I DON'T THINK FRIENDS KISS EACH OTHER LIKE THIS ( Everything Has Changed After Kazuha Returned From That

BNHA AND WHEN THEY GET INTO A FIGHT.

— izuku, bakugou, denki x gn!reader

cw. mild violence and blood, cursing note. read a genshin version of this n got inspo

— izuku didn't know what came over him, but all he remembers is getting really, really angry when this random dude at school spoke ill about you. before he knew what he was doing, he was punching the guy, making him fall to the floor. everything was silent for a few seconds before izuku's classmates were pulling him off of the covering guy.

that was a few hours ago, now izuku was standing in front of you while you examined him for injuries. your hands were on both his cheeks and you gently tilted his head up, trying to figure out if he was hurt somewhere.

“does it hurt anywhere?” you asked.

izuku shook his head, making his green hair messier than it already was, “no.”

“okay, good.” you take a seat next to him and take his hand in yours, “so, what happened? what did that guy say to you to make you so angry you threw hands?”

suddenly, izuku was looking anywhere but at you, avoiding your gaze in the most obvious way possible. “um,” he fiddles with your hand, “he was talking bad about you.”

“oh,” you fall silent for a little before you laugh. “'zuku, you didn't have to fight him because of that!” you squeeze his hand, “there's some people that don't like other people, it's natural and it's their opinion— you don't have to beat them up because of that, you know?”

“i'm sorry,” he unconsciously pouts, staring at his feet.

“don't apologize,” you brush his sorry away. “honestly, i'm just surprised you were actually in a fight, it's so unlike you.”

“maybe kacchan is being a bad influence.”

— bakugou saw red. he was ticked off already, but then this guy had to drag you into it, and bakugou went on fight mode. he'd been trying to stop lashing out at people and getting annoyed easily, and it had been going good so far, only, this random dude he knew from school had decided to put an end to it.

he had been on his way to your house, and after dealing with the guy, he continued on his way but now he had bruised knuckles and a scrape on his cheek from the stray gravel that had hit him during the encounter.

that's how he ended up sitting on the bathroom counter while you patched him up and bandaged his hands. he wasn't new to the ointment you applied and the white bandages you carefully wrapped around his hand.

“what was the fight about?” you ask him while applying ointment on his cheek, one hand holding onto his chin.

“i don't know, this random guy just annoyed me,” he started, but stopped when you gave him a knowing look.

“c'mon kats, we both know you don't fight people just because they annoy you anymore,” you let go of his chin and move away from him to get a plaster from the first aid box.

bakugou has to physically hold himself back from reaching towards you.

“okay fine!” he rolls his eyes, “it was because he shit talked you.”

“no way,” you fake surprise while placing the pink plaster on his cheek, leaning in to give him a quick kiss afterwards. “are you turning soft, bakugou?”

“shut up, dumbass.”

— denki was one of the last people someone would expect to start a fight. maybe a playful fight between his friends but with some stranger? hell no. honestly, it would've made sense to anyone if denki had been dragged into a fight because he was just passing by. but no, he had been the one to throw the first punch, and had been repeatedly punching the guy while his friends tried to pull him off of the guy.

even denki didn't know what had come over him at that moment.

his friends had dragged him all the way over to you, and had left him there telling you to “take care of this idiot while we check on the other guy.”

taking one look at denki, you quickly sit him down and ask, “what the hell happened to you? you look like someone beat the shit out of you.”

he cracks a smile, although it's forced, “you should've seen the other guy.”

“did you get dragged into a fight?” you take a tissue out of your bag and press it to the cut on his lip, trying to stop the bleeding.

“i kinda,” he looks away with a bashful expression. “i kinda started the fight.”

you visibly recoil, “you started a fight?”

“babe,” he whines, “don't be so rude!”

“i'm sorry,” you say even though you weren't sorry at all, “i'm just surprised. i mean, denki kaminari starting a fight instead of getting dragged into one is just, shocking.”

“it should be on the news,” he suggests weakly, brushing away your hand and leaning against you, resting his head on your shoulder and burying his face in the crook of your neck.

“the dude i punched was talking shit about you, i couldn't just stand by and listen to him,” denki mumbles.

you don't reply for a few seconds but pull back and press your hands to his cheeks, “don't get into fights because of me, okay? let them trash talk me all they want, see if i give a fuck.”

“but i do,” he pouts.

“don't fight anyone though,” you state, taking another tissue to wipe away the blood that was still seeping through the cut. “now shut up, you're making your cut worse.”

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Another drawing character faces video

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Tutorial of how to make a whole ass Stardew Valley esque farming game in Gamemaker Studios 2??

Introduction to flying small aircrafts

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𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗛!!!!!

↳ what it'd be like if the hq boys had a crush on you!

characters: kageyama tobio, semi eita, toru oikawa, miya osamu, kuroo tetsuro, akaashi keij, suna rintaro

warnings: fluff!! swearing here and there :) slight rivals to lovers in suna!

a/n: I WAS ABOUT TO NOT INCLUDE SUNA BUT MY WHORE INSTINCTS TOOK OVER THIS IS SO SHAMEFUL. thinkin about making a pt 2 with other characters but omg this took forever. hate to toot my own horn, but i kinda went off... (kags might be a bit ooc,,, but i think that's on me, not him </3)

poor, precious kageyama tobio who is so clueless in matters of love and how to 'woo' someone (that's the word his mother used when he asked), that he resorted to ask the members of the volleyball club.

the only useful advice kageyama tobio got was from sugawara, asahi and daichi, who told him to 'just be himself', because even though he's 'prickly on the edges', he's naturally a kind and reassuring person.

kageyama tobio who tries his best to spend as much time as possible with you, whether it be asking to tag along with you everywhere- to the school office, to the vending machines, to your locker, etc. it's the little moments that really count to him.

kageyama tobio who gets flustered whenever hinata, tanaka or nishinoya teases him about his little crush on you before telling them to 'shut up, idiot!' when they jokingly say 'man up and grow some balls!'

when you offer to study with him during exam season, kageyama tobio turns into a blushing mess, stammering over his words as he tries his best to get out a 'yes please, i would appreciate that a lot!'.

kageyama tobio, who you're still scared of a little sometimes because he's got that towering height to him and a stern appearance, but you're reminded of just how dorky and awkward he really is and it brings a smile to your face.

kageyama tobio, who's gone to the vending machine so many times with you that he knows your favourite drinks and snacks, listening to you muttering about which option you'd want. he buys it for you sometimes and he insists that he doesn't need repayment as he waves your complaints off by sipping on his carton of milk.

kageyama tobio knows your birthday and always makes an effort to bring it up whenever it's the week before to let you know that he remembers.

he saves any photos you have together because even kageyama tobio doesn't really enjoy looking at pictures of himself, it's worth saving it as his phone home screen because you're in it- and he won't change the home screen for months- years even.

kageyama tobio who is actually really funny and has a good sense of humour that he effortlessly makes you laugh.

you offer your headphones to kageyama tobio when he asks you what you're listening to, and he's so silent as well that you think he might secretly dislike your music taste until the next time he approaches you and asks to share earphones.

kageyama tobio, who doesn't realise you're at one of his games until you're running down from the stands and congratulating him, bringing him into a huge hug that makes him short circuit. 'this is nice' he thinks as he finally gets the hint from hinata to hug you back, the affectionate gesture of you making the effort to come and actually watch him play makes him feel warm, and he prays you can't feel how fast his heart is beating.

kageyama tobio, who ALMOST confessed to you on total accident, because he actually sent you a love song (that you've listened to many times before) and told you it reminds him of you.

you jokingly ask kageyama tobio whether if not he likes you or something, followed by an emoji so he knows you're kidding (because he's actually quite clueless about your sarcasm through text and needs indicators), and he almost falls off his bed.

kageyama tobio ACTUALLY confessing after one of his volleyball games, when he's still high on adrenaline and excitement over the victory that he can't help but tell you.

kageyama tobio who hears the cheers of his friends when you accept his date offer and doesn't even have the heart to tell the volleyball club members to 'shut the fuck up!' when you reach up to his cheek to place a kiss there.

semi eita, who's the sweetest boy you could possibly have a crush on, and if he liked you back? you've struck gold.

semi eita, who leans his ear down to hear you if the room is too loud, and if that doesn't work, he tells everyone else around him to 'shut up' so he can listen to you successfully.

semi eita, who huffs in amusement when you draw on his skin and you stop, thinking he doesn't like it, but he compliments the little smiley face you've drawn and you beam at him, your smile making him internally panic just a little. he draws a matching smiley face on your hand.

his features make his gaze look naturally intense and determined and he's aware of how this might scare some people, but with you, semi eita tries to look as gentle as possible, because he doesn't want to scare you off.

semi eita who shares his food with you, but rejects anyone else who tries to take some as well.

semi eita, who doesn't realise that he's doing this, but mentally makes a note of things that remind him of you. that bouquet outside the florist he just walked past? the colour scheme reminded him of you. the specific scent of a candle? he thinks you'd like it. an outfit he saw someone wear? he can hear you gush about it.

he's an incredible listener, but semi eita always has something to add to the conversation and it's easy to keep talking with him.

when he got your number, semi eita unconsciously added a heart emoji next to it before deleting it and mentally scolding himself.

semi eita, who freaked out when you laid your head on his shoulder on purpose since you were so tired, but as you went to sit back straight, semi smiled and told you you could take a nap on him if you wanted. now it was your turn to freak out as you mentally remembered his offer.

semi eita, who was relentlessly teased by tendou when you actually fell asleep on his shoulder next time.

after that, semi eita isn't as shy about physical contact- granted, he still asks for permission, but he'll take your hand in his without realising. first time he did so, you were incredibly flustered and when he notices that he's holding your hand, he also becomes incredibly flustered. it's a mess because you're both spluttering words, flushed in the face.

you've definitely compared hand sizes together and semi eita loves it so much that he just does it whenever, smirking at the difference.

gestures of affection occur naturally. it's common for semi eita to greet you with a welcoming hug when he sees you at the start of the day, you'll hold on to his shoulder to get his attention and he'll drape his arm over your shoulder when you're walking somewhere.

it's so natural, that when you and semi eita start dating, you immediately are comfortable with each other's bodies (not even in any suggestive way, you've just traced the lines on his palms so many times.)

semi eita has written songs about you before and only showed them to you when you started dating.

semi eita who makes you so effortlessly happy that you're bursting at the seems with love for him. you'd be happy to know that he feels the same way, wondering what good deed he did in a previous life to have you now.

oikawa tooru, who searches every room he enters, hoping that maybe you're in the same one. when he finds you, he yells your name in a cheery tone before jogging over to you.

oikawa tooru, who inserts himself into any situation that includes you. group project? he's already moving over to your desk before you could even look at your best friend. school trip? he's taking the seat beside you, end of story. pairing up with someone during physical education? oikawa's wandering towards you (even though you're intimidated by the man's athletic abilities.)

oikawa tooru, who seeks for your validation. you come to a few of his volleyball games per his request and feels his ego shoot up by miles when you tell him you're proud of him and that he's amazing.

you learnt how to make paper rings and taught oikawa tooru how to as well, and he gave his first one to you. you took it gratefully and handed him one of your more successful ones and he wore it around for the whole day. he keeps it on his desk now.

oikawa tooru, who could be swarmed by a group of fangirls, but when you walk past the school grounds talking with a bunch of friends, he's calling your name and breaking away so he can talk to you.

everyone can see how smitten oikawa tooru is for you, except you, and it frustrates everyone to no end.

oikawa tooru has been friendzoned 27 times by you, and counting.

"why would oikawa go for someone like me?" you would say to your friends, and it's a genuine question, because someone as dazzling and bold as oikawa tooru did not belong with you.

oikawa tooru, who overhears you and feels his heart drop.

oikawa tooru, who knows what it's like being insecure and uncomfortable in their own skin, comforting you when it matters most. he repeats what he wants people to say most to him, "you're incredible and that will never change, you're loved for a reason y/n and you're enough."

you're a little embarrassed that he caught you at a time of vulnerability, but oikawa tooru waves off your apology and tells you that he's always happy to help. he just hopes you'll stop burdening yourself with bottled up thoughts.

oikawa tooru, who hates losing you in a crowd, so he'll grab onto your shoulders like a conga line.

"i'm pretty, you're pretty, i think we would make a pretty good couple," oikawa tooru once told you. that got him a whack from iwaizumi and a harmless eye roll from you.

oikawa tooru, who shows off photos of you to his nephew and takeru has had enough of his uncle gushing endlessly.

oikawa tooru, when asked 'who's the prettiest person you know', says your name first without hesitation. he then adds on a pathetic "i'm still pretty amazing myself, but it's exhausting carrying these good looks all the time".

oikawa tooru, who squealed in delight when you finally agreed to go on a date with him.

miya osamu, who is one of the most caring people you've ever met.

miya osamu, who brings food just for you, even if he has to put up with atsumu's relentless teasing the night before as he prepares both their lunches. osamu shuts him up by saying 'i'll let ya starve tomorrow if ya don't shut the hell up'.

miya osamu, who carries your books for you if you don't have enough hands and follows you back to your locker if you forgot something for next period.

he faces the brunt of atsumu's teasing most of the time, but miya osamu never cracks, countering his twin's teasing by insulting him back- which most likely ends in fight. however, when you tease miya osamu, his face heats up and he stumbles over his words, but he doesn't really mind because he gets to hear your laughter.

miya osamu, who's competitive but especially when it comes to you AND he's jealous. if he overhears people talking about you, there's a good chance he'll stare them down in the hallways and scare them away- which is really effective with his 'the more intimidating miya' status.

miya osamu, who will give you piggy-back rides willingly. you know the thing where you'd jump at someone who is carrying things in both hands and see how they'd react? miya osamu would drop everything in his hands just to catch you, and he tries to get mad at you but can't because you're too busy sprinting away, giggling and laughing whilst osamu just looks at you hopelessly.

having a crush on miya osamu is easy because he knows how to charm someone and it's working on you.

miya osamu who is quite invested in self maintenance. you have regular discussions about haircare, skincare and even what makeup osamu should use. he's an introverted soul, so don't be surprised that miya osamu has a cleansing night where he spends it by himself, cooking up a new dish in a bathrobe whilst he waits to take off his face mask.

miya osamu, who is your best friend before he is your crush- and you never really know where you stand with him.

miya osamu, who sits in the library with you after school just to kill time. you swear you're going to study but that never really works, not when osamu keeps challenging you to games of 8ball on messages.

miya osamu is realistic and won't let unnecessary bullshit get the better of him, and he's the first person you go to when you need to be smacked down to earth. as you panic about an overdue assignment, he's the first to tell you that 'an overdue assignment by an hour is nothing, besides, you're probably not the first student that broke their laptop and lost everything. ya need to talk to the teacher- and stop panicking!'

miya osamu, who is not above throwing paper at the back of your head during class whenever the teacher is turned around. you've resorted to ignoring him which was a bad idea because he then proceeded to throw stationery.

miya osamu confessed in the way he knew best, through food as he prepared a bunch of your favourite sweets and left a note on top- a love letter if you will, but osamu was repulsed that you called it that, so you opt to just say he left you a note. it was definitely a love letter.

you begin to come over to the miya household on days when miya osamu wants to have his weekly cleanse and he shows you the products he uses.

miya osamu, who let you wear his volleyball uniform once and demanded for you to take it off before he actually let you keep it. maybe after high school he'll give it to you, but certainly not when he still needed it.

miya osamu, who regularly discusses his dreams and ambitions with you.

there was a place for you in miya osamu's future, right by his side as he was yours.

kuroo tetsuro, who declines any feelings he might have for you.

kuroo tetsuro, literal embodiment of 'i'll deny i have a crush on y/n, even though it's so painfully obvious'. kenma is so tired of his shit.

kuroo: what are you talking about? y/n is just a friend kenma: oh great, so that means i can set her up with someone else right? kuroo: ...

kuroo tetsuro, who's stupidly giddy every time he hears about you and his head turns around very quickly whenever he hears your voice. he's quick to give you all of his attention.

kuroo tetsuro, who buys food from the local 7/11 for you- especially when you forgot to have lunch or didn't have time to eat that day.

kuroo tetsuro, who will point out cats on the side of the road and you take a photo of them. it's got to the point where you have a whole album of cat pictures named 'pussy pics'. kuroo features in a few of them sometimes and you joke that he's a cat.

when you're cold, kuroo tetsuro is more than happy to offer you his blazer. he doesn't get cold, it's okay (that's what he tells you).

kuroo tetsuro, who's already thought about his future and what he'd like to do, and he can't imagine you not being in it- despite constantly denying that you're just a friend.

kuroo tetsuro, who tries to ignore the way your face falls when he friendzones you for the nth time.

kuroo tetsuro, who finally acknowledges his feelings for you when he overhears you being asked out by some other guy in his year. he wants to intercept and pull you away, but he can't really do that when he sees you smiling and accepting the date offer.

kuroo tetsuro, whose stomach drops every time he thinks about you going on a date with someone that's not him, and he's so very anxious for the day to come.

kuroo tetsuro, who's bitterly texting you and asking how it was when he opens your snap. kuroo tetsuro, who is over the moon when you tell him that 'it was okay, but i probably won't go on another date with him'.

kuroo tetsuro, who is courageous and daring, but can't seem to confess to you because every time he thinks about it, he chickens out.

you have matching friendship bracelets with kuroo tetsuro, and he wears it everywhere. during school, volleyball practice, when you hangout, even when he sleeps. it's just easier that way and he's not bothered to take it off just to forget to put it back on.

kuroo tetsuro, who loves taking mirror pictures with you and posting them on his stories. you look so cool in them, trust me, it's pinterest worthy. your most-liked photos on your feed are mirror photos with him.

kuroo tetsuro, who watches you play games with kenma, and when you're both too engrossed in the screen, he throws a volleyball at the back of your head to get your attention.

kuroo tetsuro, who could be the best boyfriend ever if either of you just stopped being scared to 'ruin' the friendship.

akaashi keiji, who really enjoys having you around and spending time with you.

akaashi keiji, who expresses love through the little things, like carrying things when you don't have a pocket or bag, remembering what kind of chapstick you use or willingly having your hair bands around his wrist.

akaashi keiji, who passes notes with you during class- surprisingly, because he's such a diligent student.

the love language between you two is basically books. it started when you left your copy of a novel to read for school with akaashi keiji, who offered to annotate it. when you got it back, there was a little 'he's my favourite character, he's so funny' written on the pages with an arrow to a certain name. you start adding on your own little comments to his books.

you leave little notes of encouragement in akaashi keiji's textbooks, and he smiles so widely every time he finds them. he keeps all of them too, not having the heart to throw them away.

akaashi keiji, who can be brutally honest that you let him know that you appreciate it when he is. you come to him for genuine advice and it always makes him feel validated when you listen intently and take in his words.

akaashi keiji, who you've actually had several conversations over fashion with, because even though he doesn't exactly have the best closet, you send him photos of outfits you think would look good on him.

and when he buys the appropriate clothes to build an outfit, you hype him up for it because what the fuck, why does akaashi keiji look so good in a turtle neck.

falling for akaashi keiji was so easy, easier than falling asleep, because he's always there for you and he's got this unassuming charm to him. the second you realised you'd began to slip, you simply just let it happen.

bokuto is a really sad third wheel, even whilst you two are just friends, but akaashi keiji can't help but pay attention to anything that's not you.

akaashi keiji, who goes to sleep at 11:30pm, but he's sure there's no harm staying up for another half hour just to talk to you.

sometimes, akaashi keiji writes poems for you... but he'll never let those see the light of day.

you're tempted sometimes to write a 'you're cute <3' when you annotate his books, but ultimately decide against it and go to draw a little heart instead.

the way your heart skipped many beats when you read 'do you wanna go out with me?' on the pages of your book. you confront him about it and he's so shy... but beams when you tell him that that it's a date.

going on bookdates is a MUST with akaashi keiji.

just wow, dating akaashi keiji would be the best thing to ever happen in life.

suna rintarou, who you actually kinda hate because of how annoying he is.

suna rintarou, who loves provoking you. tripping you over as you're walking out of class, messing up your hair just as you're about to speak to a teacher, smirking at you whilst you're in the middle of presenting something for class- you just hate him to put it simply.

you get back at suna rintarou for every time he messes with you and it's become a continuous back and forth.

he would be attractive with his aloof, uninterested vibe, and it's not like suna's a bad looker, he's just so annoying- but you could see yourself having a crush on suna rintarou. not like he'd want you to though.

suna rintarou's love language is bullying.

suna rintarou, who impresses you with his athletic abilities, but you have to mask your shock every time he hits one of his impressive volleyball spike.

you sometimes like to mock him whilst you're with friends, slouching and digging your hands into your pockets as you rant about the last thing he did to provoke you, unaware that suna rintarou and his perceptive eyes were watching you. he's amused though and walks away with a faint smile.

speaking of perceptive eyes, suna rintarou notices you almost everywhere. not just you but he only ever gives two thoughts about you, complimenting your outfit in his head before glancing away.

suna rintarou, who sees his chance when he notices you talking to osamu (who you share classes with).

he asks about you, trying to sound disinterested but osamu notices his bullshit right away. you're the same, asking about suna rintarou whilst pretending like you don't care. osamu tells atsumu this and the twins decide to take it into their own hands.

you don't know why miya atsumu has decided to talk to you, deciding that it was the cherry on top when suna rintarou approached and sat down next to his friend.

suna rintarou once responded to your story on instagram and you begin talking for hours without realising.

one day as you're walking to school with a cup of coffee in hand, miya atsumu notices and shoves suna rintarou in your direction a little too hard. he accidentally bumps into you and spills your drink.

suna rintarou is apologising profusely, feeling terrible that he did that but you shut him up by saying, "you can apologise by taking me out on a date". he's dumbstruck, but agrees.

suna rintarou begins to panic, because he wants this to be the best date of your life.

reblogs, feedback and likes are very appreciated!

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WHEN HIS SON TELLS HIM HE HAS A CRUSH !

featuring: Oikawa Tooru, Miya Atsumu, Iwaizumi Hajime, & Sugawara Koushi

warnings: subtle timeskip spoiler in suga's

notes: this is barely proofread so if there's a typo i'll just die gn

ღ OIKAWA is convinced he has all the knowledge a guy needs about love. so, when his son comes home to tell him of a newfound crush, he's over the goddamn moon. you watch as your husband tells him every innocent technique; "you gotta give her flowers!" and "walk her to class!" being among the few. now, though you admit he's rather dramatic, you're confident in his love game—you'd married him, after all. he just needs a slap on the head sometimes.

"so you walk her to class, right?"

the boy nods. "right!"

"then you take her hand," he demonstrates with yours, "and kiss her knuckles like so– ack!"

"or," you ignore your lover's whines as he rubs his head, "you can tell her she's invited to your birthday next week and work from there."

ღ ATSUMU is proud and teary when he hears about his son's crush. "he's growin' into a man!" he cries out, which elicits an eye roll out of you. your husband's patting his back and juicing out every little detail of their interactions at school, much like a gushy school girl. he's laid back but attentive as he listens, and he treats the encounter like your classic guy's night—he's the one giving tips.

"uh huh, and then?"

"i smiled, like this!" your son quirks his lip. "then i waved at her."

atsumu grins, "atta boy!" he ruffled his hair, "but ya know what could've made it better?"

"what?"

"if ya winked," he winks at you, "like how i do to yer mommy."

you look at him, unimpressed. "no dinner for you, 'tsumu."

"what'd i do?!"

your son sighs. "you never learn, dad."

ღ IWAIZUMI is a little confused and secretly alarmed. of course, the last thing he expects to come out of his son's mouth when he picks him up from school is a question about how to handle a crush. it almost would've been better if the boy told him he flunked his math quiz. almost. he wasn't the man for questions like that, but without you here, in the midst of traffic, who was he to not even try?

"well," he tapped on the wheel, "how about you try talking to her more? share your lunch, maybe."

"but i'm shy!"

iwaizumi chuckled. "you're never moving forward like that."

the boy pouts. "i know." a beat passes before he speaks again. "hey dad?"

"yeah?"

"how did you get mom to like you?"

okay. he thinks, ignoring the growing heat of his cheeks. i can work with that.

ღ SUGAWARA isn't unfamiliar with the wonders of childhood, so when his own son comes to him squabbling about a pretty girl at school, he's calm—excited, even. he thinks that all his years of teaching has led to this very moment. he's grinning as he makes dinner, because he's listening to his boy with earnest. definitely ends up teasing him about it later every chance he gets.

the knife hits the cutting board with a dull thump, harmonizing with sugawara's humming. "she really let you borrow her pencil?"

"yeah!" the boy yips and grabs a plate. "she's super nice, dad."

"i'll bet," he adds a careful as his son walks to the dining table. "wanna invite her over for dinner some time?"

the walking stops. "really?"

"yeah," he eyes the boy with a playful glint. "you're so in love."

"am–" the child's face flushed bright. "am not!"

"are too!"

you watch as your lover teases your son with kissy noises, chuckling to yourself from your spot on the doorway.

you'll have to join in on the fun later.

feedback & reblogs are always appreciated!

stylish kids ✨

finished the flushed faces! went with kazuha, xiao, scaramouche, and diluc since i don’t draw them very often 😳✨

Part Two

“We won.” The words left Iwaizumi’s mouth. It was the second time he said it that week. Another win for Seijoh, leaving the other team completely defenseless. It was another easy win for them.

Another win, yet another loss in his book.

He promised himself that he’d confess to you after the game. Everyday, the words repeat in his head like a mantra. Everytime he sees you, he waits for the words to leave his mouth, but they don’t. They never do.

He hates himself for it. He wished that he could just grow up and say it. Iwaizumi knew there wasn’t much time before you both graduated, and you both knew that you’d separate after.

He wanted nothing more than to cherish this time with you.

He watched as your usual bright smile stretched across your face, eyes dancing and bleeding with pride. God, he never got tired of seeing that.

“I knew you could.” It was something he heard many times before, but he didn’t have a problem with it. No. He loved it. Loved that he had your support.

There were tons of people that supported him. He was in a powerhouse school so it wasn’t odd that there were lines of people cheering his name. Yet, he only heard you. Everytime you’d scream his name, your voice would echo in his head, telling himself to play even harder to guarantee the win that day.

He remembered you wearing his jersey once. Technically, it was ‘wear your favorite player’s jersey’ at Aoba Johsai. Mostly, it was Oikawa’s jersey that was spread throughout the school. Iwaizumi truly didn’t care that he didn’t see anyone wearing his, until he saw you.

There you were standing in the crowd alongside your two friends dressed in his jersey. He remembered how fast the heat crept up his neck, blooming across his face without warning. How rapid his heart was racing, causing him to stop in place and stare at you with a tilted head. He was shocked.

He remembered how Oikawa wrapped his shoulder around him with a crooked grin. They said nothing but from his posture Iwaizumi knew Oikawa was teasing him. Though, he didn’t care in that moment. He was too happy. Happy that you were there for him. Happy you even wore his jersey.

He remembered how Oikawa faked him into going on a date with you. Well, more of a study session. All of the third years made plans to study at the library, but it was only you and him that came. While you only saw this as ditching, Iwaizumi knew that they did this so he could confess.

He was such a blushy mess being alone and close to you. Especially when you asked for help on a specific problem, his hand lightly brushed against yours as he grabbed the pencil from you, his hand immediately recoiling back as he stuttered for words. You looked up at him and grinned muttering sorry. He didn’t know why you said it, but he nodded. That day he didn’t confess either.

He remembered finding you between two vending machines, crouched down and head into your knees. Your body was shaking as choked sobs parted your lips. Immediately, he kneeled down and asked you what was wrong but you didn’t say anything. You didn’t even look up at him. Iwaizumi was unsure of what to do since he’s never been in a situation like this before. Besides, it was you. You were headstrong, it was strange to see you break down in school.

He opened his mouth to say something, but the feeling of two arms wrapping around his stomach and a head pressing into the crook of his neck ceased him from doing so. You cried into his neck, holding him tightly like he would slip away from your grasp. He thought it was selfish to be enjoying her touch like this, but only pure bliss filled his heart.

Turns out, your grades were slipping and it wasn’t guaranteed you were going to make it into university.

He remembered the wide smile that spread across your face when you aced a test that he helped you study. You took no time to engulf him into another tight hug. Iwaizumi stiffened at your touch. Unlike last time, your arms were around his neck. Your hand placed slightly below his nape. Hesitantly but surely, he placed his fit arms on your waist. For a moment he could’ve swore that you moved in closer, but he wasn’t so sure since he was focusing on not breaking down right there and then.

He remembered the first time he went inside your home. You were down with a fever, and your parents were at work. He took the day off to aid you, hoping for a quick recovery to get back at school. Your room was nothing like he expected. It was nice, and had a sweet scent.

You were embarrassed for having him see you so sick like, but he didn’t mind. You asked him how could he not be disgusted by your looks, he responded by saying you looked exactly like he always saw you. Disgusting, is what you replied with jokingly. Iwaizumi laughed with you, his heart aching with the familiar feeling he’s experienced before. More than ever, he wanted to tell you. But he just couldn’t.

He remembered the train ride home you two took that one day, not walking since it was pouring. Iwaizumi stood, holding onto the bar to keep himself balanced while you sat. You insisted for him to sit down with you since it was still a long way to go till you both got off, but he declined. He didn’t want to invade your privacy. The seat was mildly close to yours, it was definite that he’d accidentally touch you in a matter of time. He didn’t want to go through that embarrassment, nor the apologies.

After minutes of pestering, he finally sat down beside you, his legs relishing the relief he felt from standing all day. That day he learned more and more about you: your favorite animal, favorite food, favorite place, your plans after highschool, he learned it all. From the corner of his eye he noticed your head drooping, eyelids falling. In the nick of time, he caught your head from toppling over. Unsure of what to do with it, Iwaizumi did the most selfish thing he could— He placed it onto his shoulder.

Moments after, your hand found it’s way onto his. So much for ‘invading privacy’.

Finally, he remembered the solace in his heart when he heard you reject the rumors about you and Oikawa dating. You two were growing closer, leaving Iwaizumi as a grumpy, insecure mess. The practices were more tense than they usually were, all of the 1st and 2nd years confused as to who shifted the mood. The 3rd hears already knew, and they were sure why. The rumors had been going around for about a week so it wasn’t surprising that they heard of it.

Iwaizumi didn’t want to believe it, but Oikawa was the golden boy at the school, everyone fell for him. And Iwaizumi was just him. He knew there wasn’t much of a competition, he knew that you were going to pick him, and that’s why it hurt so much. He cried almost every night, refusing to speak to anyone at school or home. He also avoided you, making sure to take the longer routes to his classes and staying ten minutes after school just so you’d miss him and walk home by yourself.

But one day, there you were, waiting for him at the gates. You demanded for him to tell you why he was avoiding you, but he wouldn’t share. You kept hassling him hoping for something to slip out, and it did. In the most snarkiest way he replied with, “Why are you bothering me? Shouldn’t you be with your boyfriend?” He pronounced boyfriend in the most mocking way, that it made you sneer. You laughed in his face, causing his heart to break even more. Iwaizumi turned around aiming to get as far away from you as he could, but you grabbed onto his hand before he could take a step. You instantly shot down his assumption, claiming that it was only a rumor, that you and Oikawa were friends and nothing more.

That day Iwaizumi felt like an idiot. He should’ve asked instead of recklessly jumping to conclusions and leaving you in the dust. It was unfair. Mentally, he cursed at himself for being so inconsiderate towards you. Only one thought entered his mind for the rest of the day: I should just confess already.

And here you are, shining your toothy smile at him, eyes ablaze with exhilaration nearly lighting the night sky itself. You were just so alluring. There was never a day where his heart stopped beating for you, where that same crimson blush stopped occuring, where he would try to find open spots in his day to spend with you. The feeling inside of him was overwhelming, the feeling coursed through his veins like it was his blood, like a drug he couldn’t live without. He wanted you. He needed you.

And like he was starved, his mouth opened before he could process anything.

“I love you.”

-

IWAIZUMI BRAINROT OH MY GOSH😫

Hitoshi Shinso - Not Alone

Here's another Shinso story for you guys!!!

I hope you guys like some angsty fluff!

Enjoy!!!!!

Shinso opened the door to your apartment and found it very odd that it was unlocked. You never leave your apartment unlocked. With furrowed brows, he walks in on alert. The lights in the apartment are off and everything is quiet.

"Kitten?” he calls out as he flicks a light on.

He gets no response.

He ventures farther into your home and continues calling out for you.

After looking in the kitchen and the living room, a small sniffle catches his attention, causing Shinso to hurry towards the bedroom, turning on the light.

There, in the middle of your mattress, was you. Eyes red, nose plugged, and tears streaking down your cheeks.

Alarmed, Shinso drops his bag and crawls onto the bed next to you.

"What's wrong, kitten?" he asks while he scans your body for physical harm.

You only sob in reply as you wipe the tears from your face, finally realizing that he's next to you.

"T-Toshi?" you ask blearily.

Your vision swims and all you see is a blotch of indigo among white. Rubbing your eyes again, you're able to see him clearly. Upon seeing him clearly you try to give a smile, but it doesn't last very long. Seeing this, Shinso opens his arms for you, and you immediately enter his embrace.

As Shinso holds you in his embrace, he feels your body wrack with sobs as you start crying again. He rubs your back comfortingly, just letting you cry for a minute.

"What happened?" he murmurs into your ear as he continues to rub your back comfortingly.

“M-My friend, (friend name)...” you choke out.

Pulling back from him, you look up at Shinso and inhale a deep, shuddery breath. "I-I just... don't understand how they could be gone... T-They were such a-a huge part of m-my life and n-now they're g-gone..." you stutter out.

Shinso's lips purse at your reply.

Heartbreak isn't an easy thing to deal with...

"Oh, love." he coos as he wipes the tears from your cheeks as they fell.

"It's alright kitten." he soothes as he leans forward, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "I-I just can't b-believe they're g-gone T-Toshi..." you mumble against his chest.

"I know love, I know." Shinso soothes again, rubbing your back comfortingly and pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

"I cared about them so much... I loved them so much... L-like a sibling..." you say as you grip onto Shinso's shirt for dear life.

"I-I don't e-even kn-know if I ever t-told them that..."

Shinso takes you by the shoulders, gently pulling your face away from him again. He looks down at you with a soft expression on his face as fat tears well up in your eyes.

You blink causing them to roll down your cheeks.

Shinso's thumb immediately brushed them away as he holds you in his arms.

Your voice cracks when you begin to speak again. "My heart hurts so much... Please make it stop hurting Hitoshi..."

"I just want to back to before everything happened..."

Shinso's heart breaks at your pleas. He wishes that he could take away the pain you felt. He looks at you, clearly an empty shell of your former self.

"I can't do that, kitten." He says, pulling you close to shelter you from the world and nuzzles his cheek against the top of your head. "I can't take the pain away, but I can be here to help put you back together."

You grip his shirt as if he would be the next person to disappear.

"I feel so alone..." you whimper hollowly.

The fatigue from this situation is catching up to you and settling in your bones. You want nothing more than to wake up refreshed and discover that this whole situation had all been a nightmare. To wake up and find your friend alive and well.

"You're not alone." Shinso says to you gently.

"I can't even begin to replace them, but I love you. What can I do to help?"

At his question, you stop and think for a moment before your stomach growls loudly in response.

Shinso's lavender eyes narrow at the noise. "When was the last time you ate?"

You chew on your lip, averting your eyes from his probing gaze. Taking care of yourself hasn't been that high of a priority recently... The grieving process has overwritten all other needs and hopelessness and despair made sure that you haven't left your bedroom all day.

"Kitten." Shinso prompts.

"It's been a while..." you admit sheepishly.

Shinso hums at your words before taking you in his arms again, putting one arm under your knees and the other around your back.

You look at him in confusion as you wrap your arms around his neck so that you don't fall.

"Toshi? What are you-?" You begin to ask but he cuts you off as he carries you out of the bedroom and to the living room.

He sets you down on the couch. “I’m going to make you food.”

Your posture relaxes and you nod in reply, agreeing that getting some food in your stomach will be good for you.

"I'll be back." he tells you gently as he kisses you on the forehead before exiting the living room and entering the kitchen to make some dinner for the 2 of you.

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

After about 10 minutes of sitting on the couch, just relaxing, you decide to go to the bathroom and wash up before dinner. You get up from the couch, walking into the bathroom and closing the door behind you.

You let out a long, tired sigh as you turn to the bathroom mirror. As you look at your reflection, you grimace slightly. Your eyes are red and puffy, your skin is dry, your hair is greasy and unkempt and the dark circles under your eyes look like bruises and rival Shinso’s own eye bags.

Maybe after dinner you'll take a shower.

------

After washing your hands, you exit the bathroom and head back into the living room. As you walk past the kitchen, the scent of frying bread hits your nose, causing you to drool slightly.

You walk over to the kitchen door, seeing Shinso standing in front of the stove. You smile at the sight of him before you walk up behind him and wrap your arms around his midsection.

You hear him chuckle softly as you nuzzle you face into his back.

"Food will be ready in a minute." he says to you gently. "Go sit down and I'll bring it out to you."

"Okay." you reply before kissing him on the cheek and exiting the kitchen.

------

A few minutes later, Shinso exits the kitchen walking over to you with 2 plates. Each plate had a grilled cheese sandwich on it.

"Here you go." he says as he gives you your plate.

You take it from him gratefully.

"Thank you."

Shinso smiles at you gently as he takes a seat next to you on the couch, ready to start eating his own sandwich.

After finishing your food, as well as a glass of (favorite drink) you lay your head on Shinso's shoulder. You let out a sigh as sadness and confusion still runs through your body.

"Thanks, Toshi." you mumble.

Shinso wraps his arm around your shoulders, pulling you in closer to his side. "I'm sorry that you're going through this kitten." he begins.

“But I’ll be there every step of the way, okay?”

“Okay.” You nod, grateful Shinso who you know will stand by your side, no matter what.

omi and his girly little gf <3

he thinks you’re so PRECIOUS. when he first saw you walking across campus with your nails done, shorter than most of your friends, dressed well and in pink he couldn’t stop thinking about you. atsumu had to snap him back into the conversation. kiyoomi thought that you looked like a pretty princess.

when you two become friends and talk more, he’s a little more obvious about it. when you get your nails done or ask him if he likes a skirt you got he always compliments how well it suits you, that pink is your colour!!

if you’re black, and you add pink into your braids/ dreads/ locs/ twists he thinks you look like an absolute FAIRY!!! you come back from the salon [ he wanted to come see you. he swears he did. but you didn’t let him for the ‘surprise’ of it): ] his mouth curls into a smile and his dimples are on display, he gets up from his spot on the sofa and asks if he can touch them. he clears some of the hair from your face and he places a feathery kiss on your forehead , “it’s not fair, how pretty you are,” he says.

kiyoomi just loves when you have french tips. he loves it. especially when the base is a pale pink colour, and the tips are just a crisp white. he loves how it contrasts with his black rings as he holds your hand. his heart flutters when your little, neat palm can only wrap around a few of his fingers. he loves how your manicured thumb rubs against his battered knuckles - it makes him feel dizzy.

he loves when you wear skirts or get new ones, he always twirls you around like you two were slow dancing. he’ll chuckle along with you when you giggle, “i think this one’s my favorite now,” he said to you ; although he’s said that about all 7 of the skirts.

don’t you dare try to do anything when you’ve just gotten your nails done. laundry? he’ll help. you wanna make yourself smth to eat? nah, he’s got it. you wanna shower??? why????? he’ll just clean you🤞🏻🤞🏻. his big sister used to complain about having to do things with her nails on and he’d never let his sweet little princess do anything by herself ):

omi would absolutely let you do his makeup if you wanted to try a new makeup look. you sit him down, putting his bouncy curls in a little bun and then priming his face. his cheeks smush and squish as your small hands work on him gently. he can’t help the warmth in his chest when he feels that you’re making a conscious effort to be gentle when you’re soaping down his eyebrows or blending out the highlight. his favorite is when you put on mascara- the way your index finger tilts his chin upwards and you mutter a ,’ look up f’ me, kiyo’ in the most sugary sweet tone he’s ever heard. he replies with a simple , ‘ ‘kay’ that could never give away the butterflies in the pit of his belly.

lastly - he’s spoiling you ROTTEN. he’s got allll that athlete money for what???? you, obviously. you saw some pretty mary janes you wanna wear to work? done. you want new earrings? done. you want a necklace with his name on it? done. well, that part wasn’t a choice- but he’s still happy that you wanted it. if you two are out and you even say that something is cute , his immediate response is , “do you want it?” and he’s dead serious. even if it’s ridiculously over priced. if you’re someone who cries when they accept gifts i’m projecting i’m sorry consider his heart SHATTERED when he hears the break in your voice as you thank him. he’s coddling you, asking if you really hated the gift that much, but when you explain that it just overwhelms you he feels tears in his own eyes at how precious you truly are. his large hand caressing your head and the other rubbing gentle circles on your back, whispering to you that you deserve his gifts, his love, his patience because you give it back to him. you deserve to be a princess- his princess- forever</3333333

put a ring on it.

premise. snippets of daily life between a humble servant and an increasingly clingy master.

word count. 5.4k

note. reader full of snark + dumbass in love ayato = gratuitous amount of banter. i have to say that ayato never goes out of line though, and you're not actually bothered by his advances; you're just a massive tsundere.

“With all due respect, I don't believe being your headrest is part of my duty, my lord.”

“Is that so?”

The noncommittal response pointedly marks the end of his acknowledgement as Ayato makes no effort to sit up, remaining slumped against your frame. His head rests upon your shoulder, a ticklish sensation blooming where your neck and chin meet. Light blue hair trail prickling heat where it grazes your skin, an itch you can't quite scratch away.

Even so, the discomfort doesn't reflect on your face, frigid expression carefully layered with blankness. His sinking weight fails to impede your immaculate posture, refined poise a great disparity from his leisurely disposition. It paints an odd picture, the ordinarily faultless heir lacking decorum—though granted the freedom to do as he wishes in the private confines of his room, it is a mystery why a servant such as you is... graciously permitted to bask in his exclusive company. In the private confines of his room. You feel the need to emphasize that detail.

In his hands lay a scroll concerning governmental affairs, urgent matters that demand his attention, so you can't begin to comprehend why he insists on using this time to harass reward a lowly attendant with his valuable presence when there is business to attend to.

He leans more of his weight to your side, and he—you nearly sputter indignantly—mimics an action that can almost be described as nuzzling. “Mhm. This is convenient for me, since I've hardly found the time to rest today. Do you find it intolerable?”

Ignoring the last bit, you advise, “Perhaps it would be more effective if you were to rest in your chambers. I will come call when the Kanjou Commission asks for you.”

He pretends to consider it for a moment, the silence filled with the quiet jingle of wind chimes. But predictably, the corners of his mouth hook up to an impish smile. “I would prefer to stay, if you don't mind?”

Resigned to your fate, you can only say, “Of course not, my lord.”

For reasons you cannot fathom, the head of the Kamisato household harbors a strong attachment to you.

In normal circumstances, this fact would be taken as great news; presently, you are little more than puzzled and unfeeling. Rather than delight, dread stirs in your stomach whenever he calls your name in a volume louder than necessary—a conscious decision, you presume, since he seems to interact with other servants just fine. Curt and polite, keeping his words concise, preventing further delay from addressing his responsibilities.

Had you not known better, you wouldn't be able to identify him as the same man who indulges in trivialities when he invites you to share snacks, engaging in frivolous chatter over tea and pastries. With increasing frequency nonetheless, and with varying refreshments each time to boot, an assortment of exquisite wagashi produced only by the best. Strawberry daifuku on one tea break, mizu-yokan on the next, sakura mochi on the day after that... You've been serving him for a considerable amount of time, but he's never been much of a sweet tooth until as of late.

Ayato hums thoughtfully, savoring the sweet taste on his tongue. “The mild flavor is pleasant. I believe it might be to your liking.”

He offers you a cup, steam curling above the warm brew. The pink beverage glistens beneath the sunlight, rippling with movement when you take it into your hands. It doesn't require much thinking to conclude the tea leaves must've cost a fortune, but it leaves you plenty of questions just as well. Why would a benefactor give you a taste of luxury?

But you would be a fool not to appreciate it while it lasts, so you lift the cup for a sip.

The flavor of spring bursts in your mouth, fragrant and tasting of sweet nectar. Your frosty guise wavers under the bribery, bliss crossing your face before your lips quirk up to a small, almost imperceptible smile.

Deeming your elated reaction satisfactory, Ayato nudges the plate of confections towards your side of the table. “Eat. They pair well with the tea.”

Who are you to say no to your lord? Therefore, the correct choice must be to accept his gifts with gratitude!

(Distracted by desserts, you fail to see his amusement in the way you stuff your cheeks full adorably like a chipmunk.

But he's aware it's not the right time yet, so he suppresses the urge to pinch your face.)

Kamisato Ayato is often praised for his intellect and cunning mind, but sometimes you wonder if he'd finally gone stupid. It was only a matter of time.

“My hand feels cold,” he laments, as if he hadn't chucked away his gloves ten seconds prior. “Can I hold yours for a moment?”

Ayaka, for her part, looks ashamed on her brother's behalf. With a graceful flick of her wrist, her fan snaps open and obscures the mortified expression on her face. Thoma's bottom lip quivers, valiantly repressing his bubbling laughter though he turns quite ugly in the process.

Sending a prayer to the heavens, you hope your face looks as unreadable as you think it to be. “...I'll fetch you a pair of gloves,” you say, side-stepping the pair he just abandoned on the floor.

“Mhm. That won't be necessary,” he counters, tugging on the edge of your sleeve. “You see, I heard those granted Pyro Visions have warmer body temperature...”

That is undoubtedly a lie he conjures up on the spot.

“...So I was hoping to sate my curiosity today,” he finishes, looking far too pleased with himself. Ayaka avoids your gaze when your eyes sweep past her (she absolutely knows it's an idiotic idea because going by that logic, she should have a colder temperature... but that is obviously not the case), and Thoma is blatantly ignoring your requests for assistance, whistling an awkward tune.

You have half a mind to shift the responsibility to another retainer similarly bearing a Pyro Vision, who is currently trying his hardest to stifle his pained grunts when you pinch his forearm admonishingly, but there's really no way out of this. Ayato would certainly craft another bullshit reason to coax you anyway. (A part of you thinks it might be fun to keep up the charade just to hear what he'll say next.)

You hold up your hand, and Ayato's eyes flicker with mischief. His slender fingers wrap around your wrist, brushing over the jut of your bone. He marvels at the size of it, dwarfed by his large hands, and he curls his fingers tighter.

...He doesn't seem to be assessing your temperature.

But you are mindful of his, a searing heat devouring your senses. His light touches settle heavily on your skin, a prominent warmth amidst the cold gale. Where his fingers rest leave imprints of fire, trails of scorched ash in his wake.

Experimentally, his thumb rubs circles on your palm, tracing over the lines. He rolls the soft flesh, staring at the small cuts and calluses with an attentive eye. Burning the image into his mind. Fiddling with the shape of your fingers. Then, following a brief hitch of his breath, he fits his own in the spaces between yours.

His hand is soft, you think to yourself. Without the presence of leather, it is fully bare, pale and dusted with pink. His knuckles are pronounced, palm surprisingly unscarred in spite of vigorous sword practice, but a writer's callus lays on his ring finger. It is easy to imagine his frame hunched over his desk, pen between his fingers, ink running dry from writing back to missives and signing endless contracts.

(And responding to engagement offers. You would know. They clutter his workspace, scented letters branded by wax seals of a distinguished family's emblem.

He barely throws a cursory glance at them before giving his never changing answer.)

When he gives your hand a squeeze, you finally ask, “Is it warm?”

“Yes.” He sounds somewhat strangled, there, less confident than he was before he took your hand. “Very warm.”

He reluctantly parts with it, stepping back to reduce your close proximity. Ayaka fans herself as she scrutinizes his reddening complexion, and Thoma—partial to the lord, you see, even though he wasn't very eager to lend you a hand before—makes some excuse about a meeting he has to attend to (some beetle fight with Itto, most likely) and if you'd kindly excuse their presence.

“...Please pardon my brother's strange behavior,” Ayaka murmurs when only the both of you remain in the room. “He could be quite straightforward when his curiosity is piqued. He doesn't have weird intentions, really.”

She doesn't appear to believe it herself, but you appreciate her attempts to clean up Ayato's mess.

“It's no trouble, milady.” You flash a placating smile for good measure, reaching down to collect the discarded gloves Thoma nearly tripped on in his way out. “But I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave now as well...”

“Yes, of course! You may go.”

Following her affirmation, you scramble to take a duster and retreat to clean the library.

At least she doesn't comment on your flushed cheeks and colored ears. Small mercies. (There's only so much composure you can exhaust within one day.)

For all that you (privately) complain about the extensive list of chores to tackle in the Kamisato Estate, you find tending to the garden fairly enjoyable. Alas, you can't exactly spend the whole day pruning the shrubbery; the smile on your face drops when you're sent to go on a shopping trip. Worse still, with no one to assist you in carrying the groceries. Thoma has already promised to accompany Ayaka for a mission, and everyone else is busy preparing for the Kamisato head's upcoming business trip.

Said Kamisato head is apparently “free” and “has the spare time to help” despite being the one who should be busy holing himself up in his office.

Regardless of your protests, Ayato insists on tagging along to the market. Which brings you to your current situation, your employer dutifully carrying bundles of cloth and a basket of radishes and carrots with an easygoing smile, while your hands remain empty. He is... considerate, if you were to speak in flowery words. He is stubborn, if you were to be blunt.

However, he is relatively obedient, save for the handful of times he rushes off to chase something that caught his eye. As a result, he keeps purchasing cheap trinkets he'll probably have no use for and his pocket is brimming of candy he sometimes stuffs your mouth with when you have something to scold him for. (To be fair, it's very effective for shutting you up.)

“Please don't interrupt me from speaking,” your words are partly muffled, mouth still chewing on the confection. Ayato smiles innocently, pressing another piece of sugar to your lips.

“Where are we headed next?” He questions, looking around the bustling streets as he tucks the jar of konpeito candy in his sleeve. “Do you still have vegetables you need to buy?”

You shake your head. “No, the cook said he's only missing radishes and carrots in particular. I've also gotten the materials needed to mend clothes Thoma asked for.”

He deflates at that, disappointment painting his expression. “I suppose we're returning, then?”

You purse your lips, considering your options. It isn't like you were told to come back an appointed time, and you could always blame Ayato for your tardiness... “Does my lord wish to visit anywhere specifically?”

The river of stars in his eyes twinkle ever so slightly, flashing a thinly-veiled childish gleam. “Not anything I could think of at the top of my head. Do you have any recommendations in mind?”

“Recommendations?”

“Places you like to visit.”

During your free time, you usually look around to shop for clothing or accessories... but they're nowhere near the quality befitting of nobles. The yukata isn't tailored to your size, made from cheaper cloth of cotton, and aren't as decorative to what your lord is used to; it's what makes it affordable. Whereas Ayato is often dressed in luxurious silks, embellished with golden thread and customized to his liking.

“It's no harm to bring you there... I guess.” You scratch your cheek. “Though I can't guarantee you'll like it.”

“Nonsense.” He smiles amicably. He reaches for the basket before you can grab it, gesturing for you to start walking. “I'm sure I'll have a good time regardless where it is.”

And... he does. He marvels at the extravagant brocades displayed at boutiques, wondering how one could possibly wear so many heavy layers. Though he doesn't buy clothes for himself, he decides to buy a cute purse he thinks his sister would appreciate.

Ayato expresses interest in ornaments and cosmetics as well, to which the shop owner proceeds to happily introduce her entire catalogue for a man she knows has deep pockets. He doesn't disappoint.

“You don't want anything?” He asks when you only answer his questions pertaining to Ayaka's preferences, two steps behind, never taking the opportunity to roam and search for potential additions in your wardrobe.

It's not that you haven't seen anything you'd like to take home, per se. More like everything is too expensive for your pocket money in this high-end portion of town. “No,” you say instead, because it's easier to explain that way.

He tilts his head inquisitively, but doesn't push the topic. “Help me choose a hair pin then. You know what fits Ayaka best.”

He leads you to the display case housing rows of hair ornaments, each one more remarkable than the next. The last one, undoubtedly the most costly whose price would make you weep, teeters on the edge of gaudy. Adorned with silver butterflies, tear drop sapphires, gems delicately shaped like dewy petals and white pearls sitting atop carved gold, they almost blind your eyes.

“...She'd look beautiful in everything,” is the conclusion you come to, because you speak nothing but the truth. “But please don't buy everything. She will get mad at you.”

“I know,” he sighs. “That's why I needed your help picking one.”

You almost drill holes to the items with how hard you're staring at them, but you eventually point at the pin with pink blossoms. “This would contrast nicely with her hair.”

“Mhm. If you say so,” he hums approvingly, tracing the sculpted leaves.

“Then if that's all, I'll go pay...”

“Ah, which reminds me.” He spins on his heel to face you, lips shaped into an apologetic smile. “I'm nearly running out of parchment paper. Could you stop by the stationery store up front? I'll handle things from here and meet you by the entrance.”

“Of course, my lord.”

On your way outside, you resolutely do not allow your curious gaze to steer towards the tables of sparkling jewelry.

--

The trip back to the estate is uneventful, and the rest of the afternoon passes like any other.

Perhaps the only inconsistency in your repetitive days is the accidental nap you fall into, blanketed in warm rays of sunshine and caressed by the refreshing breeze slipping past ajar doors, your cheek resting on the surface of the table you were supposed to be cleaning. How uncouth of me, you think as you wipe your mouth to check for signs of drool. Your only respite is not having anyone witness you in such a state, otherwise you would've long been rudely awakened and received an earful of chastising.

...Is what you think, until you spot a foreign ring you definitely do not recall putting on.

It curls around your finger, dotted with crystals in a hue of blue you're all too familiar with. You see it everyday, gleaming in mischief, darkening with intrigue. Framed by long, long lashes, crinkling at the corners when filled with mirth. Crashing torrents that freeze in displeasure yet inexplicably gentle the moment they meet your eyes, akin to gentle sea waves that pad to your feet.

(You wonder if this is why he insisted on touching your hands so much, just to roughly measure your ring size.)

“I hope you fare well during my absence. Fear not, I will do my best not to prolong my leave.”

The way his words sound so self-assured and full of conviction doesn't sit well with you, and the genuine pity reflected in his irises almost makes your eyebrow twitch. You haven't even spoken a word before he began his theatrics.

“Take as long as you need,” you reassure him. “My lord mustn't rush his work.”

He wilts, but he perks right back up, “No need to put up a front. I'll come back for you.”

Incorrigible.

“Then I await your safe return.” You bow deeply as you swallow back a sigh of defeat, the other servants lined up on either side of the street moving accordingly.

“Please be careful,” Ayaka bids when she walks in front of him. “I've heard of bandits intercepting carriages to steal... I don't mean to undermine your abilities, but you should still be vigilant of trouble.”

Ayato laughs at that. “You don't have to worry, Ayaka. They'll sooner surrender before they lay a single scratch on me.” Glancing at the supplies being loaded on his carriage, he grimaces slightly. “I better get going. I'll see you all in three weeks.”

He climbs to the interior, giving you a final smile before closing the door. You stare at the carriage until it fully disappears, the trotting of horses out of earshot. When Thoma begins to walk back to the estate, you fall into step with him, matching his strides.

“The lord hasn't left for this long in a while,” he comments, to which you hum in agreement. “Think you'll miss him?”

“Three weeks is hardly a long time,” you retort back, complacent for the rare period of peace to follow the next month. “He'll return in no time, as if he'd never been gone in the first place.”

Thoma eyes you strangely at that, but says no more. “If you say so.”

--

The first day is bliss. No disruptions in your work, no unwanted conversation partner as a distraction, no midnight snacks needed to be prepared for the clan head a weird mix between workaholic and slacker.

The second day proves to be the same. No incessant chatter in your ear as you sweep the floor, no complaints for a stack of paperwork to be done within the day, no sudden requests of a shoulder massage for a job well done deserving of a reward.

The third day, you feel like your schedule is lacking, blank spots of free time sprinkled in between.

Ah, right. The tea breaks.

You tell yourself you only miss the fragrant tea, the selection of treats given to you by the young master's generosity. Not his thoughtful commentary for the taste, the chuckles spilling from his lips when you respond to his quips, the brief moments of eye contact before you resume your respective duties.

The fourth day, you're sent to hang the laundry. You tell yourself you don't miss a certain someone's abrupt appearance, poking a head through the sheets to startle you, huffing bright peals of laughter when he attains his desired reaction.

The fifth day, the cook requests your help to prep dinner. My lord doesn't like this dish, the sentence almost leaves your tongue as your eyes track down the recipe when you remember right, he's not here, and milady likes this dish, so it's one of the few chances she gets to eat it.

The sixth day, you clean his office. You organize the account books, restock his collection of pens and paper, and shuffle through his mail to sort them by category (definitely not noting down the number of letters asking for his hand in marriage). Your face flushes slightly when an unassuming bookmark falls out of a book you pick up from the floor, familiar flowers pressed thinly to fit between the pages. (You have only given those flowers on a whim, plucking fresh blossoms from plants you grew outside the Kamisato's garden. You didn't think he'd keep it around; they're not nearly as fancy as what his family owns.)

By the seventh day, you begin to doubt the calendar. There is no way it's only been a single week.

--

“How do I look?”

“Positively charming,” is your dry answer.

“You're not looking.”

Your eyes flit to Thoma's attire. “I am.”

He shakes his head, taking off the robes he's been trying on. “You're always daydreaming nowadays. What are you thinking about?”

Reminiscing the last time you visited this clothing store, which is when you brought the young master in your shopping trip, and also presumably when he bought the ring for you. Recently, you've taken to pondering over the specifics; did he commission it beforehand? But how would he have known for certain you'd be visiting the store that day to give it to you later that afternoon? You were only planning to get groceries... Unless he was planning to give it another time? If so, in what occasion did he want to present it as a gift? What prompted him to give it to you earlier? ...Did he see your longing gaze on the jewelry?!

No, no, no, you made sure none of that showed on your face... Did he mean to give it to you that day? He somehow predicted you'd cave to his whims and show him around town? Then when you were gone, he retrieved the ring he commissioned, hitting two birds with one stone in a single trip?

...Knowing your sly lord, the idea isn't so far-fetched to be unbelievable...

To this day, you have yet to solve the mystery. But Thoma doesn't need to know your current musings. You shake your head. “It's nothing. Are you buying it?”

“Since you kindly gave an approving opinion, sure.” His tone drips with sarcasm as he takes out his money pouch, paying for the clothes. “I think I don't need the answer from you, actually. I'm confident I have an accurate guess.”

Your eyebrows knit together. “What do you mean by that?”

“Who else would linger in your mind?” Thoma sighs in dramatic fashion, stepping out of the premises with you not far behind. “Distance makes the heart grow fonder, after all.”

Bristling, you vehemently refute, “I'm not thinking inappropriately of the lord, if that's what you're implying.”

“I didn't mention any names.”

“But you clearly meant him.”

He holds up his hands. “If that's what you want to believe, suit yourself.”

His gaze drops to the ring wrapped around your finger. The ring has been a topic of interest for the gossip mongers within the estate, wondering who you could've received it from; what other implications can wearing a ring have? Your cold exterior is no secret, your heart guarded with thorns, so who was able to sweep you off your feet in the end?

Thoma only needed one look at the shade of blue to make a correct guess.

“...I'm sure at this point, you know of his intentions,” Thoma says slowly. “And I have plenty of reasons to believe his affections aren't entirely unrequited.”

If they were, you would have brushed off Ayato already, just like you always do with the others. He may be persistent, but he knows how to back off. Yet the most you do is sigh and spoil him, albeit in (fond) exasperation.

“Even if they aren't...” You fidget with the hem of your shirt, averting your gaze from his blazing eyes, “...it doesn't mean we'll work. I'm certain he has better prospects for a spouse, anyway.”

“You mean those daughters from noble families?” He snorts. “He'd barely give them the time of day before running back to you. You should know that by now. Don't you remember when he faked being sick in that lunch meeting so you could take care of him?”

Of course you do. He had pretended to be in a dizzy spell, collapsing on your shoulder and making furtive hand signals asking for your help to get the lovesick maiden off his back. There really is no way to reject people like her without offending his business associate, so he tended to evade confrontations in roundabout ways.

You could excuse his clingy behavior out of necessity; it would be disgraceful to collapse on the floor, after all. The problem lies with the aftermath where you had already steered clear of the trouble but he insists on requiring treatment, body calculatively feeble as he gives you woeful pleas.

In another world, perhaps this would've been a heart-rending experience: a cold man who didn't share his burdens with others asking help from you specifically, because you were special and he trusted you the most.

In this world though, the act is only deserving of a derisive snort. He pulled off this plot for who knows how many times. How would holding your hand help with his throbbing headache anyway?

(You ignore the fact you indulge him each time regardless.)

“In any case, the lord is returning in a week. Not much time left for you to mope.” He laughs even as you elbow his side.

A week.

(That is one week too long.)

--

When Ayato returns five days short of three weeks, you aren't there to greet him.

Instead, you are sick in bed, bundled in a pile of blankets, and suffering from a stuffy nose.

Ah, and delirious from fever. Very much so.

So when Ayato miraculously appears in your bedroom earlier than scheduled, you only sniff in response and brush him off as a hallucination.

But of course, your dismissive attitude isn't enough to discourage him from pestering you and running his mouth. He hovers by your bedside, noting with glee that you keep his ring on a nightstand close by. “This is rare. I don't think I've ever seen you ill.”

But you've seen him plenty, frail and weak after days straight of sleepless nights. He doesn't look too pretty in such a mood, quick-tempered and sharp-tongued at the slightest annoyance. He only ever softens when your expression flits to dismay for a fraction of a second before dutifully offering him prescribed medicine from the family's physician, the saddened expression gone like a mirage.

“How are you this annoying even in my dreams...”

As it turns out, you're even more of a worse case than he is.

“Mhm. Your filter is completely shut down when you're sick, huh.” Ayato laughs, amused at the surprising revelation. He doesn't get to be the receiving end of your blunt words very often. “Alright. How bad do you feel right now?”

“Terrible, since it's the ass crack of dawn.”

It is not the ass crack of dawn, but you wouldn't know any better with the folding screens obscuring the orange glow of the evening. “Do you have an appetite? I'll have a servant bring a meal.” Then, he slyly adds, “I can feed you, if you want me to.”

He doesn't know which part of that statement appeals to you the most but you sit up straight, attentive.

Interesting.

Though Ayato meant it in jest, he has no complaints scooping spoonfuls of porridge to bring to your lips. He patiently coaxes you into drinking the bitter medicine after, quickly soothing you with bite-sized cut fruit to wash away the acrid taste.

“Good job,” he compliments, chuckling when you glow at the praise. Your lips are shiny with juice, trickling from the corner of your mouth.

Absent-mindedly, his hand lifts to caress your cheek, the pad of his thumb wiping it away. You jolt, a startled sound escaping you, and you hasten to clamp a hand over his mouth.

He blinks at you owlishly, dumbfounded.

“Don't,” you speak, your face decorated with a lovely pink. “You'll... you'll get sick.”

Ayato takes an embarrassing amount of time to process what that means. However, when he does, you can feel him grin beneath your fingers. He takes your hand, his huff of laughter tickling your palm.

“I thought we were in a dream? You don't get sick from kisses in dreams,” he teases, pressing a light kiss to your wrist. Your heart stutters in bewilderment but you make no move to pull away, only twitching when he kisses your fingertips.

“It's better to be careful...” Your brows knit together, and he kisses the tiny furrow away too.

“Okay. Let's do it next time then, when you're truly awake.” He gently pushes you to your back, fluffing up the pillows for your comfort and tucking you in the blankets. Indulgently, he presses a final kiss to the crown of your head. “Rest well so I can get that kiss sooner, hm?”

“That's a stupid reason to recover...” You murmur defiantly, stubbornly blinking your drooping eyes open.

In the end, you fall asleep to the sound of his laughter, the fingers combing through your hair, and the rhythmic beat in his chest.

--

When you wake up, you admonish yourself for having such a shameless subconscious, but you acknowledge that you had a good dream.

Then your eyes land on a pair of discarded gloves on your nightstand, one that you remember Ayato putting away before he began to spoonfeed you your meal.

...Fuck.

“With all due respect, I don't believe being your headrest is part of my duty, my lord.”

A thoughtful hum answers you, preceded by a curious glance at your expression. Your legs are folded underneath you, back straight and eyes overlooking the garden instead of the weight resting on your lap. You can feel him shift, turning over where he faces against the porch, his robes wrinkling where they lay below.

“Are you suddenly becoming shy because a maidservant passed by?” He places down the novel in his hands on the wooden floorboards, watching your face burn in embarrassment. “I doubt this is the first time she's seen us, though.”

“My apologies. I'm not as thick-skinned as you are.”

“I'd prefer the term 'proud,'” he pokes the sash around your waist, smiling cheekily. “Who wouldn't want to show off their lover?”

He feels you stiffen, sees the flush of pink crawling outwards to the tips of your ears. “It's inappropriate. We're in a public setting.”

“That's only because you refuse to enter my chambers.” Ayato sighs and you look positively mortified. “I wouldn't ravage you, if that's what you're worried about?”

Not yet anyway, he doesn't say.

“My lord, please be reasonable. Whether you do or not, I will still be seen as your bed warmer. Did milady not advise us to be discreet? Inazuma would be in an uproar if they learned you were... you were...” You purse your lips, unable to spit the last word.

“Wedded.”

“I'm afraid we haven't gone that far, my lord,” you deadpan.

“So will you consider it?”

“My lord.”

“What?”

You give him a look, and he sighs in acquiescence. But he turns to face the opposite direction, expression hidden fron view. You can practically hear the pout in his voice, “I see. [Name] only sees me as a fling. My heart breaks to know this bliss is short-lived, but I will cherish our remaining time together.”

He's begun his theatrics again, you think tiredly, accustomed to his stunts. “In any case, we must be careful. We never know who has loose lips around here...”

He's still not facing you, resolutely looking away.

...Is he sulking for real? Was that a genuine marriage proposal?

“My lord?” You call out softly, in a lover's tender voice. He doesn't respond. Quieter, you whisper to his ear, “Ayato?” yet that doesn't earn a reaction either.

You start to panic, wondering if you were acting too indifferently. The change in your relationship had been a recent one, and you're still settling in a period of adjustment; even if you wanted to properly flirt with him like normal lovers do, bickering came more naturally to you.

You reach for his shoulder, hoping to turn him over and see his face. But then he catches your wrist, and you only have a second to catch a glimpse of his triumphant smirk before he captures your lips in a chaste kiss.

“Mhm, I see. So you're more considerate towards me when we're dating,” he cheerfully notes, tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear as if he can't see the way your shocked gaze morphs into a cold glare. “I truly am privileged.”

“Incorrigible.” The word drips with poison, but he laughs and kisses you again, thumbing at the ring around your finger.

“Too bad you're stuck with me forever, huh?”