallway neighbors and flirt constantly outside of your classrooms everyday. You’re students are honestly tired of seeing you both beat around the bush. That’s why this years pep rally will be one to remember. ->Warnings: None.

“Alright, everyone! Let’s go over the plans for the rest of the time we have together!” You call out, grabbing the attention of your students. “With your midterm next week, I will not be putting any pressure of having homework until we all come back from break.” Your students cheer and you take that as the go ahead to grab the papers on your desk. “However, I do have a study guide that you can complete, and anyone who takes the initiative can use it when we take our test next week.” 

“Are you serious?” Haechan asks, his eyes wide with anticipation.

“Very serious. Consider this an early Christmas present.” You say, flashing a smile.

Jeongguk and the corner of the room seems to be elated over the news, so elated he can barely form a real sentence, “I’m not going to fail...I’m not going to fail!”

“You have to do the study guide correctly to not fail.” Jiin reminds him, stopping the rambling boy in his tracks only so he could stare blankly ahead with wide eyes. You should probably send him to the nurse for that.

“He has to do it in the first place.” Jae laughs next to him. He’s amused until he hears Wonpil in front of him, “You’re one to talk.”

Jisoo sighs in relief, “This will be the easiest grade of my life.”

High school is a place many people don’t imagine returning to after they leave. The cold hallways, the judgemental stares, the looming fear of not knowing what to do with the rest of your life. Of course, there are students that plan to be teachers, but most want kids that are either younger or way younger than a bunch of rowdy and hormonal teenagers that would rather be anywhere else learning so many different things. 

That was how you started anyways. 

You planned on getting your teaching degree in English to work with elementary schoolers between the ages of 5-10. You of course had the credentials to teach older students, but high schoolers were never in your final picture. When you were interviewing with the board, they had originally offered you the elementary position like you wanted, but they had asked if you would cut a deal with their - at the time - current high school English teacher who’d been facing illness. You had agreed, but it was only supposed to be a temporary position until they figured out what to do next. The only thing is, as you spent more and more time with the students and got to know and enjoy them, you couldn’t even imagine leaving them.

Taehyung raises his hand, “Miss. (L/n)! Can we bring in food next week if all we’re going to do is study?” 

“Of course you’d be thinking about food.” Lisa grumbles.

Yugeom holds his hand out to the girl next to him, “Wait, let’s not turn him down so fast! Can we bring in anything?”

“Miss (L/n) didn’t even agree yet!” Wendy reminds them.

“Please, Miss (L/n)?” Chenle asks.

“You can bring in food as long as there is enough to share with everyone. I’ll bring in cups and plates if you all want to handle the rest.” You agree. There was no way you could turn your students down when they were looking at you with so much hope. The bell rings around the room to end your class, your students wasting no time to pack their things. “Food next week, okay?”

Jeno rushes through the door with Jaemin, “For once I’m actually excited about spirit week.” 

“Jisoo, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Lisa asks, already planning how she, Jennie, and Rose would split the work amongst the four of them.

“I’m bringing in nuggets!” Jae announces, running out of the room and cutting off the dazed Jeongguk being led by Jimin and Taehyung.

Despite the chaos they brought with them, there was no denying how charming they all could be. This specific class was in middle school when you joined the school staff, and this was their second year of high school with you as their English teacher. You hated to admit it, but they were definitely your favorite class of the day. They were a nice mix of responsible and absolute chaos with no inbetween. But you didn’t mind as much as you’d thought you would before you started. Kids like them were what made you stay. It didn’t help that the Korean Lit teacher across the hall was a sight for sore eyes.

You follow the group to the door, bidding them one last goodbye. Across the hall from you, the Korean Literature teacher, Jung Hoseok, is doing the same with his class of students. He’s wearing fitted, light grey dress pants with black belt, a plain black sweater tucked into the front,  and black dress shoes with short black socks. He was always dressed well when he came in for work, and you had to thank whoever created this man for giving him a taste in fashion. His dark brown hair is styled, slicked back on the right and his bangs framing the left side. He looks just as good as he does every other day you see him, and you can’t help but let your stare linger just a little longer than it should.

“Well, you still look as lovely as ever even after 4 classes!” His voice pulls you out of your trance, and your brought back to the dazzling grin of the man you couldn’t stop dreaming about. He’s leaning back against his door now, hands in his pockets as you both wait for your next round of students to come from their previous class. “I trust your day hasn’t felt too long, Miss (L/n)?”

“They never do when you’re across the hall, Mr. Jung.” You flirt back playfully. You catch the pink hair coming around the corner and turn your attention to your student,  “Good afternoon, Rose.”

“Afternoon.” She smiles.

“You know,” You turn back to Hoseok as he begins, “I’ve been thinking about starting study sessions for next semester to prep for finals. Would you be interested in helping me out?” 

You sigh, “I’ll think about it, but I do have to work it around my club schedules.” 

“Yeah, of course! Please take your hat off, Mr. Kim.” Matthew removes the hat from his head and Hoseok gives him a polite nod of appreciation before he returns to you, “Will you be offering anything for next week’s pep rally if the students hit their goal? I personally have agreed to dye my hair cherry red this year.”

“But the orange looked so good last year!” You tease. Last years pep rally was great despite the penalty you face, but the bright orange hair that he was stuck with for months was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. Apparently Hoseok didn’t feel that way, “The orange was a disaster and you know it.”

“I’m letting Hyuna decide for me this year. Last year, I could only think of dressing up in that ridiculous costume and dancing to popular dances.” No matter what they gave you this year, nothing would be as terrible as the inflatable fat suit your were in.

“Hey, I thought you did a great job! So great, that I think we should get some coffee later, if you’re up for it?” He asks, an eyebrow raised. His question for coffee wasn’t new, but he rarely ever meant it. Even if he did, the bell answered him before you could. He sighs, “That’s the bell. I’ll see your beautiful face in an hour, Miss (L/n).”

“I guess that means I’ll be seeing you as well.” You bid him goodbye and close your classroom door to begin your class, seeing all of your students staring at you with bored expressions. Teachers would find that normal if this class of students wasn’t you’re second loudest of the day. “What?”

“Are you and Mr. Jung dating yet?” Jennie asks, cutting right to the point.

“Mr. Jung and I are just coworkers. Nothing more, Lisa.” You protest. It’s not that you didn’t want to be more than friends, but Hoseok was strictly just friends with you.

“But he’s so into you!” Hongseok argues. Mark next to him nods in agreement, “Don’t be blind to his love, Miss (L/n)!”

“He tells you you’re beautiful everyday, I can’t even get Hyojong to have my back in gym class.” Hyuna admits. Said blonde boy takes a break from drinking the banana milk he brought to class to shrug, “It’s a dog eat dog world, babe. I can’t help you if I’m out of the game.”

Your students continue their rave, throwing more and more arguments about ‘how much Mr. Jung likes you!’ and ‘You obviously love him too!’ They kept going and going, until you’d had enough of their comments.“Even if Mr. Jung and I had a romantic relationship, our personal lives should be none of your concerns. What you should concern yourselves with is pulling out the homework I gave you yesterday.”

Their groans of frustration but compliance sets you back on track, letting you move on from this conversation. Hopefully for the rest of your life.

----

Outside the school walls, in a nearby park covered in white snow, a group of teenagers sit under a gazebo. All had agreed to meet there Saturday morning when they were sure no one would catch them. All were dressed in their warmest clothes, and some had even brought something to write on just in case. 

Taehyung huddles as close to Jimin as he can possibly get, “Why did we have to do this outside? The library is just as good a place to talk about this.”

“Because all of us are way too loud to do this in the library.” Jennie reminds him, wrapped in a blanket with Lisa.

“Besides, Miss (L/n) spends her Saturday mornings at the library with Mr. Kim - the math teacher - doing their grading.” Lucas says, sitting in between Haechan and Jisung. How he knew that information? Nobody knew. But nobody would question it if it were helpful.

Chenle pipes up, untucking his scarf from around his mouth, “Are we sure we’re right about her and Mr. Jung? What if we have this all wrong?”

Hyuna shakes her head, confident in her people reading abilities, “We don’t, okay? I know for a fact that we have this right.” 

“So, what do we do?” Wonpil asks, leaning against the wall of the gazebo, “We can’t just ask them to go on a date together.”

“Technically, we can.” Jimin says.

Jae sighs, “Okay, yeah, but I don’t see that working for us if Mr. Jung can’t get it to work for himself.” 

“Honestly, if I were Miss. (L/n), then I probably would brush him off too. He tries just a little too hard when it comes to her.” Rose shrugs.

Johnny chuckles, “Have you seen Miss (L/n)? I’d try hard too.”

“Gross.” Lisa scoffs.

Wendy stands up, “People! Let’s think about this! What is the best way to get them together for the holiday?” 

“Miss (L/n) is having me choose her punishment for next Friday. What if we get Mr. Jung involved?” Hyuna asks, ready to rearrange everything they had planned. 

Jaemin shakes his head, “Mr. Jung already has a punishment.”

Jisung nudges his side, “But he wants that punishment. Let’s plan something that will ensure they both get together.”

“Okay, but what?” None of the teens knew exactly what they could do or how it could work. How could they possibly get their teacher together?

“I think I have an idea…” Jeongguk pulls out his phone and places it against his ear, waiting for an answer.

“Who are you calling?” Hyojong asks.

Jeongguk smiles, “Someone that I know can help us out with this. The only person who can get this done.”

----

It’s the next week, well into the Holiday Spirit week the students had planned. You’re students have been doing wonderful at their review, and you could only hope that they passed their midterms tomorrow. The teachers lounge was a breath of fresh air after the long day you’ve had. But no more kids now, just papers to grade and hand back at the beginning of the New Year. Everyone in the room seemed to have the same agenda. Namjoon was sat at the corner table with Yoongi and Taeil, eating the cookies Seokjin brought from his last class of the day while still decked in their holiday themed attire. Amber was for some reason chilling on the floor with Eric surrounded by essay after essay from her history class, her reindeer antlers long forgotten somewhere on the floor. Taeyong, Doyoung, and Seokjin were busy cleaning up the counter discussing amongst each other, each one of them having coordinated their costumes as three different Elsa’s from Frozen. Everyone was in their own groove and just relaxing after such a long week.

The teachers lounge door bursts open, Jung Hoseok appearing with his signature smile and temporary white chalk to go with his snowman theme today, “Guess who has the results for our demise?!” The other teachers groan in annoyance, most choosing to ignore their fate while some actually give the excited man attention, “The truck just came to pick up all the donated items and it looks like the students surpassed their goal by a longshot.”

“You’re joking.” Jin turns so fast you could see coffee fly out of his cup. He was so shell shocked that he didn’t even feel it hit his hand, “I should never have agreed to kiss a pig. Where do I find a pig?!”

“You think you have it bad? I agreed to dress up as a girl!” Namjoon groans. Yoongi nods next to him, already accepting his fate but still not ready for it to be real yet, “Yeah, no I remember, we made the pact together.”

“Well, Eric, it looks like we’re going to be having that watermelon eating rematch after all.” Amber says, nudging his side. Both of them looked way too excited for what was supposed to be a punishment. “I won in college, Amber, I will win again!”

She laughs, “Yeah, and I’ll watch you throw it up again in the trash can outside of the gymnasium.”

“Can we focus on the fact that we let Haechan choose our punishments?” Taeil shouts. He turns to the two men beside a sulking Seokjin and places a hand to his chest, “Men, this may be our final year of life.”

Hoseok takes a seat next to you, letting himself relax into the comfort of the couch. He sighs, “Anyways, did you think about my offer? I really need an answer before the New Year.”

“Which offer? The study group or the coffee?” You ask, continuing with your grading.

“Both.” He smiles, his cute dimples popping out for the first time today. 

“Study group? Yes. Coffee? Not a chance.” You smile. Hoseok’s hand moves to his chest with feigned hurt, “Ah, you’re playing with my heart, Miss (L/n).”

“Whatever you say, Mr. Jung.” You tease.

-----

At this point in the day, the Pep Rally was already in full swing. Sports teams were prepped and ready to battle against each other, students in the bleachers rowdy and ready for the day to be over, and the schools band playing loud and proud above it all. Student council members run around the gym directing the flow of events for the day, making sure students in the bleachers and on the court listened as they should.

Everyone had taken their punishments like champs, especially Namjoon and Yoongi who still wore their outfits. Taeil, Taeyong, and Doyoung all let their faces get pied, pies courtesy of Seokjin’s morning class. But hey, he had to kiss an actual pig, so why not? Then there was Hoseok who got his hair lightened by his sister when he got home the other day, allowing his students to make his hair a bright fire engine red instead of the usual brown. Amber and Eric definitely threw up in the trash cans outside of the gym, even though neither one made it through half of the watermelon.

Then there was you. Your students definitely wanted you to give  show, only they prepared a Santa costume this time around. The embarrassment was already filling your bones, but there was nothing else you could do at this point. This is what you promised them, so you might as well give it your all. And you can honestly say that you wrecked that floor with the different dances they put on for you, one student even throwing money onto the floor where you were dancing. You’re just relieved when the music stops so you can leave and get back into your holiday sweater.

“Not so fast, Miss (L/n)! There’s one more part to your punishment~ No Santa is good without a Mrs. Claus, so why don’t we get one for you?” Hyuna waves over towards a massive amount of students where the still slightly damp, red haired Hoseok appears in a red velvet dress, a white frilly apron, and a white bonnet, “I’d love to present to you, Mrs. Claus!”

Watching Jung Hoseok strut onto the floor wearing a dress was something else. Especially since the last thing you expected from him was for him to suddenly start break dancing in his get up. But you were no loser, especially not to your supposed Mrs Claus. 

And that’s how you found yourself in a dance battle with a man in a dress while you wore a heavy fat suit covered in velvet. You were in no way trained to be a dancer like Hoseok had once been, but you were not about to lose to him like this. That was when the students decided to strike. All at once the music playing stopped and a slower, more romantic song started. You were extremely confused, especially when students started bringing over flowers and a mic to Hoseok while he removed his get up to reveal the dress pants and dress shirt underneath of it. 

He walked towards you with the most sincere look you’d ever seen on him, “I know this is really sudden, but you can thank our students for this mess. Miss (L/n), I would be overjoyed if you would let me take you on a date.”

And just like that everything blew up all at once. Students were screaming, your friends were pumped and cheering you on from afar, and Hoseok was looking at you with such hope that you were honestly too stunned to respond. You knew what you wanted to say, but you couldn’t find yourself saying anything at all. He’d always joked about wanting to go on a date, but you didn’t think he actually meant it! He was ungodly handsome and intelligent, and you were...you.

Your students were not shy about what they want either, “We as your students want you to be happy, and we know that you both like each other no matter how much you may deny it. Please consider accepting Mr. Jung’s offer.”

What were you supposed to do, say no? Not anymore.

You take the mic from his hands and flash him the brightest smile, “I’d love to.”

----

“You invited Mr. Jung here?!” Rose asks.

“He’s our best option!” Jeongguk argues, “If anyone is going to get her to say yes, it’ll be Mr. Jung with a grand gesture. She won’t be able to say no!”

“Okay, but if she does say no, then we’ve just embarrassed the hell out of him!” Jae yells. He takes a look towards Hoseok and bows quickly, “Sorry, sir.”

“Don’t worry about it Jae.” He holds up a hand and takes a well needed breath, “I know this is weird, but Jeongguk said you guys wanted to help. This would be a big help to me.”

“Do you think she’ll say yes?” Renjun asks.

Hoseok sighs, running a hand through his hair, “I’d love to think she’ll say yes. But I know that I’ll need help from all of you to get it done. I hope you’re all up for the challenge.”

“Anything for love!” Jimin says. The others agree with him, adding in their own comments here and there.

Despite them wanting to meddle into his life, he couldn’t find it in him to be angry with them when all they wanted was to get the two of you together for the holiday in the name of love. How could he ever be angry with them? This was the Christmas present he never knew he wanted, nor did he realize he needed.

But it turned out to be the best one of all.

#fae #bts #25 days of christmas #25 days of bangtan #bts x reader #jhope x reader #hoseok x reader #hobi x reader #jung hoseok x reader #kim namjoon #kim seokjin #min yoongi #jung hoseok #park jimin #kim taehyung #jeon jeongguk #bts rm #bts rap mon #bts jin #bts suge #bts jhope #bts jimin #bts v #bts jungkook #christmas au #teacher au #fan fiction #kpop

[notasiren21]

The Darkness Comforts Me More (Ch. 2-pt 2.)

(Female Byleth x Felix)

~*~

She didn’t show up that day, and Felix missed her more than he cared to admit that night as well. He had been unable to sleep and he desperately wished it didn’t have to do with the fact that it was because she wasn’t in bed with him.

He sat in his desk, staring painfully at the wooden surface and books that laid before him. A familiar migraine presented itself yet again, leaving him irritable as always and hearing Seteth’s voice yelling at Sylvain and Caspar again for today’s lessons would send him on a murder spree. Had he been an imbecile, he would’ve blessed the goddess above for the silence that fell over the room as shoes clicked against stone.

But it was Felix, he was as sharp as a good blade.

He turned his head a fraction just in time to see Byleth walking in and passing him to her desk in front.

Face, pretty and blank as ever looked at the roster and then the room, checking names.

If no one was at the battle that day, they wouldn’t be able to tell she had just lost her father recently. She carried the lesson through and through, even when discussing a technique Jeralt used in close combat.

Felix could see the pain she carried though.

He could also see the vexed expression on the boar’s face and Sylvain contemplating on taking her back to her dorm or not to rest.

In all honesty, it would make most sense for Sylvain and Byleth to be together since their closeness in age and despite all, Sylvain was mature if one was to set aside girls for the matter.

Sobbing in the back of the classroom escalated and made his migraine pang violently against his right eye. Now who the hell...

Byleth stilled, “Who is crying.” How she managed to make that sound like a displeased statement instead of a question, the class may never know.

Byleth however, already knew. It was the same person Hilda had expressed more compassion for when she managed to drag herself out of bed. It was the talk of the rest of the school day when Claude came down on Hilda hard for being so insecure and harsh when Byleth’s father had just died, and to tell her she seemed fine and Hilda was more worried about Leonie.

Not to mention when he and Mercedes were walking to the greenhouse together for their daily chore and overheard Leonie weeping to Byleth like she had been the child of him instead of her.

If asked, Felix would admit from the bottom of his heart:

He thought she was bitch and insignificant.

It seemed the whole class was not fond of her to an extent as well. All trying to avoid the drama she brought forth.

Dimitri, ever the prince, tried to intervene. “Leonie, how about we calm down a-,”.

“Shut up! You don’t understand!” She screamed back.

Shut up.

Byleth still faced down at her notes, fingers playing with the edge of a book cover. “Leonie, please refrain yourself from disrupting my class.”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from you, Professor!”

Her head tilted, gears in her head turning to predict the outcome of this situation. How well was Felix beginning to read her? How well did he know..

“Excuse me?”

Oh, right. Fight ensuing.

He felt he should take part in stopping the fight, mainly for Byleth’s sake since she we still hurting. But really, he just wanted to see “the bitch get laid out” as Sylvain would say, wanting revenge for using his training sword one day without permission and breaking it.

“I’m just saying. Something crossed my mind, something I wanted to ask for awhile now.”

“And that is?”

There’s no way she is that childish or dumb to start-

“Are you really Captain Jeralt’s kid?”

Feel free to kill her, Byleth.

Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, choosing her words carefully, “That’s what I’m told.”

“That's a pretty detached tone to take about your own family.” Leonie bit back.

“That’s just my tone in general.” Felix nearly missed the cute quirk her dark eyebrow did in retaliation.

Leonie huffed angrily, “Sure, fine whatever then. Let me ask this, what’s your opinion of him, then? You must look up to him, at least?” The end of the sentence seemed too contradicting to be genuine or even remotely out of pure curiosity.

Byleth crossed her arms, “I respect him, of course.”

Present tense, she still holds him in high regards even after passing.

This seemed to push at her more than it should, “Hm. It doesn't sound like you really appreciate him. You didn't even know until you came here that he used to lead the Knights of Seiros, did you? If it weren't for him, you wouldn't be half the person you are now. You've probably never even thought about how lucky you are.”

The whole class was on edge and trying to silence her.

“Hey, stop.” Ashe tried, turning back to look at her.

“Leonie, seriously knock it off, that’s enough.” Ingrid said beside her.

“Ugh! OK, this really bothers me! Listen up. I don't care if you're the teacher and I'm the student. I'm going to outshine you. I know you were some famous mercenary before you came here, but let me tell you something... I'm going to be better than you ever were! In fact, I'll surpass you in no time at all, so don't blink. You might miss it.”

Byleth blinked.

Felix snickered. That was cute.

She didn’t offer her the curtesy of responding, not giving her the time of day. Earning immense respect from the pitying students and concerning Felix further knowing who she was behind closed doors.

“Really? Nothing to say?”

“What did you want me to say? I was taking my time to see if I missed it. Didn’t find anything.”

“Listen here-,” Leonie stood from her desk, hands pressing against wood.

Byleth took a glance at Felix, feeling his impatience rubbing off on her and sending a subtle smirk his way that the rest of the class missed.

“Maybe you should be more concerned with something other than me?”

“Yeah? Like what?”

“Perhaps your grades? The most pressing would ironically be your grade in sword fight and techniques?”

“Where the hell do you get off, Byleth?” There was venom in her voice.

“That’s Professor to you, and I’m just merely mentioning it to inform you that you’re currently at a D+. Whatever you’ve been doing since then has clearly reflected poorly and no, this isn’t biased or out of judgement.”

“It clearly is!” She shrieked, flames engulfing her cheeks and matching her horrible hair.

What was Sylvain’s phrase again? ‘Just lay the bitch out’?

“It’s not. I’d tell you to ask my father who happened to sit in on that one week -per your insistent and pestering requests that had him drinking rum in my classroom- and he had been disappointed, seemingly expecting you to at least live up to half the hype you created yourself.”

“I knew I smelled alcohol then.” Sylvain murmured to himself.

“You’re lying!”

‘Lay. The. Bitch. Out.’. Huh, has a nice ring to it.

“I’m not. He spent that following weekend training with you in hopes that the blame didn’t fall to him. He traced the issue back to you.”

She was marching up towards the desk and both Dimitri, Sylvain, and Felix jumped to action, a standing protectively in front of Byleth.

Dimitri tried reasoning with her again, “Come on, Leonie, this isn’t necessary.”

“Back off, prince of the naive. I need to take care of this bitch.”

Felix growled, surprising some in the class. “The only bitch here, is you. I’d suggest you step off before we really see what a D+ swordsman looks like against an A+graded swordsman with a A in dark magic.” His hand was ready to draw his sword.

“Holy shit, you’re that good?” Sylvain cocked his head in interest, earning a glare from a few for his distraction.

Leonie struggled against the boys, growing more aggravated by the second. “I was doing just fine, had high grades every semester.”

“Our teacher last year was more incapable than Manuela after a drinking binge.” Ashe remarked.

“But then you come along... And it's like you don't appreciate Captain Jeralt at all, or how lucky you were to have him around your whole life! Ugh! It still really bothers me! You might be his kid, but I'm still his best apprentice! Got it?!”

“Are you done?”

“Am I done? Really? That’s what you’re going to say?”

“If I contradict you anymore, you might just burst.”

“Go ahead, bitch.”

Teeth bared from Felix, a low growl emitting from his chest again. “Call her a bitch one more time, Pinelli.”

Dimitri tried holding her back, “Leonie, please settle yourself. This isn’t proper.”

“I said go ahead!”

“He told me every so often I had been his best apprentice up until I won him in a duel. He said from then on, I would forever be his best apprentice and his best equal.”

Leonie faltered.

Byleth walked by, stoic and expressionless but anger and something feral swelled in her eyes that greatly worried Felix.

She stopped short, near where the red head and the boys were holding her. “I don’t take kindly to those who try to insistently bed my father, Leonie.” She glanced, shocked. “Yes, I’m well aware. I caught you slipping alcohol into his food on several occasions and catching him as he stumbled out of rooms sick, grabbing onto me as he whispered your intentions and to escort him away before you found him again.”

Dimitri let go of her like she burned him, Sylvain stepped back, judgement passing his eyes knowing he would never even go that far.

And Felix drew his sword.

Byleth’s hand settled on his, guiding it back to his belt. “Settle, I think she learned her lesson.” She looked fully at all the boys who heard the most secret confession that they could imagine. “That was never intended to lay upon your ears, but keep it to yourselves. As much as she acts a monster, she’s human.” Byleth walked away, not so even much as a glance in the persistent girl’s direction. “Oh, and boys?”

They turned their attention to her.

Her dazzling smile and that damn dimple made full appearance, even if it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Yeah?” Sylvain called out.

“Take her to Lady Rhea and Seteth, see to it that she is transferred out of my class and dealt with. That is all, class is dismissed.” And she disappeared.

#felix x f!byleth #fe3h felix #felix fraldarius #fe3h fanfic #fe3h female byleth #fe3h byleth #felix x female byleth #felix hugo fraldarius #fe3h #felix x byleth #conflict #fanfic #fire emblem three houses #fire emblem #tsundere felix #love #leonie being a bitch #fe leonie #fe sylvain #fe dimitri #fe mercedes #fe ashe #fe ingrid

[suitofvibraniumarmor]

Yours Truly [Part Seventeen]

Summary: The school year begins; Sadie accepts a date with a co-worker. Pairing: Chris Pratt x OFC, Chris Evans x OFC Word Count: 1580 Warnings: None? A/N: This fic was previously posted on my multi-fandom account; in honor of OC Appreciation Day, I figured I would queue it all up for your reading pleasure throughout the day! This was a collab with @captain-s-rogers , and I will link her chapters at the end of all of my posts! Some GIFs were difficult to find again, so if there’s no credit, they’re from Google Image Search or from the original post. 

August 12

Caroline,

It’s the first day of school, which means we can officially make phone calls to each other at will! I’m sure our letters will be more sporadic, but I’m still enjoying writing them.

Speaking of, forgive me that it’s been a while since my last letter. With inservices last week and nothing to do between but read and forget about Farmer Pratt on my downtime, there hasn’t been much to tell. I want to do like you say and go for it, but I look at Layla and I know how much it would mean to her to have her whole family back. Doesn’t mean I can’t sit for her every now and again, and I’m sure I’ll see her at the school. You’d be proud of me if you knew what I said to Chris on open house night, though. I’ll tell you about it when we actually talk on the phone, which I’m hoping will be soon.

I’m so excited for you – getting the President’s endorsement is HUGE! Chris deserves it though … about as much as you deserve him. I suppose I can’t really comment on that right now in my current situation, can I? I’m guessing that after the latest debacle (yeah, I did catch that much on the news) that you and Charlie have called it quits for good. So, hey, there’s the silver lining in all of this!

Well, I suppose I should touch up my lip gloss and head to the school. The kindergartners will come in small groups for just a couple of hours today, and then tomorrow it’s on to full days. Can’t wait to start teaching these little ones!

Yours truly,

Sadie

Having small groups of kids on the first day helped orient the kindergarteners to the new daily routine. Sadie could review the classroom procedures and rules with four or five of them at a time and it was far easier to manage than the whole class at once – especially for the ones who had not attended preschool and weren’t accustomed to being away from their parents in such a structured environment.

After her second group, Sadie had a lunch break and some plan time. She re-filled her water cup, ate a sandwich, and then set to work straightening a few things in the classroom. A knock on her door caught her attention just as she was getting ready to go meet the kids from her third group at the front of the school.

“Mr. Denning,” Sadie smiled. “How’s your first day going?”

The P.E. teacher smiled back. “Not too bad – always a little boring, going over rules and whatnot, you know. Especially for the older kids.”

“I would imagine,” Sadie nodded.

“You know, you can call me Cooper,” he told her. “That’s my first name. And maybe I could call you Sadie?”

“Of course. I don’t mind it at all, but I never know who prefers to stay on a last-name basis when I’m in a new building.”

“Fair enough,” Cooper nodded. “Listen, I don’t mean to be forward or come out of nowhere, but I enjoyed getting to know you a little better at inservices last week. Would you maybe like to have dinner with me tonight? No pressure or anything, just a friendly back-to-school meal at the diner. If that goes well, then maybe we can see where things goes next.”

Sadie considered him carefully. Cooper Denning was nice, a gentleman, and didn’t give her any creepy vibes. His offer was more than reasonable; not even necessarily a request for a date, just a simple invitation for dinner with the possibility of a date another time. Taking a deep breath and deciding it was time to move forward, Sadie gave him a polite smile and a confident nod. If nothing else, perhaps she could make a new friend.

“That would be nice.”

Cooper smiled, too. “Great. In the interest of keeping it friendly, how about if I meet you there at six o’ clock?”

“Sounds great,” Sadie agreed. “I need to go get my kiddos from out front, but I’ll see you tonight.”

Cooper waved and headed back for the gym. Sadie couldn’t say she was excited for her dinner with him, but she was looking forward to doing something besides spending the evening alone.

At the end of the day, Sadie was feeling better than she had in weeks. All of her small groups had done so well, and she was going to be able to get out of the house for supper. Chris and Layla were still on her mind, but she seemed able to push them to the back burner for now. They were figuring out their lives, and she had to figure out hers.

Of course, her peace couldn’t last. She didn’t mind in the least that it was interrupted by Layla excitedly running up to her in the hallway outside the main office, but she would have been happier had Emily not accompanied Layla.

“I have my own desk!” Layla said, jumping up and down excitedly. “And this is my backpack and ‘member this dress? You made it for me!”

“That I did,” Sadie said, unable to stop her smile. “Your first day must have been really good, you are full of energy!”

“Yep!” Layla said, galloping in circles around Sadie.

Emily spoke up then, telling Layla to calm down, and taking the girl by the hand. “Sadie, I’m glad we ran into you. Chris was going to call, but since we’re all here – are you available to babysit Friday night? Chris and I have a – a thing, and Layla’s been asking to spend time with you.”

Sadie nodded, although she felt somewhat hesitant. “Yes, of course. I’d love to.”

“Yay!” Layla cheered, beginning her galloping again.

Emily looked slightly irritated. “Layla, sweetheart, calm down, please. I already asked you once. Let’s get home.”

“Bye Adie! See you tomorrow at school and Friday at my house!” Layla called over her shoulder.

Sadie couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. It was nice to know that in the midst of everything changing, Layla was exactly the same.

The diner wasn’t terribly busy when Sadie pulled up, still dressed in the same clothes she had been for the school day. She had touched up her makeup once at home, fluffed her hair, and readied a few things for the next day before heading back to town.

Cooper was waiting for her on the sidewalk in front of the diner. He gave her a modest side hug when he saw her, then opened the door, letting Sadie pass by first before following her to a booth by the window.

They chatted casually about their respective first days, made their orders when the waitress came by the table, and then Cooper launched into telling her about some of the older kids in the school, starting with the ones who had younger siblings in kindergarten. Sadie appreciated having the background on her students, and Cooper made the stories especially entertaining.

In the middle of their meal, the bell over the door rang. The sound caught Sadie’s attention, and her eyes darted from Cooper to the door. The two people she had pushed to the back of her mind were once again at the forefront as she watched the Pratt family walk into the diner.

Chris and Emily were on either side of Layla, each of them holding her hand. Layla was grinning, Chris was smiling, and Emily was about as happy as Sadie had seen her in any of their few interactions. Once they got up to the counter to make their to-go order, Chris lifted Layla into his arms, balancing her on one arm while placing one hand at the small of Emily’s back to guide her closer to the counter.

Sadie’s attention was no longer on Cooper at all, and he noticed. He waved his hand in front of her face; she snapped back to attention.

“Sorry,” she said, blushing. “I, uh, got distracted.”

Cooper gave her a sympathetic smile. “Sadie. You can be honest with me. I know about you and Chris – thanks to Libby Anderson, I think the whole school probably does.”

“Fantastic,” Sadie sighed.

“Hey,” he said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “Don’t be embarrassed. We all know that Libby is a gossip. I’m just sorry you had to be the subject of her gossip this time. I do want us to be friends, and if that’s all this becomes, then that’s just fine.”

Sadie couldn’t have been more grateful for how understanding Cooper was about the entire situation. She kept her eyes focused on him for the remainder of the time the Pratts were in the diner, and that helped to cope with the presence of the seemingly happy family.  

Once the table was cleared, the new friends didn’t linger. Cooper walked her to her car and thanked her for a good evening.

“Thank you, too,” Sadie replied. “I’m sorry if I made things weird, or disappointed you at all.”

Cooper waved her off. “We both have a new friend, that’s a good thing. I’ll see you at school tomorrow, yeah?”

Sadie nodded. “Yeah, for sure. Thanks again.”

“Anytime.”

She got in her car and left then, anxious to work through her new feelings over seeing the Pratt family in the diner, but not so anxious for loneliness to set in again once she was home.

Part Eighteen

#chris pratt #chris evans #fanfiction #collab #new to this blog

[justanoutlawfic]

Coming Home: Chapt. 4

Summary: Emma isn't the only one with a box of memories. David and Mary Margaret go over it together, while making a plan for how to keep their daughter in town. Meanwhile, an unknown ally is helping them along.

Also on AO3/FF

January 6th, 1989

 Emma had been quiet ever since she moved in with them. Mary Margaret did everything she could to open the little girl up but it had been a challenge. She had it expected it. August barely said two words to them after he arrived in Storybrooke. Even so, Mary Margaret knew this could be a longer placement and she wanted to get Emma acclimated as much as possible. A few days after Emma arrived, Mary Margaret decided to take her shopping.

 “I have lots of stuff back at the house,” Emma said as they walked into the only office supply store in town.

“You do, but I got a list from your new teacher,” Mary Margaret explained. “School starts again on Monday, so you’ll need some stuff I didn’t want to get you until we met.”

“Like what?”

“Like a backpack.”

“I have one already.”

 Mary Margaret didn’t want to point out that Emma’s backpack was falling apart. It could barely hold the beautiful baby blanket that was inside of it along with the one other outfit that she had from her previous home. Instead, she steered Emma over to the section where they were lined up on the wall.

 “Well, I want to treat you to a new one.” Mary Margaret gestured to the selections. “You can pick any one you want and a lunchbox.”

Emma tilted her head and Mary Margaret had to stop herself from smiling too wide. “A lunchbox? Normally I get free lunch at school.”

“Well, you could get lunch from the cafeteria or you could have yummy stuff that David makes you.”

Emma seemed as though she was debating it for a bit. “David’s food is yummy.”

“It is, huh?” Mary Margaret held out a pink one for Emma to inspect, which got a wrinkled nose. “No pink?”

“I like yellow…and red.”

“Well, I’m sure we could find one of those.”

 She and Emma looked down the section, with Mary Margaret offering different ones to her. None really seemed to catch the little girl’s eye. Mary Margaret reached to grab some ice packs for the lunchbox when she saw Emma examining a denim backpack. It would be big enough for all her stuff and was quite stylish, if Mary Margaret was being honest.

“That one, sweets?” Emma looked up and nodded. Mary Margaret smiled. “I like it too.” She took it off the shelf and put it in the cart. “Now for the lunchbox.”

 Emma found a Rainbow Brite lunchbox she liked. It was bright yellow and had the characters on the front. Alongside of it was a matching thermos, which would be perfect for soups or pastas that David liked to make. Next, they went to look at the supplies. Mrs. Anderson had requested a huge box of crayons, some glue sticks and scissors. Emma looked nervously at the list.

 “I’ve never been to a new school before.”

Mary Margaret set the list onto her purse and knelt down to her height. “It’s a little scary, huh?” Emma nodded, her green eyes widening a bit. “Well, you know I’m a teacher, right?”

“Yeah, for bigger kids.”

“4th grade. But, I happen to be friends with a lot of the teachers and I know Mrs. Anderson is very nice. She has a fun classroom with lots of toys. You even get to take a nap halfway through the day.” Emma still didn’t look convinced. “And if anything were to happen, you know you could always come find me.”

“Really?”

“Pinky swear.” Mary Margaret held out her pinky and waited for Emma to wrap hers around it. “The best part is, the kindergarteners get their very own playground, with a twisty slide.”

Emma’s eyes seemed to light up at that. “I’ve never seen one of those.”

“Well then I’m sure Mrs. Anderson and the other kids will be happy to show it to you.”

 Emma suddenly flung her arms around Mary Margaret’s torso. Mary Margaret nearly fell over, but caught herself before wrapping her arms around Emma.

“I’m glad my new foster mom is a teacher.”

Mary Margaret stroked Emma’s golden curls. “Well, I’m happy to have you as a foster daughter, Emma.”

“Emma.”

Mary Margaret stood up with Emma in her arms and turned to face the source of the voice. It was Mr. Gold. In one hand, he balanced a cane. In the other, was a basket filled with stationary and pens.

 “Mr. Gold,” Mary Margaret said, politely. She didn’t know the man too well, outside the fact that he practically owned the whole town. Granny was always complaining about how high he made the rent. It was partially why she and David had bought, instead of rented. He also owned an antique store on Main Street, but she had never been inside. “How are you?”

“Quite fine, dearie.” He looked over at Emma, who was clinging to her foster mother. “So, Emma.”

“David and I are fostering,” Mary Margaret explained. “This is our newest placement.”

Mr. Gold nodded, though he didn’t look thoroughly convinced. Why would he think she was lying about a thing like that? “Right.” He blinked a few times, before a smile came across his face. “Well, have a lovely day, Mrs. Nolan and…Emma.”

 Mr. Gold walked away, the sound of his cane scraping against the tile floors. Emma clung a bit tighter to Mary Margaret.

 “Who was that?”

“Mr. Gold, he owns a shop in town.”

“Oh.” Emma’s eyebrows furrowed. “He kept staring at me. You’re not supposed to stare.”

“I know, sweets, but he means no harm.” Mary Margaret rubbed her back. “Come on, we need to find you some new sneakers.”

 October 26th, 2011

 Mary Margaret didn’t have much from her time with her foster daughter. The possessions stayed in a box in the back of her closet. A few toys like the Cabbage Patch doll she had gotten for Valentine’s Day or the stuffed lamb that David had selected for her. There was the sign that once hung in her room “You are my sunshine”. Finally, she had Emma’s old lunchbox. She wasn’t sure why that was the one thing she kept. Maybe because it wasn’t just a connection to Emma, but her ex-husband too. David would make both of their lunches every night before he went to bed. Normally, PB&J for Emma and some leftovers for Mary Margaret. Still, they were always appreciated.

 At the bottom of the lunchbox was a post-it note that David had put in there, just as he did every day.

 Hope you’re having a good day, Emmy. Love, Daddy.

 Daddy. Emma had started calling them by proper parental names just a few months into staying with them. They had no doubt that they would be able to adopt her. There was no reason why they shouldn’t be able to. And then, it was all taken away because of a stupid mistake that she made.

 She knew David had never forgiven her for it. Sure, he said he didn’t blame her but Mary Margaret saw the look in his eyes the days after Emma left. The way he stopped touching her. He was the one that had called Helen and told her that they didn’t want any more placements. Why would he have done all of that if he didn’t blame her?

 They had been divorced for such a long time and yet Mary Margaret could still remember everything about their divorce. Life before Emma’s arrival and after she left was fuzzy, but that was clear as day. The silence turned to fighting, but even that dissipated. Before she knew it, she was going to Gold and asking him to draw up divorce papers. The man that had once given them such hope that they were going to be a family was making it clear that they never would be.

 Neither stayed in the house. Instead, they sold it and split the profits. David started renting a house not far from where they once lived, while Mary Margaret moved to a loft in the center of town. It was small, perfect for a new divorcee. There was even the clawfoot tub that she had always dreamed of.

 She still would’ve given anything to have him back.

 The door to her loft opened and Mary Margaret looked up to find David standing there. After avoiding each other for years, Emma was the one thing to pull them back together.

 “She talking to you yet?” he asked.

Mary Margaret shook her head. “I tried to visit her room at Granny’s but she wouldn’t open the door.”

David threw himself onto the couch and let out a sigh. “I pictured this with her as a teenager, but not now.”

Mary Margaret gently rolled her eyes. “Please, you would’ve been the favorite when she was 13. All teenage girls hate their moms.”

“But their moms are the ones they go to when crap hits the fan.”

She smiled, even though she didn’t want to. “I guess that’s true.”

“Besides, I don’t know if she ever had a favorite. We both gave her what she needed in our own ways.”

Mary Margaret nodded. “I guess that’s true.”

 David’s eyes traveled to the box in front of her. He made his way down to the floor and lifted out the lamb, running his fingers through the dingy fur.

 “I nearly forgot about this,” he whispered.

“I didn’t keep a lot after we moved, but this was just the stuff I couldn’t part with.”

“Yeah, I have her old sun pillow.” He shrugged when Mary Margaret looked at him confused. “I keep it on my couch, a reminder of what could’ve been.”

Mary Margaret nodded. “I go through my closet every week, I tell myself I’m reorganizing it, but I think it’s just an excuse to look through all of this.”

 It’s weird how easy they can communicate. Mary Margaret told herself it was for Emma. She was their weight to the world.

 “You’re punishing yourself,” David said.

“I guess I took over for you.”

 David looked at her strangely. Mary Margaret closed the box and started to head back to her closet.

 “Did you have a reason for coming over?” she asked.

David bit his lip. “I know we don’t get along the way we used to Mary Margaret, but once upon a time, we did.”

“A lot has changed since then.”

“I know that. I was there.”

 And then you weren’t. But she had asked him to leave, so could she really blame him for that?

 David continued on, pulling himself up. The plush lamb was clutched tightly in his grip. “We want Emma to stay, there’s no doubt about that. So maybe we can just try to put the past behind us. If she just sees us fighting, that’s not going to remind her of the good times that this place brought her.”

Mary Margaret set the box down onto her bed. “I guess that’s true.”

“So…truce? At least for Emma?”

 He extended the lamb and she allowed her hand to go over it.

 “Truce,” she whispered. “For Emma.”

*******************************************************************************************

Not much had changed in Storybrooke in the 23 years since Emma left. Granny’s grilled cheese was no exception. The way she somehow managed to combine the three cheeses and perfectly toast the bread was a marvel. She hadn’t been able to find one like it since she left all those years ago. The onion rings were huge and never left her hungry.

 It was hard to find reasons to hate the town. As much as she wanted to only remember the bad times, ever since she ran into Mary Margaret it was nearly impossible. Memories of running around at the beach or the park. Getting ice cream after school with David. Sitting on Mary Margaret’s desk while she graded papers and occasionally let Emma put unicorn stickers on the pages.

 Why did she have to remember all of that? It was hard enough having to remember the bad, but remembering the good meant that there was something great and she was forced to leave it.

 “Miss Swan.”

 Emma nearly dropped her sandwich at the sound of Mr. Gold’s voice. She looked up in shock, but he just had that same steady smile on his face that he always had.

 “Mr. Gold,” Emma placed her sandwich down and took a swig of her root beer. “You trying to take 10 years off my life?”

He chuckled. “Just wanted to see how you were enjoying our town.”

“It’s…practically the same.” She looked around the diner. “Weird how no one’s aged.”

“Oh, they have, just not in the ways you’d expect.”

 Emma cocked an eyebrow. She remembered being scared of this man when she was 5 years old. Now, he was more of a mystery.

“I heard you’re staying with us for a bit.”

“Just until I can get my car fixed. Then I’m out of here.”

“I’m sure Ms. Blanchard and Mr. Nolan were sad to hear that.”

Emma rolled her eyes. “Forgive me if I don’t care about how they feel. They’re the ones that gave me up.”

“Life is more complicated than we normally think. Sometimes, parents have to let go and regret it.”

“What would you know about it?”

 Emma reached down to take a bite of her sandwich and when she looked up, she saw a haunted gaze over him.

 “You don’t know what I know.”

She felt even more puzzled by that. “Pardon?”

Gold snapped out of it, returning to his no-nonsense stare. “Your parents didn’t want to give you up.”

“Foster parents,” Emma corrected. “And they did.”

“There are always three sides to the truth, Miss Swan. His, hers and the truth.” He reached into his briefcase and pulled out a manila envelope. “I happen to have the third.”

“How…”

“You were quite young when all of that was going on, but let me remind you that I was their attorney. Everything that happened, went through me.”

 He placed the envelope on the table, making sure to be careful of her ketchup dipping bowl.

 “If you don’t believe them or me, believe the legal documents.”

 He reached down and stole an onion ring from her plate, popping it in his mouth.

“I’ve always preferred fries,” he mused, walking away.

 Emma stared at the envelope. It was thick, with her first name on it. She wasn’t sure how much she could trust it. Mary Margaret and David could have paid him to falsify something. Then again, Mr. Gold didn’t seem like the type.

 Slowly, she picked it up and put it into her backpack. She’d read it. Not for them, but for herself. After 23 years, she deserved answers.

#coming home verse #snowing #snowing au #charming family #emma swan #ouat au #ouat #once upon a time

[hannah-heartstrings]

Flower Crowns

The story I’ve been promising since Dimileth week is finally finished. I’m sorry for the wait but it is better now than it would’ve been had I posted it before.

It turned out to be nearly 2,000 words so I’m putting it below the cut, but first a quick description:

Upon realizing that Byleth doesn’t know the White Garland Moon tradition Sylvain and Annette scheme to have her give one to Dimitri.

           As spring started giving way to summer the sun beat down on the town below.

           “Sylvain!” a girl weaved through the busy market street and up to the redhead. She held up a crown of white flowers.

           Holding an arm behind his back and the other across his chest he bowed to her as she placed it on his head. “Thank you,” he gave her a bright smile. As he walked away he pulled out his arm, three more flowers wreathes hanging from it. He sighed at them. Looking back up he stopped as another woman stood in front of him. “Oh hey professor.”

           Byleth looked amused at him draped in flowers.

           “I don’t suppose you have a garland for me too?” he smirked.

           Her eyes narrowed.

           “I’m kidding, you don’t have to seemed so appalled.”

           “What? No, I was just confused.”

           “Because girls make them this time of year.”

           “Oh, I didn’t know.”

           At that he looked a little confused.

           “I… also don’t know where I’m supposed to go,” she glanced off nervously. “I wanted to stock up on vulneraries.”

           He pointed to the side. “Need me to walk you there?”

           “No, I’ve got it,” she walked away, calling back, “but thank you.”

He turned to watch her, his surprise slowly turning to a smirk.

             “She does too!” Annette’s voice echoed down the hall as she glared up at Sylvain.

           He kept his voice low. “I’m telling you she was completely baffled.”

           “But it’s a long running tradition, how could she have never even heard of it?”

           “There seems to be a lot our professor has missed out on. She hadn’t even heard of the church of Seiros.”

           She crossed her arms as she glanced off in thought. “That is true… Even though she’s been all over Fodlan she does seem to have lived a pretty secluded life.” She frowned. “Poor professor.”

           “And…” he smirked, “I may have left out an important detail.”

             Byleth sat at a table in the gardens reading over a textbook.

           “Hello professor,” came a cheery voice.

           She looked up to see Annette and Mercedes, each with a basket in their arms.

           “Mind if we join you?” asked Annette.

           “Go ahead,” she said politely before looking back down at the book. As the girls talked and laughed she kept glancing up at them.

           “I’m sorry,” Mercedes finally noticed, “we must be terribly distracting.”

           “Want to make garlands with us?” Annette was quick to add.

           Byleth started to scoot out of her seat. “I’ll just-”

           “We brought enough flowers. Come on, it’ll be fun!”

           “I…” she searched for the words to get out of this.

           “Soon the flowers will be gone so we have to hurry and make them.”

           Mercedes waved a hand. “But we understand if you have to work.”

           Before she could answer Annette added “But you did tell me not to work too hard.”

           She glanced curiously at her friend.

           “Fine,” Byleth sighed, closing the book.

           Annette squealed before pushing a basket towards her.

           Pulling out a flower she looked confused at it.

           “Like this,” she held up the row of flowers she’d woven together.

           Taking out another flower Byleth began twisting the stems together. About an hour later she was holding a white garland, a little sloppy but finished. Looking over it she was surprised by how much fun she’d had making it.

           “So Mercie, who are you going to give yours too?”

           “I just made one for fun.”

           “Oh come on.” She looked across the table. “What about you, professor? Anyone you want to give yours too?”

           “I don’t know.”

           Her lips pressed tight together.

           “Thanks girls, this was fun,” she gathered her things, “but I should get back to studying.”

           “Of course,” said Mercie, “we’ve kept you long enough.”

           Annette, starting to look stressed, just nodded as Byleth walked off.

           “Are you OK?”

           “Yeah,” she turned to Mercie. “Meet you later for kitchen duty?”

           “Of course.”

           Jumping up she ran off to search the monastery. She was glaring by the time she found Sylvain standing around.

           “Uh oh. What’d I do now?”

           “How am I supposed to get her to give it to him without mentioning him?”

           “You just have to play it smooth.”

           She threw her fists down. “What does that mean?”

           “Look, if we’re right about those two then he’ll naturally come to mind, you just have to say something that makes her think of him.”

           “Like what?”

           “Like…” he ran a hand through his hair as he thought. “Hey, seen any cute guys lately?”

           “That’s playing it smooth?”

           Pulling his hand from his hair he shrugged. “I don’t really have a line for this kind of thing.”

           She huffed.

           “Just be patient and keep a lookout for the right opportunity.”

           She crossed her arms but resigned. “All right…”

             Byleth came down the stairs with an armful of books.

           As the professor walked away Annette peeked out from behind a corner before starting after her. She froze for a second before running off.

           Byleth walked back, looking around confused before going another way. Walking through the reception hall she found herself in a small courtyard. She looked around confused.

           “Professor?”

           She turned to see a tall blond man behind her.

           “Hello Dimitri.”

           “Is everything all right? You look lost.”

           “I am. Where’s…” she grimaced, “the classroom?”

           He gave a kind smile. “This way.”

           As they walked away Annette peeked out from the doorway and grinned.

           He passed the gazebo, Byleth following beside him.

           “Thank you.” Her embarrassment left a heaviness in her tone.

           “Think nothing of it. I found this place to be a maze at first too.”

           “I feel like I need to walk around with a map.”

           “It might not be a bad idea.” He glanced at her. “That’s a lot of books.”

           She looked down, the stack nearly reaching her chin. “Yeah… Just making sure I’m read up on everything I need to teach. To be honest I don’t know why they’d choose me to be a teacher.” She glanced up at him surprised she’d just told him that, that she’d felt safe to.

           “Your experience more than makes up for what you lack.” Reaching the classrooms he turned to smile at her. “You’re the reason we won the mock battle after all.”

           She smiled a little back. “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

           “I can hold my own but I’m better with you.” His smile faltered, looking nervous. “You can find your way from here.”

           “Thank you.”

           He bowed before walking off.

           She turned away slowly, her gaze lingering on him.

           “Hello Professor!”

           She was startled as Annette was suddenly at her side. “Hello. Do you need something?”

           “Just saying hi.”

           She quickened for the classroom, Annette practically running after her.

           “Where did you get all those?”

           “The library,” dropping them on her desk she rolled her shoulder.

           “Tomas let you take them?”

           She looked back at her worried. “We’re not allowed to take books out of the library?”

           “Uh,” she looked a little worried herself, “it’s probably fine for teachers to.” As Byleth turned back to the books she stepped closer. “So… have you put any thought into who you’ll give your garland to? It’s part of the tradition.”

           “Oh,” she started sorting the books, “no then.”

           “You should give it to someone you appreciate.”

           She turned to her, a book still in hand. “Should I give it to you?”

           “No,” she laughed, “I wasn’t hinting around.” Her smiled turned nervous. “I’m sure you’ll think of someone.”

           She watched her walk away before her gaze drifted to the side.

             The sun hung high over the training grounds. Dimitri sat at one side sharpening his spear, at the other stood his childhood friends.

           “Put that up,” Sylvain pointed his training sword at Felix’s real one. “We’re supposed to be practicing.”

           “Then practice not dying.”

           Ingrid sighed before tossing a wooden sword to Felix. “You two quit fooling around.”

           Catching it he held it up. “How is this not fooling around?”

           They continued to argue as Byleth stepped onto the stone courtyard, her gaze immediately finding Dimitri. Her chest tightened, her grip tightening around the garland. Why was she so nervous about this? Taking a deep breath she crossed the grounds.

           Finally conceding, Felix held out the practice blade.

           Sylvain took his stance. Seeing Byleth with the garland he froze, missing his block and getting jabbed in the chest. “Let’s take a break,” he rubbed his chest as he passed Felix, grabbing his arm to drag him along.

           “But we just started!”

           “What are you up to?” Ingrid followed.

           Dimitri stood as Byleth approached. He smiled when he saw her, it falling when he saw the flower crown.

           She held it up to him.

           His face reddened. “Uh…”

           Heartbeat quickening, she looked worried.

           “I-I’m flattered,” he cleared his throat, “it’s just that we haven’t known each other long…”

           She looked half anxious, half confused. She lowered the garland. “Are they not just gifts you give to friends?”

           He looked a bit flustered. “Typically women give them to potential suitors.”

           After the surprise washed over she glared back at where Sylvain had ran. “They left that part out.”

           “They?”

“Sylvain and Annette.”

           His shoulders relaxed. But at seeing Byleth so upset he felt bad for her, even a twinge of guilt. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to react so badly, I was just surprised.”

           She looked uncomfortable.

           “Why did you want me to have it?”

           Looking down, her hair half covered her face. She looked sadly at the floor. “I just… wanted to thank you, you’ve really helped me with this job and with adjusting to my new life; not just by helping me find my way around, you’ve helped me feel like I can belong. And I… hoped we could be friends.”

           “In that case, I’ll gladly accept your crown.”

           She risked glancing up at him.

           He smiled at her. “And your friendship.”

           She gave a small sad smile back.

           He bowed his head to let her place the wreath upon it.

           As he straightened she stifled the grin that tried to surface at how cute he looked in the garland.

           “I feel like I should give you something.”

           “Don’t worry, you have.”

           “Aww,” Annette peeked around the corner. She stepped back where the rest of the Blue Lions stood.

           “Nice one,” said Sylvain, “though following her isn’t really what I meant.”

           She shot a glare back. “You couldn’t tell me what you meant.”

           Felix looked disgusted at them. “What is wrong with you?”

           Ingrid frowned. “I’ll say. Tricking our professor?”

           “And his highness,” Dedue added.

           “Though I don’t condone tricks,” Mercedes said before smiling, “it looks like it all worked out in the end.”

           Ashe looked uncomfortable. “Can we train now?”

           “You can all come out now,” Byleth called, leaving them all surprised.

           Sylvain started to run but Ingrid grabbed his arm and pulled him onto the grounds.

           The rest followed, standing in a row before their teacher.

           Dimitri practically smirked from behind Byleth.

           She looked a little nervous as she held out a hand.

           Eyes went wide and mouths fell open.

           “I made one for all of you.”

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