Latest Posts by gabbag00l - Page 12

AS IT SHOULD'VE BEEN : NANAMI KENTO

if you could go back and change the course in which your life was headed, you would. now you're chasing for what could've been when it's always been right there.

content warnings ￫ afab!reader (she/her), (single) mother!reader, angst to fluff, smut, friends to lovers, mutual pining, slow burn(ish?), minor character deaths, unplanned pregnancy, reconciliation, religious aspects, minor higuruma x reader, featuring gojo satoru, geto suguru, shoko ierei, trigger warning: mentions of alcohol abuse. smut content: one night stand, car sex, (un)protected sex, pleasure dom!nanami, multiple orgasms, cum eating, overstimulation, creampie, heavy making out, dry humping, fingering, etc. + 40.1k words !

author's note ￫ here's my baby. gosh, did i have fun writing this fic. thank you for everyone that takes the time to read it and please! leave a comment below telling me how you felt reading this. ( fic playlist ! )

“Yeah, okay,” you whisper slowly into the phone, a fair distance away from the band of people gathered around the bonfire. Shimmering flames that light up the area as they dance and drink the night away. It’s beautiful out and you should be enjoying the time, the song playing as you put more distance between you and the party is one that you love. The dark waves push and pull heavily when you pause to look out in the distance, taking in the tragic news.

You and your friends have recently been announced as college graduates— some of them going to start their careers, some of them going to further their education. Whichever path they’re taking, it doesn’t matter. They’re celebrating the now. Hearing them in the background, they’re having the time of their lives as they pop open their cans of beer. ‘Woooh!’ They cheer, laughter following in suit as they turn up the music a little louder. 

The night is chilly and nipping at your exposed skin, the sound of the waves should be something that soothes you like it typically would. Sometimes you’d play ocean sounds when you were studying, eyes locking shut as you took a few seconds to motivate and empower yourself to keep going and remind yourself that it’ll be worth it in the long run. You took the beach waves as your lucky charm, but it seems to turn into your worst nightmare as you feel like they’re swallowing you up right now. 

You can’t help but be selfish, wondering on all days that this could’ve happened, why today? The grim thoughts start to seep through your head, questioning life. But you know the answer to your own question, life waits for no one. Instead of wallowing in this self-pity; instead of putting attention to the thoughts that dash across your mind, you listen. It’s all that you can do as you stroll down the beach, naked toes dipping into the sand as you try to drown out the rest of the world. There’s an unease in your chest, throat swelling as you grow nauseous with each second that passes. Shortly, you hear your name being called. Over and over again before you’re picking up your feet to get further away. 

And your father keeps going, voicing out all of his stresses and concerns about your mother’s condition. Stage four brain cancer eating away at her head. She didn’t want you to know, but it continues to get worse and they don’t have the funds to pay for her treatment. You wonder what makes him think you do, you literally just graduated from college. 

“So, do you think you could make it back down in the next two weeks?” 

You were expecting the question. It’s his habitual routine when he wanted to ask you for favors— favors that always led you to sacrificing something. It started out with little things when you were younger. When he ate the last of your favorite snacks, the ones that his wife— your mother— specified was yours, he’d accidentally eaten it and then rambled about how hard it was being a parent. He’d guilt trip you before finally admitting to it. Then, when you got older, you’d sacrifice your time to take care of your baby cousin when you were supposed to be going to a friend’s birthday party. All because he forgot that you already had plans set in stone and decided to do something last minute. Then when you got your first job, he’d ask you for money and claim he’d pay you back. He never did. 

Whenever you voiced your concerns to your mother, she would say she’d speak to him. She never did. Instead, she always came back with an excuse to stick by his side. In return, they both continued to hurt you— harder and harder every time. You guessed your mother realized that when you told her that you’d be going to college abroad, not looking back at her when she dropped you off at the airport. Just a simple kiss on the cheek before mumbling out a ‘goodbye.’ She was in tears while you were relieved, alleviated at the fact that you no longer had to give them a part of yourself again for a while. 

You guessed your mother didn’t want to tell you because she didn’t want to worry her only child. She also knew you. She knew that if she told you, you’d come back without a second thought. Your father, on the other hand, was never considerate about anyone else but himself. He also knew you, and because of that, it’s why he called. It’s why he can speak so smoothly as he stands inside the hospital room, watching your mother peacefully sleeping as he recites your mother’s diagnosis without a second thought. 

And you resent your father— hate him even more for even asking you this question. However, you hate yourself for the pain in your heart when you even consider saying no. There’s a lump in your throat as you’re choking out a sob, one out of anger more than sadness. Because fuck, yes you’ll try to find a flight as soon as you can. However, you don’t want to give your father that sweet satisfaction of a yes. Not just yet. 

“I’ll have to call you back and let you know.” Your eyes water as you try to hold back the tears. Shit, you exhale. Before he could say anything else, you’re pulling the phone away from your ear. You don’t bother saying goodbye, ending the call and sitting down on a bench not too far from you. You let the waterworks flow now, tears streaming down your face as you let out a low and scratched, “Fuck.”

“(Y/N)?” Not getting the time to fully digest the situation you’ve been put in, you’re appointed with the view of Nanami Kento. The beautiful blond holding bags and bags of takeout boxes for the party. The exhaustion in his eyes has been drained, replaced with concern as he looks at you. Your eyes are puffy and cheeks stained with tears, and realizing that you wear all your emotions on your face, you try to cover it up. Even though it’s too late. “Are you okay?”

Wiping at your tears, there’s no reason to lie now, but you do it anyway. Standing up, you nod repeatedly, “Y-yeah, yeah. I’m fine.”

Forgetting about his original objective— bring the party of nearly drunk college graduates food— he drops the bags down on the bench before sitting down next to you, invading your personal space. “No, you’re not.”

And before you can say anything else, he asks, “Do you want to get out of here?”

You don’t know where he’s driving you, you just know it’s away from all the noise and festivities. Your head tilts towards the outside, feeling the cool breeze against your skin as the window is rolled all the way down. Nanami’s constantly looking back at you, worried as any friend should be. That’s what you think and that’s what he tells himself. But no, his mind is trying to come up with a million ways to make you feel better, trying to dissect your mind, find out what’s wrong and just how he can fix it. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asks, in that deep voice you always compare to a glass of bourbon— always running down your body smoothly. It does the same thing now, and for a moment, you think about telling him. You want to tell him, but the moment you move to open your mouth, the tears start pooling again and you don’t want to bring them back. So instead, your hair moves with your head as you whisper out a ‘no’ that he miraculously hears. He only says, “okay.”

He’s driving you for another fifteen minutes before he’s parking. When you finally register where you are, it’s another beach. This one’s empty, not a person in sight. You snort in an attempt to lighten up the mood, “You brought me to another beach?”

He shrugs sheepishly. “It’s away from everyone and it’s a beautiful view.”

Staring off in the distance, you agree. “It is.”

“I just—” you start. There’s no escaping it, your emotions. The longer you sit here in silence, stuck in your head, the more everything’s just drowning you and wanting you to suffocate. “I’m just so tired.”

Your sobs are loud, filling up the car. For a moment, Nanami isn’t sure what to do. He’s never seen you like this before. Yes, you’ve cried before, but never this much and never so loud. Never in this much pain. He feels himself tense because he doesn’t want to do the wrong thing. However, his subconscious whispers to him, Just give her a hug.

Unbuckling his seatbelt, he reaches for you. And his embrace is so warm and comforting. Everything you need at the moment. Your head lays down against his broad chest and your body relaxes as you continue to sob. His steady heart beat reverberates through you, soothing your nerves as your cries gradually turn into heavy and deep suspires. Then, you sniff before pulling away. “Thank you. I really needed that.”

“Anything for you,” he lets slip out before thinking it through. The eyes that you give him, wide and watery. They stare so prettily in his brown eyes and you can’t help but get lost in them. Subconsciously, your body moves closer and closer to him. Your lips ghost his as his breathing becomes unsteady. He doesn’t stop you, doesn’t tell you ‘no’ when your soft lips touch his. The connection of your moist lips against his, the two-toned shades blending against the pink. They fit together so perfectly, like finding the missing puzzle piece. 

Your breath hitches when he pulls you closer, falling into his embrace before he abruptly detaches himself from you. His rationality starting to take over his emotions. “Are you sure this is fine? I don’t want to—”

“Please,” you plead desperately. “I need this. I need you.”

You whisper the last one low. You don’t know if he heard, but if he did, he doesn’t address it. He simply pulls you in tighter, using his strength to drag you out of your seat and on his lap. Your gasps were swallowed by the intrusion of his mouth, the supple feeling of his tongue eager to memorize the taste of you. Faint artificial berries from your chapstick, a swig of beer and mint. 

Your nails dig into the cotton of his beach shirt, a dull green being scrunched up by your fingernails as you pull him closer. His knuckles whiten, veins protruding as he grounds your hip. Together, you swallow each other’s pants, taking seconds to gasp for air as strings of your saliva connect. With so much need and fervor, the two of you just can’t get enough of each other. His hand tangles in your kinky curls, something that took you hours to do after being so meticulous. However, you don’t have time to chastise him for it when you ground your hips deeper into him. 

Nanami kisses you like he’s going to lose you, arms strung around your waist as the only noise that can be heard are your breathy mewls against his lips and the smack of your lips when you reconnect after a breath of air. His grunts are subtle and quiet, but there’s so much vigor on his chest as he paws at you with a deep and visceral hunger. He can’t get enough, needing more. But begging for it might be his downfall, so he lets you take the lead into initiating the next move. 

Your hands travel from his chest, digits gliding and feeling him in your hold. The palms of your hands dancing over the exposed skin of his arms up to his shoulders and around his neck. Your fingers tug on the short blond locks on the back of his head tightly as you ground your hips. These needy kisses, the suck of your lips and the gentle bites on your tongue. It’s setting you off immensely, arousal sticking to the polyester of your swimsuit— two flimsy pieces to your black bikini. You’ve forgotten all about your appearance when you jumped into the car with him, but it’s only to your convenience when you slip off the sheer beach cover up that’s done nothing to conceal your body.

You’re finally pulling away from the heat of the moment, needy eyes staring into those brown hues as Nanami immediately gets the hint. But he searches some more, needing another sign of consent other than the lustful haze within your pupils. When you nod, it’s enough to unravel everything that’s pent up inside of him. This kiss was nothing like before, not so sentimental and passionate. No, his grip on you is even tighter as one hand is unraveling the knots in your bikini strings. Your breasts spill out as he’s tugging it from the tight grip of being chest to chest with one another. You press yourself into him and with the hand that was wrapped around you, it’s swiftly moving to pull the seat back. 

You choke out a squeak at the dip, heart skipping a beat as you’re given a bit more space to move. Fingers moving quickly, you’re working to unbutton the rest of his shirt. The acrylics fumbling to undo them as Nanami takes the lead in a desperate hurry, popping two in the process. When it’s open, your hands explore the depths of his chest— how it rises and falls. The fuzz of blond tickling your skin as you map out every crevice of his body. He’s warm despite the cold nipping at your skin, the sole source of comfort that your body automatically responds well to.

  All the times that you’ve confided in him, told him things that some of your other friends never knew. Something always drew you into Nanami, a longing for him that you know the exact word for. However, you never admitted it out loud. Even now.

With the way he handles you, it’s what has always enticed you about him. He’s always managed to take away your stress. This time it’s with the beds of his finger tips. He halts your movements for a moment to admire you— your body. Eyes that traverse down your body, taking in every inch of you in a new light. From the features of your face to the supple mounds of your chest, pert nipples erect and large brown areolas, and down to the curve of your body. His hands follow your body, trying to memorize every cavern and crevice of you before muttering, “Beautiful.”

Moreso a statement to himself, nonetheless it makes you shudder when his nose touches yours and your lips meet once more. Your hips move languidly, eliciting soft grunts from his lips as you grind your hips. However, it’s not enough. Nanami reaches to untangle the strings of your bottoms next, a rough tug on them before they join your top. He retracts himself to tug down his own bottoms, lust drunk eyes that are filled with such want and desire.

With the car lights off, you bless the bright street lamps that shine its lights inside the vehicle. Rays of light that bead down on Nanami’s length. A thick girth that compensates an average length, you take the initiative as you reach between his legs. Wrapping your hand around his cock, you let out a small hum leaving your lips as a shiver runs down your spine. The tip of him kisses your clit, pressing yourself down on him, you soak his length in your arousal before you’re sinking on him. At the same time, the both of you let out a drawn out moan. You lean into him, your bare chest pressed against his as his arms snake around your waist. In a swift motion, you’re bouncing on his length while he’s thrusting his hips up. 

Together, you two make a sultry song, orchestrated by the wet slaps of your skin and the moans that you two create. Outside, if there are any late night stragglers, they’ll see the subtle rock of the vehicle, immediately knowing the raunchy scene unfolding inside the car. The windows are fogging up as the sweltering night of passion between two… friends continues. 

Fuck, everytime he opens his eyes and sees the euphoric bliss written all over your face, he feels an overwhelming pressure as your mouth drops open and forms an ‘O’. High-pitched moans and squeaks that spur him on as he admires every inch of you. Your pussy’s clenching around him, making his cock twitch. “K-Kento… ‘M g’nna cum.”

“Me, too,” he breathes. “Where do you want me to—”

“Inside,” you pant. “Inside me. Need you… so bad.”

You don’t know what you’re saying and how much that turns him on. That when your mouth runs dry and you can’t croak out another word as you’re cumming, he’s spilling into you without a second thought. Because this is what you want, this is what you asked for. And when your body falls pliant into him, head hitting his chest, he doesn’t hesitate to pull you tighter into his embrace. He’s pulling your curly strands from your face as he gently kisses your forehead. He’s not thinking. He can never think straight when it comes to you. Because before he knows it, he’s whispering, “I love you.”

When you don’t respond, he assumes that you haven’t heard him. And he’s fine with that. Your chest falling and rising in a smooth rhythm as your heart rate steadies. On your phone, you’ve got a missed call and a few messages from your dad. And together, the both of you shared the frantic and panicked calls from all of your friends, all wistfully being ignored as you fell asleep to the soft and tender touch of Nanami massaging your scalp. His mind can’t help but wonder why you were crying, but he’s trying to convince himself that everything will be okay. 

( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡

THREE WEEKS LATER 

You left with not as much as a message goodbye. When Gojo, Geto, Shoko and Nanami appear on the doorsteps of your complex building knocking at your door heavily, there’s no response. Knock knock, still no response. Knock, knock, knock— nothing. The pounding gets louder and heavier the more that Gojo continues. In denial, Shoko nudges him. “Do it again.”

But his arm is tired and from a peek inside the window, the house is empty. Blue eyes that scans the area he can see, every spot and crevice is blank. The home is a clean canvas for someone else to claim. Rolling his shoulders, he shakes his head. “She’s gone.”

There’s a sullen silence that falls over them all. It’s sunny outside, bright beams of light beating down against their skin, but it might as well be cloudy by the gloom that overshadows the sun. No one says a word, especially Nanami. His posture weakens, shoulders slouching as he feels like the wind is knocked out of him. However, he manages to keep his composure steady as the silence continues to suffocate them. 

It takes Geto to break the silence, a slight bitterness etched into his words when he says, “She didn’t even say goodbye.”

Finally, it clicks. Why you were so sad at the bonfire; why you couldn’t bring yourself to tell him a word. You were going to leave and you knew you were. A part of him feels used, but his heart can’t help but to continue loving you. A part of him was still looking to empathize with you. Because of the amount of pain you were in, you felt guilty. You were remorseful. And what he hopes for the most is that you didn’t want to leave. He knows it’s true. The look in your eyes when he stared back into them. The way you clung at the cotton fabric of his shirt, grounding yourself into him with such a need. Because you knew that would be your last time with him. He can’t help but feel a slight surge of pride at the fact that you wanted to spend it with him in such an intimate way. 

“Did she tell any of you?” Shoko asks, head turning towards all of them inquisitively. 

"No," Gojo and Geto say simultaneously. However, with his bottom lip poking out, Gojo hums as he recalls the night of their last minute graduation bash. "She was acting weird during the bonfire. She ran off when you tried calling her, remember?"

"Oh yeah," Shoko remembers, it all coming back to her. You were on the phone and it seemed to be a serious conversation the way your expression dropped. After that, you disappeared not too shortly after Shoko tried beckoning you over. "And then— Nanami! You were there with her for the rest of the night! What happened?"

Nanami grimaced, squirming in his spot as he thought back to it, trying to decide what to conceal and what to reveal. 

Fixing back the shawl over your shoulders as Nanami helped tie back on the bikini strings. It was silent, but it wasn’t awkward— more so comforting. Feeling his steady breath on the back of your neck, Nanami pulls your hair out of the way, fixing the curls back in their place as best as he can. “Do you want me to bring you home?”

Should you go back home so soon? You ask yourself. You don’t want to be there alone. But, you also didn’t want to explain your absence to your friends. “Yeah,” you breathe. 

The drive back isn’t strikingly quiet as the drive to. He turns on the radio to drown it out, the soft melody humming through the car speakers. It lulls you to sleep feeling the night breeze kiss your skin as your hair flies and tickles you. The soft hand that wakes you up with a light squeeze, gently calling you to open your eyes as you hum out. “Are we here?”

“Yes,” he responds. You stretch, chest pushing out as you hear the creaks ringing from your neck. Twisting and turning, you feel the brown eyes on you, finding it cute how your eyes squint together and your mouth’s breaking out a yawn. Nodding, you click up the long and weakly throw open the door. “Okay.”

One leg out of the vehicle, you’re still sitting inside the car before Nanami’s climbing out of the car completely and joining you on the other side. He walks you back to your apartment door, watching you search for your keys when you realize that you’ve left all of your belongings back at the beach. 

“Shit, I forgot all my stuff at the beach.” You’re lucky for the spare key that you left in the cracks of the door casing. Groggily, you reach upwards before Nanami takes the initiative to assist you before feeling for the small piece of metal. Pushing the key into the lock, he swings the door open for you and switches on the light as you take a step inside. 

“Thank you,” you breathe. 

“I’ll pick up your stuff and bring it to you later tonight,” Nanami says. “Do you need anything else? I can bring you back some food—”

“You’re a really great friend,” you thought aloud, eyes glimmering when you look up at him. “I hope you know that. You really are.”

“(Y/N)—”

“I still don’t want to talk about it,” you sigh. “If that’s what you were gonna ask me— what’s wrong. Just… Have a good night, Kento.”

You left him standing right at your front door, not bothering to tell him to leave. He knows the way out. Maybe he should’ve badgered you more about it, demanding that you give him answers. However, he didn’t want to push you. He didn’t want to push you away if he dared to. Instead, he figured that with due time, you’d come and confide in him like you always did. Never expecting you to just up and leave them all— leaving him.

When he got back, the food he left was still on the bench. Cold, but it’ll have to do. Walking back to the party, they were still joyous. Not suspecting that anything has changed. When Gojo spotted Nanami, his blue eyes behind his shades lit up. “Food’s here!”

Crowding him, they grabbed the bags from his hand and shared it accordingly, passing down the boxes to whoever wanted. Bones and garbage thrown in a pile of an empty takeout box. With a full plate, Nanami spots your beach bag hanging on the back of a foldable chair. With Shoko now occupying your seat, he exhaled when he said excuse me to grab the straps.

“Oh, that’s (Y/N)’s bag,” she immediately recognizes. “Where is she? She was taking a call and then she disappeared!”

“She wasn’t feeling good, so I dropped her home,” Nanami simply explained, only telling half of the truth. However, he didn’t even know if it was a quarter. “She forgot her stuff, so I told her I’d bring her stuff back.”

In immediate understanding, Shoko pouts. “Is she feeling sick? Tell her to make that remedy I’ve been telling you guys about! It should clear up whatever she’s having.”

Not wanting to tell Shoko that no, that’s not what he meant when he said she wasn’t feeling good, he just nods with an ‘okay.’ When he gets back to yours once again, he shifts through your things, ignoring the extra clothes and your hygienic products, grabbing the Kuromi keychain with your keys attached to it. Opening your door, he doesn’t notify you that he’s back. Instead, he sets your bag on the small couch. At the door, he pauses trying to rationalize his decisions one last time. With a heavy breath, he shakes his head.  

He shuts your door gently, sure to lock the bottom lock before a soft thud sounds. The tight feeling tugging at his chest goes ignored as he climbs back in the car and drives off. Unbeknownst to him that that would be his last time with you. That this was the first and last time he’ll be able to taste you. (For a while.)

“She was crying,” he decides to admit. “She wouldn’t tell me what it was about. I offered to take her away so that she can have some space and think before dropping her home. That’s it.”

“That’s it?” Geto asks with a wrinkled brow, suspecting that there’s more to it. “You guys were gone forever. She never once let out a sign telling you that she was going to leave?”

“No,” Nanami shakes his head. “She didn’t say anything to give that sign.”

“Bullshit.” Geto scoffs with a roll of his eyes. “You’re telling me that from all that time, you two were just silent? You both were gone for a suspiciously long time. When you came back, the food was cold!”

“Hey, there’s no need—” Shoko attempts to alleviate the tension between them, gentle hand pressing against Geto’s chest. Geto’s right for his suspicions, the entire retelling Nanami gave had plot holes. There must have been more to it. However, Nanami wasn’t one to lie. 

“Well, that’s the truth,” he says calmly, knowing how this makes him look guilty. “You don’t have to believe me, but it is what happened. If I knew she was leaving, do you really think I wouldn’t tell you guys? We’ve all been messaging her, calling her and trying to get in contact with her. She hasn’t responded back to any of us, so I’m just as in the dark as you all.”

“I don’t know,” Gojo sighs. “It’s just weird that she wouldn’t tell us she was leaving. We would’ve thrown her a goodbye party or a last get together with just the four of us.”

“And she said she was going to renew her VISA when it was close to expiring,” Shoko pouts, face growing solemn at the fact that you were no longer here in Japan.

“Yeah,” Suguru finally comes to his senses. “Something really important must’ve happened for her to just up and leave like this.”

“Do you think she’ll come back?” Gojo puts the idea into the air. It has them all growing silent. Would you come back? Nanami’s hoping so. Left without an answer, all four of them are left to hear the chirp of the birds and cars driving by in the distance. With the sun beating down on them, Nanami wants nothing more than to get back inside his car and drive off so that he can collect his thoughts and emotions. 

When they’re finally all leaving and he’s able to slip himself into the front seat, he’s finally got an answer for himself. Thinking with his head instead of his heart, he tells himself ‘no.’

—

“Baby,” your mother croaks when she opens her eyes, exhaustion running through her mind, she wonders if this is a side effect of cancer. Covered in the thin white hospital sheets, she shivers in the cold as she can barely keep her eyes open. Under the white lights, she feels blinded. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be in Japan?”

I should be asking myself the same damn thing. You sigh, shuffling to sit on the edge of the bed. The bed isn’t comfortable at all. You feel as though you’re sitting on a stiff board. You don’t know how your mother can fall asleep like this. “Dad called me.”

It’s all you need to say before the woman’s slowly shaking her head. A pained moan leaves her lips and she tsks, probably cursing a lot of atrocities in her mind. Your mother’s eyes shut before her tongue clicks, a rush of guilt running through her body as she groans. “I told that fool not to call you. Baby, I am so sorry.”

Her apology is genuine, though simple. Bringing herself to sit up, you tried to help her, but she denied the offer. It forces you to watch her struggle, weak and frail arms lifting up her own weight before the blanket tucked over her shoulder falls and reveals the pale blue hospital gown. It did nothing to accentuate your mother’s beauty, no hospital gown did for anyone, but blue was never her color. You hate seeing your mother like this. 

When she’s finally sitting up straight, she exhales in relief before she’s grabbing the remote next to her and turning off the television high up in the corner. You had totally forgotten that it was on and playing. “If I had known that the fool was gonna go against my wishes, I’d have called you and told you to stay.”

“And I’d have probably come down either way,” you joke, but there’s some truth behind your words. Even if she had known what her conniving husband would do, you’d have still come down to see your mother and put your life on pause.

“And I would have all the airlines shut down if you even tried,” your mother weakly laughs. “If you’re trying to win the stubborn Olympics, remember who you got it from. You only got half of the amount that I have.” 

When her chuckle dies down, the crinkles under her eyes disappear. “How was Japan?”

“Japan was fun,” You shrug. It’s not a subject that you want to talk about. Nanami comes to mind, as well as Geto, Gojo and Shoko. You can only think about how shitty you are for leaving so abruptly and unannounced. You’re sure that they’re now aware that you’re gone and thinking that you’re never going to come back. You don’t know if you’ll get the opportunity to, but you’re hoping for it. But for now, you’ll have to come to terms that not only are you a bad friend, but you’ll be missing out on the family you’ve created for yourself. 

Sensing your unwillingness to expand, your mother changes the subject. She’s sure that you’ll talk about it when you feel like it. “How was the flight back?”

“It wasn’t that bad actually,” a conversation that you were willing to have briefly. “But I feel as though I might be catching something? I’ve been feeling hotter than usual, feeling very fatigued and nauseous. It’s probably me being air sick or whatever it’s called.”

“Then why are you sitting on my bed?” She’s quick to shoo you off, kicking you with her foot. Jumping off, you reach for the swivel chair in the corner of the room. “Tryna make me worse than I’m already feeling?”

“Sorry,” you apologize sheepishly. “I wasn’t thinking, but I’m sure it’s just a cold that I can get rid of. Don’t worry.”

“Hmm…” Your mother hums, giving you a quick once over. From your symptoms and how you’re acting, it didn’t seem like you had a cold. “You weren’t having too much fun in Japan, were you? Sounds like you’re pregnant.”

Eyes widening, you grow flustered at your mother’s suggestions. The idea of being pregnant never ran across your mind until now. “What— No! Even if I was, I’ve always been safe.”

Your mom looks at you skeptically, still sticking to her belief. However, not having the strength to debate on the matter, she shrugs. She slowly leans herself back onto the bed and pulls back the sheets over her body. “Mm, okay.”

For the rest of the day, you’ve fallen asleep in the hospital room, terribly made Hallmark movies, and sparked up every conversation that had nothing to do with your time in Japan. However, in the back of your mind, you were thinking about the idea of being pregnant. You hadn’t been safe, not taking the precautions needed when you had told Nanami to cum inside you. So caught up with moving back to the states and your mother’s health, you completely forgot about taking a plan B to prevent it. You were hoping that you were infertile. That maybe God is looking out for you in doing you this one little favor. 

It’s getting late. Visiting hours are going to close soon and your mother’s dozing off for the nth time. Grabbing your hand bag, you let out a heavy sigh of relief the moment you stand. Stretching, you let out a loud yawn that opens your mother’s eyes back as she tilts her head towards you.

“Don’t worry, baby,” she throws you a weak smile as she grabs your attention. “I meant it when I said I was stubborn. Before you know it, I’ll be better and you can go back to Japan. I’ll get out of your hair.” 

And she sounds so sure that for a moment, you forget. You forget how the doctors told you that because of her condition, there won’t be much that they can do. She’ll be discharged soon and you’ll spend most of your days by her side, taking care of her and making her enjoy the last of her moments on Earth. The doctor said the most she had was a year, and you’re planning on making it the most for her. So, instead of popping that bubble, you smile and nod. “Oh, you’re going to beat cancer in the ass. I know it.” 

On the way home, your mother’s words run through your mind again. The idea of you being pregnant sounds blasphemous, not something that you ever imagined for yourself really. However, you find yourself at a pharmacy and purchasing a few pregnancy tests as the cashier gives you a look. You don’t know what to make of it. They look like they’re unsure whether or not to apologize or congratulate you. 

Unlocking the doors of the apartment home you feel as though this is a fever dream, stepping back inside the house you haven’t been inside in years. Your father isn’t home, but it’s not much of a surprise for you. If anything, relief runs through your bones as you drag your suitcases in the direction of your old bedroom before heading inside the bathroom.

All three pregnancy tests read the same thing, two parallel lines right on every one of them. Your heart hammers against your chest as you let out a curse. “Fuck.”

( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡

TWO YEARS LATER 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters—” Reciting the verse straight from memorization, you keep your head held low as you sniffle. Mucus clogged in your nose, you grab another wad of tissues as your dark shades start slipping. Constantly having to push it up, you’re trying your best to hide the puffiness in your eyes. Your two children are strapped inside their strollers, their favorite toys sitting in the laps with a pack of opened snacks resting along with them. Crumbs dirtying their clothes, the mess goes ignored as they’re silent and unaware of the circumstances. 

Everyone’s dressed in any variation of yellow— your mother’s favorite color. Those who are late trickle in slowly, making sure to tap your shoulder to share their unsaid condolences. Pastor Colsen, a man that was prevalent in your childhood, not only in church but as your uncle ends the prayer with the habitual, “amen,” along with everyone else. 

“Now,” he starts. “My dear sister was… something else. Born to our parents, Anika Colsen and John Colsen, McKayla Colsen-(Y/L/N) was the baby of the family and the only girl. So, you know she was spoiled.”

Garnering a few chuckles from the audience, even a small one from you, he smiles as he cuts through the grim tension of the room in the slightest. “Growing up with her, it was… I always told people that McKayla was someone you had to experience, I couldn’t describe her. Like, my parents made us spread the bed. You know, blah blah blah, responsibilities and all of those excuses— I told myself that they were just lazy people. 

“Anyway, we never had our own rooms, our two older brothers shared their own rooms, but I was stuck sharing with her since I was the third youngest. Now, my brothers made a deal that the last one to wake up would make the bed, so oftentimes, one would try to wake up before the other. I thought it would work the same way with me and McKayla when she was old enough to learn. But,” with a snicker, he shakes his head. “Man, I was wrong!

“I told her that every time she woke up last, she’d make the entire bed, right? She agreed and said, ‘Okay!’ I remembered smiling to myself because she always woke up last, so I’d never have to straighten up the bed. Later that day, though? Mama came home from work asking why only half of the bed was made. Let’s just say my sister could get away with murder if she wanted to because the way she had our parents wrapped around her fingers? Man, I was impressed because she always outbested me—”

All of these stories commemorate your mother and her impact on people’s lives. It made you laugh and provided you momentary happiness, but it also made you even more emotional as it only reminded you that she’s here no longer. Your uncle’s eyes flash towards you. “Before we continue on with the service, we have one more speech from McKayla’s only child, (Y/N Y/L/N).”

Standing up, you shift the stroller towards your father. At the slightest movement, your daughter Tyla whines as you quickly purse your lips to shush her. Approaching the podium, you take the microphone from your uncle as you’re facing everyone. Family and old friends that you haven’t seen in years. They all drove or flew here for this solemn moment in time. Pain etches at your heart as you remind yourself to take deep breaths. They’re patient as you collect yourself, soft nods that tell you to take your time. So you do, and your uncle joins your side again just in case you go through a fainting spell. However, you stand tall on your feet as you gather your composure. “I want to thank you all for coming today. It means a lot to me that we can all meet in one place as a family and come together to commemorate my mother and reminisce about her time on this Earth.”

With a sigh, your body finally relaxes. “I had prepared a speech that talked about how great she was and all my favorite memories with her, but… I don’t want to talk about that. I just want to let go and mourn the loss of my mother. 

“I remember when the twins were born— my girl and boy, Tyla and Yuu…”

You’re lying in the hospital bed. Your body still feels heavy from the epidural, luckily for it, you hadn’t felt a thing. Twins, you can’t help but think. Head falling to the side as your mother’s sitting on the pull out couch with both of them in her hand. She’s been looking much better— healthier and happier. She has a big smile on her face despite the heavy and dark eyebags from her lack of sleep, awake through every hour of your labor (Tried to, at least. She dozed off a couple of times). She stares at your children with adoration in her eyes, sparkling with so much love. 

“You’re gonna look just like your mommy. Look at these ears!” she coos at the girl, noticing the dark complexion of her ears before looking at Yuu. “You— whoever the daddy is, you look like him.”

You didn't have the strength and mental capacity to feel any type of way about the comment. You were hellbent on keeping quiet about your relationships and sexual endeavors, and your mother was forced to accept that. You just had to accept the fact that you’d receive snide remarks about it in return. 

Your dad wasn’t here, not that you minded. He had work to go to and wasn’t willing to call off when your mother phoned him about you going into labor. And considering the nightmare of your birth that your mother had recited to you when she was in labor, you didn’t want your labor to be a stressful process. 

“I wish I had more time.” You hear with a choked sob following. You’ve never seen your mother like this. In such sadness that she’s immediately broken out in tears. It cuts at you, striking dangerously close to your heart. 

“Mom,” you croak, voice dry. You don’t have time to get emotional. This is supposed to be a happy moment. “Don’t get like that.”

“I’m sorry, I just don’t know how much time I’ve got left with y’all,” she cries. 

“You’ll have a lot of time left,” you try cheering her up. “You were the one saying that you’re stubborn as a bull.”

“I didn’t say all that now, but—” Letting out a deep sigh as she flutters away the tears from her eyes. “—you’re right.”

Thanking the crowd for listening, you adorn an aching smile as your uncle walks you back to your seat as your son, Yuu, coos out for you. Grabby hands reach for you, begging to pick them from his seat. Wiping away at your face, you unbuckle his belt and draw him onto your lap. The loud screech from the microphone startles everyone and your uncle smiles sheepishly with a soft apology. “If I knew one thing about my sister is that she loved a good performance, and luckily today, we have two. A dance from my wife and kids, and a song from my dear cousin—”

The funeral service ended up going longer than you expected. The moment it ended, people swarmed you, giving you and your father their condolences or asking about the twins. It was hard keeping a smile on your face, plastering a faux one every time someone approached you and reached for one of them. You understood not seeing a lot of relatives in years— most from when you were a child— but it bothered you how none of them asked, instead picking them up without a second thought. You didn’t want to seem cold and a nuisance, especially on a day like this, so you didn’t say anything.

Your mother wanted to be cremated. “Keep me living on,” she told you. “I want to be a tree.”

It was something you wanted to do privately, not with a crowd of over one hundred people. So instead of going to a burial, you and the herd immediately went to the venue that you had set up for the funeral reception. The temporary time of mourning is gone and celebration set in the works. Your car was the first to arrive with plenty of vehicles following in tow. Turning off the car, your back hits the carseat in exhaustion. You shut your eyes, not wanting to move and contemplating on starting the engine up again and head back home. The past couple of days had been hard on you, especially the night before with prepping the venue. You had spent until two in the morning getting it ready as a few (untrustworthy) family members had called out on helping you and only leaving you with two people. 

Two people from your high school that you could barely remember, but it was nice catching up with them nonetheless. Even with their help, it went slowly as the tape you had wasn’t strong enough to hold a lot of the decorations and you weren’t allowed to use thumb tacks. However, with a lot of layers of the adhesive and a few drinks, by the time you went home, you left with the place being in a pleasant sight. 

White tablecloths with yellow and gold accents, the color scheme was something you tackled with for a while, but you ended up pulling it off well, harmonious balance of the colors. The fake flowers on the table sat nicely in the small glass vases with clear and white marbles and stones. The circular tables sat around the wooden dance floor and a stage in front. The DJ you rented for the time had his equipment already set up as the stage had balloons and decorations hanging from the edge of it. Towards the back of the room, where the kitchen was, you had to do a lot of cleaning after seeing the muck and grime sticking to the countertops from the previous renters. 

Now, it was clean and shining as aluminum containers rested on the countertops, soon needing to be moved to rest on the elongated foldable tables with white plastic table coverings over them. Pushing the stroller, you have already staked your claim at a table, it being on the far right and closest to the stage. Yuu has fallen asleep, his head lolling to the side as drool runs down his face. His chubby cheeks squished down against the stroller. He’s got lighter complexion than you and his twin sister, with light blond curls littering his head but other than that, his hair is prominently dark. Your mother was right, his features matched more with his father’s. Almond shaped eyes that perfectly went with Nanami’s and nose shape like his, the only thing that you could say was yours was the hair texture and lips. 

Your daughter, Tyla, has more of your features. Monolids like her father’s but her face structure like yours, the way she’d twist and frown reminded everyone, including yourself, of you. However, their personalities are swapped. They were both emotional, but in their own way. Tyla was a firecracker when she got angry, while Yuu pulled out the waterworks whenever things didn't go smoothly. Yuu clung to you, the shy one of the two whereas Tyla was more outgoing and accepting of people. They were opposite elements and definitely a handful, but they made your life bright. Considering all the darkness the past few years, you needed the light. 

People started trickling in in crowds, filling up the building quickly. Most were finding the perfect table to sit at, others headed over to you. They pulled you into deep hugs, rocking you back and forth endearingly.

You thought you’d dread this time out, but you enjoyed it. Maybe it was the drinks, the loud music, and all the chattering going on. You had a little niece willing to watch after the twins, giving you the freetime to catch up with who you wanted and enjoy yourself. By the time you’re leaving the venue, after cleaning up, it’s four in the morning. The twins are fast asleep and you fear you might fall asleep behind the wheel, but you make it home safely. 

Unlocking the door, the house is pitch black. You expected your dad to be home, but his car isn’t outside. Pushing the stroller inside carefully, you flicker on the lights with a heavy sigh. You plop down on the couch, taking a few moments to yourself. Your feet ache and the silence is tranquil. Stretching your body out, you hear all the creaks in your muscles. You close your eyes before you’re quickly dozing off, jolting up when you remember the two slumber bodies.

Tiredly do you bring them to bed, stripping them of their shoes and tucking them nicely into their respective spots. You follow in tune with them, stripping yourself out of your bra from underneath the dress you’re wearing and throwing it in the direction of the hamper. Did it make it? You’ll have to see the next morning. You carefully climb underneath the covers, getting yourself cozy next to the small two bodies. The air conditioner kicks in, making your body shiver as the vent breathes life directly onto you. You snuggle deeper into the sheets as sleep calls your name, gently shutting your eyes and kissing you a good night. 

—

For the past two years, Nanami has made it a routine to open his contacts list on his phone and stare at your name. He’s got your phone number memorized by heart, and that app you had told him about all those years ago. What was it called again? Whatsapp— it’s on his phone, and your number is active. It says that you're online now. Should I call her? 

He’s been asking himself this ever since he found out you left. He’s been asking himself if he should take the risk. And when his finger hovers over the call icon, taunting him to do it, he backs out at the last second. You’ve ignored countless messages and phone calls, what’s the point in it now? 

However, he’s curious. After all this time and absence, would you answer? Would your guilty conscience eat at you and you’d answer? Or maybe it will tell you the opposite and you'll keep avoiding it. His heart is begging him to call, but his mind tells him no. And like every other day, he swipes out of the app and shuts his phone. Stuck in the small cubicle with no fancy decorations, nothing to personalize it, Nanami focuses back on the monitor in front of him. Mouse swiping across from document to document. Heavy eye bags hanging from his eyes, round spectacles dipping from the brim of his nose. 

A yawn leaves his mouth, hand reaching to cover it as his mind is too stimulated to focus. Looking at the time, it's still too early on in his shift. However, it doesn't stop him from taking up his phone and typing in the group chat that he shared with his friends. They haven't met up in a while and he thinks it's time for a needed break. He doesn't have work tomorrow and any significant plans that call for attention anyways. 

And when they all agree, he feels a sense of relief, loosening the animal print tie and undoing a few buttons of his top before letting out a heavy breath. Yeah, he deserves a breather. 

It's a Friday evening, so of course, the club is packed. However, it doesn't stop the anxious feeling that reverberates through Nanami's chest as he follows Gojo, Shoko, and Geto in tow. Neon lights that flash through the dark room as he can already feel the heat of the building pushing past the crowd of people. Sorry's leave his lips when someone bumps into him and he's forced to put his hands on them. The soft and gentle touch against their shoulder causes them to look up. When he makes accidental eye contact, an apology is already tugging at his lips and he mutters below his breath. They can't hear him, but they've quickly lost interest the moment he's walking out of sight. 

All gathering together in vacant seats around the bar, they're all dressed in work attire. Nanami has left his khaki blazer in the back seat of his car as well as his tie. His button-up shirt has been loosened as light chest hair peaks from the available skin he's showing. 

Gojo's got the sleeves of his shirt rolled up above his elbows, sporting the same style as the blond— peaks of his pale and smooth chest left for women to ogle. Geto's in a loose fitted sweater, black and thick and he surely won't be able to survive the couple hours spent here. Shoko's replaced her scrubs top for a regular t-shirt, the striped colored top fitting snug on her body while the bottoms are baggy and fit like joggers. They stick out from the ones planning to party, all dressed in club wear while the next group pay their respects to them for making time out of their day to let loose. 

Nanami's surprisingly the first one to order a drink— a can of beer that he pops open and takes a heavy swig of. Eyes on him, his long-time friends aren't so shocked, more so amused. 

"Long day, huh?" Shoko sighs, next to order a drink. A question directed to Nanami, but Gojo answers instead.

"Oh, don't get me started!" His shoulders slump dramatically, posture falling as the dark glasses he wears slips off his face. "The kids were atrocious today! Only to find out it's a full moon and—"

Nanami only permits himself to down another can of beer while the rest of them take comfort on the dancefloor. The EDM plays loudly over the speakers as the DJ bops his head to the music. He takes up a lot of space, arms stretching over the countertop as people squeeze by him. A woman has been eyeing him down for the past hour, hoping that the few times that they've made eye contact, he'd take the initiative, but never did. In fact, Nanami never really noticed the woman. 

In a red dress that hugged to every dip and curve, a salacious thing she is. Long and dark hair that falls past her shoulders and reaches her waist. Her makeup was bold and beautiful even. She’s a beautiful woman, but the blond wasn't really interested. A hook-up wasn't something he wanted. Needed, yes, but that's what his friends thought, and he continued denying. 

"Hey!" The woman shouted over the speakers. Calling for his attention, Nanami's met with brown eyes dipped in lust. With so much sultry in them, it should be evident of her intentions. 

"Oh." Pulling his hands down from the bar, he stands up. "Sorry, am I in your way?"

"No, no," she giggles. "You're fine. I actually came over because I noticed you were alone."

"Oh?" Taken aback, he squirms. If the woman notices, she doesn’t say anything. If anything, she perks up at the fact that she has been noticed. Her red lips smile, posture straightening to have her breasts protrude. 

“Yeah,” she says, testing the waters and entering his personal space. Her nimble fingers travel up to his forearm. “Wanted to know if you needed to warm the other side of your bed tonight.”

Before her hand can travel any higher to rest on his heft bicep, Nanami gently reaches out for it and pushes it away. “Sorry, you’re a gorgeous woman and you seem very sweet, but I’m not interested.”

“Oh,” her shoulders drop, losing her confidence as she looks back towards the crowd and back at him. “Okay, sorry.”

She’s hesitant to leave, and following the direction of where she’s constantly looking back at, his eyes fall onto the three lovely ladies that seem to be her friends. He understands her reluctance now, having been in plenty of situations like this himself. There were countless times where his friends tried hooking him up with a girl or planning blind dates for him. To appease their obnoxious pleas, he’d agree only for him to end the date there and drive the expecting woman back home once the coast was clear. 

With the group’s eyes waiting expectantly for something to happen, Nanami’s shoulders fall. “Your friends put you up to it?”

“Yeah,” she sheepishly nods. “I don’t usually dress like this… Not to say I wasn’t interested in you, I was! But—”

“No need to explain yourself,” he says. “I understand. If you want—” He doesn’t know if he’ll regret this or not, but to do a good deed? It’ll probably make this night better. “— You can stay here with me. Make it seem like you scored for the night.”

“Really?” She smiles appreciatively as Nanami sits down, motioning for the free barstool next to him. Climbing up, the short dress rides up and she has to tug it down to its original length. “Thank you so much. I didn’t want to have to go back and hear their pity. What’s your name, by the way? I didn’t catch it.”

“Nanami,” he answers, motioning for the bartender. Another drink won’t hurt him. “Yours?”

“Minosaki,” she smiles sweetly. “Nice to meet you.”

Lips covered in red lipstick stains, Nanami wakes up in instant regret as his body comes back to life. His phone is blaring, his alarm clock sounding in the distance as he forgot to turn it off. In the back pocket of his khaki slacks, they’ve been discarded in last night’s escapades and rest in front of his bed. Throwing off the sheets from his body, his bare body is open to the comforts of his bedroom as he reaches for the pants and reaches for the light piercing through the fabric. Swiping the screen and finally ending the sound that’s not at all relaxing as it claims to be, Nanami lets out a sigh as his chest gradually calms. 

Of course, the other side of his bed is empty. He curses to himself. So much for not being interested.

( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡

THREE YEARS LATER

One of the last things your mother said to you, she told you to stop living your life for other people. Mainly talking about how you dropped your life back in Japan to come to her aid. Watching you slave away doing things you didn’t need to for the sake of her and your father, working endless hours to make ends meet and go above and beyond. She had to sit you down after seeing you on the verge of a breakdown.

“Listen,” she sighed. “It's no longer just you, it's you and your twins now. You need to stop worrying about me and your dad. We'll be fine."

She wouldn’t have your excuses. The moment you opened your mouth to reiterate how you needed to be there for her, she silenced you. “I don’t want to hear what you’ve got to say. I want you to be happy. With your kids.”

You’ve been thinking about that short instance for the past few months (more like a year, but you’ve been in denial about it). Your job is well paying, you can afford to move out now. Get a place for you and your twins. As they get older, sharing a room with them isn’t acceptable. Now that your mother is gone, you don’t need to be here anymore. However, something— someone— is holding you back. 

It’s as if he detects when you’re unhappy and contemplating on moving, reminding you of all the debt he’s in because of you. And while your job has a well-paying salary, it doesn’t mean that you can clear all of his debt in the snap of a finger. He’s got you tethered to him in the name of money, finding out that he’s been using your mother’s retirement and insurance money to gamble. There are other miniscule matters that he let rack up to higher and higher, pinning the responsibility on you. 

Every time you think about the idea of moving out, you’re reminded of this visceral need to make sure your father’s in good hands by the time you’re ready and sure you’ll leave. 

“You should go back to Japan,” your mother suggested. “You were the happiest there.”

“What about Yuu and Tyla?” You’d have thought about that countless times before, but always found it unattainable now that you’re back in the states. “They’re already so accustomed here. Packing up and leaving doesn’t sound reasonable.”

“Oh, they’ll be fine,” your mother fans off your excuse. “They’re still really young and they haven’t started school yet. If you explained that you were going to move somewhere else, I’m sure they’d get all excited.”

“And what about you and dad?” You huff. “How am I just supposed to leave knowing that the house will be in shambles without me?”

“First of all,” your mother points at you. “I’m still alive and standing, and as long as I’m alive, it’ll stay that way. And when I’m gone, that man can rot for all I care about.”

You didn’t understand why your mother had said it with so much venom, eyes cutting off at you at the mere thought of her husband. When you tried to push her to elaborate, she got up and left. Just like you, the moment she said she didn’t want to talk about it, she refused your constant pressing and badgering about it. When she passed away and you voiced to your father about moving out, it’s when he sprung up his financial irresponsibilities to you. And finally, you understood your mother’s anger. You just wished she had told you about it. Maybe if handled sooner, you would’ve been able to leave a long time ago. 

Staring at the pile of bills, crossing off the checklist of the ones that you already paid for you, you discarded them in the shredder that’s close to breaking down any second. The television’s on, playing a rerun of Bubble Guppies as the twins are on the ground playing with their toys. They’re four years old and tall for their age, another thing they got from Nanami. You’ve been growing Yuu’s hair out, currently braided back in cornrows while Tyla’s hair is combed back in one. It’s always a struggle getting her to sit down for a long period of time to finish her hair. With such a tender scalp, you often had to take out the cornrows after she woke up in the middle of the night crying about them. 

As much as you’d like to spend some time with them right now, the pile of bills keeps growing and you don’t have a moment to just relax. Pushing aside the papers, you reach for your laptop. It seems like the only break you can get is to worry about the next thing. Your mom wanted you to be selfish and while your selflessness is begging for you to stay, there’s a stronger urge for you to give you father a big ‘Fuck You’ to his face. 

His phone call was the very thing that got you back here, feeding on your aim to please. You had originally left to give yourself a lot of distance from your parents, to find yourself. However, here you are, losing yourself all over again. You’re subconsciously typing into the search engine, ‘How long does it take to get a Japanese VISA?’ before clicking enter. 

You need this. Your children need this. They need a home where they have the comforts of your own bed. They need a home where their grandfather doesn’t come back home drunk after his gambling endeavors and being forced to lock themselves in the bedroom when he decides to put on a drunken show. They deserve a mother that can throw genuine smiles in an environment that you’re ultimately happy— with them. A change in scenery would work, whether you moved across the street or to an entirely different state. However, you long back for the times you spent in Japan. The places you’ve been and seen, the people you’ve met, the friends you’ve made—

That pang of guilt bit at your heart again. The friends you’ve made and left without as much as a text goodbye and an explanation. They would’ve understood your reasoning, the immediate need to turn back. However, so high strung on emotions, you acted on impulse and didn’t think things through. You hate yourself for it and if you were them, you wouldn’t forgive yourself.

So as you’re sitting in front of the laptop screen, reading the kanji on screen, you let out a deep sigh as you feel two hands press against your thigh as your son crawls into your lap. “What’chu doing, ummy?” 

Back to sorting out the bills, you shut down the laptop as you kiss Yuu’s forehead. He grimaces in your hold, scrunching his face at your show of affection. At his squeaky ‘ew’, you plant more on his forehead before he’s laughing out, “Ummy!”

You giggle before pulling away. “Mommy’s working on stuff. Are you guys hungry?”

Head throwing back to look at Tyla, the prospect of food makes her eyes sparkle as she looks up. Simultaneously, the two exclaim, “yes!”

—

You were trying to be a better person, but you know that your father didn’t deserve an explanation for your departure. It took you a while to accept the fact that you didn’t need to take care of your father. That if he had the strength to spend all of his money on gambling, drugs and alcohol, like it could fill his belly, then he didn’t deserve all the time you spent looking after him. He ignored your cries and attempted to get him help, shouting at you like you’re a child instead of hearing you out. So, you resorted to more desperate and harsh measures, enrolling him into rehab. He protested and spit such venom that you dare yourself not to think about as you’re boarding you and your twins onto the plane. 

The carry on bag you have is all packed with the acceptable snacks and food needed to endure this long trip. It’s four in the morning and you’re struggling to maneuver down the thin aisle of seats, constantly bumping into people while they have the audacity to throw you such a venomous glare. Can they not see you handling two kids on top of your carry-on? 

Exhaling the moment you arrive at your seats, you set down Yuu first in the window seat, gently resting his head. Tyla’s in the middle seat with you taking the end seat. You roll your shoulders and neck, letting all the kinks out as you’ve got the day cut out for you. However, for now, you fall into a deep slumber along the comforting silence. 

You’ve rented out a three bedroom condominium apartment. Newly built homes in Tokyo that you miraculously managed to succeed in getting after badgering the landlords repetitively. Meeting the landlords for the key, they were pleasantly surprised to see a foreigner. You took their shock as a compliment, meaning that your Japanese was still good after all this time away. Handing you the keys with reluctance, you don’t think too much in the interaction before heading to the elevators. 

“Wow, mommy,” Tyla marvels at the interior of the building lobby. Cream-painted walls and brown accents. The photos that hang are replicas, gold frames in pristine condition as the twins stop periodically to look at them. “So beautiful!” 

You chuckle at Tyla’s amazement, constantly looking behind you to make sure that they can keep up with you. Him and Tyla were working together on bringing up a suitcase as you dragged along the next two. “Ummy, Is this our new home?”

“Yes, baby,” you smile. They seem to be approving it, accepting their new home— of Japan. But you need more validation, you need to hear them say ‘yes.’ “Do you guys like it so far?”

"Yeah," they both sigh simultaneously. When the elevator doors open, you hold the door open for the two before tussling in yourself with the heavy luggages. The clean and pristine metal walls are able to hold all three of them including the added weight. Their eyes sparkle as they grip the handles of the elevator the moment the doors shut and it moves. 

It's all that you need to make your heart skip a beat, because you like it so far, too.

—

The three of you were stuck sharing one room again. You had ordered furniture before the move, striking up deals with second-hand sellers and bidders online and clicking on reasonable deals through websites. However, they wouldn’t be coming until the next few days or so. You had prepared for this, buying two blow up mattresses that you had set up to sleep on in the meantime. You explained to the twins that they were going to have their own room from now on, so they can have their own space. You figured because they’re so young now, it was best that they shared one room together rather than splitting them up so early. 

Considering that they would have each other, you thought they would be able to go through the night together on their own. However, when it came time for bed, they both crept in your room five minutes later telling you that they were scared. You were so close to drifting to sleep, the loud bang of the door startling you awake to the two small bodies. Heart racing, you clutched your chest as you controlled your breathing. You gasped, “What?”

“I can’t sweep,” Yuu whines. 

“Me, too,” Tyla joins in with a pout. “Can we sleep in here?”

Sighing, your head hits the pillow again as you let out a meek, “yes, come in.”

They climbed under the covers, getting closer to you until they were practically on top of you. They felt more relaxed in your arms, heads resting against your chest and falling asleep to the sound of your heartbeat. And you felt better with them next to you. Instinctively, your hand reaches their heads. Hair covered with their bonnets, you stroke them tenderly as their bodies lie pliant on the bed. In about half an hour, they fall asleep smoothly after having such a long day. 

You fall asleep fifteen minutes later. For the first time in a long time, not worrying about the next day. 

—

You've been living off takeout food for the past couple of days and it's not good (despite how much your kids love it). Luckily, one stress has gone out the way, the furniture you had pre-ordered had finally come in. Now your home was filled with boxes and furniture that you would need to rearrange later on that day, adding onto your to-do list. However, you couldn’t run on an empty stomach and neither could your children. Another day of eating out, they surprisingly adjusted well to the different foods. While in America, you had made the majority of their foods from your culture. Once in a while would remember a recipe and make it, but they found themselves favoring the other. You wondered if it said something about your cooking for Japanese food. 

Now, you’re down the aisles of a grocery store, pushing a shopping cart as your two swings on the end. Humming the song playing over the speakers, you grabbed from the shelves, picking up simple kitchen appliances that you missed. You were planning on enrolling the twins into school, making sure to check when they were accepting new students for preschool. You picked up cute bento boxes, calling out for their attention. “Tyla, Yuu. Do you like these?”

You had decided to keep it simple, knowing that Tyla kept changing her favorite colors very frequently. The last time you asked her what it was, she said it was green. Holding up a green one and a blue one, you expected it to be fine. However, Tyla was wearing that frown on her face that made your shoulders drop. “No! I want the blue one!”

“I want the blue one!” Yuu frowned, tears quickly embedded in his eyes. You let out a huff as you accidentally had set off the waterworks. Before they can start bickering any further, you set down the green bento box and reach for another one. 

“It’s okay,” you quickly cut in between the two of them, watching Tyla’s hand raise to hit her brother. “You both can have blue. You guys can decorate it with stickers so I know which one’s whose.” 

That easily appeased them, hearing their cheers as they followed behind you when you started to push the cart. 

Now in the produce section, you’re picking up a daikon. Yuu, your most inquisitive child, leans over to look at every fruit and vegetable that he’s not familiar with. “Ummy, what’s dat?”

“Daikon,” you answer, placing it in your cart. “It’s a white radish.”

“Oh!” Yuu exclaims. “And what’s a radish—”

Trailing shortly after you, Geto’s speechless. Holding a green basket, he makes sure he’s gentle and silent on his feet as he peers down the aisle. When he heard your voice, he easily mistook you for another foreigner. However, when he glanced up and saw those features, that familiar face? He knew it was you. He felt like he was punched in the chest, breath taken away from him. To see your two children with you, he’d have never imagined it. 

You still look the same, but more matured— tired. Your hair’s been neatly combed back, the gel keeping every curly strand down. The children— your children— look like you, and they can’t be more than four or five years old. Frozen at the spot, Geto comes to a realization. You left about five years ago. Is that why you left? He’s asking himself.

Pulling out his phone, he feels a little guilty for taking a picture, sending the picture to Shoko rather than Gojo. He’ll blab about it and tell the entire world. Sending the picture, he adds, Look at who I saw at the store. 

He’s wondering if he should approach you, confront you. He wants to, badly. However, when you’re spinning around, his first instinct is to turn the other way. Scurrying out of your sight, he heads back to the entrance and drops the basket right where he found it. 

His phone vibrates, a loud ringtone sounding outside as he’s hit by the bright rays of the sun. He answers the phone immediately. 

“Woah!” he’s bombarded with Shoko’s shock. “Is that—”

She can’t bring herself to say your name, the moment she opened her messages, her eyes popping out widely as she saw the familiar face and two children with you. Imagination running wild, Shoko wonders if you even left Japan. Maybe you had moved away somewhere else because you were pregnant, scared to confide in them and thought they’d be ashamed of you. No, that couldn’t be it. The automated voice had said that they couldn’t reach you because your phone was no longer in state. You had left miles upon miles away from them. But was it just because you were pregnant?

“Yeah,” Geto exhales. 

“And the kids,” Shoko continues. “They’re hers. They can’t be no more than five, so she was pregnant when she left.”

“That’s what I said,” Geto unlocks his car door, climbing in. 

“Why wouldn’t she tell us?” Shoko pouts on the other line. It was a good thing that she was on her lunch break. “We would’ve understood. We would’ve supported her.”

“I don’t know,” Geto sighs. “I don’t know. A part of me is still mad at her.”

“Understandable,” Shoko hums. “Did you talk to her?”

“No,” Geto immediately says. “What would I even say to her?”

“There’s a lot you could’ve said,” Shoko scoffs. “Hi, hello. How are you? Why’d you leave without saying anything?”

“Yeah, but I fear I would’ve blown up on her. Not in front of her kids.”

“You’re right,” Shoko sighs. “Did you tell Gojo? Nanami?”

“No,” Geto says. “I went straight to you. Gojo would’ve told everyone.”

“What about Nanami?” Shoko inquires. “Why didn’t you tell Nanami?”

That was a good question. Why didn’t he tell Nanami? However, the more he thinks about it, the more things start to connect. “Hey, do you remember the night of the bonfire— how Nanami told us that (Y/N) was crying.”

“Yeah, wait— Oh. My. Gosh!” Shoko gasps. “You think—? It makes so much sense now? They slept together! Do you think Nanami knows?” 

“Of course not,” Geto scoffs. “I feel like he’d chase her down if he did.”

“Wow,” Shoko breathes. “I’m in disbelief, but it’s reasonable. They always made googly eyes at each other. Why did we never try getting them together?”

“Because we’d be three dead people,” Geto chuckles. “Nanami would’ve killed us for sure if we tried.” 

“That’s so… sad,” Shoko pouts on the other line. Geto agrees with a soft ‘yeah’. “Should we tell Nanami?”

“No,” Geto rationalizes. “I think (Y/N) has to explain things for herself. See if she comes to us first.”

—

You don’t know who’s more scared— you or your children. Anxiety sets on your chest, bubbling over as you turn the car off in the school parking lot. You have completed the necessary forms needed to enroll them, where they’re able to start on the Monday coming up. However, you wanted a tour of the school to see if it was right for the twins. You also worried about them being right next to a secondary school, not sure how the school separated them from intermingling with each other. 

“I don’t want to go to school, Ummy,” Yuu whined.

“Yeah, I want to stay with you all day,” Tyla joins in with a pout. 

Part of you considers keeping them for another year, but you already feel so bad for how sheltered they’ve been. They need to socialize with kids their age. School would be a good thing for them. “But if you guys go to school, you’ll make a lot of friends! You’ll play with toys and learn new stuff! Doesn’t that sound fun?”

“No,” they frown, making your shoulders slump. 

“But that will make mommy really happy,” you try tugging at their emotions. “Don’t you want to make mommy happy?”

When they both eagerly nod, you smile. “Then you’re going to have to go to school, okay?”

With a disgruntled okay, they give in. Unlocking the door, you help them out of their carseats before crossing the street. Entering the building, you’re greeted to the small confines of an office, a security guard lounging in the chair and nearly half asleep. When he hears the chime of the bell, he jolts up and immediately clears his throat at the sight of three people in front of him. “Hello, um… What are you here for?”

“I had spoken to someone a week prior to taking a tour of the school,” you explain. “Is someone still available to show me around?”

The tour of the school ended up successful. Walking around the school, Tyla and Yuu got to see almost every crack and crevice there were. Playground equipment set out back, they were overjoyed to see that they weren’t just going to be cooped up inside learning. They even got a chance to meet the other students, administration giving them access to the classroom to see the other students working in real time. The teacher of the classroom seemed nice from what you could make of her in the fifteen minutes that you were there. She had the class introduce themselves to the twins. It seemed that a lot of the students were of different descents, their parents not being a native to the country as well. It made you feel a lot better to know that they’d feel a bit of comfort around people that are also different. 

It was hard to convince them to go to school, but it ended up being harder for them to leave. Walking out the building with two crying children in your arms, you were lucky that the parking lot was mainly empty when finally departing. Huffing as you steadied them onto their feet the moment the doors shut, you frowned as you stooped to their level. All three of you were frowning, all for different reasons.

“I wan’ta to go back inside,” Yuu pouts. Tyla nodded in agreement with a deep whine leaving her lips.

“And you will,” you assure them. “On Monday.”

Again, they groan. “That’s too long!”

“No, it’s not!” You gasp. “It’s only in… checking the date, four days.”

“Four is a big number!” Tyla juts her bottom lip out. You shrug. “Well, it’ll go by even faster if you guys stop crying—”

Gojo was getting back from his lunch break, running off school grounds quickly to grab a wrap and a drink to fill his belly before another class came in. In his small black Honda, Gojo circles the parking lot of the high school, heading to his typical parking spot only to realize it’s been taken. Grunting, he rolls his eyes as every spot is occupied now. It’s in the middle of the school day, who else could’ve possibly come at this hour?

“Now I have to turn back around and park in the damn primary school lot,” he huffs to himself, speeding out of the area. Pulling into the elementary school, he’s circling around when he notices the three figures. A parent kneeling down and talking to their children, it was an ordinary sight to him until he saw their— your— face turn. Immediately his foot hit the brakes, causing his body to jolt forward as he peeked through the window. He pulls down the dark shades, squinting to see if he’s not mistaken and that is you. 

Immediately, he puts the car in park, not hesitating to jump out and see for himself. The sun beats down against him as he runs a finger through the white locks, combing it back. As he gets closer, his heart beats even faster. He feels like it could burst the moment you notice him approaching, standing tall on your feet as you are taken aback, too. 

“Gojo…” you breathe. Reaching for your children’s hand, you clutch them and they move closer to you. 

“Hey,” he exhales. There’s a silence that grows between you, neither one of you aware of how to continue the conversation. However, Gojo’s taking the initiative. “How’ve you… been?”

“I’ve been okay…good,” you nod. “I just moved back recently actually. I’ve been meaning to—”

You stop yourself because you don’t want to lie. Were you meaning to call them? So busy with everything, the thought only crossed your mind a couple of times before you shut the idea down completely. You were hoping to reunite with them, but you didn’t know how to go about it. Noticing the shift, Gojo decides to ignore your last comment, eyes sparking at the fact that you just moved back.

“Ah,” he nods. “What made you come back?”

He didn’t ask why you left. You appreciated that. “I missed it. Wanted to be somewhere where I was happy.”

If you wanted to be happy, then you should have never left. Gojo doesn’t say it out loud, only thinking about it. Eyes glancing down to the two hiding behind you, he smiles brightly at them. “And who are these two beautiful children?”

“Oh!” you look behind you, motioning for them to stop hiding behind you. They protest, so you give up with a sigh. “Sorry, they’re shy. These are my twins, Tyla—” You point on your right side, then your left. “—And Yuu.”

Bending to their heights, Gojo rummages through his pockets. In front of Tyla, he pulls out a sweetie. “Hey, you like candy, right?”

With a faint nod, Tyla watches as Gojo holds out the pink wrapper for her to take. With small nimble fingers, she takes it and immediately opens. “And guess what? It makes you grow super long hair, like… like Rapunzel!”

Perking up at that, Tyla leaves from her hiding spot and pops the candy in her mouth. “I love Rapunzel!”

“And… Yuu, right?” Gojo smiles brightly at the young boy. “Do you want superpowers?”

Yuu nods quietly, still a bit apprehensive about the white haired man. He clings tightly to your leg. He has a horrible habit of sucking on his thumb when he’s scared. He watches Gojo pull out a green wrapper. 

“What if I tell you,” Gojo whispers, putting one hand on the right side of his face. He pauses, looking from side to side. You smile endearingly at the engagement, seeing Gojo interact with your twins. “That this gives you every superpower humanly possible?”

“Weally?” Yuu asks with his thumb still in his mouth. Hesitantly, he takes the candy, still inspecting it. Gojo eagerly hums in affirmation. 

“Yes, but you can’t tell anyone, okay?” Gojo says. “You can only tell your mommy and sister.”

“But you know my secwet now,” Yuu hums, making Gojo chuckle at how bright your kid is. 

“Yes, but I’m going to erase my memory, so that I don’t remember, okay?” The adult male assures Yuu. “I won’t remember a thing we talked about.”

“Okay,” Yuu nods, more assured as unwraps the candy and puts it in his mouth. Slowly does Yuu come out of his hiding spot, smiling brightly at the sweet taste. “Thank you!”

“No problem, kid,” Gojo stands tall. Checking the time, he softly curses to himself. “Ah, I have to go, but— is your number still the same?”

Your heart pangs against your chest, but you’re truthful. “No.”

“Can I get it?” Gojo asks, blue eyes hopeful. With a deep sigh, you nod. You can’t hide from them forever. You’ll have to get through the awkwardness if you want to make amends with them all. Exchanging numbers, Gojo smiles when he saves it on his phone. “It was really nice seeing you again, (Y/N).”

“It was nice seeing you, too,” you smile. 

Striding away, you watch Gojo stride in the direction of the high school before he’s groaning again, remembering that his car is in the middle of the road. Spinning around, he smiles at you sheepishly before jogging to his vehicle. You chuckle to yourself lightly, before you’re holding onto Yuu and Tyla’s hand again. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Who was that man, Ummy?” Yuu asks. Crossing the street as you watch Gojo drive off, you let out a sigh.

“He’s an old friend of mine.”

—

Tyla and Yuu love school. For now. Once the workload builds up and that first adrenaline rush wears off, they’ll realize how long their days are and desperately want to go home. You’ve been searching for companies willing to hire, sending and emailing your resume and cover letters. You’re constantly translating your stuff back and forth, making sure your Japanese still makes sense. You’re trying to be patient, but you’ve never liked waiting for too long. 

Clicking submit on yet another application, you decide to shut your laptop. You’re starting to get a headache and you deserve a few minutes to yourself. It was awfully silent. No children running down the halls; no toys clattering on the ground; no television playing in the background. It was pitch silent. It was a love-hate situation that you’ll have to force yourself to get accustomed to. Pulling yourself out of the comforts of your bed, you climb out and head to the kitchen. 

Dressed comfortably, you’re sporting a bonnet on top of your head. It hugging you tightly as you have every strand hidden underneath. The spaghetti-strapped tank top is loose-fitted as your breasts threaten to spill out when a strap hangs off your shoulder. You’ve rid yourself of a bra, luckily one of the first things you’ve done to your house was hang up the curtain rods. You didn’t need anyone seeing you strutting around in your panties either. 

With the refrigerator wide open, you pull out a cool bottle of water and your leftovers from the night before. When the refrigerator door shuts with a silent slam, you lean against the kitchen counter as you shut your eyes for the moment. You feel relaxed. There’s no sound of your father coming in and out of the home. None of his drunk nonsense and none of his reminders that the bills aren’t paid for. You feel at peace.

Before you could fall asleep standing up, you hear the faint chime of your phone’s ringtone. You let out a breath, not sure if you want to give it any attention, so you let it ring. It’s a soft melody that’s said to be relaxing. However, the more and more it rings, the more it becomes rather obnoxious. With a faint groan, you shoot open your eyes and follow the ring. 

Your phone’s resting on the bed. Reaching for it, the four-letter word pops up on screen, Satoru. 

The moment Gojo was free, the last bell of the day ringing, he was quick to pack up his bag and head right through the door along with the students. The pile of ungraded work would have to wait for the next day. He couldn’t concentrate anyway, his mind still running on you. Pulling out his phone, he heads to his contacts, but he’s not sure who to call first. Geto? Shoko? Nanami? 

Heading to the group chat they shared, he quickly typed ‘Answer me. It’s important.’ He barely gave them any time to read the message before he clicked on the video icon, requesting that they all Facetimed together. The first attempt failed, but he was persistent, calling again. Work be damned, he found this more important.

On the second attempt, Nanami accepted first before Geto and Shoko followed shortly in suit. They all seemed unhappy, their workplaces in the background coming to light. All their faces spoke, What now? We’re busy. “I saw (Y/N).”

Shoko and Geto had to fake their surprise, already aware that they were back in the country. Nanami’s reaction was all too natural, his disbelief silent as Shoko let out a gasp. “What? Where—”

Her faux shock was believable, and even if not, Gojo didn’t take the time to process it. He just kept going. “She was enrolling her kids at the primary school right next to mine. I was coming off my lunch break when I saw her. Nearly ran over the curb.”

“Wait,” Geto stopped Gojo. “She has kids? As in plural?”

“”Plural? You’re worrying about plural?” Gojo scoffed. “I’m shocked she had any at all. I’m kind of wondering who the dad is. They’re no older than five, hm…”

It grows silent. Through the camera screen, Geto and Shoko make eye contact. Faint nods that go unnoticed as Nanami takes everything in. You’re back and you have kids… And they’re around five years old. He doesn’t know what to make of this situation, mind running from one thought to another, Nanami’s overwhelmed. He’s drowned out the three other voices, unaware of his surroundings as he’s stuck inside the office. The phone’s ringing, but he doesn’t know if it’s for him. He leaves it unanswered. 

“Nanami,” his name’s being called. Or at least, he thinks. “Nanami.”

“Yeah?” He speaks gruffly.

“Can you make it?” Gojo asks. He sparked up the last minute idea to host a dinner to reunite everyone. It was something you could decline, but they were all willing to try. They needed answers. 

“Uh, yeah,” Nanami agreed, not knowing what he was getting himself into. “Just send me the date and time. I’ll make arrangements if needed.”

“We’re having a little dinner and game night this Friday, and I wanted to see if you were up for it,” Gojo sounds hopeful. “It would be nice if you could make it. I know the gang would love to see you again.”

“I—” This is what you feared. It all felt too soon to clean up the mess you made. However, it’s better to fix things sooner than later. You still had one thing to worry about. “I don’t know… I don’t have anyone to babysit the twins and I don’t want to—”

“You can bring the kids with you,” Gojo quickly interjects. “They’ll make good company.”

“Are you sure?” you squirm. “Sometimes they can be a bit much and I don’t want them to be a hindrance.”

“(Y/N),” Gojo stops you. “They’re children. I work with high schoolers for a living. They’re like overgrown toddlers, the twins will be fine.”

You sigh loudly, before you finally agree. He’s right. You shouldn’t be so scared. You’ll be there and so will four other adults. All people you trust. They’ll be fine. “Okay. I’ll be there.”

“Yes!” Gojo cheers. “I’ll send you my address. Can’t wait to see ya!”

When he gets off the phone with you, Gojo’s texting the group, She’s coming! 

—

“Is he gonna have that candy that gives us superpowers again?” Yuu asks as you explained to them that you were going to visit your old friend. They were both eager to go at the sound of food and playing games. “My powers are gone.”

“Maybe,” you hum as you open the car door, watching as they both jump into their carseats and buckle it themselves. In the middle seat, you rest a container of food, a small side to share out, a dish that you had made in college and they all enjoyed. “But you can’t eat too much. So you’ll throw up all of your powers away and you can never get them back.”

“Ew!” They grimace as you shut the door, heading to the front seat. Starting the car, you let out a deep sigh as you mentally prepare yourself for this evening. You have to remind yourself that the rainbow comes after the storm. 

When you arrive at the complex, it’s an array of buildings with all the same layout. Ivory painted exteriors with black shingles. The lawns are carefully maintained and not a thing out of place. Telling the twins that you’ve all arrived, they’re quick to unbuckle their seatbelt straps. With the child-locks on, they’re forced to wait for you to climb out and open the doors for them, reaching for the container in the middle. There are three other cars parked out, letting you know that you’re the last to arrive. 

Small hands clutching your right hand, Tyla does the honors of knocking on the door, hearing the chatter on the other side as you smell the savory aroma of homemade food. Ugh, the smell makes your stomach growl. You can hear Shoko’s voice, bickering with Geto you believe, arguing about who would get the door. Then, it’s Gojo silencing them with his loud voice as he announces that he’ll just get it. 

Hearing the locks turn before the door is opened wide, Gojo greets you with a warm smile. “Hey! I’m so glad you could make it.”

“I told you I would,” you smile. Gojo steps to the side, letting you come in. 

And before he could think twice about his next statement, it fell from his lips with ease. “I mean, you’ve told us a lot of things before you left.”

“Oh—” You’re taken aback, stopping your tracks while Tyla and Yuu’s fingers wiggle out of your hand as they still stand by your side, apprehensive on what to do. 

“Shit,” he curses, before looking down at the two small kids with wide eyes. “Shoot, I mean. I didn’t mean to say that.”

“No, no,” you shake your head. “I deserve that.”

“I’m sorry,” Gojo still offers before leading you inside. “Are you hungry? I think we should eat before we head into the festivities. It’ll give us some time to… catch up.”

"Yeah, okay," you agreed. Following Gojo to the main area where everyone is, their chatter stills the moment their eyes land on you. That same joy and happiness being stripped away when they see you before them. The air stiffens as your body tenses up, but you can make it through the night. You can't just run away from all your problems. 

"Hello," your voice is soft as you take in each and every one of them. Hunched over at the dining room table, Geto's hair has gotten longer, Shoko's, too, as she sits across from him. And her eyebags are heavy, more purple underneath from the lack of sleep. And Nanami, sitting in between them, you feel like he's changed the most out of all of them. Hair shorter and combed back, the hairspray used to hold it down is wearing off as strands start fraying away. And he's bigger, muscles bulging from the blue button up he's wearing. Round spectacles ridden from his space, he tries to stay indifferent but his eyes speak for him. 

It’s hard to make eye contact with them, a stream of embarrassment seeping down your veins as you nudge your twins deeper inside the house. The awkward silence is hard to cut through and frankly, Gojo’s tired of it. Trying to make the situation lighter. “Well, look who we have with us! Found these three hanging out behind a dumpster and decided to bring them in.”

They don’t laugh, only offering short and small waves as they guide you to the living area. He takes the container from you, a grand smile on his face as you set your bag on the couch. Tyla and Yuu stare at you like lost puppies, standing on the balls of their feet as they have no idea what to do. 

“Come sit down,” you pat the spot next to you. “Come.”

Children always make the hard stuff easier because Shoko peers over at you, eyes lingering on the two in sheer curiosity and adoration. You and Nana— You have cute kids. She glances at Geto, motioning that she’s going to take the initiative before slipping from her spot. The chair squeaks against the ground, it echoing loudly throughout the house and having you look back. Making eye contact, you both offer each other a tight-lipped smile. 

“Hey,” Shoko breathes. She takes a seat a few spaces down from you. “How’ve you been?”

You shrug lightly, head tilting to the side. “I’ve been… doing better.”

“They’re giving you a rough time?” Shoko chuckles, lightening up the mood. Immediately, you shake. 

“No, actually,” you respond. “They’re my little angels. It’s more so the move back down and getting things situated.”

“Oh, really?” Shoko hums at the information. With Geto’s interest piqued, he finally inserts himself into the conversation. “Oh, so you recently moved back down? When?”

You hum. “I’d say I’ve been here for about two weeks now? More or less.”

Geto wanted to question you further, get straight to what everyone’s dying to know. However, just as he’s opening his mouth, Gojo’s leaving the kitchen with oven mitts on, a huge grin on his face as he handles two large platters in his hands at once. He’s careful with each step as he sets them down on the table. “Food’s all ready! We can finish the conversation while we eat.”

Gojo knows how to host a get-together. The food arrangement being a marvelous display as everyone shares out their portions of food. He even went the extra mile as to setting up a small table for the twins, their plates seated in front of them as you had cut their food into smaller and more manageable portions. The air had lightened up, but you could feel the curious eyes on you, more specifically Nanami’s. However, he hasn’t said a single thing to you the moment you arrived. 

“So, (Y/N),” Shoko starts again, glancing towards the twins. “The twins— how old are they?”

“They’re turning five next month actually,” you say with a smile on your face. “Though sometimes they act like they’re fifteen with the way they sass-talk me.”

“Oh,” Shoko’s eyes sparkled. “Gojo mentioned that he did see you at the school next door to his, are they enrolled there?”

“Yes,” you nod. “They’re going for now. They seem to love it, so I’m happy.”

“The school’s very good,” Gojo chimes in. “When they get older they’ll have an opportunity to see if they’re eligible for the International Business and Technology program. I think they’d be interested in Robotics— Coding, even.”

“I saw, I don’t want to put pressure on it, so it’s definitely they’d have to show interest in—”

And hearing this all, how Shoko and Gojo are freely conversing with you. It frustrates Geto, inwardly seething as his chest rises and falls heavily. It’s as if the two of them have forgiven you so easily. He only sought it fair that you did some explaining. No more beating around the bush. 

“I’m sorry, but I can’t pretend anymore,” Geto interjects. “No more going around things, what happened? Why’d you leave?”

“Geto—”

“No,” he stops Shoko. “It’s only fair. I mean, isn’t this the sole reason she was invited?”

“I was hoping that we could’ve done this without the children around…” Gojo frowns at the turn of events, but since they’re already on the topic, he gives up rather quickly. It’ll be amusing to see the turn of events either way. 

“They won’t understand a thing,” Geto fans them off. “They’ll be fine.”

You’re starting to feel overwhelmed and before it could escalate you let out a huge breath. “No, it’s fine. I’ll explain everything. I know it’s why I’m here anyway.”

Geto looks appeased to hear that, leaning back in the chair as he crosses his arms. It’s the first time you’ve made proper eye contact with Nanami. You’re reminded just how beautiful his eyes are, despite how tired they look after all the years spent away from each other. You look away, head ducking down to avoid any more eye contact. 

“Before I left, I got a call from my dad telling me my mom was sick—” You managed to retell everything without shedding a tear. Weirdly enough, it felt comforting to. When you were all finished, you let out a breath, finally having the strength to face them all. You weren’t expecting all to be forgiven like that, but you were happy to give them some closure on what went down. Their eyes were sunken with understanding, feeling remorse for the five years that you were absent. 

“But, why didn’t you at least text us?” Shoko frowns. “We would’ve understood. Maybe we could’ve pitched in and helped you in any way that we could.”

“I didn’t want to give you guys my burdens,” you sigh, but I know what I did was wrong. “I know what I did was shitty and I shouldn’t have left you guys in the dust, but… there aren’t any excuses for what I did.”

“I’m not going to lie to you, (Y/N),” Geto breathes out a chuckle. “I thought you left because you got pregnant and were embarrassed to tell us.”

“Yeah,” Shoko agrees. “I thought the same thing, too.”

“Is it too early to ask who the dad is?” Gojo cuts in, catching everyone off guard. Shoko drops her fork against the plate, mouth hanging open and looking at Gojo, questioning how he could be so stupid. Geto shoots him a glare and through his teeth, he sneers, “Satoru…”

Your eyes dash towards Nanami, but you quickly avert them as your eyes widen. You expected this, to some sort of degree. However, you never expected Gojo to just downright ask so bluntly. “I—um—”

Luckily, Tyla jumps out of her chair and climbs on your lap to save you from this awkward moment. Eyes are still on you, watching the exchange between the two of you. “Mommy, what are you eating?”

After the exchange between you and your daughter, the table had forgotten completely about the topic of the kids’ father. The night transitioned into game night, in which everyone participated except for Nanami. He sat out for each and every game. When you’d look up at him, his eyes were on you the entirety of the night. It came to a point where he excused himself altogether and left. 

Gojo had set up a small corner for the twins, letting them play freely with them to occupy their time. However, Yuu had yawned for the nth time that night and he could no longer hold the sleepiness as he came to you rubbing his eyes.

“Ummy, I’m seepy,” he whines, dropping his head onto your lap without a second thought. Looking over at Tyla, she too was a yawning mess, but persisted on playing still. Dragging Yuu onto your lap, you checked the time before your eyes bugged out. It was nearing midnight. 

“Shit,” you curse slowly, before glancing at Yuu. “Sorry, mommy said a bad word.”

Everyone’s clearly tired, the music in the background quickly becoming a nuisance more than anything else now. Standing up, your movement pulls the attention to you. The exhaustion is contagious as Shoko joins in yawning before it slowly follows in a line. 

Shoko looks at the time, sharing the same reaction as you. “It’s this late, already? Wow… I should really get going. I have an early shift.”

Everyone comes to an agreement on ending the night. Yuu’s already fallen asleep in your arms while Tyla’s still playing with the toys. Making her clean up her mess, you’re the first one leaving. Pushing open the door, you’re hit with the nightly chill, the cool air breathing against the revealed skin. Shivering, you can see your breath. 

Nanami is leaning against the wall, arms crossed as goosebumps rise against his skin. You make eye contact for the nth time tonight, but this time he’s actually speaking to you. He’s straight forward, asking, “Hey, can I speak to you for a bit? After you put the kids in the car.”

Setting the kids in the car, Tyla’s quick to fall asleep. Winding down the window, you meet Nanami halfway as he approaches you. “It’s nice seeing you again… And I’m sorry about your mother.”

“It’s nice seeing you, too.” Both voices low, from the distance, Gojo’s motioning for Shoko and Geto to witness what he’s seeing through the window. They all crowd at the window, trying to get a good view as they watch. 

There’s an unbearable silence as the two of you don’t know how to go about this. However, you think it’s best to start with an apology. “Kento, look. I didn’t mean to take advantage of you like that… that night. I was just really stressed and worried about my mom, and then thinking about leaving and how I’ll be missing out—”

“You’re fine,” Nanami has to hold himself back from reaching out to you. He has to stop himself from holding you and caressing you, and telling you that it’s okay to cry, to explain to you that he understands why. “That’s not what I wanted to talk about really anyways. I just need to know—”

He looks off into the distance, eyes falling on the silver vehicle where the windows are wind down and he can barely make out the twins as their heads loll to the side in their carseats. “Are they mine?”

Your nod is faint, but it’s there and he catches onto it. The ‘yes’ being the verbal confirmation he needed. He wonders if you knew before you left. “When’d you find out?”

“Not too long after moving back to the United States,” you shortly explained. 

“Would you have stayed if you had known sooner?” 

Shoulders slumping, you can’t find yourself answering that question. Because if things had played out differently and you had known sooner, it would only make things more difficult. “Nanami, I would’ve wanted my mother to at least hold her grandkids before she passed away. I would’ve lived with so much regret.”

Seeing it from your standpoint, Nanami feels guilty for the moment of selfishness that he felt. Nodding curtly, he huffs. “I understand. Did you feel anything between us that night?”

This nod is more affirmative and sure as you give him a tight-lipped smile. “Yes.”

—

Nanami’s been heavily reflecting on the fact that he has two children. With you. For the past five years. He’s missed significant milestones with them. The first time they stood on their feet, their first steps, their first words, their first birthday. He missed out on helping you potty train them. The moment they started eating solid foods. Every important moment in their early years, he’s missed out on. And it physically pains him, a hard pang against his chest that swipes away all of his oxygen.

He’s not one to be easily shaken up, but considering you’ve left him and every one of your friends here in the dark for so long, he deserves to let loose of his emotions. He managed to snag your phone number from Gojo’s phone, forgetting to ask you for it that night. He quickly typed up a message. Hello, it’s Kento. Gojo gave me your number. I don’t know if he told you that he was going to give it to me. When do you have time to talk? It’s important.

Nanami’s always wanted to be a father. He’s always known that he was going to be a family man. Back in college, he had his delusions that you’d be the wife and the mother to his children. Only half of his wish came true. 

It didn’t take you long to respond back, sending him, I have time now to talk if you want. He doesn’t hesitate to press the call button right after, the phone ringing twice before he hears the scuffle of you putting the phone against your ear. You must be with the kids, hearing you whisper out a ‘no’ and quickly dismissing them before your attention’s back on the call. “Hello?”

“Hey,” he shortly greets. “How are you?”

“I’m doing fine,” you hum. “And yourself?”

Nanami was straight to the point in telling you he wanted to be involved with the twins. And despite your hesitation, wondering on how to handle the confusion they’d go through because of the mess you made, you ultimately said yes. You wanted your children to explore and see Japan for its beauty, it would be the perfect opportunity for them to bond with their father. Throughout the conversation, you started to wonder about your future with him. Would this only be a matter of co-parenting? Would you be able to make amends with him at all? You wanted to ask him if there was any room in his heart to forgive you, but you held yourself back. 

“I’ve got to go, but let me know the dates available for me to visit,” Nanami comes to conclude the call. 

“Okay, I’ll let you know,” you nod as if he could see you. “I wanted to bring them to the park tomorrow around one in the afternoon? Is that fine with you?”

“That’s perfect actually,” Nanami beamed. “Well, I’ve got to go. See you then?”

“See you then,” you confirm. 

—

If you told Nanami to be here at an unreasonable hour, he’d always arrive hours before. You never seemed to beat him at the punctuality olympics and it’s become harder now that you have two gremlins. Especially when they’re putting up a fight— more specifically Tyla. While the usually calm and collected of the two usually has no qualms with the outfits you choose for her, she remembers the sparkly shoes that you bought for her a couple days prior. She’s adamant on wearing them out today when you would prefer that she wear something simpler. You didn’t want them to get dirty so quickly.

“Ty, these shoes are for special occasions,” you’re still trying to reason with her. However, you’re close to giving up. “Can we try some other shoes? You don’t want to get them dirty already.”

And no matter how you try rationalizing with a literal four year old, she’s a stubborn child. “No! I want to wear those.”

Sometimes you struggle with knowing what to put your foot down on. Sure, they’re shoes. If they get dirty, you can clean them. However, if this grows into a pattern in which you’re constantly giving in and letting your children walk all over you, it’ll bite you in the ass when she’s older. With a grunt, you decide to put your foot down. Grabbing the box, you hold it up. “If we don’t leave the house soon, I’m sending these shoes back to the store so another little girl can get them.”

“No!” She drags out her sobs, squinting her eyes and balling up her fists. 

“You can wear the shoes,” you narrow your eyes, tilting your head forward. “Just not today. Let’s wear these instead.”

Holding up the simpler pair, Tyla eyes them warily but finally gives in. She plops herself down on the twin-sized bed as she raises her leg, finally letting you put on your choice of footwear on her. When you’re heading out the door, you’re leaving at the time you told Nanami you were supposed to arrive. After the twins climb in, you hop into the driver’s seat and begin typing, Sorry, I’m running a little late. Tyla gave me a difficult time getting ready. I’ll see you in about ten minutes.

No worries, Kento responds back. Setting your phone in the cup holder, you’re pulling out of your parking spot, heading to the allotted destination. When you arrive, you spot Nanami sitting down on a bench, dressed nicely in a simple black t-shirt and denim jeans. His circular shades get darker under the sun as he looks up at the sight of your vehicle arriving. From the glass, you shoot him a kind smile as you turn off the car and unbuckle your seatbelt. 

Nanami stands, heading straight in your direction when your door swings it open. Knuckles gripping the door, he watches you climb out before shutting it for you. While you open the car door on your side, he rushes to Tyla’s side in aid. At the sight of the familiar face, Tyla’s eyes perk up. “Oh, hello!”

Taken aback by her friendliness, it’s a heavy difference from the night he met the young girl that was nervous around him and the others minus Gojo. However, he figured you told them that you were a friend of yours, making them more receptive. He holds out his hand for her to take, and she takes without hesitation. Her fingers, so small and tiny. The stark contrast is startling and Nanami’s reminded of everything he’s missed out on. “Hi. How are you?” 

“I’m okay,” Tyla smiles before she notices the playground equipment, eyes widening as she gasps. “The playground!”

Before she can dash forward, you’re calling her name in warning. “Don’t leave without me!”

It’s amusing watching you be a mother, watching your features drop as you’re essentially glaring down your doppelganger. The similar features are uncanny. And staring at the boy, Yuu, he sees that he’s passed down the blond. Bits of it at least as the blond mix together well. When Yuu notices the eyes on him, he clings closer to you and his grip tightening around you. 

“Wait for mommy,” you frown, watching Tyla spin on her heel and slump her way over. She reluctantly takes your hand as she tries dragging you to the playground. “Before we go play, I want to tell you guys something super important.”

Glancing back at Nanami, you beckon him to come into their line of direction. “Do you guys remember meeting my friends?”

They both nod with a hum, affirming that you can continue. “Well, do you remember this friend?” 

As they look back at Nanami, you continue with your explanation. “Well, his name is Mr. Nanami. And he wants to get to know you guys better. He wants to be your bestest friend, too, okay? Can you guys say ‘hi’ to Mr. Nanami?”

“Hi, Mr. Nanami,” Tyla greets again.

“Hi, Mr. Namami…” Yuu pouts softly. His error makes a chuckle reverberate from Nanami’s chest. However, he doesn’t bother correcting the young boy. 

“It’s nice to see you guys again,” he smiles, revealing the dimple on his right cheek. 

The time at the park was relaxing. It felt nice to have someone along with you, bonding and getting to know your children. Even back in the states, you struggled with them as they started growing and understanding. You didn’t know how to deal with Yuu’s emotions, thinking it would be better to have a male figure in his life to help him understand. Your father didn’t prove to be any help, mainly out of the house and if he was home, he was locked inside of his room and rotting away. Again, you’re filled with regrets while you’re pushing Tyla on the swingset, strength weakening as your mind drifts thinking about the ‘what-ifs.’ 

“Are you okay?” Nanami asks, his deep voice startling you. He knows that look, knows when you’re in deep thought. He knows you so well, it kills you at times. You immediately shake your head, not wanting to voice just how stupid you’ve been. He already knows. And despite that, he wants you to voice it. He wants you to stop bottling these emotions that inherently pulled you away from him in the first place. 

Yet, still he nods in understanding as he leaves you to yourself. You didn’t realize that Tyla had hopped out after you had slowed down, finding interest in the tall slide set for the older kids. Something you’re not sure if she’d be able to handle now. Grimacing as you watched her at the top, you had seen the rough landings the few kids that were around had. Of the twins, Tyla had thicker skin. She’d cry about it for a second and dust off the dirt later, but it still worried you. “Tyla, baby, I’m not sure if you’re big enough for this slide!”

“But, Mommy!” She started to whine, shoulders slumping as you were once again telling her ‘no.’

“I know, but—”

“Let her go down,” Nanami intervenes. You pause, unsure about Nanami’s decision. You squirmed as you were about to find a rebuttal as to why you think she’s not ready, but again, he stops you. “Trust me. She’ll be fine.”

Stepping to the side, you watch the interaction. How Nanami beckons for Tyla to sit down before counting to three. When he shouts go, Tyla squeals before pushing herself down. She slides down fast, too fast in your opinion, as her high-pitched scream travels. You’re stiff as a board as anxiety runs rampant through you, but at the end, Nanami reaches his hands out, noting the rocky ending if he wasn’t there to catch her. Scooping her up in his arms, Tyla’s cheering proudly as Nanami’s holding her. “Mommy! Mommy! That was so fun!”

She begs to go again, and seeing her in safe hands, you agree. You smile at the heartwarming sight before spotting Yuu sitting by himself in the dirt. Crouching down to his level, you frown to find him in solitude. “Yuu, why are you all by yourself? Why aren’t you playing?”

“I don’t feel like it,” he sighs, fingers digging into the dirt as he keeps his head low. 

“You don’t wanna play on the swingset with mommy?” You try to coax him up. With the pout on his face, you’re not sure if he’s sad or if he genuinely wants to be by himself. “I can push you.”

“No,” he tilts his head to the side. “I just wan’ta be here. It’s cool here.”

“Well, can I sit here with you?” At the nod, you’re uncaring for the light-colored pants you’re wearing, knowing that a wash will get it looking brand new. 

After another hour and a half, Tyla’s covered in sweat and panting heavily. Eyes hooded, she approaches you and falls into your lap with Yuu sitting right across. Nanami chuckles at the sight. You ask, “Are you guys ready to go home?” 

“Yeah,” Tyla sighs. “But I’m hungry. Can we get something to eat?”

You don’t take a moment to think about it, quickly nodding. You know that the two must be starving. Getting up from your spot, you dust yourself off and help Yuu up. “Yeah, what do you guys feel for?”

The twins had come up with the mutual agreement that they didn’t know what they wanted to eat. Luckily, Nanami had suggested a child-friendly restaurant that they would probably enjoy. Joining the three of you, you all shared a booth. As per usual, Yuu was stuck to your hip while Tyla had no problem sitting with Nanami.

They had their children’s menu open, but they wanted everything that they liked from it. And when the pictures and activities grew boring, they wanted to look at your menus. With eyes bigger than their stomachs, they constantly switched back and forth with what they wanted. You huffed in annoyance as you closed your menu and fixed their menus. 

“How about you choose something from here,” you started suggesting. “Then mommy and dad— Mr. Nanami can share our food with you—” You look in Nanami’s direction. “— If that’s alright with you.”

“I’m fine with that." When the food arrived, it was a beautiful display and arrangement of food. Your mouth practically watered at the sight. Yuu and Tyla had gotten different dishes. Yuu chose a bowl of ramen while Tyla picked the Japanese curry dish, familiar with the yellow coloring from the picture. You had ordered Donburi, a bowl fixed with rice topped with beef, pickled ginger and other vegetables with a running half-boiled egg on top. And with a large bowl, Nanami ordered Soba in a soy sauce-made broth for himself. With your chopsticks, you shared your food as promised, letting the twins try it as they held their mouths open. Nananmi shared a small portion on the sides of their dishes, letting them help themselves with their forks. As they occupied themselves with filling their mouths and stomachs, you and Nanami ate in silence. 

When it came to the bill, Nanami handled it. He was persistent. He walked with you to your car, helping the twins crawl into their seats as they safely connected their belts around them. Your front door was open, but you stood and waited. “I think they’re going to warm up to you well.”

You had a sweet smile on your face as you looked through the car door, watching them slump in their seats. Yuu’s rocking his head against his seat, while Tyla’s picking at the dead skin around her nails. 

“You think so?” Nanami asks unsure. He called the day a success, but he still worried. However, you were optimistic as you nodded. “I’ve done things the wrong way, but if one thing went right, it’s that you ended up being the father of my—our kids.”

He’s taken aback, but he hopes his face hasn’t spoken for him already. Nodding curtly, he clears his throat. “Well, have a good evening, (Y/N).”

“You, too.”

—

The twins are finally turning five, and they cannot agree on what they want to do. Yuu wants to go to an amusement park, Tyla wants to try ice skating. Tyla wants to go to an indoor trampoline park, Yuu wants a pool party. When you dare bring up your ideas, they come to a mutual agreement that you don’t know about anything fun and disagree with your selections. And you’re starting to panic because their birthday is in a little over a week and they still can’t come to an agreement. 

With Nanami more involved in the twins’ life now that you’re back in Japan, he’s been someone prevalent and often in their routine. You've updated their emergency contact forms, listing him as first priority after you. Gojo falls into second, following with Shoko and Geto. There hasn’t been an occasion where he’s had to pick them up yet, but he’s becoming a constant. Him coming to mind, you pick up your phone to quickly dial his number to hear his thought process. On the third ring, he answers. “Hello?” 

“Hey,” you greet. “Are you at work?”

“I’m about to go on break,” Nanami’s voice etches with worry. “What’s wrong? Is something the matter?”

“No, no,” you shake your head. “Nothing’s wrong. Sorry if it sounded like it. I just need a second opinion.”

“Hold on for a minute,” Nanami says before you hear the sound of background noise. He starts talking to someone else, possibly his boss as he informs them that he’s going to clock out. Afterwards, you hear the shuffling of him putting his phone back to his ear. “Okay, what’s the matter?”

“So,” you start. “The twins’ birthday is in about a week and they still don’t know what to do. They can never really agree on anything together and I’m wondering if it’s my fault because I showed them a few pictures of places and I’m wondering if I should’ve just shown them one thing and maybe this whole thing could’ve been avoided.”

Nanami smiles to himself as you ramble, happy that you were considerate in including him in the birthday planning. A part of him believed that you wouldn’t. “What are the options?”

You let out a heavy sigh. “So far all the options are an indoor trampoline park, ice skating, a pool party, or an amusement park.”

“Wow,” Nanami snorts. “Ok, I see.”

“Yeah, I’m in a bind.”

He finds himself sitting outside the building, packed food resting in his lap. Unpacking it with one hand, he hums in thought at your conundrum. He believed you were making it hard on yourself, that truthfully, the twins would've been fine with whatever if you hadn't brought up the idea of going out somewhere. You did admit some of the blame on yourself, so he wouldn't dive deeper into that. 

Thinking about the options you had given him, the most ones that seemed to connect to each other were the trampoline place and the amusement park. He knew of a place that seemed to tie the two together, an indoor attraction filled with arcade games, laser tag, and a bouncing area while outside were a few small attractions. There was even a water area for the two to get wet if they really wanted to. The only thing it didn't provide was ice skating. "Actually, I know a place that will work just fine."

"Nanami," you beam. "You're a lifesaver!"

He had sent you the link to this place, basically combining the twins’ interests into one place. It was a popular place for children, seeing how it was booked and busy when you had called them to make a few inquiries. At the sound of your disappointment when you had called Nanami back to tell him so, he had told you that he would handle it. You didn’t know what he did and how he did it, but he managed to snag a spot for you, ensuring that Tyla and Yuu would enjoy their special day.

It was worth it, getting to see the smile on their faces as they dashed forward towards all the games and excitement. It was also worth it seeing how your eyes lit up at the sight of their birthday room. A birthday banner hung up with balloons and decorations strung to the walls. You were an hour early, bags set on the table as you unpacked them. Nanami had reserved a deal where the staff would provide food and drinks for the gathering, but you had gotten a few things extra as well as a birthday cake. 

He tried talking you out of it, but you had plenty of ‘what-ifs’ to follow. What if it’s not enough? What if someone wants something else? What if, what if, what if? He didn’t know if it was from annoyance at you or if he still held such a soft spot for the person he once had such strong feelings for, but he gave into it and ultimately said, “If you think it’s the right choice.”

Helping you get things together, you had set up a small speaker as music played in the background. There were a couple of things that were provided to you that you used, but for the most part, you had stuck to the theme that you had set. Your children both equally loved Bluey. It was something you had to hunt down for, having to DIY a couple of the decorations, but it worked in your favor. Nanami helped place the plastic table coverings. He proved to be a helpful hand when it came down to arranging things. You were used to having to bicker back and forth with people because they didn’t see it from your perspective. His assistance made the process work in your favor as you guys had a little under half-an-hour to spare before everything officially started. 

Walking out of the room, you went to go in search of the twins. It was a weekend, the party being held at an early time, so the building wasn’t jam-packed with children and parents roaming around. It was easy to spot the twins trying to play a game, repeatedly pressing a button in hopes for it to work. They were persistent, but in the end, turned around in a huff before they saw you and came running. 

“Ummy,” Yuu cries. “None of the games are working!”

“That’s because the party hasn’t started yet,” you briefly explain. “I have to get your cards and everything before you guys can start playing.”

“Oh,” Yuu tilts his head in understanding. “Is it starting soon?”

“Very soon,” you nod. “But first, you guys have to come with me. Let’s wait in our room, okay?”

Before you can bring them back, your eyes land on the entrance, seeing the three familiar bodies of Gojo, Shoko, and Geto walking together inside. They were all carrying bags— birthday gifts for the twins— in their hands. The bell hung overhead jingled the moment Gojo pulled at the handles, holding it open for the two before sauntering behind them. You grinned widely as you approached, grateful that they could make it. 

“Thank you guys so much for coming!” You crooned, pulling them in for short hugs. You motioned for the twins to do the same as well, watching them pull all three individuals for a hug. You were making great efforts to rekindle the friendship you once had, speaking to them individually. Not just for yourself, but for your children to have people to rely on. When you had sent the invitation out to them, you were wary of whether or not they’d come. It was a children’s party so you wouldn’t blame them, but you were hopeful. 

“What?” Gojo chuckles. “Did you think we wouldn’t? Of course we’d come to see the twins get older!”

After that, people started trickling in slowly. You had sent out invites to all the parents in his classroom and the turnout went better than you initially expected. They had only been attending the school for about two months, so you expected parents to be wary about who their children are around, but most if not all showed up. The children were really excited to be around each other and you’re getting the perfect opportunity to meet the parents. Nanami had offered to watch over the twins as well as the other kids that decided to follow behind. 

Neither of you had thought about the questions that would follow after seeing the two of you together. How the two of you complimented each other well and the chemistry you shared with Nanami. And with the growing relationship with Nanami, the twins saw him as a growing constant in their life. 

Sitting across from a parent, Utahime was a beautiful woman. With jet black hair and bangs that covered her forehead, her beauty was astounding to you. Awfully sweet, it contrasted to the firecracker of a son that she had. He was very energetic and she could barely keep up with her child, finding herself exhausted after only ten minutes of chasing after him back and forth. 

She had finally gotten a break after forcing the father to chase after him with the threat of no sex for two weeks. While she was out with her firecracker, she couldn’t help but notice your twins and how they hovered over Nanami, who she assumed was your husband. Utahime hated to admit it, but she wished her husband was more like that. Instead, he let her deal with Mashitori by herself on most days. He had no interest in bonding with his son whatsoever. However, watching how the blond took care of Tyla and Yuu so gently and lovingly, the brunette wanted more of that. “Your husband is a very good father.”

You paused at that. Stuck in your own world, you hadn’t noticed the woman taking a seat on the other side of the table from you. It took you a moment to realize that she was indeed speaking to you. “Huh?”

“Your husband’s a very good man,” Utahime repeated. “I have to go through hell just for my husband to spend five minutes with Mashitori. I hate to admit that I’m a bit envious.”

“Oh!” You didn’t correct the woman. Speaking of the devil, Nanami walks inside with a trail of kids following behind him. Your eyes were on him as his brown hues landed on you. You gave him a faint smile, but your gaze never left him. You sighed, “Yeah, he’s a very good dad. I’m glad that he’s theirs.”

When the party has ended, you bid your farewells to the parents and children, thanking them for attending. Exchanging numbers with a few of them, you’re smiling from ear-to-ear to know that your kids are making friends and you have the parents’ approval for future playdates and plans. It’s a little reassurance that you’re raising your children right. 

Cleaning the room before the next party has to come in and set up, you luckily have the help of Nanami, Geto, Shoko, and Gojo. They make the process go a thousand times faster as you rip down stuff and shove them in the garbage. The most you save is the birthday banner and the Bluey poster you had drawn and made people sign upon entering as a keepsake. 

When everything is packed and clear, you’re tugging on the arms of Tyla and Yuu as they still have so much energy in them. Nanami walks beside you, pulling up a very emotional Yuu who’s trying to throw his body down in protest. The three behind you watch the exchange, noticing just how much of a family the four of you look. It makes them chuckle from the sheer amusement. 

( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡

FOUR MONTHS LATER

The pot is bubbling, the savory aroma of curry traveling through the house as you twist the knob lower for the pot of white rice. With the two pots of food simmering on the stove, you inhale deeply as your eyes roll back. Oh, how you wish your mother was here. She’d probably make you a better pot of curry goat. Yours never tasting the same way despite following the same recipe. Maybe you’re too hard on yourself or maybe you’re holding onto the nostalgia too much. 

You were planning on having dinner together as a family, which you normally did, but this time it includes Nanami into the mix. He had no problem with the arrangements, hellbent on bringing something of his own despite you saying that he didn’t need to contribute. When the expected knock came at the door, you dropped the spoon you were holding gently into the bowl of potato salad. Your children perk up, eyes widening as they can take a close guess as to who it is. 

“Is dat Mr. Nana?” Yuu jumps up from the couch, forgetting about Spongebob on the screen. You had switched it to Japanese only, wanting the kids to gradually become proficient in the language. He comes hurdling to the door, the name he blurts out alerting Tyla as well. She gasps, “Mr. Nanamin’s here?”

Though you got the head start, they beat you to the door and ran into it. Surely, Nanami can hear the loud bang from the otherside as you peek through the door hole. You giggle at your children’s enthusiasm, batting their hands away when they try to unlock the door. “I know you guys are excited, but only mommy or any other adult opens the door, okay?”

Pulling away, they nod in unison and tell you ‘okay.’ They wait for you to unlock the door, giddy on their feet. When it swings open, they’re quick to jump on the man as they say their own variations of his last name. Nanami chuckles, pulling both of them up in the air and in his arms despite the container he has in his right hand. The sight is a lovely one that you still can’t grow yourself accustomed to, you coo in adoration everytime you see it. Stepping aside as you let him in, you smile. “Good evening, Kento.”

“Good evening,” he greets upon stepping inside. The kids are unrelenting, refusing to come down when Nanami tries to place them back on the ground. They cling onto his neck, screaming out ‘no’ in protest. Remembering the food on the stove, you rush over to it before you finish mixing the potato salad. Once Nanami finally convinces the twins to get off him— more like force them— he joins you in the kitchen as you’re grabbing plates from the cabinets and glass bowls to pour the food in for a better display. 

“I brought dessert.” He makes himself at home and opens up the freezer, making space for the container in hand. “Mizu yokan. I think it’s something they haven’t had before.”

You’ve had the treat before. He’s the one who made you try it in one of your early years in college. After Gojo had adopted you into their friend group, the four had all agreed to take you out to see Tokyo, Japan, in all its everlasting beauty. Along the way of touring, Gojo was trying to find a specific spot that he wasn’t quite familiar with. He had given Geto, Shoko, and Nanami the responsibility to watch over you. However, four became three and three became two as Geto and Shoko ran off to help the tall oaf. 

You remember how you thought at first Nanami wasn’t particularly fond of you, never saying much and always cutting conversations short when you tried sparking up one. However, you remember him taking you into a shop, buying the chilly treat for you to try. And how he stared down at you so closely, watching you savor all the flavors of the red bean paste dessert. The way his eyes were on you, you thought at first he was watching you to get your reaction, but now that you’re older, you wonder if there was more to it than just that. You wonder when Nanami first took a much deeper liking to you. 

“I think they’ll like it,” you nod with a smile. 

“I don’t know,” he says, skeptically. He, too, remembers buying you the treat. “They might be like their mother and not like it.”

Dramatically gasping, you nudge him. “Hey, I did like it. It just took me a few bites.”

“A few bites too many,” he smirks, stepping around you, getting the last word as he heads back into the living area. You scoff, watching him leave. So much for offering a hand. 

When dinner’s ready, Nanami’s helping you carry everything to the dining table, pushing away the centerpiece and replacing it with the ravenous bowl of curry goat. You trail after him with the rice in one hand and the potato salad in the next. Gently placing them down, Nanami scoops up the bowls as he does the favor of organizing them. You had run low on time, so you dashed to your pantry, pulling out four cans of soda and yet another bowl for ice. Calling the twins from the couch, they come running without a second call as they climb into their respective spots that they claim as theirs. Slipping into the chair next to you, Nanami takes his spot beside you as you reach behind you for the plates resting on the island. 

Handing him a plate, you start sharing out the twins’ food first, putting down small proportions before sliding the plate to them. You’re the last to share out your own plate and when you’re done, you reach out for Tyla’s hand with your left hand and Nanami’s with your hand as you announce, “Let’s pray.”

Forks digging into the plate, everyone’s enjoying their food. Even you as you commend yourself for finally finding a good balance with the seasonings and the curry powder. It’s silent when your phone rings, the familiar blare in noise sounding the otherwise silent room. Looking sheepishly as everyone’s startled, you grab your phone ready to decline the call when you vaguely recognize the digits on screen. It’s your father’s rehabilitation center calling. Glancing at Nanami, your eyes speak for itself. This is important. “I’ll be right back.”

Hopping off the chair, you rush to a secluded space not too far away as you finally accept the call. “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Miss (Y/L/N)?” 

“Yes, this is she,” you let out a deep breath. Despite all the atrocities your father’s committed and every bad thing he’s done to you, you find yourself startled into a panic over him. You hate it.

“I’m sorry, but—” It’s all that you need to hear before your shoulders drop and you’re expecting the words from the caller’s voice. He’s dead. The tears that prick the corner of your eyes sting and fuck, it hurts to cry. These tears must be filled with a poison meant to harm you and punish you for feeling an ounce of remorse for that man. You don’t want your children to see this, but when the caller, Vanessa, is concluding the call, your feet bring you to the table before you can even think. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

You hate when people apologize, because what’s there to apologize for? They’re not the reason both of your parents are dead. Getting back to the table, Yuu and Tyla are shocked by your puffy and red eyes as they jump out of their chairs. 

“What’s wrong, Ummy?”

“—Mommy?”

Head turning to see your solemn expression, Nanami’s quick to his feet as you find yourself choking on your words. Luckily the woman on the other line had already hung up before she could hear your sobs. He does you the favor, telling the children to get back at the table before backing you out of their sight. He meets you at your level, pulling your hand away from your eyes to reveal your messy face. You turn away as you’re trying to get it out, but you can’t. The only thing he can come up with is some fresh air and some water.

He leaves you for a quick minute, fixing you a glass of water, dropping a few cubes of ice inside before rushing back and unlocking the front door. Shoving it open, he pulls you into his arms and leads you outside. “(Y/N), hey… I need you to breathe. Tell me what’s wrong.”

He’s expecting you to block yourself out and refuse to tell him a thing, but you’re taking the glass from his hand as the cool afternoon air breathes down your back. None of your neighbors out, the skies darkening as their porch lamps light up the block. You down the glass down in three gigantic gulps that Nanami doesn’t take the time to process before he’s grasping it and taking it out of your hold. He watches you, grabbing the hem of your shirt as you tell him, “My father just passed away.”

“What?” He couldn’t quite hear, your voice being muffled. Dropping the dress after wiping the tears away, you repeat yourself, “My father passed away.”

“Oh,” and immediately his strong arms pull you into his embrace, your cries growing louder at the tender and endearing moment. He whispers into you, holding you tightly as he whispers, “It’s going to be okay, (Y/N).”

Gradually, you relax in his arms, feeling him rock you side-by-side before you’re pulling away. With a deep breath, your shoulders slump. “Thank you.”

There’s a moment of silence as you get yourself together. “I don’t know what I should tell the twins. When it was my mom, they were too young to understand, but they’ve come to know him, even if it’s his bad side.”

“I don’t know… They’re already comfortable here.” He figures that you need to ramble, just get everything off your chest. So with a comforting hand, he places it on the small of your back. “I’ve already done enough back and forth. I don’t want to go back to something so sad— again.”

“It’s understandable if you did,” he tells you. “It is your father.”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to mourn someone who doesn’t deserve my tears,” you sigh, before looking up at him. Ugh, gosh, you love his brown eyes. “And I’ve already messed things up once, I don’t need to do it again.”

“You won’t mess up as long as you’re not trying to run away from me again,” he lets out a light chuckle. It earns him a ghost of a smile from you.

“Oh, never again.”

—

You had ultimately decided not to go to your father’s funeral. You chose the monetary option of showing your support and coming up with an excuse to why you couldn’t make it down. Though, it was reasonable. You were on a VISA, the children were in school, and the back and forth isn’t anything any of your kids nor you need at this time. Nonetheless, it didn’t remove the slight disdain you heard in a few of your family members' voices when you told them you couldn’t make it down.  

It’s nearing three p.m. and if you don’t leave work now, you’re going to be late picking up the twins from school. Clocking out as you push the swivel chair back, you slowly gather your things as you pull out your phone. Opening up your work app, you’re happy to see the red button flashing on the top of the screen, instructing you to clock out. Clicking it, you’re relieved as you nearly skip through the double doors of your job. You’re in a hurry to get home, having such an exhausting day at work as you had to complete stacks and stacks of work. Jumping in the car, you start it up quickly and turn the radio on, hooking up the aux cord to shuffle your own set of music. 

Pulling out of the parking lot, the drive down to the school is relaxing as you park the car and hurry to the double doors in which they’re released. Greeting the teacher when you arrive, she’s giving you a confused look when you approach. She doesn’t bother to give you the habitual greeting as to letting you know about the twins’ behavior and asking how you are to be cordial. “Ms. (Y/L/N), what’re you doing here? The twins have already been picked up.”

“Excuse me?” You furrow your eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

If you were ever running five to ten minutes late, you’d ask Gojo to pick them up and wait for you. He never disagreed and it was always something you notified him of beforehand. For him to pick them up without you knowing, it didn’t sound like him. “Did Gojo pick them up?”

“The white-haired tall fellow from next door? No,” the teacher shook her head. “No, this one was blond, wore round glasses and dressed nicely. Their father— he’s on the emergency contact list. I made sure of that before releasing them to him. Were they not supposed to go with him?”

“No, you know what? I’m sorry. He didn’t let me know that he was going to be picking them up early, that’s all.” Furiously, you spin on your heel as you’re pacing back to the car and quickly dialing Nanami’s number. When he doesn’t answer the first time, you’re quick to dial it again as you’re jumping back into the front seat and quickly driving out of the area. 

He answers on the second attempt, clearly seeing nothing wrong with his choice as he gives you a gleeful ‘hello.’ You can’t bother with the formalities and typical greetings, voice sounding gruff as soon as you hear his voice. “Where are you?”

“I’m at the park with the kids—” It’s enough that you need to know before you’re illegally switching lanes and speeding down the road. You’re shocked when you’re not getting pulled over by the cops, but it’s secretly a blessing in disguise as the usual twenty minute drive turns into a ten minute one. Parking, you hurry out as you spot Nanami with the twins not too far away. You look like a mama bear, parents taking a step out of your way when they see you storming past, eyes following in your direction. 

“Tyla! Yuu!” you’re screaming from the top of your lungs. You’ve never raised your voice so loudly, when they hear it, they come rushing to you with no questions asked. Watching them hurdle towards you, Nanami stands tall until he sees you, evidently lost as to why you seem so upset. You had abruptly hung up on him right as he was about to ask if you’d like to go out and eat after the park. 

“Mommy–”

“Tyla, wait at the bench over there,” you quickly instruct. “Yuu, you, too.”

When you and Nanami meet each other halfway, you’re crossing your arms at him as you glare at him. You’re causing a scene the moment you open your mouth, screaming at the male individual. “How could you be so stupid? Do you know how worried I was?”

You’re pushing at his chest in anger, but he’s not moving. It only makes you even more heated in rage. Wide eyes, Nanami’s mouth falls open as he holds his arms out to relax. “Wait— (Y/N), calm down.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down!” you sneer. “You signed my kids out without telling me about it. I’m not going to be calm when I was wondering where the fuck they could be!”

At the sound of your profanity, nosy parents start beckoning for their children to come. At the sound of you only claiming the twins only being yours, it triggers something within Nanami, making him just as upset as you are. “What do you mean your kids? They’re just as much mine as they are yours?”

So that’s what you choose to hear? You scoff. “My kids. My twins. I took care of them for five years by myself, so yeah, they’re mine!”

“And who’s fault is that, huh?” Nanami rebuttals. “You’re acting as though I decided not to be in their life. I have a right to be in their lives just as much as you are!”

“Well, at least let me know before you’re just up and grabbing them!” you shout, as it finally dawns onto Nanami why you’re so upset in the first place. With a low curse, he runs a hand through his hair. You’re still hung up on your anger, not waiting for Nanami’s apology. You’re calling a crying Tyla and Yuu to follow you, hushing their sobs as you apologize to them. All throughout, you never look back at Nanami once, forcing him to watch the three of you leave as he knows he’s fucked up. 

—

The dark clouds in the sky clog up the rays of the sun, making the day somber as Nanami realizes that he doesn’t have an umbrella in his bag. The habitually prepared man has forgotten one of his essentials, it’s unlike him. He’s happy it’s the only thing that he forgot. His coworkers rush past him as he stands under the overhead as they pop open the umbrella and rush past. 

It’s been an exceptionally long day, but everyday feels long for him. However, there have been plenty of things that kept his mind skewed, barely able to keep up his calls and paperwork. He hadn’t spoken to you in a couple of days after the incident at the park, wanting to give you your space. Thinking back on the entire ordeal, he feels like a complete ass for how he acted, not fully taking into consideration how you’d feel. Berating himself, he’s usually better than this, rationalizing things before acting on impulse. He just liked the fact that he was getting so close to the twins, finally starting to feel like their father. To hear you practically diminish his role had struck a nerve, making him fail to see the bigger picture. 

Staring out in the distance as the crowd started growing smaller, he knew that he can’t stand here all night. Stripping of his trench coat, he holds it over his head before bracing himself. He quickly paces down the stone pavement, the loud patter of rain quickly seeping through the expensive material. He’s parked a far distance so by the time he reaches his car, the makeshift umbrella is useless. He’s soaked from head to toe, panting as he pops open the car door and jumps in. His clothes are sticking to him and feels like he wants to tear it off his body, feeling the squish of his socks against his leather shoes. He grunts, throwing the coat into the backseat as he unbuttons his shirt. Turning on the car, he immediately switches off the air conditioner, putting on the heat. 

Water drips from his temple, pressing the button to start the ignition as he steps on the brakes. Reversing out of his spot, he’s sitting uncomfortably as his body’s tense. Stopping at a red light, he pulls out his phone, drying it off with a napkin from the seat compartment space. Switching it on, he stares at your number for a while before hitting call, hearing the quick sound of a horn honking at him to go. Connecting his phone to the car bluetooth, the phone rings for a couple times before he hears the shuffle of you bringing the phone to your ears. 

“Hello?” You sound tired. Looking at the time, it’s barely seven. Have you managed to put the kids down for bed so early? 

“Can I come to your place?” He asks. “I want to talk about… what happened?”

At the familiarity of his voice, yours stays indifferent. “Yeah, no problem.”

When there comes a knock at your door, you answer it without hesitation. The kids are in bed, apparently having such a busy day at school that they couldn’t fight you on not going to sleep. You decided to have the night for yourself, popping a bag of popcorn and putting on a movie for yourself. However, movies no matter the genre never fail to put you to sleep. So when Nanami called you, you were a bit disoriented. You didn’t think properly when he asked if he could come over, easily saying yes. Now that you’re more awake and alive, you’re regretting it. Still, you open the door and step aside for him to come inside. 

The first thing you notice is that he’s soaked— well, halfway. Disheveled hair that falls unfittingly, but that’s not enough to erase his beauty. He stares at you with exhausted brown eyes, huffing out a ‘thank you’ before he’s wrapping himself with his arms. Your apartment’s cold, making him shiver immediately with the first step he takes inside. 

“Sorry,” you apologize. “I'll turn up the AC.” You point towards the direction of the thermostat, turning to hurry and do it. However, he stops you before you can disappear. “No, it’s fine. I’ll try to make this quick.”

“Okay,” you nod. You know what he’s going to bring up, figuring he’d want to talk cordially about this. While your subconscious knows that he’ll want to make amends because it’s not like him to be so inconsiderate and irresponsible, you’re wondering if part of him wants to banter more on the matter, try and make you feel guilty for getting upset and bringing the matter to the public. 

“I want to apologize,” he starts. He shoves his hands inside of his pants pockets, shuffling as he makes eye contact with you. “For what happened at the park. I wasn’t thinking when I signed them out. I should’ve messaged you about it first, asking how you felt about it before doing something so rash.”

You adjust the robe wrapped around you, tightening the string. “I should apologize, too,” you admit sheepishly. You know that you’re also wrong for what you told him, knowing that you shouldn’t have tried guilting him at something that wasn’t his fault. You should be grateful that he wanted to spend time with the kids. It’s what you’ve wanted. “I shouldn’t have tried making you feel like less of a dad for being one. I—I was just so scared when the teacher told me that someone else has signed them out—”

“And you shouldn't have been scared in the first place.” Your body’s trembling, silent cries that leave you as Nanami reaches to caress your face. Large hands that cup your face and that sense of familiarity of each other’s bodies as you’re reminded of that night from years ago. You feel so stupid for crying, but the chill of his skin is oddly comforting as you don’t flinch away from his cold touch. Instead, you’re looking up into his eyes as you both are awfully close. 

His body ghosts against yours, him subconsciously moving in closer. That hand has slipped to the nape of his neck, running underneath the band of the bonnet you’re wearing and tickling the thin strands of curls. The gentle hand you place against his chest sends more chills through his body, fingers that make his heart skip a beat. The only sound that runs through the house is the television, but the both of you have drowned it out as you stare longingly into each other’s eyes, daring each other to make the first move. 

The race to each other’s lips results in a tie as your bodies cheer with a ‘finally.’ That clench against his shirt, he knows it all too well. The simple action made him want to deepen the kiss. His hands travel down to your waist and to your ass with a firm grip that pulls a moan from you. And fuck, the stur in his stomach makes him want to draw out more of his sounds, but it also brings him back to reality.

He pulls away from you abruptly, leaving those soft and supple lips of yours. You jump, eyes widening as he takes you by surprise when his arms push you away. Guilt etches him some more. “I’ll make sure to talk to you first before picking up the kids.”

“Oh…okay,” you slowly nod. “T-thank you for understanding my side.”

He curtly hums, adjusting his shirt before he reaches for the door knob. “Have a good night.”

“You, too,” you breathe softly. 

( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡

SEVEN MONTHS LATER

The cafe is warm, heating your body up in a embrace that you’ve been needing all day. Stuck in your office, the set temperature had your body frozen as you shivered all morning long. You had forgotten your jacket at home, stuck in the sleeveless black dress that you decided to wear. The little cafe that you’ve found latibule in is doing the work to provide you just what you need as you circle to the lengthy line. They’ve always had decent customers, something that you’d describe as a steady flow of business. However, the line nearly drapes around half the cafe and you’re afraid that this will take up the majority of your break.

You’re quickly wondering if you should head out and try a different cafe or just grab something quick from a fast food chain and drink their shitty coffee when you hear the faint call of your name, beckoning for your attention. As you’re snapping your neck, trying to get a good look at who is calling your name and how they possibly know it, your eyes light up when you recognize that face and realize you should’ve known it sooner. It’s Higuruma. 

Stringy dark hair that’s otherwise well-kept and brown eyes that always look tired, they vaguely remind you of Nanami. Subconsciously, almost everything about him reminds you of Nanami— clad in a suit and always well put together. He’s articulate and intelligent, stoic and serious. All words that you could equally describe your blond… co-parent. However, you always shove those thoughts to the back of your mind, greeting him with a smile that meets your eyes. After consecutive stops to this very cafe on your breaks, the two of you had ran into each other plenty of times until he took the step into introducing himself to you. It’s become a friendly relationship, though you swear that sometimes his touches and eyes linger longer on you than they need to. 

He beckons you to come meet him where he is in line, and you squirm where you stand. He’s getting closer to ordering and you’d feel guilty for skipping people that have been waiting for ages. However, with his arm flailing in the air, verbally prompting you to meet him up front, you don’t want any more attention on you as a few people start glancing your way. You make a bee-line around the crowd, excusing yourself repeatedly whenever your skin grazes against someone until you’re right next to the brunette who grins at your arrival.

“You’re late,” he teases. Checking your smart watch, it’s a couple minutes past one and by Higuruma’s standards, you are indeed late. His habitual reminder whenever you make it a minute past your standard schedule never gets old. 

“I have no excuses this time around,” you exhale. “I lounged around for an extra minute or two at work. How was work?”

“Work was work,” he shrugs. From what you’ve learned about Higuruma is that he’s a defense attorney that has a high sense of justice. With a simple google search, he’s seemed to take on nearly impossible cases in order to protect the wrongfully accused. He’s never gone into detail with you about his cases due to confidentiality, but you can see it in his eyes that it does take a toll on him. It’s why in comparison to your cup of what he likes to call ‘milk and sugar with a dash of coffee,’ he’s always holding a large cup of black coffee with only two spoons of sugar. “But I’ve got amazing company now, so it brightens up my day.”

You nudge him in his ribs. “You love to inflate my ego.”

He chuckles deeply. “I do.” 

When the cashier calls from the next customer, being you and Higuruma, he lets you order first and pays for both drinks despite your protests against it. It’s not the first time he’s done this, and you never seem to learn your lesson when he declines your paybacks or sends the money right back to you. He finds your little pout cute as you go on about how he needs to stop paying for you. You only go ignored as he continues to do it. 

Finding a small table to lounge at for the next hour, your butt hits the seat as you lean against the back of it. Today you had ditched your regular, replacing it for an iced caramel macchiato. With your eyes shut, you bring the cup to your lips, sipping it and tasting the caramel drizzle on top. Higuruma’s eyes are on you, snorting at your exhausted state. “You had a rough day, too, huh?”

“More like a rough night?” you scoff, a hand resting on your forehead. “The twins did not want to go to bed last night. They kept sneaking into my room at night, snickering and laughing like it was a game to find out when I would lose my cool.”

You had no issue talking about your children to anyone. You loved them a lot and weren’t ashamed that people knew. When they asked about their father, while he was in the picture, it was a complicated tale to tell as you tried to skip past that telling as much as possible. Higuruma has seen plenty of pictures of your two bundles of joy when he first brought up seeing a picture. He enjoyed the way your eyes light up talking about them and how you smile retelling a memory you have with them. He ignores that tinge of jealousy when he sees the father and how he’s still in the picture even if the two of you aren’t romantically involved. 

He’s flirted and dropped plenty of hints, thinking you’d get the hint. Hoping that when you slap his chest when you’re laughing, squeezing on his bicep from excitement, and when you let his hands last on you longer, that these are all signs that you reciprocate the same feelings that he has. 

When the hour is coming to a close and you’re reaching for your purse, he’s standing up as well, trailing after you. Following you through the door, he thinks it's the best time to ask you what he’s been wanting to do since the moment you both started talking. “(Y/N), before you go, I have something to ask you.”

“Yeah?” Your eyes light up in acknowledgement as Higuruma’s hands are shoved into his coat pockets. He keeps that stoic expression on his face even if the question he’s about to ask holds some risk. 

“Care to go out for dinner sometime?” The corners of his lips twitching upward. “Have something other than coffee and a danish?”

Your eyes widen as you process his question. When was the last time you’ve been on a date with anyone? Not even in the past six years. And now that you have children, you have to consider them into the picture, wondering if Higuruma’s someone you see yourself with in the future. 

And you can. You can see him as a constant in your life. He’s an attractive man and he’s got a dry sense of humor that most wouldn’t get, but you do. He doesn’t seem to mind that you already have two children with a man that’s not him. He’s checked off most of your boxes, but there’s still an innate fear inside of you that’s holding you back. Are you ready to start dating again? And what about Nanami?

The two of you had found middle grounds with coparenting, creating a schedule that the two of you had mutually agreed on and the twins quickly grew accustomed to. Sundays were dedicated to having dinner together, sometimes it was at your place and other times it was at Nanami’s. When the two of you plan to take the kids out together, there have been instances where the tension was high as his lips grazed your while he held onto your waist. However, self-control soon collected the two of you before it could escalate into something more. 

There’s still a calling towards Nanami that you’re trying to fight against. A part of you still longs for him to remind yourself of that night all those years ago, but you don’t know if Nanami does. And instead of confronting him and wanting to know if there’s an opportunity for a second chance, you decide to conceal those emotions. It seems like the best way to do that is by putting your mind on someone else. 

“Yes,” you grin. “I’d like that.”

The last bit of hours for work go by slowly, that when you’re clocking out, you’re rushing out without a second thought. You hope into your car quickly before quickly pulling out of your parking spot and driving in the direction of home. And while you’re driving in the silence, you remember your date for this Saturday. After saying yes, Higuruma was swift to send you a text, asking if Saturday at six p.m. would suffice. You said yes, but had to make sure if Nanami was available to watch them or you’d have to rely on either Gojo, Shoko, or Geto to watch over them for the night. Dialing Nanami’s number, it rings twice before you hear his voice. You can hear the twins in the background and from the sounds of it, he’s helping them with their homework before he gives you an official greeting. “Hey, I was helping the twins with their work. Do you need anything?”

When the twins are with Nanami, you try not to be a stickler, giving him his space because you know your children are in great hands. You usually just text him to let him know when you’re on the way. So, you figure that he thinks something’s up if you’re calling him. “I have a favor to ask you actually.”

“Mhm.” With his acknowledgement, you actually grow giddy. Something that you’re finally doing for yourself outside of your children. It actually feels good now that you’re thinking about it. Considering that you and Nanami have grown closer again, growing a mutual understanding of each other’s position in life, you thought it would be fine to be candid with him. 

“This Saturday, I’m going out on a date.” You probably sound like a teenager again, telling your mother that this boy asked you out and asking for permission to go to the movies with him. It feels nice to go through that excitement once more. It makes you feel youthful. “And I’m wondering if you can watch the kids for the night. I won’t be gone for too long, so I’ll pick them up around eight or nine.”

“Oh?” There’s an unease settling on Nanami’s chest. How you’re excited to be going out with someone. It shouldn’t bother him, the two of you aren’t dating— just… two people that shared an emotional night together years prior and have proof of it. So caught up with coparenting and the close proximity the two of you have been in because of it, he’s forgotten that the two of you aren’t in a relationship. 

“Is that fine with you?” you ask for confirmation, posture straightening as you pull into the parking lot of your home. Putting the car into park, you turn off the ignition and disconnect your phone from the car to put it on speaker. “I can ask Gojo or Shoko or Geto if you’re gonna be busy that night.”

Clearing his throat to compose himself, he shakes his head, forgetting that you’re not physically with him. “No, um— I mean, no. I have nothing going on for the night. I don’t have a problem with that.”

With relief and burning excitement as you unlock your front door, kicking off your shoes in the corner, you smile. “Thank you so much, Kento. I’ll send down some snacks even though they shouldn’t be hungry or anything.” 

“Don’t worry about it,” Nanami chuckles. “I’ve got a few cases of snacks prepared for them already. We’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure? I could always buy some more if it’s not enough—”

“Bye, (Y/N).” And before you can say anything else, he hangs up the phone on you. You let out an ‘oh’ of shock before you’re laughing. You’ll still send down a box of snacks for them, nonetheless. 

— 

You look beautiful. Too beautiful for this date to just end at nine pm. When you’re knocking on his door with the twins in tow, Nanami opens the door to see you in a tight-fitted dress that hugs at your curves. It’s a beautiful shade of yellow, complimenting your skin as it makes you glow. It falls above your knees, showing off your legs and beautiful calves. And your hair is done, beautiful faux locs that fall above your ass and have been adorned in loc accessories. You’ve gone the extra mile as to putting on makeup and Nanami hates it. 

No, he thinks you look beautiful. However, he hates the fact that another man will be seeing you like this tonight. That someone not him is going to be having your time. And he only has himself to blame. From that time that the both of you kissed, both of you decided to ignore that it ever happened. It was a silent mutual agreement that he should have never accepted on his part. However, it wasn’t the right time and he didn’t want to complicate things. The children still only know him as your “friend,” and though they’re getting older, it’s a conversation that the two of you haven’t gotten to yet to discuss if they should know that he’s actually their father. 

Before you motion for the twins to get inside, you bend down to give them both a kiss. As you do, Nanami’s given the perfect sight of your cleavage and he clears his throat to pull himself together, shuffling on his feet. “I love you two,” you remind them. “I’ll be back to pick you up later tonight, okay?”

“Okay!” they both exclaim before pushing past you and giving Nanami quick hello’s before bustling straight to the living room. You chuckle before standing tall and dusting out any wrinkles in your dress. 

“Have a good night— oh, wait!” Remembering the box of snacks you had bought despite Nanami clearly saying not to get any, you rush to the car to pull it from the back seat. Running in your heels, you climb up the steps carefully before shoving the box into his hands. “Don’t say anything. Just take it!”

Nanami can only chuckle before doing as told. “Okay, I’ll just add this to my collection.”

“Yes!” you grin. “Have a good night! Don’t let them stress you out too much. And let me know if you need anything. Anything!”

“If by the off chance that we do, I will,” he calls out as you’re backing up and rushing back to the car. He watches you climb in safely before driving off before he lets out a sigh and drops the small smile on his face. In a low and disingenuous voice, he says, “Enjoy your night.”

Higuruma’s taken you out to a really nice restaurant. The interior is gorgeous, with gold glittering the edges of the floral wallpaper as frames hang gently against the walls. Rectangular tables neatly spread and people sat around the wooden countertops of the bar. Classical music plays overhead and it smells amazing. A waitress holding a hot cinnamon roll walks by and the sweet aroma makes your mouth water as you marvel at the scenery. “Wow.”

“Do you like it?” Higuruma watches you carefully, hands holding the wine glass before he brings it to his lips. Taking a sip, the red wine is dry, to his exact liking. However, you’ve barely touched your glass after your first sip. He doesn’t want to overthink it, that maybe you’re still taking everything in, but he can’t stop his mind from it. “I thought this place suited you.”

“Yes,” you hum, but you feel like ‘like’ is an understatement. You haven’t had an ounce of food and the red wine tastes amazing, knowing that they probably have a special stock in the back and this bottle is expensive. Maybe you’re saying yes too soon, but you’re amazed. You’ve never been on a date as extravagant as this. Part of you feels ashamed of it. “It’s beautiful here.”

“I’m glad to hear,” the corners of his lips twitch up when you finally make eye contact with him again. Your eyes beam brightly as you grow curious. He’s a handsome man and from the research you’ve conducted about him, he makes enough money to pay for the hefty bill by the end of the night. You wonder if this is his first time here. “Have you been here before?”

Higuruma chuckles at your question, noticing that glint in your eyes, knowing exactly what you’re insinuating. “If you’re asking if I’ve ever brought another woman here before, no. But I’ve been here before.”

“Oh.” You tilt your head, wanting to know more. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he nods. “Back when I first got hired as an attorney. My team and I had just won a serious case and to commend us for our hard work, we ate here. Gosh, that was ages ago, but the food here is amazing and it still should be.”

This is the most he’s ever spoken about his work, and you wonder even more about it. His tired eyes were brought back to life when speaking about it, the lines on his face crinkling up when he recalled the memory. 

“It was one of the best times of my career,” he trails off, a silence following as his eyes sink. You’re only left to imagine what he’s thinking. His job isn’t easy, also considering the fact that he takes on near to impossibly hard cases. To have a job within the judicial system takes a lot of toll on someone and you can only hope that you can bring him to a point where he’s not afraid to open up more to you. “What about you? Any moments in your life that bring a smile to your face?”

 The question catches you off guard, and it shouldn’t. You should’ve seen it coming really, but now that you’re having to rack your brain for something, it comes hard. “I don’t know… I have a couple that comes to mind.”

“Name them all,” he grows intrigued. Him too wanting to grow through that pretty head of yours. You’re humming in deep contemplation before you’re beaming. “My first time moving to Japan. I always think back to it and I’m glad that I went behind my parents’ backs to fill out that form.”

“Oh,” he chuckles. “You’ve got a rebellious spirit.”

You scrunch up your nose. Would you call it rebellious? No, you more so would call it tired. “Hm… no. I was tired of living under my parents roof and didn’t think it was enough to just move out of state. I needed to move out of the country.”

“Why Japan?”

You’ve been asked this question plenty of times before. What made you choose Japan? And you never had a proper answer for them. Just that from the options you had, it was the furthest. “Why not?”

“And to combine my other ones, I’d say when my twins were born and the fact that my mom got to meet them before she passed.” You didn’t mean to make it somber, especially when the waitress comes back with two plates in their hands. She sets them down, asking the two of you if you need anything else for the time being, but both of you decline. When she’s gone, Higuruma’s eyes are back on you. Through the many conversations you both had, you never mentioned your mother in the light that she’s dead. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that,” he reaches for your hand. You let him take it, enjoying the soothing rubs of his thumb against your skin. It’s comforting. 

“Don’t be,” your cheeks rise. “I’ve come to finally accept it. She was diagnosed with cancer and during the last few months before she passed, she wasn’t really living anymore. More like… surviving. She couldn’t walk anymore, we had to feed her through a feeding tube, and she just— she just wasn’t herself. I’m glad she went the way she did.”

“That’s… such a nice way to look at things,” Higuruma respires. 

“It’s taken me some time to get here, though,” you snort, remembering the amount of tears that you’ve shed in secret. It was a rough time for you.

“All that matters is that you got here.”

With a to-go box in hand, you lead Higuruma to your car. Having parked on opposite ends, he wanted to ensure your safety seeing it is the pitch of night as the street lamps are dim and do nothing to illuminate the pathway. Clicking the button to open your car door as you get closer, you see the headlights blink before popping open the door handle. You reach to the passenger seat, giving Higuruma a nice view of your ass before pulling out. 

“I had a nice night,” you pull out an incandescent smile. 

“And you’re hoping for more, right?” 

You giggle at that. “Oh, you’re smooth.”

“I try to be,” he shrugs, taking a daring step into your personal space. You can feel his breath against you. “So, what d’ya say? Another nice night like this?”

“Mm…” you hum. “Maybe.”

“Don’t tease,” you feel his lips ghost yours. 

“But it’s fun.” And it’s the last thing you say before he engulfs your lips with his. His hands capture your lower waist, inching towards your ass before he’s squeezing the fat with his large and veiny hands. He brings you closer to your body, not caring for who sees. He’s carefully backing you into the car, fingers slipping underneath the hem of your dress as you allow him to. When he’s got you perched inside, he reaches for the door handle, slamming it shut behind him. 

With fogged windows and in a compromising state, when your orgasm pools into a puddle against the leather, you curse when you check the digital clock. It’s nearly half past ten when you’re reminded of the twins. You promised to pick them up more than an hour ago. “Shit,” you curse, Higuruma’s lips latched to your neck. You mewl out another moan before pushing him off you. “I’ve got to pick up the kids.”

Glancing at the clock, he figures a night with their father isn’t the end of the world. “I don’t think they mind spending the night.”

“I don’t know…” They’ve spent the night before, but you don’t like saying that you’d do something and don’t hold up the end of your deal. It’s not what you were prepared for and neither did Nanami. However, before you can think any deeper about it, Higuruma’s hovering over you.

“Don’t you think you deserve a night to yourself?” he quirks any eyebrow at you. “They’re in the hands of their father, so they’re safe. What’s one night of selfishness going to do, huh?”

You know he’s right. You’ve revolved your life around your children, a normal thing that parents have to do. Finding that balance between yourself and your children is something you struggle with, always finding reasons to run back to them. However, with Higuruma’s hands running down you, fingers that find purchase with your breast as he flicks at the nipple, he’s making you realize just how much you deserve a night to yourself. “Let me just text Nanami first—”

Taking your phone from you, Higuruma tsks with a ‘no.’ “You’re already this late. I think he gets the hint.”

—

In the morning, you wake up to empty sheets and a message from Higuruma: Hope you slept well. And please, let me know when we can spend more time together. You smile, sending him a quick response while ignoring his last message. You’re not going to lie, you enjoyed your time with Higuruma. He was a nice guy all around, but while his hands explored the caverns of your body, they just reminded you of another man. Making you wish that when he brought you to bed, that you were nicely tucked in by someone else. 

It made you feel guilty to find purchase in another man that wasn’t yours, switching out the brunette for a blond when he had brought you to another orgasm. Now as you’re pushing yourself out of bed, you’re filling your mind with regret. Regret that you’ve ever led Higuruma on for thinking that the two of you could be more than simple friends that meet each other for coffee. He’s asking for more than you think you could offer. 

Dropping your phone on the bed while you head to your bathroom, you look in the mirror and the view isn’t pretty. Falling asleep in your makeup, you grimace as you absentmindedly go to search for the micellar water before dousing a thick cotton pad in it. Washing your face, you’re enjoying the silence of your home. No television on, no crashing of toys all over the place, no alarm clock to sound off to remind you to wake the twins up for school, no kids in your— 

“Fuck,” you curse. Looking at the digital clock resting on your vanity, it’s a quarter to twelve. You can’t believe you woke up so late and you can’t believe you nearly forgot about your own children. Quickly washing your face, you dry it off before grabbing your phone to text Nanami a quick apology before telling him that you’ll be on your way to come and pick them up soon. You don’t wait for a response, dropping it back on the bed before stripping out of your clothes to jump in the shower.

By the time you jump in the car, it’s 12:30 pm. You get to Nanami’s apartment in ten minutes tops before knocking on the door out of breath. It doesn’t take him long to answer the door, swinging it open to view your apologetic state. You’re dressed in comfort, baggy sweats and a tank top, hair pulled back into a ponytail. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t expect to wake up so late.”

“Where were you?” Nanami doesn’t need an answer to that. He knows exactly what happened by the time the clock hit 9:30 pm. He called it the moment you knocked on the door, handing the twins over to him. However, he can’t stop himself from getting mad. He can’t stop the emotions running through him knowing that another man’s been with you in such an intimate way. He can’t fathom the idea of having another man pressed up against you, claiming your lips against theirs. The image he’s created inside his head is sickening, and he doesn’t want that stuck in his memory.

“I’m sorry,” you squirm uncomfortably, apologizing once more. “We ended up spending the night together, and I just thought you wouldn’t mind—”

“—Thought what?” He cuts you off there. “Thought I wouldn’t mind you gallivanting with another man while your children are wondering where you are?”

You don’t like the tone he’s taken with you. And he has every reason to be upset. You’re not one to invalidate anyone’s feelings, but you’re thinking he’s exaggerating. “A-are you upset with me?” 

“Why wouldn’t I be?” he hums. “The mother of my kids was busy throwing herself at another man to come and pick up her kids.”

Eyes widening at such insinuations, you cross your arms as you take a step back. It takes you a moment to recollect yourself, throwing Nanami an incredulous look. Clearing your throat when you finally have your thoughts together, you scoff. “First of all, you might be the father to our kids, but you’re not mine. Who cares if I decide to spend the night with someone else? As far as I’m concerned, I don’t owe you a thing.”

“You don’t owe me a thing?” Nanami scoffs. “I’ve spent almost five years not knowing that I had children because you selfishly left the country without a word. Not a message, not a call, not an email, or even a letter to let me— to let your friends know that you’re fine. I think you owe me a whole lot more than you think.”

You don’t know what’s gotten over his head, but to solely put the blame on your absence seems cruel. You get his reasons for being upset with you. Maybe you shouldn’t have easily given into Higuruma’s temptations and sent him a quick text. However, you know Nanami. He’s a lot of things, and you’d like to think everything good about him. However, to continuously hold this fact over your head as if you’re not trying to make up for what you’ve done? You’ve never categorized him to be an asshole, and you don’t want to start doing it now. 

“If you’ve got more on your chest to say to me, I suggest you tell me now,” you glower. “I don’t plan on coparenting with a father that still holds a stick up their ass.”

“I—” Before he can say anything else, the sound of Yuu’s voice comes ringing in behind him.

“Mr. Nana, is that ummy?” Nanami has to calm himself down before turning to the child, shoulders relaxing as he spins on his heel. You straighten up your posture as well, feigning that everything is fine. 

“Y-yes, um…” Clearing his throat, he runs his hands down his clothes. “Yes, your mom’s here to pick you up. Where’s your sister?”

“She’s still on the bed,” Yuu answers, before running off. And you can’t be bothered with this conversation. Angrily meeting Nanami’s eyes, you scoff in annoyance. 

“Just get me my kids.”

—

It’s hard coming to terms with your emotions. Emotions that Nanami knew that always were there, but chose to ignore. He’s been doing so well with concealing them for the past year, but now that you feel comfortable to go out on dates again, they’re starting to well back up and seep in the middle of his chest. And he’s only been making it worse, he fears. You’ve sent him a text not too long ago saying that you have it handled for the week, basically denying him access to his kids. 

He knows he deserves it. He knows he’s overstepped and that he displaced his emotions. He can’t help himself from the embarrassment he feels for it. Usually someone so adamant on people communicating things through, he’s managed to make this mistake not once, but twice. How can one person make him so irrational? 

It’s pitch black out and he’s worked overtime. All of the cubicles are empty and the only light inside is coming from the small desk lamp he has and the monitor in front of him. When he checks his phone, there’s no messages on screen, no notifications from anyone of value— not counting Gojo asking him a question in regards to rat traps. (Apparently he’s doing a project with his students and thinks he has the answers to his questions?) Shutting off the monitor and lamp, he gathers his belongings for the night before trudging out of the building. It’s raining when he pushes open the double doors, and luckily he’s better prepared this time. Pulling the umbrella from his satchel, he opens it up before carefully strolling down the wet stone pavement. With the click of a button, he’s opening his car doors as the head lights flash to life. Jumping into the front seat, he’s hasty to shut the door.

Head falling against the headrest, he shuts his eyes for a moment. He can’t keep prolonging this, that at some point it’ll all become too much— for better or for worse. Running a hand through his hair, he grabs for his phone as he dials the number of someone he believes who could help in this situation. Checking the time, it’s half past ten and it’s not the latest he’s left for work but it’s not the ideal time to call someone for relationship advice. 

Shoko answers the phone with a yawn, ‘hello,’ leaving her lips before guilt etches him. Sometimes she takes on late shifts and she sleeps as long as she can so that she’s well rested. He can’t always remember what days those are, but he’s wondering if today’s one of them. “Sorry, did I wake you?”

“No, no,” Shoko dismisses with yet another yawn. “I needed to get up anyway. What’s up?”

“How’ve you been?” He starts deflecting from the problem at hand, connecting his phone to the speaker of the car as he starts it up. Putting the car in reverse, he backs out of his spot before driving off in the direction of his home. He doesn’t want to just bombard Shoko with his issues. 

“Kento,” Shoko uses a stern tone. Nanami’s not one for long conversations, rarely ever calling the brunette if it isn’t to meet up and spend some time. No, Nanami preferred in person conversations rather than phone calls. Sometimes Shoko wouldn’t hear from him for a while and she didn’t mind it, knowing that even with minimal contact, she knows that he cares. And so does she. “You’re not one for small talk on the phone. What’s wrong?”

With a heavy sigh on the other line and the soft patter of rain, she can tell that he’s driving home. Whatever it is that is stressing him must have been dwelling on his mind for a while. “It’s about (Y/N).”

Shoko can’t say she’s surprised. From the year that you’ve been back and inserted yourself back into their lives with two children with you, she saw it coming. So did Geto and Gojo. From the birthday party and seeing how the two of you interacted with each other, like you were made to be together. It was a calling connection that even a blind man could see. It came to all three of their surprise when you and Nanami still weren’t together. But it made sense as to why not. There was still that looming fear of you leaving again. While the chances weren’t likely, the possibilities were still there. 

“What happened?” Climbing out of bed, feet slipping down to the cold tiled floors, she hops off as she starts her night routine, placing the phone on speakers. Listening to every last word he said, Shoko never knew Nanami could be so… stupid. He was always the most level-headed of the quartet, even if he was younger. The answer is obvious and she has a feeling that he knows it, too. He just needs that extra push, that reassurance that everything will be okay afterwards. 

“Kento…” Shoko sighs. “I think you know what I’m going to say. You have to tell her how you feel. Petty jealousy squabbles will only push you two further away.”

And with a breath, Nanami nods. “Yeah, I know.”

“I’m pretty sure it will go well,” Shoko smiles, starting to strip off her sleepwear, and turning on the shower to let the water heat up. “Geto, Gojo and I were betting on when the two of you would get together. So far, all of us have lost.”

Nanami can’t help but snort at that, pulling inside of the lot of his home before hearing the water running. “Thank you, Ierei. I appreciate it.”

“Any time, Kento,” Shoko beams. 

“Try to enjoy your shift,” he comes to end the call. “G’night.”

“Can’t say I will,” she chuckles. “Enjoy the rest of your night though.”

—

“I understand.” Higuruma expected this coming. That when you started avoiding the topic of going on another date, always finding an excuse as to why you couldn’t. He figured something was up. And it didn’t take him long to deduce the reason as to why. You don’t have to say it verbatim, he knows that you’re still hung up over the father of your children. However, when you agreed to going out on a date with him, he figured that you were ready to move past him. He thought wrong. 

“Thank you,” you say, relieved. “I hope that this doesn’t affect our friendship. You’re a very good guy and I’d hate to lose you as one.”

Shaking his head, he reaches for his large cup of coffee. “If I’m going to be honest, (Y/N), I think it’s best if we end that, too. You’re great, too, but I don’t think it’s best when I’ve been longing after someone who doesn't feel the same way about me.”

You can’t blame him for his reasoning. Still it brings a solemn expression to your face as your shoulders drop. “That’s reasonable.” 

The two of you stand up at the same time, an awkward laugh falling from both of you. “You stay, I’ll go.”

“Take care of yourself, Higuruma.” 

He gives you a tight-lipped smile. “Don’t be afraid to say ‘hello’ every once in a while.”

Later that day when you’re putting the kids down for bed, there’s a knock at your door. Not expecting any visitors, you become wary about opening the door. Stopping in your tracks, you reach for your phone, remembering the security camera you had installed. Checking the camera, the familiar sight of Nanami comes to view. In a white button-up and black slacks, it’s a simple attire that can never go wrong. You grow curious as to why he’s here at such a time.

You had been keeping your distance from him, a part of you still upset with him for what he said to you. However, you can’t keep avoiding him. You think he’s gotten the point by now. Running down the hall to get the door as he knocks again, you unlock the door. “What’re you doing here so late?”

“Can we talk?” 

Sitting around the dining table, you’ve shared yourself and him a glass of wine. Pushing the chair back, it makes out a sound as it grazes the ground. Grabbing your glass, you slosh around the contents before bringing it to your lips. The two of you sit in silence for a while, soaking it up before Nanami has the energy to speak. Eyes on you, you’re clad in a loose t-shirt and shorts. With a bonnet over your head, it’s evident that you were prepping to head to bed. 

“I want to start off by apologizing to you,” Nanami begins, his deep voice low and raspy. “I should’ve never spoken to you like that. You have a right to do whatever you want and you deserve time to yourself.” Even if it is with someone else.

“Look,” Fixing yourself in the chair, you sit up straight, propping your hand on the table as you slide the glass away from. “I understand why you were mad. I should’ve messaged you and told you that I wasn’t going to be able to make it, but I just don’t understand—”

“And I want to get into that,” Nanami interjects. “My anger was misplaced. It was never about you not communicating with me and letting me know that you wouldn’t be able to make it. 

“Honestly, I shouldn’t have let my emotions build up to the point where it did,” Nanami voices. “Instead of getting jealous that you were with someone else, I should’ve come to you and told you how I felt. I talk this big talk of wanting you to talk to me, but I couldn't even do that myself.”

“Kento…” Taking in everything he’s saying, hearing him confess takes your breath away. As though he’s been struggling to say all of this for years. 

It feels like a huge relief to him. Like, he’s finally revealing one of the deepest darkest secrets that he’s had on his chest for the longest. He no longer fears whether or not you reciprocate his feelings, just relaxed to know that he’s voiced them and ready to prepare for the consequences if need be. 

 There’s so much running through your mind, emotions and feelings that you’ve been harboring that you don’t know how to articulate yourself. Your body feels hot, unable to meet his eyes as you, too, try to find the right words to say.

“If you don’t feel the same way, that’s completely fine.” You see Adam's apple bob as he looks at you, eyes dropping in disappointment despite what he’s said. “I just hope that we can discuss our arrangement with the kids if you feel like I’ve put you in an uncomfortable spot. I just needed you to know that you didn’t do anything wrong and that my anger was displaced.”

“No,” you shake your head. “It’s not that. I…”

You don’t know why it feels hard to say what you’ve been wanting to say for so long. Maybe it’s the fact that it seemed like a silent agreement not to, that now that Nanami is breaking that rule, it’s making it difficult. You want this. You really do, but fear also rushes through your body. Fear of the fact this could all fail and everything goes downhill. How two people that used to love each other so much have to come to hate each other in the next breath. Something has to drive those two people apart and you don’t think it’s likely that the two of you could turn out that way, but you don’t know what the future holds and you don’t want to bring that on your children. Children are more perceptive than they seem. 

“Kento, I feel the same way about you,” you finally confess. “I felt the same way about you all those years ago, you know this. I told you that night we reunited. And this past year, seeing you with the twins and the time we’ve spent together because of it, I don’t know if it sparked them back or made my feelings for you stronger.”

“I want us to try again,” Nanami breathes, body straightening as he grows confidence. That momentary somberness leaving his eyes at your confession before his eyebrows crease at his choice of words. “Er… do things the right way. The way things should’ve been.”

“But what if it doesn’t work out?” That flash of fear returns to bite you in the ass. You don’t want to be pessimistic, but you’re afraid. Afraid of the future and afraid of yourself, that maybe you’ll do something to fuck it all up again. “What if we end up hating each other?”

“I don’t think that could ever happen,” Nanami shakes his head. He doesn’t want to think about it later down the line. Not this time. Not with you. 

“But—”

“Let’s go out on a couple of dates,” Nanami suggests. “We’ll get Geto, Shoko, or our last resort, Gojo to babysit the kids. And we can take it step by step from there. If it feels like we should just keep our current arrangement, we’ll do that, but if there’s something more… we’ll take it from there.”

“You sound so sure everything will work out,” you murmur, your bottom lip jutting out. Nanami finds it cute.

“I’m not,” Nanami reaches for your hand, rubbing in soothing circles. “But, I’m willing to try and make it.”

There’s something therapeutic about getting ready to go out. Getting all dolled up to go somewhere nice, having to put more thought and effort into what you’re going to wear. The ideology of ‘look good, feel good’ being proven when you slip on a simple denim dress. It’s not extravagant or over the top, but it feels nice to put on. Fixing your hair, the long faux locs are pulled back into a loose ponytail, the thick band holding it together bringing it away from your face. You’re wearing light makeup, nothing more than a little foundation, lash extensions, highlighter, and lipgloss to further perk up your mood before you’re reaching for your purse and slipping on some sandals. 

Geto’s taken up your offer on watching over the twins for the day. Currently sitting on the ground as he has an action figure in one hand and a doll in the next as he plays with the twins. The sight makes you smile. Geto’s always had a soft and soothing voice, kind as ever if you don’t upset him. He was rigid upon your return, but you’re happy to be reforging that bond with him. 

You and Nanami agreed on going out during the day, wanting to enjoy the good weather as opposed to when night falls. Nanami wanted to be the gentleman, picking you up instead of meeting each other there. So the knock on the door doesn’t come out as a surprise as Geto wishes you a good time before you’re grabbing your phone and keys to stuff inside your small bag. Opening the door, you smile widely as you take in Nanami's appearance. He’s taken a very simple attire as well, wearing a baby blue collared shirt and jeans with brown loafers adorning his feet. He holds a bouquet of peonies, passing it to you. 

“I thought peonies fit you, but if they’re not your favorite, I’ll get you another one.” The corner of his lips twitch upwards, dusting his hands off when you take the flowers from his grasp. 

“No, they’re fine,” you smile, accepting the bouquet happily. You hurry to find a vase underneath the sink, washing out the glass before filling it with water. Neatly setting them as the centerpiece of your dining table and replacing the other one. Nanami takes a step inside, waiting patiently as he leans against the door frame. When you come back, he holds out his hand. “Are you ready?”

“You’re really bad at this,” he says when his laughter dies down, and you pout. Halfway into the golf course, there are people waiting impatiently behind you as they stare the two of you down. 

“Yes,” you cheese.

“I hate this game,” you frown. You don’t know how Nanami can make it in the hole in five swings maximum, while you’re on your tenth try. It’s an anxiety-inducing feeling, but Nanami’s laughter makes it all the better. You’re glad that at least one of you is enjoying the time. 

“Okay, but you don’t need to point out the obvious!” you whine. “How do you do it? I think I just have bad hand-eye coordination.”

“Here,” Nanami approaches you, pressing his chest into your back. “Let me help you.”

He feels your body tense, large hands meeting yours as he fixes you in the right position. 

“So, you go like this—” You mimic his stance under him, hearing the soft hum of approval as he smiles down at you. “—And you have to plan out the trajectory of the ball. Think about how hard you have to hit it to get it near. Hit it too lightly and it won’t go that far; too hard and you’ll pass the hole; just right and—” Guiding your hand to hit the ball, he watches you watching the ball travel towards the hole, and landing. He adores how your eyes light up as you jump in excitement. “—there.”

“You’re a pro at these first date things, huh?” You wrinkle your nose, staring into those beautiful brown eyes of his. “Had plenty of women to practice on?”

You’re teasing him, he knows, but he can’t help the way he grimaces. Shaking his head, he smiles. “No, I just imagined many first dates with you.”

—

“Do you remember Utahime?” With your legs crossed as you sit next to Nanami on the park bench as you both survey the twins from your seats. With his suit jacket draped over the backrest of the seat, he looks completely relaxed as he has one arm rested around your shoulder. The weather is nice today, warm with a cool breeze running through your body. The two of you have been resting in a comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other’s company.

Subconsciously, your body inches closer to his. He edges you closer, the hand around your shoulders pulling you closer to him before you rest your head against him. Brown eyes peering down at you, Nanami hums. “Yeah, I’ve seen her while I picked up the twins most of the time. Why?”

“She invited us to a little double date this weekend.” And you liked the idea of it. Happy that the woman finally got the opportunity to find a babysitter and give herself a break, you’re all too willing to accept the invite. “I thought it’d be cute, so I said yes, but I said that I’d need to ask you first.”

“I don't have anything going on,” Nanami shrugs. “At least, I don't believe I do.”

“So it's a date?” You confirm, rising from his chest. He smiles with a curt nod, “It's a date.”

The dress code is formal, and it calls for you to pull out one of your nicest gowns from the back of your closet. Utahime had gotten tickets to a ballet recital. Apparently something so prestigious that it was a miracle that she was able to land these tickets. You weren’t one to complain, taking the opportunity and running with it. 

Taking out your long royal blue gown, it still makes your eyes sparkle whenever you pull it out. Placing it over your chest as you stand in front of the mirror, you pull it in front of you wondering if it still fits. You bought it a couple of years ago, a piece you couldn’t leave back in the states and carried it all the way over here to Japan. You purse your lips to the side, gnawing on the insides of your cheek as you hum to yourself. You don’t know why you’re in deep thought. It’s not like you have many options, the rest of your dresses fitting nowhere near the formal that you hope to achieve.

Hanging the dress on the back of the door, you strip yourself of your clothes as you start to get prepared for the evening. The twins were off at Gojo’s, giving you the day off as the white-headed man had no issues lending you the majority of the day to yourself and to get ready. The shower you run yourself is so piping hot that it nearly makes you fall asleep the moment your body hits the bed, snug in your robe and plastic shower cap. When you find the energy to get up, you run through your habitual post-shower routine.

You prop your faux locs into a bun, carefully pinning any stray strands down before doing your makeup and slipping inside of the dress. By the time that you’re finished, you have ample more to accessorize and fix yourself a small snack. The last time you checked your phone, Nanami said he’ll be ready to pick you up in half an hour and you have ten more minutes until he’s supposedly on his way. You quickly check in with Gojo, heels clicking against the tile floor as you switch off your bedroom light and shutting the door behind you. 

Downing a homemade parfait before you hear a knock at your door, you jump. Nanami’s early. You grab your belongings, stuffing them into your purse before resting the bowl in your sink and filling it with water. Rushing to the door, you swing it open. Nanami’s hand rests on top of the door frame, a thin smile at you when he sees you. “Are you ready for the evening, m’lady?”

 “When you ask like that?” you giggle. “I’m ready for anything.”

The ballet was beautiful. You’re no expert or critic. You wouldn’t notice a flaw if there was one, but you were mesmerized throughout and Nanami adored how your eyes sparkled at the sight of it. It was like he was watching you getting transported back into your childhood. Your mouth slowly dropped open, falling into a deathly trance that you were pulled out of when a scene ended and there was that momentary break.

And Utahime was amazed, peering over at the two of you. How stupidly in love the two of you were. He remembers how she and her husband were when they first met and got married. Just like you two. And to see the two of you like that. She thought it was normal for the honeymoon phase to dwindle out, but could the two of you possibly be so infatuated with each other that it comes naturally? 

She’ll admit, her husband is trying more. And she’s also trying to meet him halfway. Together she and him are starting to see eye-to-eye again, rekindling that spark in the flame that was missing. However, she feels like she’s the bystander in the movies when she watches the way Nanami looks at you, and you him. She adores it.

The next destination was at a restaurant, ending the evening together for all four of you to get together and have a proper conversation. The ballet tickets were free, so Utahime felt like a little splurge on food wouldn’t make her feel as much buyer’s remorse. The waiter’s handing them their drinks as the party of four finally gets more comfortable. Utahime’s husband glances over at the two of you, curiosity sparking over him.

“So, Nanami. (Y/N),” he begins. “How long have the two of you been married?”

Nanami was bringing his drink to his lips when the question was asked, pausing as he looked over at you, eyebrows crinkling. Your eyes nearly pop out of your head, nearly forgetting that you led Utahime to believe that you and Nanami were a married couple. You avoid making eye contact with him, but surprisingly, he goes on with the lie. “For about six years now? Right after we graduated college.”

“Oh!” The couple’s eyes widened before they made sense of it. Utahime started to grow more understanding with you, feeling like she should have made that connection earlier. 

“It’s kind of similar to us,” Utahime nods. “We got married close to when we graduated university as well. I found out I was pregnant, and the rest is history. We were planning on getting married anyway, but hoped it happened later than sooner.”

You nodded, going along with her story. “Yeah, it was really the same thing with us. We decided to have a little graduation celebration and ended up having too much fun.”

Utahime’s husband laughs at your insinuation, burly and loud laughter calling for attention from almost the entire restaurant. Utahime’s eyes widened in embarrassment, looking around before nudging at her husband to stop it. It only gives you and Nanami the opportunity to look at each other, holding a silent conversation as the lie worked in your favor seamlessly. 

The night’s pitch dark when Nanami’s parked in front of your home, slipping out of your heels and into the flats you conveniently had stashed in the backseat of your car, you climb out the passenger side as you laugh into the silent night. Nanami shakes his head as he follows suit.

“I can’t believe you let Utahime believe we’re married,” he shakes his head. “You know you’re gonna have to come clean about that at some point, right?”

“Yeah,” you shrug. “But it was right around the time the twins turned five and we really just met. I didn’t want to explain my fuck ups to her then and there. I didn’t know if she was one of those moms that would gossip about me behind my back and next thing you know, the twins are ostracized for it.”

“You watch too much television,” Nanami tuts, but he knows there’s some truth in your words.

“Hey!” you point, opening up your purse and reaching inside for the keys. “It happens! And I don’t want it to happen to our kids. I’ll tell her when the time’s right.”

Entering your home, you flicker on the lights with a deep breath. Silence wraps around the two of you comfortably before you’re turning around to Nanami. “I had lots of fun tonight.”

“Me, too,” he smiles, hands shoved in his pockets. “One of our best dates.”

“Better than watching me fail at mini-golf?”

“Oh, even better.” 

Again does your mind trail off as you pull out a seat around the dining area, Nanami takes the seat right next to you, positioning it right in front of you. Propping your elbow on the table, you hold the weight of your head before glancing over at the blond. “Do you wish we did things differently?”

Before he can answer, you add on. “Like, say if we still slept together and I didn't leave. Would you change the directions in which things went?”

“I—” He takes a deep breath before pausing. He's thought about this himself. Thought about the what ifs, wondering what would have happened if you didn't leave and you had told him he was pregnant. How he would have reacted and what both of your lives would've been. He's thought about whether he confessed to you before that, and courted you the proper way. Would things have played out right? But even those possibilities brought up a bunch of variables and outcomes that he never considered before. Even the current still has a chance of changing and Nanami doesn't know what to do about it, but he does try not to think about it anymore. “Honestly, no. Not anymore.”

“How come?”

“Because there's a possibility that in that lifetime you wouldn't end up in my arms.”

Nanami's lips taste of the chocolate cake the two of you shared at dinner, sweet yet a bite of bitterness surrounding your taste buds. He’s tender with his touches, big hands running down the smooth silk of the dress as he tugs you closer by your waist. From your chair to his, the jump is quick as he swallows your gasp the moment it leaves you. Your legs straddle his waist, your dress hiking dangerously close to your waist as your fingernails dig into top underneath the tuxedo coat. His fingers intertwined with your locs, gently digging into your scalp as he savors the taste of your lips. The shine of your lip gloss dulls, but he still feels the stickiness of it.

You melt into the comforts of him, enjoying the feeling of his warm hands against your body. You hum so softly, the vibrations leaving from your chest and soaring right through him. The only time you both depart is for a quick breath that lasts for barely a second before both of your lips search for each other. He grounds your hips into his before finally, his mouth leaves yours and he’s creating a trail of wet kisses down to the junction of your neck. He pulls cavity-inducing moans from you, making him twitch underneath you. 

A daring hand reaches for the thin zipper of your dress, thick digits that pull it down. Retracting from each other, you stare into his pleading brown eyes with a subtle nod as you let the dress pool down to your waist. Breasts spilling out, Nanami’s smooth hands come to cup one of them. Abruptly standing, the chair underneath him screeches loudly. Holding you in his arms, he finds purchase in your lips again as he makes a path to your bedroom. Stumbling through the open door, he gently drops you down on the bed, his lips never leaving yours as he leans down into you. You feel everything of Nanami, his body pressed against yours, a few stray hairs that fall forward tickling your forehead, his mouth on you, and the bulge pressing into your crotch. 

He reaches for the silky fabric, dragging it down your hips as your nimble fingers reach to pull at the buttons of his shirt. Undoing them, your wandering hands would linger against his chest, dancing dangerously down the smoothness of muscles before you’d unbutton the next. One hand traveling under his shirt, wrapping around his waist as the next dipped to feel the blond tufts of his happy trail before undoing the last button to make it fall completely open. 

He’s got you nearly bare, the only thing left of you is the flimsy laced panties that cover your intoxicating nectar. His erection pressed against it as your long nails reached into the pool of his blond happy trail before touching the hem of his pants. You unbuckle the belt before dragging the zipper down slowly.

Meeting his eyes, you bite down on your bottom lip as your pupils twinkle deviously. Nanami chuckles, pecking you. “You’re such a tease.”

You only giggle before your hands dip to cup the erection, eliciting a groan to fall from his lips. Painted with lust, his groan is dragged out before he’s swatting your playful hand and ridding himself of his pants. He’s dragging down his mouth down your body, soft pecks on your dark nipples, lips flicking at the pebbles before diving deeper. Strong hands that spread your legs apart when his nose pokes at your clit, smelling the arousal between you before feeling it. He lets out a guttural moan before planting a kiss against the pad of your crotch and discarding your panties. It’s thrown down in the corner of your bed, putting your cunt on display for him. The dim light of your bed lamp illuminates the room, giving him enough lighting to see your glistening folds and to see you in all of your naked glory once again. “Beautiful.”

His fingers dip in between your folds, spreading your wetness across and up to your clit, coating the bud in you. You let out a soft mewl, holding your weight with your elbows as your chest rises and falls. Slow blinks as you enjoy this sight of Nanami between your legs. Him pressing against your sensitive bud has your mouth open before you’re gnawing on your bottom lip to contain yourself. 

One thick and long finger at your entrance, dipping inside to explore before his comfort results in a second one. Your high-pitched mewls and whines sound the room as he fucks you languidly with his digits. His head drops to pepper kisses on your clit before he’s wrapping his mouth around the bud. Lapping at it, the taste of you is something he quickly gets addicted to. Humming against you, Nanami bucks his hips into the bed as he feels his erection hardening even more. His length is so needy and desperate for a taste of you, but he restrains himself as he enjoys your body. 

Your mouth falls open, tugging on your sheets as Nanami’s free arm pulls you closer to him. Sucking on your bud, time is forgotten as he feels your hips buck and your walls clamping down on his fingers inside you. Your mouth goes dry, but still you manage to croak out his name. “Kento, ‘m g’nna… g’nna cum.”

He only acknowledges you with a small groan, the grasp he has on your hip tightening as an assurance, letting you know that it’s fine to cum. And when you spill all over his fingers, legs tensing up as your back arches off the bed, he doesn’t let up. Drunk on the feeling of your body, he continues. His name leaves your lips like a mantra. Kento, Kento, Kento as you squirm your way into the next orgasm and the next. 

And your whimpers are soothing and melodic when he arises from between you, sucking off his fingers before his lips attach to yours for a savory kiss. The cotton of his underwear is soaked and stained with his precum, creating a bigger wet patch when he slots his erection in between you, grinding his hips down into your sopping cunt and sucking up the remnants of your release.

Your juices continue to leak as your arms instinctively wrap around Nanami, tugging him close as you both moan into each other. One hand drags down his underwear, pooling to his feet before kicking them off the bed and joining his pants. Cock springing free, his fingers wrap around the base before he’s aligning it with your entrance. Pulling away from you, he looks into your eyes. “Are you on birth control?”

Lustful eyes turning into playful ones, you cock up an eyebrow. “What? Don’t want any more children with me?”

“Oh, I want more with you,” he chuckles. “But we have plenty of other time for babymaking.”

“Yes,” you giggle. “I’m on birth control.”

Nanami enjoys the look on your face when you’re taking his length again. Getting re-accustomed to his length, your mouth falls open as you peer up at him through needy and beautiful eyes. Dipping down, he grabs your bottom lip with his teeth, gently biting down as he pushes the rest of him inside you. He whispers, “Missed this,” through them.

“Missed it, too,” you squeak, arms tightly wrapped around his shoulders as your fingers knot into his hair. He stills inside of you, making you as well as him adjust. He shuts his eyes as he relives that moment of being first burrowed inside you before he’s pulling out completely. Your juices drag a line of arousal, connected to his cock before he’s entering you once more. 

Both of you savor this moment, nice and slow strokes inside of you as he takes his time. With every thrust he always ends up with every inch of him inside, kissing at your g-spot as your legs tense up every time. Limbs wrapped around his waist, your lower body hugs him snug against you as he rocks his hips. 

You feel complete, in every aspect possible. Two children with a man that loves them and— hopefully— you. From pining to self-inflicted fuck ups, the universe had spoken its word into you, reuniting the both of you in this sexual matrimony that has you both intertwining your souls with the other. He can’t seem to get enough of you, and you him. Enveloped in each other’s limbs, when you’re clenching around Nanami’s cock, he knows that you’re close. Himself, too, when he feels that familiar coil in his stomach. “Cum with me, sweetheart?”

And the breathy ‘yes’ you let out drags a moan from him as his hands reach for your hair, fingers touching the thick strands of your locs as he caresses your face. Legs tightening around him as you arch your back, the string holding you together snapping as you feel his length twitch inside of you. Your nails dig into his shoulders, creating red marks as his thrusts become less rhythmic and more sloppy as he fucks you through your orgasm. He enjoys the last squelches from your pussy when he feels your body loosening its tension and your pussy relaxing.

Pulling away from you, he sees where the two of you meet, the base of his cock holding a white ring as your pussy’s messy and leaking. And he needs one more kiss. Just one more kiss from you before he’s saying the words. “I love you.”

And you feel secure in his hold when you kiss him back. “I love you, too,” leaving your lips when he pulls away.

—

“I think it’s time the kids started calling you dad,” you tell Nanami the moment he answers the phone. The thought plaguing your mind as you questioned why you had prolonged it for a little over a year now. There had been slip ups before, where Yuu or Tyla would refer to Nanami as ‘dad’ rather than his respective last name. Nanami always corrected them, doing the hard part for you. Now that you two are together officially, he deserves his rightful title. Something that should’ve been from the moment you found out you were pregnant. 

And you thought the moment you voiced it out, Nanami would be ecstatic. That he would be gleeful that it’s come time that the twins know the truth. Six years old now and coming to learn and understand more, they need to know that their father’s been with them this entire time. However, on the other line, you don’t hear a word. When you do, Nanami sounds more apprehensive than anything. “Y-you do?”

Voice cracking, you become uneasy yourself. Does he need more time? You don’t want to rush him, but you felt like this has been enough. “What? You don’t think so?”

“I do!” He clears his throat, collecting his thoughts as he straightens up. Around his cubicle, he flips over his ‘on break’ sign before standing up to head to a more private and secluded area. Stepping past people as he fixes the phone closer to his ears, he maneuvers himself far away from his coworkers and peers. “It’s just… I guess I got so used to them calling me by my surname that that idea never crossed my mind. It did, but—”

“I understand what you mean.” On your lunch break, you sit down at the small table for two. With your coffee in hand, you flash a small wave in Higuruma’s direction. He gives you a curt nod as he passes. Staying true to his words, the two of you have barely spoken since you let him know that you didn’t want to bring the relationship anywhere further. There were times where hello’s turned into small conversations, but it never went into anything more. “But, are you comfortable with it?”

“Yeah,” he breathes, heart pounding against his chest. This joy that he feels reverberating against his chest as he fidgets with the edges of his suit jacket. “When do you suppose we’d have this discussion with them?”

“Today? This evening?” you squeak, creasing your eyebrows. “I was hoping you’d meet me at my place after I pick them up and discuss it with them. If you have something to do later on this evening and can’t, then that’s fine!”

“No, no,” he shakes his head. “This evening should be fine.”

As said and done, Nanami knocks on your door later that evening. You’ve prepared a small dinner for the four of you, fixing a plate for the twins before preparing something for you and Nananmi. Running to answer the door, your eyes brighten when seeing him, letting him inside. As he greets you, he plants a gentle kiss on your cheek before heading toward the savory aroma of food. 

“I thought we could tell them over dinner,” you say in a low voice. “Like a little family.”

“I like that,” Nanami smiles. 

Joining the three of you, Nanami slips into his seat right as you slide his plate towards him and get yours. Tyla and Yuu are already digging in their food, forgetting about prayers as they hold their children’s chopsticks. Chastising them lightly that they drop it as you all join hands and pray. You both let them enjoy the rest of their food, digging into yours silently before you’re humming in thought. Glancing over at Nanami, you two hold a silent conversation, which he ends with him giving you the go ahead. 

“How do you guys feel about Mr. Nanami?” The question immediately calls for their attention as their mouths are stuffed with food. Chewing as they digest your question and ponder in deep thought. Though, it doesn’t really call for it. When they swallow, their eyes sparkle as they smile.

“I love Mr. Nana,” Yuu grins. “He’s very nice. He plays with me.”

“Me, too!” Tyla grins. “And he gives me my favorite snacks!”

You feel yourself tearing up at that. It makes this all the more easier. 

“So,” you begin. “What if I told you guys something—” You engage them, voice getting low as you peer over at Nanami. He chuckles at your antics as your eyes widen before you’re looking away. “— Something very… very… I’m just going to tell you something.”

Taking in a deep breath, you fix your posture before looking at Nanami. Scooching your chair closer to him, you take his hand. Intertwining your fingers with his, the soft gesture speaks volumes. “A very long time ago, before you two were born, Nanami and I were very close friends. Very, very close friends, right?”

They nod their heads as they follow along. “And one night, me and Nanami kissed—” Very dramatically do you gasp before Yuu and Tyla are gagging and saying ‘ew.’ “— But before mommy and Mr. Nanami became boyfriend and girlfriend, mommy had to leave. Do you guys remember grandma and how grandma was very sick?”

“Yeah,” Yuu nods. “And how Grandma is in Heaven now?”

“Yes,” you hum. “So, mommy moved back to the United States to take care of grandma. But, mommy didn’t tell her friends that she was leaving. Mommy didn’t do the right thing. So when mommy— so when I left, I found out I was pregnant with you guys.”

The twins followed along, slowly grasping what you were trying to tell them. However, you can tell that they were just trying to understand the bigger picture. With a deep breath, you look over at Nanami once more for reassurance. “So, Mr. Nanami is actually your daddy.”

“Yes,” Nanami whispers slowly. “And if you guys want, you can call me ‘dad.’”

Nanami did the honors of tucking the kids into bed while you lounged on the couch, replaying the events of the night. The kids were really receptive and accepting of the circumstances, easily accepting Nanami as their dad and pointing out that they caught the two of you kissing. You don’t know how a pair of six year olds managed to make you feel embarrassed for loving your boyfriend. With a glass of red wine sloshing away in your hand, the creak of the bedroom door before feet pattering against the tile calls your attention. You down the remains of the glass before twisting your body to view the handsome blond. Eyes lighting up as Nanami joins you on the couch, you immediately plop your head against his chest. 

“That went better than expected,” Nanami chuckles. “You did better than I would have. I would’ve just ended up telling them that I was their father.”

“I think that would have worked as well though,” you peer up at him. “They love you as a father before they even knew you were theirs.”

“You’re probably right,” Nanami sighs before reaching for the remote, turning on the television. The blue light shines against your bodies as you make yourself even more comfortable against Nanami. He shuffles himself, arms wrapping around you and pulling you snug against him. Feeling safe and secure in each other’s hold, your body feels like it’s lost all tension as you melt in his hold. Eyes shutting, you feel your family finally forming. Just as it should’ve been.

( ˶˘ ³˘(⋆❛ ہ ❛⋆)!♡

TWO YEARS LATER

Pushing your body up as Tyla and Yuu run towards the vast body of water, sand coats your legs and sticks to your skin. Nanami has to hold himself from pulling you back into his arms, stopping you from chasing after the twins. They’ve grown significantly within the two years, standing taller than most of their classmates. They have a bright future ahead of them as Tyla’s taken an interest in gymnastics and Yuu wants to learn the piano. Having dabbled a little in the instrument, Nanami’s teaching him as much of the basics that he can remember, and have enrolled Tyla in a gymnastics class.

He’s missed a lot of their earlier years, not getting to experience the moments they took their first steps, when they started eating solid foods, and them saying their first words. He wasn’t there to help you mourn the loss of your mother, and to help you get through those trying times. He wasn’t there for a lot of things, but he’s grateful to be here now and that you’ve allowed him back in your life again. He’s grateful that the two of you got a second chance to make things right, to do things right. 

Watching you stand tall, he admires the view. Beautiful brown skin that glows under the sun as it shines from the layers of sunscreen you’ve rubbed onto your body with his assistance. Running down to the shore after the kids, you reach for both of their hands as the waves come in roughly. Pushing himself to sit up, he rummages through his beach bag, reaching for the small item before pushing himself up to stand. He watches for a moment before following after you. He runs his thumb over the smooth and velvety exterior of the box, holding it behind his back. 

Feet digging into the wet sand, shells prickling softly at the rough exterior of your feet, there’s a smile on your face. This beach— the very beach you remember Nanami taking you to when you found out your mother was diagnosed with cancer. It doesn’t make you as somber as it used to, the breath you release being one of happiness more than anything. 

Inching deeper into the water before the water kisses just below your knees. Tyla and Yuu are squealing loudly, the cold water making them splash it everywhere. You flinch when they touch you unexpectedly, giggling along with them as you all adjust to the cold temperatures. It's needed though, it's such a hot day out today.

You can feel his presence, the tall shadow that looms over you before it disappears. And with an exasperated breath, you try beckoning Nanami to join you three. “Nanami, come! The water feels so refreshing!”

But he never joins your side, not saying a word. Knitting your eyebrows, you stop. Holding onto the twins’ hands, you twist around to call forth Nanami only to stop in your tracks. Your heart stops as you stare down at the man on his knees. “Oh my gosh! Kento…”

“(Y/N),” his deep voice rasps. “I've rehearsed this in my mind, on paper, and… to Gojo, admittedly. And yet, I don't know where to start now that I'm here in this position.

“I’ve had my eyes on you since we were first years in university. I've thought about every significant milestone we'd share together. From our first date to proposing and to having kids. I had everything planned out, but that's not what life had planned out for us. We’ve done things backwards, but I'm happy that together we're going forwards. And I want to keep going forward with you, if you'll allow me to. “So, (Y/N), I ask…”

From the very few visitors that are in close vicinity, they watch the heartfelt moment. They watch as your eyes start to water and the twins tug on you. Hands brought to your face, you have to stop yourself from rubbing at your eyes. Your breath has been taken away when he opens the box. A glimmering gold band warped prettily with the sparkle of your birthstone right in the center. It’s absolutely gorgeous. 

“Will you marry me?”

THE END.

CREDITS. thank you so much to user @todorosie for taking the time to beta read this fic for me. it means a lot that you read this hunk of a thing and helped me edit.

Nanami gets a kick out of how innocent and pure you are in front of others. Around friends, family, coworkers, strangers, you’re still that shy, timid girl he fell in love with all those years ago. Always smiling with kindness twinkling in your eyes. Perfectly sweet to just about everyone you meet. You’re beloved by everyone in your life and in his. A true angel in disguise gracing this mundane world of his. 

When it’s just the two of you, though, you turn into a completely different person: a fiend hellbent on making him lose his goddamn mind.

Tonight, you're locked in your bedroom, fucking each other silly. Well, it’s more like you're fucking him. You straddle his lap, riding his cock, already so sensitive from his first orgasm. His creampie leaks out from your pussy, making a mess between you, but you don’t care. He’s twitching from overstimulation, moaning your name as you bounce faster on his dick, pumping another load out of him. He’s spent beyond belief, but he knows better than to deny you of your fill. No matter how much he whines about how sensitive he is, he wants this. He needs this. 

Limbs wobbly from exhaustion, he kneels behind you, watching with half-lidded eyes as you position yourself on your hands and knees, teasing his wet cock between your ass cheeks. He stares at your pussy, drooling with his cum, already eager to be back inside you. He lets you do all the work, be in control, use him as your own personal sex toy until you’re satisfied. And that doesn’t happen until you throw your ass back and forth on his dick, filling yourself up with his third creampie of the night, the sheets beneath you ruined with sweat, spit, and slick. 

To Nanami, there’s nothing better than being fucked stupid by you, his gorgeous, perfect wife. 

dearest followers i regret to inform you that thinking with my cunt has once again led me perilously and irretrievably deep into a vast system of underground tunnels

i just think its healthy to have one punching bag character. the anti blorbo. i know so much abt them and their story and understand them better than anyone but i do not wanna see them succeed. i wanna be the one that dangles them over a shark tank

i have these like ocs in my head and a rly weird story (that wld just give me an excuse to write things) but i just don't wanna make the plot make sense bc i cannot explain robots and cowgirls on spaceships powered by dance i just like it bc it's so silly

BEST FRIENDS & BAD IDEAS

♡ — jean kirstein x f!reader

Big aspirations and even bigger dildos—in which a poorly thought out plan makes it incredibly hard to act like your feelings for Jean Kirstein are platonic. Not when they’re anything but. And especially not when you’re half naked in his lap.

18+ ONLY

wc — 2.7k

prompt — cockwarming, creampie

additional content — NSFW, 18+, best friends to lovers speed run, dildo use, implied masturbation, unprotected p in v, praise kink, jean kirstein’s big dick

╰┈➤ kinktober masterlist

“If you keep doing that, I’m gonna come,” Jean growls, and his low, rough tone sends you off-kilter, shoving you headfirst over the precarious edge you’ve been foolishly dangling from.

In retrospect, perhaps this wasn’t the best idea.

–

In the long list of questionable decisions you’ve made today, one of the first catalysts guaranteeing inevitable disaster was your lack of foresight to lock your bedroom door before stripping off your shorts and underwear and preparing to lower yourself down onto the ridiculously large dildo that had been delivered in an even more comically large Amazon box this morning. 

Your best friend of many years and college roommate, Jean Kirstein, came home just as your makeshift “stand”—you’d hastily attached the suction cup at the base of the dildo to the last clean plate in the cabinet for lack of a better surface—went flying across the rug, ripping the few inches you’d manage to ease down onto right out of your lube-slick channel. You’d hit the floor with a thud, growling in frustration. This, understandably, had the unfortunate effect of attracting the concern of said roommate, who swiftly burst into your room as if you were in the middle of being robbed. 

The concern quickly morphed into hysterics as he spotted the giant purple dildo wiggling uselessly a few feet away from where you were lying on your stomach, punching the carpet and yelling at him to get out with as much dignity as you could muster.

“That’s my shirt,” he commented dryly, ignoring your pleas for him to forget everything he had just seen. 

“Well it was in my drawer,” you spat back, trying to push the dildo-plate behind you, although the damage was already done.

Jean leaned against the doorframe, folding his arms. “I have so many questions.”

“Our business hours are between 8 and 5, so you’ll have to call back tomorrow. Sorry,” you said with a dismissive wave, subtly kicking the plate and dildo beneath the bed. 

The suction cup chose that moment to pop off, and all ten inches came rolling back into view right where a bar of sunlight was stretching across the floor from the window. It would have almost looked artsy. 

If it weren’t a fucking dildo.

“I thought you ordered a lamp,” he observed mildly, motioning to the huge cardboard box you’d yet to take out to the recycling bin. 

“I’m gonna order you a fleshlight if you don’t shut up,” you grumbled, shoving on a pair of sweatpants.

Jean crinkled his nose, running a hand through his hair. “That thing’s so big, the landlord might start charging us for three tenants if he sees it. Is this a cry for help?”

“I’m trying to prepare myself for seducing Eren at the party Saturday night,” you whisper-yelled, as if anyone else was going to overhear you in your otherwise empty apartment. 

“Jaeger?!” he barked out with a disbelieving laugh. 

“Everyone says he’s huge. I don’t want it to be a disaster.”

“He’s not that fucking big!” he exclaimed incredulously. 

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “Can you like, go be somewhere tonight? Go get so high with Conny you forget you saw anything? I’m gonna go try in the bathroom instead.”

“You’re kicking me out of my own apartment so you can shove a giant, sparkly purple dildo inside of yourself imagining it’s Jaeger’s dork ass?”

“I love it when you talk dirty to me, Jean.”

He groaned. “The bathroom sounds like an even worse idea. You’ll slip, hit your head on something, blood will go everywhere, and we’ll lose the security deposit.”

“Or my plan will work, I’ll get laid this weekend, and you can stop complaining about how grumpy I’ve been lately,” you reasoned matter-of-factly. 

Jean’s hand came to rest on your shoulder as you attempted to push past him to leave the room, aforementioned dildo jiggling menacingly in your hand. “You’re gonna hurt yourself,” he said a little more softly, raising a brow as he cast another look at the offending object.

“I have lube!” you shot back defensively.

Jean glanced up at the ceiling, muttering something about regret under his breath before exhaling, “Let me help you.”

–

In all the years that you’ve known Jean, you’ve done an excellent job at keeping your little crush on him your best kept secret. A secret kept under the most formidable lock and key, buried deep in the depths of your psyche. Tucked away in the very back of a dusty, old cabinet like an expired can of corn. 

Objectively, you know Jean’s handsome. You’re well aware. 

With his intense, hazel eyes—ones that see everything. 

His tall, solid form. 

His sinfully curved, pink lips (and his habit of idly sliding his tongue along the bottom one). 

His long, dexterous fingers—a dangerous thought. 

That fucking mullet he let grow in, which shouldn’t be nearly as sexy as it is when he rolls right out of bed and leaves his room looking like a pillow-rumpled supermodel. 

He’s hot, okay?

And sure, you’ve drunkenly kissed at a few parties over the years. Jean’s seen your ass more times than you can count. Definitely your boobs that time he ran into the bathroom to puke while you were showering. Sometimes he has a habit of putting his head on your lap when you’re both on the couch, nudging you till you card your hands through his soft brown hair like a damn dog. 

But it’s always been platonic. 

Friendly. 

Two people who are just very, very comfortable with one another. Comfortable in knowing that neither intends to ruin their stable, solid friendship by carelessly sprinkling feelings into the mix. 

Comfortably going so far as to share the sordid details of your sex lives (or lack thereof, lately) while leaning against the kitchen counter eating take out food without batting an eye—though you’d be lying if you said you didn’t try to one up him sometimes when you feel that familiar, unwelcome twinge of jealousy yawning awake inside of you.

But this?

This is asking too much of your restraint to keep your heart walled off and your mouth clamped shut. In your defense, it was already left in pitiful tatters after grinning-and-bearing it throughout the seven-month-long nightmare that was Jean dating fucking Pieck. 

—

The next phase of your slew of terrible ideas today began with Jean sitting at the head of your bed, back against the wall, holding the dildo between his legs. Like your own personal fucking dildo holder. Grinning like this wasn’t the single most awkward thing the two of you have ever done (save for the time you both fell asleep with your head in his lap on the couch and woke up to his accidental boner poking you in the ear—neither of you ever mentioned that again). 

And it would have been totally fine if it worked out like you imagined in your head the moment he pitched it—you sinking down onto the silicone schlong a few times, stuffing in as much as you could while he held it still. Then letting him carry on with his day while you lay there in bed for a little while with it lodged inside of you, getting yourself used to the stretch. Totally fine. 

The reality of the situation was far different, entailing a sticky, slippery mess of lube coating of your hands and a dildo that bent and flopped in every direction as you tried to carefully impale yourself on it while maintaining some sense of dignity. 

You had given up fairly quickly, butting your head against Jean’s collarbone and sighing as you asked if he thought Eren would go slow. 

He was quiet for a moment. 

“…do you trust me?” Jean had asked carefully, like his next suggestion wasn’t going to send you spiraling.

Like “Just sit on my dick, as a friend!” wasn’t the most fucking confusing statement your heart, brain, and vagina had ever heard.

–

Which is how you find yourself in your current predicament, straddling Jean Kirstein’s lap with far more inches of him than you’d realized he’d been keeping tucked away buried to the hilt in the velvety heat between your thighs. Raw, skin-to-fucking-skin, because you’re both in a miserable dry spell with not a single condom to be found between the two of you. And somehow the combination of “known you for half of my life” and “just got tested” and “IUD” sounded better than one of you being tasked with trudging to the pharmacy.

Or, god fucking forbid, going down one floor to ask Conny for one.

Nope. 

You have three days to prepare yourself for whatever may come with Eren, so sitting on your best friend’s intimidatingly large dick sans condom the least of your worries. Even if it feels so incredible you’re literally silently choking on the moan threatening to spill past your lips. 

Even if you fucking swear you heard his breath hitch when the thick head of his cock began to slip past your entrance, stretching you open wide as he breached your damp channel. 

Even if he hardly had to touch himself to get hard for this. 

Even if his gaze darkened when you choked out, “Jean, your dick is huge.”

This was a terrible idea. 

“If you keep doing that, I’m gonna come.”

“Doing what?!” you ask, exasperated.

He rests his hands on your waist, “Doing this,” and squeezes firmly, “on my dick.”

“This isn’t even sex,” you tell him, ignoring the way the close proximity of his hazel eyes sets a flurry of emotion stuttering in your chest. “It’s like, cockwarming at best. You can’t come from cockwarming if you’re not even turned on.”

Jean raises an eyebrow. “Do you even know how tight you are?”

“That’s obviously why I was worried about Ere—”

“It’s like this,” he cuts you off, wrapping a hand around your throat. It’s a loose hold, only meant to prove a snarky point, but a spark of arousal seeps through your body anyway at the mere suggestion. His eyes widen a fraction at the traitorous way your walls clamp down on him even harder in response. “What, you into being choked?”

“I’m into a lot of things, Jeanie,” you tell him haughtily, trying to ignore the heat blistering beneath your skin.

“Like dumb idiots named Eren Jaeger?” he counters, making to grab for the tongue you’re currently sticking out at him. 

If you didn’t know better, you’d almost think Jean sounds like he’s jealous. 

Which he definitely isn’t. 

But you poke the bear anyway. 

“What, are you jealous?”

He shifts slightly, and you bite your lip to stifle the moan as your cunt spasms around the pressure from his cock. 

If he notices, he doesn’t mention it. Instead, his brow furrows as the corners of his mouth tilt downward slightly. “I just think you deserve better.”

You tug on his earlobe, letting out a weak laugh in an attempt to dispel the sticky, messy feeling of hope trying desperately to cling to the arousal stirring in your gut. “Says the guy who’s currently fucking me.”

Jean scoffs and deadpans, “I thought this wasn’t sex.”

Who are you kidding? Certainly not the tension coiling ruthlessly in your abdomen. 

You move a little, trying and failing to relieve the sensation of hot wax dripping down your spine. Instead, you let out a tiny, strangled noise when your throbbing clit presses down against his pelvis, the resulting flood of pleasure setting every nerve ending in your body on fire.

The way he growls out your name through gritted teeth is a warning, but his low tone only serves to stoke the flames licking their way up between your thighs. 

You move again, inhaling sharply through your nose.

“Fuck,” he groans quietly, head hitting the wall behind him with a resounding thud. 

You’re not sure if he does it on purpose, but his hands find their way back to your hips, calloused fingertips pressing directly against your skin as he slides them up beneath your shirt. His shirt. 

The next time you rock against him, his grip on you tightens. And then, you feel it—he tugs you forward. 

You lean further into him, without really meaning to, forehead coming to rest against his. “What are we…”

“Just keep going,” he murmurs. 

He shifts again, sinking down lower so his back is pressed against the mattress, and you realize the angle gives you more purchase to grind down against him when he pulls at your waist, thumbs lazily skimming your hip bones. 

“Jean…” you whisper, not really sure what else you intend to say. 

“I want you to feel good,” he says softly, pushing his hips against you, even though he’s snugly bottomed out. 

It feels so fucking good—

—laying atop Jean while he stares back up at you, pupils clearly dilated in arousal—

—watching his eyes fall shut as you run a hand along the stubble on his jaw—

—knowing he’s well aware the slickness between your legs is no longer from the lube, your cunt gushing with arousal at the feeling of being stuffed deep with his thick cock. 

So you tell yourself you’ll figure the rest out later when you start to shamelessly grind down against him. 

“You don’t have to be quiet for me,” Jean teases when you cough to cover up a gasp.

Your answering moan is nearly a whimper, and Jean’s muscles tense beneath you as he continues to guide your hips. He doesn’t try to pull his cock out from where it’s lodged inside of you, doesn’t start thrusting and fucking up into you. He just lets you chase the clitoral stimulation you so desperately need while you’re cockwarming him, groaning along with you at each needy drag. 

“Good girl, that’s it.”

This is far more intimate than you bargained for, the gentle slide of his hands up your back scraping your heart out bit-by-bit. 

“Holy shit, you don’t know how close I am to coming right now,” he moans in a gravelly, unsteady tone. 

All you can do is whimper his name when the rubber band suddenly snaps in response, your body trembling as a wave of white-hot pleasure crashes over you. 

And then Jean’s hands are cupping your face, his lips crashing into yours. He kisses you fiercely as you whine and shudder through your orgasm, moaning into your mouth as you card your fingers through his hair. You can feel his cock throb inside of you, pulsing with need as your tight cunt spasms and contracts, relentlessly squeezing his shaft while you soak him with your release. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” he’s groaning, both of you too drunk on pleasure to move when he suddenly climaxes, cock pumping thick, hot ropes of cum deep in your pussy. 

Chests heaving, Jean slowly sits up, forehead falling against your shoulder as he wraps his arms around your waist. 

After a few minutes of silence, he finally murmurs, “Don’t fuck Jaeger.”

You tilt his head upward, finger resting just below his chin, skimming the stubble that’s there. Too many emotions are swimming in his hazel eyes, more than you can identify—save for one that you recognize with a jolt of clarity. It’s the way you look at him, when he’s not paying attention.

Longing. 

Desire. 

Soft, gentle, unfiltered affection. 

This time, you’re the one to close the distance between your mouths, brushing your lips against his. 

“Who?” you ask, smiling into the kiss. 

Jean chuckles, the sound like warm honey, and he deepens the kiss, one hand sliding to the back of your head. Though you remain seated on his softening length, cum begins to seep from your slick heat, pooling on his balls and abdomen. 

He goes to move, but you don’t budge. “You wanna get cleaned up?”

You shake your head, the corner of your mouth tilting upward with a smirk. “I’m comfortable.”

Jean bites his lower lip, huffing, “My cum’s dripping all over, and I’m two seconds from getting hard again if you keep squeezing down on me like that.”

Feigning a look of innocence, you flex the muscles in your tight, soaked channel one more time for good measure. He chokes, and you grin. 

“Good.”

— likes, comments, &/or reblogs are greatly appreciated!

TENNESSEE WHISKEY ☆ reiner braun.

☆. warnings — drabble, fluff, drinking, country music, reiner’s lovesick, readers infatuated, slow dancing, making out, going back to reiner’s after to bang. this is nothing special just a random thought.

listening to tennessee whiskey got me thinking about construction worker!reiner who spends this weekend attending a friends concert at the infamous devil’s tavern. he’s got on a white tshirt, light blue washed jeans that are a bit raggedy from being years old. and rugged brown leather boots adorned on his big feet. blonde hair messy from running his hands through it from anxiety. this is their first getup and he could feel his palms sweating. he knew how excited they were for this gig, they’ve been talking about it all week at work on the site they were fixing up. reiner’s sitting at the bar, sipping on a glass of whiskey and bopping his head slowly to the music playing from the other band on stage at the moment.

“what’s got you all sweatin’?” a soft voice pulls him from his thoughts, turning to his left to see a pretty young girl sitting on the stool beside him. glowing brown skin, auburn curly hair that grazed her collarbones, and warm, cat-eye shaped brown eyes. he feels the wind knock out of his lungs, throat going dry. you’re wearing a red and black checkered button down that’s tied to your front above your belly button and it’s butterfly piercing. so much skin exposed he feels naughty just glancing. black shorts hugging your thighs, and a pair of beat up converses. you have a few strands of hair tucked behind both sides of your ears where an array of piercings lay.

you raise a brow at the man’s lingering eyes. “you deaf or sum?”

your smile is pretty, like the moon shining in the sky above the old ranch his father has. reiner clears his throat. “sorry, jus’ got distracted.”

“i’m pretty, aren’t i?” your entire face raises as you smile and coo at him. reiner’s eyes nearly abandon his sockets.

“yeah, i-i guess,” he’s holding onto his glass dripping condensation with both hands, swallowing it from how big his veiny hands were. “change the subject, ma’am.”

“oo, manners. but you never answered my question, hun.” your elbows are leaning against the wood of the bar line, kicking at the ground softly, inching your face closer to his room hear him better. he swears he’s gonna pass out. he’s never met a woman so beautiful like you in his lifetime. the man’s only thirty-two but still.

hazel eyes meet yours as the pink on his soft lips part to speak. he smells nice, you think. looks even nicer. “my friends are playing tonight. they should be on in a few minutes. it’s their first gig.”

“mmm, are they any good?” you take a swig of your beer. he almost looks bewildered when you ask that. you shrug innocently, “what? is that wrong of me to ask?”

“they’re fuckin’ astounding,” reiner corrects you, sounding like a fanboy who’s diehard for his favorite band. think he’s a little tipsy. he hears how he comes off, and the scoff leaving you and immediately goes to apologize. “sorry, sorry. that was rude. i meant that they’re. . . good.”

“nah, you said astounding. stick to that,” you laugh, tilting your head to the side. “i like you. you seem very protective of your friends and their passion.”

then it’s his turn to laugh. “thanks. they’ve been up my ass about showing up tonight so i made a promise that i would. i’ve been in a little drought lately.”

“how come?”

reiner goes silent, staring off into space. the sudden announcement of his friends’ band causes the big, beefy man to sit up straight, a wide smile on his face. his eyes lit up like he’s just won a million dollars, shocking overtaking you as he yells ‘c’mon” over the loud music, grabbing your hand gently and pulling you with him to push past the crowd and make it to the front row. this man you met only a few minutes ago having your heart in the palm of his hand that still interlocked with yours. you felt small under his touch, safe, protected. it’s like going to a concert with a first date. adoring as he jammed out to the mellow, country music, switching to indie tunes. the bands versatility fitting your music taste well.

reiner felt like he was in a dream. squeezing a pretty girls hand as he jams out to his favorite music. feeling free, feeling happy. it’s been a while since he’s felt happy. his friends performed five songs, the last two being covers to famous artists. one of them being tennessee whiskey by chris stapleton. he took this opportunity to dance with you, slow dancing to the tune and smiling into each other’s faces. kissing not long after. your full lips gliding with his own delicately, tasting the strawberry chapstick in your lips. moaning into his mouth and pulling him closer, if that was remotely possible. as the crowd cheered around you two, empty in your heads, you continue to kiss. reiner applauding for his friends mentally. they’re watching with glee for their friend, going to mention it later on.

not long after were you making out against the fluffy sheets of his comforter, wrapping your legs around his waist as you hug him close to you. reiner kissing your neck while making love to you under that same moonlight he saw in your smile.

© 𝖍𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖆𝖛𝖎𝖑𝖊. please do not repost, steal, or modify my work simply because it is mine. stealing isn't cute. i'll ruin your life ♡

༊*·˚ warnings: blood & small cuts!

8:47 PM and nanami arrives with a busted lip, bleeding nose and small cuts all over his face. i’m okay, he says as you cup his face in your hands, softly grazing the cuts and passing your thumb by his bottom lip to clean up some of the blood. you don’t have to worry about me, he smiles and leans into your touch, laughs as you ignore his request and murmur something about the first aid kit you keep in the bathroom.

8:52 PM and you’re in between nanami’s legs, brows furrowed in concentration as you dab a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol onto his little cuts, immediately placing a flowery band aid over it. sorry if it hurts, you say with a smile, kissing the tip of his now cleaned up nose. he hums, places his large calloused hands on your the sides of your hips and lets you bandage him up, lets you press feather light kisses to all of his little injuries because he secretly loves it.

9:03 PM and you’re in the bath, styling nanami’s blond hair into funky hairstyles with bubbles. you’re laughing because it’s a sweet moment, he’s smiling because he loves seeing you happy over something so trivial.

9:22 PM and you’ve moved from the bathroom to the kitchen, wearing nothing but a towel. nanami is in the same state — sage green towel hanging loosely from his hips, hair semi wet and covering his eyes slightly. he’s flipping a pancake (breakfast for late dinner) while humming to a song he heard on the radio in the morning. you end up close to him — somehow, in some way, you always do. and that always makes him smile because he’s so in love — and he turns to face you, leaning down to plant a soft kiss to your lips, one that is gentle yet passionate, one that leads to him wrapping his arms around your waist, that makes the pancake get burnt.

9:49 PM and you’re sitting out on the balcony because the breeze is warm and your plants need company, sweet words and a few kisses — and of course, you and nanami are ready to give those things to them because they’re your water devouring babies. so, you sit out and eat the pancakes that didn’t burn as nanami tells you and the plants about his days and the bothersome curse he had to deal with.

10:08 PM and you’re snuggled into nanami’s side, drifting off to sleep as he tells you a story about fairies and whatever comes to mind. his voice is sleepy, carries tiredness and so you murmur something about him going to sleep as well. and he smiles, turns and brings you toward his chest — i love you, he breathes out, i hadn’t told you that, hm? he squeezes you against him and kisses the top of your head, heart beating a steady rhythm against your ear. i love you, i love you, i love you.

thinking about desperately riding nanami kento. first few buttons of his blue shirt are undone and his tie is loose around his neck. and you’re tugging on the damn thing, pulling him in closer for a kiss, mumbling something about how ugly his tie is. and he laughs, deep and breathless, as he gives your ass a squeeze. he makes you ride him harder, tells you that the two of you can go shopping first thing tomorrow morning

Reiner is so whiny when having sex. I mean the man barely has the tip in and he's whimpering about how warm your insides are. Reiner whines every time he thrusts into you, his bottom lip in between his teeth, struggling to not cum so soon. "b-baby, wait fuck. just n-need to feel you more."

Ride, Cowgirl.

pairing: dbf!southern!frank castle x afab!reader

summary: neither of you can keep last night off your mind, needing more Frank finds comfort in your room.

warnings: age gap (reader is 22, frank is 52), use of pet names, dirty dirty thoughts!!!, mention of a divorced dad?, fingering, sex!!, praise kink asf, oral (f receiving), soft frank, reader calls him frankie accidentally, frank making noise in bed, riding like a cowgirl!!, bearded frank <3, no mentions of y/n, no descriptions of reader, not proofread

word count: 3514 words

author’s note: I’m in love with darlin’ and frank, they are simply the lomls currently. anyway, the end gives the perfect set up for a third part if it is desired!! In the meantime, it’s 1;30 am for me and I need sleep!! please enjoy &lt;3

read the first part cowgirl ! and the next part cowboy hats !

Boyfriend by COIN played on the speaker your dad, conveniently, left outside as you laid on one of the pool loungers.  Thoughts of Frank consuming your mind, thoughts of his hands and his voice and the way he smelled and how he looked pain that he couldn’t fuck you in the backseat of his truck. Your fingers finding themselves rubbing the side of your neck, the very spot Frank had found comfort. 

“So how did last night go?” Tiff asked, hanging over the side of the pool to look at you. Your heart raced, did she find out? How would she? Did you accidentally call her when you were panting his name like it was the only word you knew? The way you froze as she asked a simple question, immediately made her suspicious of you.

“Huh?” You asked, in hopes of getting her to elaborate just a bit so you could come up with the lie of your life. Or maybe, you should confide in her. She is your girl for life, it’s not like she’s gonna judge you for doing it. If anything, she’d praise you and beg for details.

“After I left? How did the rest of the night go? Your dad doesn’t have the most interesting friends on the planet. All they talk about is work and their lack of wives.” She rolled her eyes, laying her head on her hands and kicking her legs in the water. 

“Actually…” You smiled, bringing your knees up to your chest to hide behind them as the blush spread across your body.

“Oh. My. God. Hold on!” She rushed to climb out of the pool, dripping water all over you as she sat on the opposite end of the lounger. If gossiping was a team sport, the two of you would have ten gold medals, if anyone asked you weren’t necessarily talking shit but simply saying how you felt about people.

“So, after you left, Frank and I went to the gas station and I asked if he had been with anyone younger. I don’t know what got into me, Tiff! He just looked so…godly. I wanted to jump his bones the second I came downstairs from changing.” You covered your face with your hands and groaned, the blush was probably becoming permanent at this point. You were going to be bright red for the rest of your life.

“Your dad’s best friend?! Holy shit dude. C’mon spill!” She laughed, prying the hands off your face and sitting expectantly. You were beyond grateful for the fact she wasn’t judging you and was actually interested. Maybe that was a bad thing, you didn’t care.

“Anyway, he said ‘Not yet’ and I was in shock or something! So, I reached over and kinda did a weird caress thing to his beard. I was flyin’ by the seat of my swimsuit, I’ve never been with a man who has any sort of facial hair. But he kissed me, and I mean like Really kissed me.i’ve never been kissed like that before, Tiff. Mind blowing.” Unbeknownst to you, the very man you were speaking about had walked out the back door and could hear the whole conversation. His chest swelled with pride, in some fucked up way he was glad no one had ever kissed you like that. It meant there was a lot more he could do way better than any of the other people you’d been with, and he’d be damned if he didn’t ruin you for any other man out there.

“Your dad is about to come out here, suggest you find somethin’ else to talk ‘bout.” He hollered at the two of you, your head whipping around so fast it was a miracle you didn’t give yourself whiplash, chuckling at the way your eyes widened when you realized he had heard you talking about him. “Quit speakin’ so damn loud anyway, sure the whole neighborhood heard.”

Frank didn’t truly mean what he said, he would love to listen to you retell the story of your escapades, what he didn’t want was your father to hear and put two and two together. He didn’t need to get into some shitty mess with the one constant in his life, he owed more to your dad than he cared to admit and ruining that friendship would send Frank to an early grave. That in no way meant he regretted what he did last night, and everything else he planned to do. He simply wanted to go about all this in a way that wouldn’t cost him his friendship but still gives him his girl, gives him you. He prayed for the first time last night, and he really truly prayed, for a situation where it all works out and he’s not back to square one. With nobody. Again. 

“Thanks for the warning, Mr. Castle.” Tiff shouted back, a smug smile playing on her face, giving him a small wave. She nudged your shoulders, giggling at the whole situation. All you wanted to do was shrink and disappear, you couldn’t be more embarrassed. You felt small and helpless, your best friend thought it was hilarious. God if you can hear me, please kill me.

You spent the whole morning thinking about him and the consequence of what you did, how would your next interaction go? Would it be weird? Would he pretend it never happened, that he wasn’t dying to have you right then and there. Yet, here you were no true interaction but you were the one cowering away from it. You were the one trying to pretend like it didn’t happen, when truthfully you wanted to shout it from the rooftops and let everyone know who had given you the best orgasm of your life.

“I’m going to shrink to the size of ant and drown myself in the fuckin’ pool, Tiff. I swear to god.” You slouched as far down in the lounger as you could, squeezing your eyes closed in some desperate attempt to make it all disappear. “Of course he would be here right now.”

“Ants don’t have lungs, they can’t technically drown. Besides, it’s not like he came out here and murdered you, all he did was tell you to be quieter. He also made no indication or mention of last night, so stop lettin’ that pretty head of yours go wild.” Tiff rubbed her hand soothing up and down your arm, she knew better than anyone the way your mind would take someone breathing at you and interpret it as they hate you and want you dead. That’s why she worked so well with you, the sane and grounded to your wild and anxious. 

“I don’t think it would matter even if he did, the principle of it all is what’s causing my worries. Do you think worry dolls are still a thing? I could most definitely use one right now.” A groan once again left your mouth, your eyes opening and searching for the older man who was carrying planks of wood across your backyard. Your father walked out of the house, giving you and Tiff a wave before hollering at Frank about whatever they were building.

The whispers and giggles coming from the two of you were intriguing Frank, he wanted to know exactly what you were telling her and what you were intentionally leaving out. He wanted to know if you were even talking about him, or if she was telling you the real reason that I just left abruptly last night. Because he knew, he wouldn’t say anything to you about it unless you brought it up first, but he knew. The work in front of him was becoming increasingly less interesting, he was so close to telling your dad to throw in the towel and call it a day. He didn’t even know what he was building anymore, he truthfully didn’t care but your dad did. That was enough for him to keep going.

“Those two have been out all day, shockin’ they’re not burnt or nothin’.” Your dad commented, planting his shovel in the ground and leaning against it. He smiled your way, not that you noticed as you were preoccupied with Tiff. You were his pride and joy, his baby. He’d murder anyone for you, it was a part of the reason you never brought anyone home. 

“‘M not shocked. Last summer, I’m not sure either one of em spent any more than twenty minutes inside. Make sure she- they wear sunscreen, don’t need em getting skin cancer.” Frank was quick to correct himself, not that your dad would’ve found anything wrong with his original statement but he was covering all his bases. Not that he didn’t care for the other girl, Tiff was her name? He didn’t need to know her name, not when he knew yours. 

“I’ll make sure to pick some up from the store the next time we make it to the grocery, I know my girl wears some. Not sure ‘bout her friend.” His girl. The words made Frank irrationally angry, you were his daughter but the thought of someone else staking claim over you drove him mad. One night with you and he was acting, and thinking, like you were his wife. Wife. No.

Frank had met your father when you were nineteen, hadn’t met you until you were twenty. It wasn’t like he was truly doing anything wrong but he was going to fight a never ending mental battle about you. Going through every hoop to tell himself neither of you was doing anything wrong, that you weren’t going to be in trouble for your actions. That it was, simply, okay.

The sun was setting, the breeze taking over and raising the hair on your skin. You truly had been outside all day, with sunscreen reapplied every hour or so, you were bound to find a few sunburnt spots in your shower. You exchanged goodbyes with Tiff and made your way to your room to start the nightly routine you had adopted since being home, switching the bluetooth from the speaker outside to the one inside your room. You opened the window, your music slowly starting to dance with the breeze, when a soft knock on your door grabbed your attention.

“Hey cowgirl.” Frank whispered, just barely loud enough to be heard over your music, making his way into your room and studying it. Committing all the bits and pieces of it to his memory.

“I’m so sorry about earlier, if you don’t want me to tell Tiff anymore I won’t. I just, I tell her everything and I needed to tell someone.” Your cheeks slowly started turning pink, Frank thought you were cute like that.

“Don’t apologize, darlin’. I didn’t care, just warnin’ ya ‘bout your dad is all.” He walked closer to you, his height very apparent, your head the perfect height for his chest. He brought a finger up to your cheek, dragging it down before tucking your hair behind your ear. 

“I appreciate it, I know how much he means to you.” No you didn’t. He knew you knew a small bit not enough to truly understand what the two of you meant to him. He would be forever indebted to your father if it meant keeping you, if it meant holding you and kissing you. Consuming himself with you.

“So pretty.” He truly whispered, admiring every inch of your face, leaning down to kiss you. Your heart stopped, he didn’t regret it? He thought you were pretty?

You decided to stop fucking thinking for once and enjoy it, leaning up to meet him halfway in the kiss. Threading your fingers through his hair, much like he did with yours in his truck. One his hands held the side of your face while the other tucked itself into the waistband of your swimsuit bottoms, rubbing at the indentation it left from being worn all day. 

“Ready to ride, cowgirl?” He asked, pulling away from the kiss enough to nip at your jaw as he waited for an answer. He wouldn’t be mad if you said no, he would be patient and wait until you were, but he went home and fucked his hand like a horny teenage boy at the thought of you on top of him.

A whimper is all you managed to respond with, your mind momentarily thinking about your dad but was interrupted by the softness of your mattress touching your back. 

“Goddamn swimsuits, prancing around in practically nothing.” He remarked, still standing as he eyed your body. His finger snapped the strap of your bottoms, smirking at the sound before he dragged them down your legs. 

“What’s your favorite color?” You asked softly, making him burst into laughter. 

“For what?” He responded, controlling his laughter at the fact you would ask that right now. 

“So I can wear one that color the next time you’re over.” You smiled, looking up at him. Somehow he looked even prettier from this angle, if that was possible. 

“Uh, probably red.” He gave a bit of thought before responding, curious to know if you would actually be wearing a bikini the next time you saw him. At your house, anyway. 

He stashed the bikini bottoms in his back pocket, pulling you to the edge of the bed by your ankles and getting down on his knees. Frank thanked all the heavens and the stars for the meal he was about to eat right before licking a stripe through your folds and sucking on your clit. The stimulation instinctively caused your thighs to close, causing him to force them back open and lay one arm across a leg with his hand splayed across your stomach.

He moaned.

He moaned.

Frank moaned, was he enjoying this as much as you were? Were there any downsides or faults to this man? 

He moved his mouth closer to your clit, paying almost all his attention to it as he inserted his middle finger slowly. A wanton moan making its way to his ears, he thought everything about you was pretty. If he wasn’t rock hard when he took your bottoms off, he definitely was now. The stretch in his jeans was not entirely comfortable, it truthfully wouldn’t be able to accommodate much more. 

“Frank, Frankie, please..” 

Did you just- did he imagine that? He’d never had anyone call him that before, but it sounded so damn good coming from your lips.

“What, pretty girl? Use your words for me. Tell Frankie what you need.” 

“‘M so close, please need more.” You whined, to him it even sounded a bit like you were going to cry. He’s bet his life savings you were a pretty crier, a pretty anything. He just wanted to look at you. Always.

All he wanted to do was pull out his phone and record the pleas and the moans coming from you, to listen to later if you were ever ripped from him and he didn’t get to experience this, experience you, ever again. If it weren’t for your fucking music. He was thankful for it, blocking your sounds from anyone in the house. He added his ring finger into the mix, relishing in the sound you made. You were his drug, he truly was addicted. He needed his next fix before this one was over. 

Moments after he sped up his fingers and added more pressure to your clit, your orgasm ripped through you. Body shaking, eyes rolling back. This was better than the one he gave you last night. You’d never be able to touch yourself ever again, not the way he did. You didn’t think anyone could ever compare now that Frank had touched you. 

By the time you came to, he had discarded his clothes and was on top of you. He pulled you into a kiss, swiping his tongue over your bottom lip and groaning into your mouth when you let him in. His tongue explored every inch of your mouth while his fingers explored every inch of your body. 

“I don’t have a condom.” He confessed.

“Don’t care, on the pill. Frankie please, I need you inside of me right now. Need your cock, frankie..please.” The sound of you begging for him had his ego going through the roof, the fact that anyone could want or need him this bad was mind blowing. 

He rubbed his cock through your folds, kissing you a bit more before he pushed the tip in. Your mouth opening in a gasp. You knew he was big, you saw the imprint in the truck yesterday. But this was different, the stretch hurt in a delicious way that you needed more of. He waited a moment before pushing in a bit more, toying with your clit and peppering your face with kisses to distract you.

He bottomed out, you had never felt so full in your life. You swore he was in your stomach, taking rearranging your guts to a new level. He stayed still, letting you get used to his size. He didn’t want to hurt you, too much.

“Frankie move.” 

Your wish was his command. His thrusts started slowly, building up in speed as he went. It was at this point, you realized Frank Castle was not quiet in bed. He wasn’t necessarily loud either, but he was groaning in your ear. The grunts and the groans were spurring you on, your moans and whimpers were doing the same for it. It was a cycle, and if either of you had your way it would never end. 

“Sound so damn pretty. Makin’ all these noises for me, huh? My pretty girl, my girl.” He put all his weight on his forearms, lifting himself enough to look you in the eyes, his hair falling out of place and onto your face. He was gorgeous, especially like this. Raw. Vulnerable. Just for you. 

“Your girl, yours.” You babbled, too busy reeling in the feeling of his cock driving in and out of you. How his bare skin feels on yours. His voice praising you. Calling you pretty. 

“That’s right, such a good girl.” His praises continued, some of them too muffled for you to hear as he sucked on your collarbone. Or your neck. Any exposed skin he could get in his mouth. 

Without pulling out, he flipped the two of you over so you were on top. Riding him. Cowgirl. 

“C’mon cowgirl, ride me. You can do it baby.” He lifted your hips up and placed them back down to get you started, placing your hands on his chest for you.  He slipped one of your boobs out of the top, you were still wearing, and put your nipple in his mouth. Rolling the bud between his teeth, enjoying the new sounds he managed to get.

You placed your weight on your hands, positioning your legs right, and lifted back up. He was somehow even deeper than before, it was almost overwhelming. His pelvic bone was hitting your clit just right every time you came down, accompanied by his groans, you were a goner. You fell into his chest as you felt your second orgasm start to rip through you, your words slurred as you told him to use you. You were his to use. 

Frank had been close since he put you on top, his self control had been wearing a bit thin. He fucked you through your orgasm, pistioning up inside you like his life depended on it. 

“Where do you want it, c’mon baby where?” He grunted, gritting his teeth as he tried to hold his release off. It was getting increasingly harder when your cunt was gripping him like that.

“Inside.” Is all you muttered out, half aware of your choice. You’d deal with it later. 

Not a moment later he painted your inside white, cummimg with a low and long groan. Relaxing his head completely against your pillows, taking deep breaths. You crumpled against his chest, just resting for a moment as he was still inside you. This was the most relaxed you’d been in ages, at some point you drifted off to sleep. 

You were awoken by the feeling of Frank cleaning you up and putting a blanket on top of you, obviously you knew he couldn’t stay. It still hurt. It hurt your heart, your soul, your everything. 

“Gotta go, pretty girl. I put my number in your phone. We’ll talk later.” His last sentence meant more than just texting you, you both knew it. At some point, lines had to be drawn or you had to fess up to your dad. But for now you’d live in delusion, in a world where you were in an established relationship and no one thought anything of it. He placed a kiss on your forehead, finished getting dressed and got up to leave. Stopping at the door he turned around to give you one last glance, you had already fallen back asleep. His cowgirl.

fanfiction writers are the literal backbone of society

having pro football player!reiner thoughts

𝗛𝗢𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗠𝗘 *+:｡.｡

summary. jjk men falling for single moms. | wc. 2k+

cw/ tw. fem!reader, parenthood, oc, domestic fluff, mild amount of angst, friends to lovers, co-parenting, pining, slight suggestiveness with nanami's, pet names (ex. dove, sweetheart)

featuring. gojo, yuuji, sukuna, nanami

an. I'm really telling on myself rn, but I've been binging ghibli movies so I'm feeling soft, okay? also, this is a minstrel of what this fic used to be, but I rewrote it and it's basically a whole new thing and I never thought I'd put the words 'fluff' and 'sukuna' in the same post lmao, comments and reblogs are appreciated ༉‧₊˚.

𝗚𝗢𝗝𝗢 ༊*·˚

Being a single mom has its ups and downs, especially when it comes to dating. You can easily recount the times you sat across from a date who looked like they ate something sour after the mention of your daughter, how they paused, spine going stiff—never keen on the type of baggage that comes in small packages.

So it’s only natural to expect the same with Gojo when you tell him on the first date in the back of a coffee shop, wincing internally with a tight grip around your cup. You wait for the awkward laugh, the promise to call you later, even though they never do. 

But then he surprises you.

He smiles—that same one that filled your belly with butterflies the first time you ran into him in the elevator at work—gaze unexpectedly soft, and answers, “What’s her name?”

You take a sip of your coffee to distract yourself from that fluttery feeling in your chest. “Mai.”

Your heartbeat doesn’t slow for hours after that date; you admit you hadn’t expected him to take it in full stride.

Almost two years later, sometimes you still can’t believe it—how he fits so effortlessly in your life, that he’s shown you time and time again that he has no problem treating your daughter like his own.

He calls her princess; treats her like one, too. One day, you walk into the living room to find Mai putting clips in Satoru's hair and unicorn stickers on his face, letting her ramble about her day at daycare (because the afternoon reading circle is apparently very eventful for a bunch of four-year-olds).

On the days that he’s off work, you have to keep the fridge stocked with food, or else they’ll eat nothing but sweets all day. And when he does cook, he'll have a chair pushed up to the counter for Mai to see and help—though your kitchen is often left a total mess afterward.

It’s after dinner, Mai tucked into bed, his arms tucked around your waist while you scrub a pot, a thumb tracing your abdomen—sweetheart, what if we had another?—and you let yourself think about it. Can’t help it.

This time you won’t be alone in a delivery room, Satoru’s large hands comfortingly wrapped around yours before holding his newborn for the first time, one with Satoru’s smile and maybe your eyes. Another set of small feet running down the hall for cuddles in the morning… 

You reach down and cup his hand, despite it being covered in sudsy dishwater, though he doesn’t seem to care.

“I think…I think I’d like that.”

𝗬𝗨𝗨𝗝𝗜 ༊*·˚

He’s always been your best friend: since the day you fell off the swingset when you were six and after you found out you were pregnant and never heard anything back from the father. 

It's possibly the best and worst thing that could have happened to you. 

The best because he’s there for you until the twins come screaming into the world; it’s no surprise they’re just as drawn to his sunny personality as everyone else. Yuuji becomes a shadow at your side in the weeks after, becoming somewhat of a quasi-parent even though you never asked him to, which is why it’s the worst.

Those easy smiles are slowly replaced by the feeling of your heart trembling in your chest whenever you catch him hastily tripping up the stairs to the nursery to wake the twins from their nap. Or when he takes the three of you to the park for a picnic and spends the entire time staring at one of the sleeping little boys on your chest as if they’re doing cartwheels.

You try not to think about it too much unless you want to risk losing Yuuji, to crumble whatever solid foundation your friendship sits on. Plus, why would he want to settle with a single mom anyway?

You’ve seen the girls he’s dated, and none of them walk out of the house wearing a sweater covered in baby food stains, pretty, willowy girls who put a little more effort into their appearance than you have in months. 

And the sadder, more obvious answer is that there’s no way he feels the same about you—sweet, whole-hearted Yuuji who’s friendly to strangers and always willing to help wherever he’s needed. 

You’re not the exception.

There’s some truth to that, which rapidly disintegrates as the months go on. You can no longer ignore how Yuuji lights up whenever someone accidentally mistakes him for the twin’s father or mention how cute your family is.

It’s easy to imagine until you’re so wrapped up in thoughts that make you bite back a smile—of coming home to Yuuji napping with the twins on the couch, quiet evenings snuggled up under soft blankets on the couch, kissing him when he leaves for work in the morning—that you nearly miss what he says to the sweet old man who’s been giving Yuuji unsolicited parenting advice, “Maybe she’ll actually say yes when I ask her to marry me someday.”

He’s not looking at you when he says it, but you see how his smile reaches his eyes (soft as if he’s inserted himself into the same future you thought of), and for a moment, you allow yourself to hope.

𝗦𝗨𝗞𝗨𝗡𝗔 ༊*·˚

He’s never been the type to want kids of his own, and yet he couldn’t turn a blind eye when you call him nearly two months since that night at his brother’s birthday party—hazily remembering you telling him you’re one of Yuuj’s friends before he took you back to his place—to tell him you’re pregnant.

“You don’t have to be there. I just thought you should know,” you say wetly.

“Jesus—” he sighs, scrubbing a hand down his face. He doesn’t think the employee breakroom at the gym is the right place to have this conversation. “Listen, don’t cry. I’ll be there, alright?”

Sukuna at least thought he’d actually be with the person he has a kid with. Over the next four years, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

There’s a lot that’s undesirable about the situation, like the fact that every time he leaves his room, he always ends up stepping on Legos because you insist on buying Hana more and leave them at his place, or that he can't eat anything these days without a small hand reaching out for his food.

But the one thing that really makes his blood curdle is whenever he has Hana for the weekend, and she rambles through a mouthful of mac n’ cheese about how you and Yuuji took her to the park, with more stories about Yuuji this and Yuuji that.

He should be grateful his brother is such a doting uncle, yet he grinds his teeth the longer his daughter prattles on.

Out of everything, this is the one thing he chooses to find an issue with: high-school sweetheart Yuuji, pictures of him found in frames all over your house; helpful and supportive, perfectly polite, always-nice-to-be-around-Yuuji who everyone gravitated towards, even you, it seems.  

He tells himself it’ll go away eventually, that strange pit of jealousy festering in his chest like an open wound. It doesn’t.

Sukuna spends so much time thinking about it that he’s thoroughly annoyed by the time you stop by to pick up Hana for the week. 

“Did you guys have a nice weekend? You seem…” Of course, you’d pick up on his shitty mood. “Upset.”

“I’m fine,” he grumbles, hoping you’ll leave it alone.

You don’t.

“Listen, if this is about Friday, I told you Yuuji’s okay dropping her off.”

“I bet he is,” Sukuna sneers, shoving the last of Hana’s Legos into her bag.

You huff. “What is your problem?”

“Nothing, but I bet you’ll run back to Yuuji and tell him about it anyway.”

“Are you seriously jealous of your brother?”

He scoffs but doesn’t answer.

“If you want to be with me so badly, just say it.” You put your hands on your hips. “Go on, say it.”

In the end, he breaks first. Wrapping his hand around the back of your neck, he presses his mouth to yours, fingers flexing at your little gasp. When he breaks the kiss, panting a little, he says, “I want to be with you, and I want to raise my fucking kid with you. Happy?”

There’s a scandalized gasp, and he looks down to find Hana standing there with her sandals on the wrong feet, blinking up at him with round eyes. 

“Daddy, that’s a bad word.”

“Listen here, brat—ow.”

𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜 ༊*·˚

The first time he meets you, one of the associates for his company introduces you as his wife—a fresh-eyed college student who’s more concerned about staring at other women at the business function than the beautiful one on his arm—and he kindly shakes your hand, watching you give such devoted attention to a man undeserving of it.

What would it be like to be loved like that?

A few years have gone by when he sees you again, except this time, there’s no ring on your finger, and you’re in the middle of walking into his office for an interview with a little boy balanced on your hip.

“Sorry, my babysitter called in sick, and I couldn’t find a replacement in time—Oh.” It’s in that small moment between closing the door and hauling a diaper bug up your shoulder that you recognize him, too. “I didn’t realize you were the one doing the interview.”

He arches a brow. “No?”

“Sorry…again. I didn’t mean it like that, and I’m usually not this unprepared.” You set the toddler down on the floor and straighten out your skirt, giving him a shy, pretty smile.

Nanami swallows and gestures to the seat in front of his desk. “He can stay.”

While he asks you questions, your son—Haru, he learns—keeps busy with a coloring book that you give him, and before you leave after the interview, he silently proffers Nanami a sheet of paper filled with yellow and green crayon squiggles. 

He tacks it to the corkboard wall next to his desk.

When you start working as his office assistant, he never brings up the topic of your ex-husband. It’s obvious the man doesn’t care about his family, anyway—not when you show up most days looking worn out. 

It starts to burn in his chest, the way your eyes drop sometimes, the little reassuring nod he’ll catch you giving yourself after what must’ve been a rough morning. 

Nanami knows he’s in way over his head when he asks you out for coffee; how he’s surprised you say yes, which leads to more dates until he slowly finds that smile of warm devotion aimed in his direction.

Eventually, your things fill the empty spaces in his home, and the spare room in his house becomes a nursery. His once quiet mornings of reading the paper are now pleasantly disrupted by the smell of pancakes and Haru trying to climb into his lap to read with him. 

The first time Haru asks for Nanami after a nightmare—rubbing his wet eyes while standing near Nanami's side of the bed in his shark pajamas, sans one sock, until Nanami scoops him up and deposits him between you—he winces (because he doesn’t want it to seem like he’s taking something away from you) before he notices the soft smile curling your mouth. 

He can’t pretend to fully understand why you ever agreed to that first date when the odds weren’t terribly in his favor, but he has a long time to learn, and right now, he’s focused on other things.

"Quiet, dove,” he murmurs, kissing your temple. “You're going to wake the baby..." 

thank you for reading <3

random connie headcannons because why not

language, sexual(ish) parts, fluff.

clingy afff!!! he follows you everywhere, you can’t even go pee in peace because he’ll hop on the counter and talk to you while you pee.💀 ur just like “bro, get out.” and he’s like “no.” and he keeps talking.

makes you do those ‘couple’ tik toks where they’re like at a hotel or something and he’ll just back up from the camera, show you off, and then kiss you and end the tik tok.

consistently play fights with you😭. he can’t go more than two weeks without messing with you or pinching you for no reason and then when you hit him too hard he’ll be like “ight bruh, I’m finna beat yo ass.” & body slams you on the bed or something💀.

tries on your wigs simply because he can. but he takes them off when you come home because he knows you’ll beat his ass.

this boy smacks your ass hard as hell, just to make you mad. enough said.

when yall are just chillin he’ll put his feet straight in your face. 💀 like really, and they don’t even smell bad, and he’s like “eat my toes” you’re like “what the fuck?” and try to move em but he won’t stop at all 😭

he picks you up at random times. like you’ll be on the phone with somebody in the kitchen and he’ll grab you by your waist and carry you to the living room, drop you on the couch, and mind his business.

kinda like the first one, you HAVE to pee together when it’s night time or he’ll get all sassy at you. he’ll be like “bae, wake up. let’s go pee.” and you’ll just agree and he’ll wait for you to finish and while you wash your hands he’ll do his business.

fake bangs you from behind every time you lean over somewhere. that’s why you always check behind you when you’re picking something up.

calls you ‘bruh’ and ‘bro’ when he’s mad at you, but he’ll never call you by your real name.

and again, no privacy. he’s all up on you every time you’re texting somebody or when you’re calling someone, he’s there, watching you with big ass eyes just to ask who it was.

will randomly say “i don’t care” in the middle of you telling him something until you punch him in his arm 😭.

grabs you by your neck and kisses you when you’re about to piss him off or when you’re mad at him.

gives you nicknames like ‘mami’, ‘mamas’, ‘ma’, ‘guapa’, and sometimes ‘peach’ cus that ass FAT🙏🏾.

is a big crybaby bro. ESPECIALLY to you. “mamaaa, my game not working.” and you’ll go downstairs to see what’s wrong. “what?” “my game ain’t working.” and he’ll look at you as you go over to his ps5, only to see, in clear day, that it isn’t plugged in. and you’ll look at him in the dumbest way ever. the worse thing about it is, this is not the first time it happened. 💀

when you hug, he’ll purposely put his hands right under your cheeks and grab your kitty. (i’m sorry LMAO)

can’t fall asleep without rubbing your thighs or your waist, but is laid out all over the bed when you wake up.

randomly grabs your boobs for comfort. (and don’t wear a tank top around him shawty)

;)

forgot this was in my drafts 😕.

Toji x Gn! Reader x Nanami Poly Headcannons (fluff)

Warnings- none.

- Nanami enjoys cooking for the three of you (also fears that you and Toji would burn the kitchen down).

-I could definitely see him spending hours to make a top gourmet dinner just for Toji to complain about the taste and drenches it all in hot sauce. 😭

- Toji always shows off and tries to impress you when Nanami is around. If you can't open a jar he's flexing how strong he is and opens it with ease, but when Nanami isn't around he's very soft and quiet.

-Toji makes fun of the two of you for reading, but secretly steals your books when the two of you aren't around.

-The only time that Toji and Nanami really bond are when the three of you are watching a movie together. It brings them comfort watching you laugh at some corny joke being made by a character in the movie you choose to watch.

-When you go out in public Nanami are always scolding you and Toji for picking up ever item you see on the shelf in a store or being too loud and the both of you snicker were Toji replies with an "OK, dad".Nanami is always getting the two of you out of trouble.

-You guys adopted a black cat from a local shelter and it likes Toji so much. All the kitten takes interest in is cuddling in Toji’s buff arms ( I mean I would too).That being said he always jokes about how the cat doesn't like you and Nanami had to reassure you that he'll warm up to you eventually.

- I can just imagine how chaotic it is to get ready for bed each night.The three of you are clustered in the bathroom. Toji is brushing his teeth and you are doing your skin care routine when Nanami yells from the shower that someone took his soap.

-He blames it on Toji and starts and entire argument,only to figure out that it was on the bathroom counter. Toji won't let him sleep until he apologizes for blaming him..

-But, when you do finally make it to bed,you get to sleep in the middle of both of them. Toji sleeps on his back with an arm above his head and and Nanami sleeps facing the door, since he's usually the first up in the morning.

-It's warms and one of the only times that the three of you are at peace. It’s always comforting for all of you to finally get some rest. That is until Toji shifts in his sleep and knocks Nanami onto the floor. Making the two argue once again.

───────────────────────────────

This is first time posting something that I've written,but Toji and Nanami being in a Poly relationship with reader has been very soothing for me lately.

If anyone wants me to write some more ideas/or has any requests of prompts for the two please let me know (fluff only please!)

𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲 • 𝟏𝟎𝐊 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

so I’ve been contemplating for a while what I’ve wanted to do for a milestone/collab and seeing as how this is my first time doing something like this, I hope I don’t screw it up! 😭 but I’m super excited. I’ve talked about it before on here but when I was on WattPad, I did a multiverse mafia AU and it was so much fun but I’ve wanted to revisit and do it justice this time. Also, y’all know I’m a sucker for anything crime/true crime related. I couldn’t decide on which one I wanted to do after the poll (and I wanted to give everybody what they wanted 😭). Sooo…I present to y’all, the 10K collab event, Tales of the Underbelly!

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𝖎𝖓𝖋𝖔: drugs, money, cars, glory….all the things synonymous with the fast lifestyle. A life that the average, everyday worker could only dream of. But underneath the surface of the glamour..lies a world filled with danger, adventure and deceit. In a country where several rival gangs fight to take the top spot as the head syndicate, they’ll do anything to achieve that power and they’ll get their success by any means. On the other side of the fence lies a legion of hard working individuals that’ll stop at no means to see these hardened criminals brought to justice. A task force comprised of the country’s highest ranking officers, hoping to take down the monsters responsible for ruining their cities. Not everything is black and white…bonds and partnerships like you’ve never seen will be formed to help either side see their dream to fruition. Which will you choose? The alliance formed on fast money and power or the brave crusaders fighting to restore order?

𝖗𝖚𝖑𝖊𝖘:

• all participants must be 18+ due to the type of content that will be written about. It will contain violence, smut, drugs, sexual content, mentions of death/murder and anything synonymous with every crime show you’ve ever watched.

• this is a multiverse AU (emphasis on AU so I’d prefer non-canon events although including bits of the story/character personas is fine!) event but it is anime themed (obv). Fandoms included are AOT, JJK, Demon Slayer, Tokyo Revengers, One Piece, JJBA, HunterxHunter, Haikyuu, KNB, Bleach, etc. (these are just the fandoms I’ve written for but feel free to write for whoever you’d like!)

• there’s no deadline on this or set date because I can’t guarantee when I’ll be able to update myself but if you’d like to join, shoot me a DM or inbox me! Tell me your characters, the genre of the fic and if it’ll be a drabble or full fic, brief plot summary and I’ll add you to the collab list!

• to elaborate further, you’ll choose your character(s), fandom, plot and story style (ex: gang leader eren x informant reader who’s working for the cops but falls for him and has to choose where she wants to align, full fic, smut or detective!Gojo x reader who’s dating mafia leader!nanami and decides she wants to bring him down, smut/angst) obv these are just examples, you can do whatever you want!

• OC’s are welcome!!!! It can also be x reader as well! Get creative, have fun.

• do as many stories as you’d like! Multiple stories with the same characters are allowed.

• if you have any questions or need me to clear up anything (because I suck at explanations 😭) feel free to message me!

I’m super excited for this collab and can’t wait to see who enters! 🫶🏾 happy writing ✨

take a guess who y’all think this is about 🤭

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you hated pet names.

they were cringey and you fought back the urge to gag whenever you heard your friends’ partners refer to them as “babe” or “kitten” or “honey.”

that was…until he came into your life and let the names fly off his tongue like nothing. it didn’t take long for it to fall into a habit.

if he wanted to start a convo with you, he’d say “mama, can i talk to you for a sec?” and wait for you to respond, face blank like he only said a call of your name.

if he were greeting you, he would wrap an arm around your shoulder and pull you into his chest, mumbling a “hey baby” into your hair.

if he was calling you over it was “babe c’mere!”

and if you had just done something for him, whether it be cooking his food, packing his gym bag, or anything, he would give you a kiss to your cheek, squeezing you against his side with a “thank you, mama” leaving his lips before he turns your chin to give you another one, this time a soft one on your lips.

yeah, ok so maybe nicknames weren’t all that bad…at least not when they were coming out of his mouth.

Pairing: Reiner Braun x Reader

Rating: explicit

Count: 2.8k

Tags: modern day, reunions, alcohol, reader is a couple years older than rei, reader is a galliard but no details, flirting, smut, cunnilingus, one use of “she”, pining

A/N: wow, wil actually writing something? is the world ending? no but really, what better way to kick things off than with my beautiful baby boy? this isn’t my best, but it did get some juices flowing. enjoy!

You’re in one of the tall stools at the bar, facing forward while you sip from your rocks glass. He doesn’t know if he would recognize you from the back, but having seen your face already, he knows. There’s no mistaking it.

Tight jeans, a scoop neck, and a dark blazer, you are the picture of business casual—fresh off work like so many others, seeking solace in the form of a solitary drink. You don’t look particularly approachable, eyes locked on your phone, and yet some fucking guy has taken the seat next to you and is trying (and failing) to get your attention. Dude’s been trying to chat you up for a solid ten minutes, and so far all you’ve offered has been a tight-lipped smile. More of a grimace, honestly.

Reiner doesn’t think he needs to save you, assumes you can still handle yourself like you used to.

But god, he loves the idea of swooping in and relieving you of any more useless chit chat.

Downing the rest of his drink, Reiner stands from the table he’s been sitting at for the past hour. He weaves through bodies and chairs, growing shorter of breath with every second until he slips into the space next to you and clears his throat.

“This guy bothering you?” he asks with a grin, and when you turn to look at him your expression of annoyance immediately turns to surprise and then genuine glee.

“Holy shit, Reiner?” you practically shout, and he is a little too pleased with the way you immediately lean in for a hug.

The dude on your other side swears under his breath and stalks away, all according to plan.

“Hey, been a while,” Reiner responds, giving you a firm squeeze before letting go.

“Yeah, like, a decade, Jesus. Look at you!”

And you are—looking at him, that is. Much different from how you did when you were kids. When he was just another little brother to you, just Pok and Marcel’s friend crushing on their big sister.

You hold your hands out and gesture at him. “You’re so… large!”

Reiner chuckles and reminds you, “I always have been.”

“Yeah, but like, fuck.”

He’s not quite as broad as he was in high school, lost some muscle without his football regiment, but he grew a couple inches taller his freshman year of college. He doesn’t know how that happened. His hair is only a little longer than he used to wear it, but he does have facial hair that you’re probably not used to seeing on him.

And, you—at almost 30 you look about the same as you did when you were 20. Your face isn’t as round but definitely still gets you carded at bars. Hair is shorter, thighs a little thicker, hinting at wider hips. You’re a woman, he thinks. You always were to him, but now he’s seeing you as a real adult, just like you’re seeing him.

“I thought you had some fancy job in Stohess. What’re you doing here?”

“Business, mostly,” you sigh dramatically. “There’s a branch of the company downtown that they asked me to check in on, so I agreed as long as I could take some vacation days to visit the fam-bam,” a pause and then a little grin, “and apparently little Rei-bear too.”

Reiner outwardly cringes at the nickname you used to tease him with all the time. It was so stupid but not as stupid as the fact that it never failed to make him blush.

He rolls his eyes, but he can’t hide the little upturn of his lips. “Not exactly little but whatever.”

“You’ll always be little to me. Rambunctious thirteen-year-old trying to act cool by chugging energy drinks—breaking your fucking arm skateboarding,” you laugh.

“Drinking too much with Marcel sophomore year and having to call you to pick us up,” he adds with a shake of his head.

Embarrassed as he is at the memories, he still throws a leg over the stool next to you, finally settling in since it seems you are, in fact, happy to see him.

As the two of you fall into an easy conversation, Reiner orders another drink for himself, telling the bartender, “and another of whatever she’s drinking.”

“I promised myself I’d only have one,” you complain.

“You’ve already had at least two.” Not because you’re acting like it, just because he saw you.

“And, how would you know that?” you ask with a raised eyebrow, “don’t tell me you’ve been watching me from afar.”

Whoops.

Reiner’s mouth opens as if he has something lined up, but he doesn’t. He can’t exactly explain it away.

Thankfully, you’re more amused than anything else. “And, you waited that long to rescue me from that doucher?” You put a hand over your chest in an exaggerated way. “How dare?”

Letting out a relieved sigh, Reiner forces what he hopes is a casual smile and shrugs. “Figured you could handle yourself. Never had a problem putting Zeke in his place back in the day, so—”

“Yeah, until I gave up on it,” you interrupt, making a face of disgust.

“What do you mean?”

Zeke Jaeger was the older brother of another one of Reiner’s friends, Eren. You hung out with your little posse while he hung out with his, and more often than not it resulted in some sort of overlap, meaning Reiner got to watch Zeke come onto you over and over again then get rejected over and over again. It was well-deserved. Zeke always gave off a sort of pretentious yet scummy vibe.

“Eventually I just got tired,” you say with a wave of your hand. “Well, tired and reckless, I should say.”

Reiner has to fight to not let his emotions show on his face. What emotions those are, he isn’t quite sure. He just knows that his instinct is to scowl.

“Reckless how?”

You tilt your head to the side as you look at him, humor dancing in your eyes. “I don’t know if I should poison your virgin brain with such topics.”

Reiner scoffs. He wants to defend himself, tell you he is definitely not a virgin and hasn’t been for a long time now—before he even went to college, thank you very much—but the more he denies, the less mature he’ll look, and he is trying very, very hard to be the mature man he has grown into.

“I mean, I don’t really care. Can’t blame you if you don’t wanna talk about your dirty little tryst.”

“Really just nothing to talk about,” you confess, “a casual thing—fun, I guess, but nothing super, uh, impressive.”

God, it’s so hard not to ask. What wasn’t impressive—his personality or his dick? Reiner wants to know so that he can make up for it (or fantasize about making up for it the way he used to).

“You’re not good at hiding your curiosity, Rei-bear,” you giggle.

“What can I say?” he tries, “guess I’m just a curious guy.”

“Are you now?” You take a sip of your drink while keeping your eyes on him. “What other kinda things are you curious about?”

No reason to answer out loud. All Reiner does is chuckle and go for his own drink. You’re both adults, no rings on your fingers, catching up for the first time in a decade. He’s sure you can guess his curiosities, and he could just be flattering himself, but there might be a little curiosity on your part too.

As the two of you catch up Reiner can feel the atmosphere shift between you both, something heavy and humid.

“You really did grow up nicely,” you say a little quieter than you have been but still clear enough for him to hear.

Reiner can’t help the blush that creeps up his neck just like he can’t help the way his mouth pulls up in a smirk.

“Yeah?”

You smile around the straw between your teeth which is more than enough to build his confidence.

“You did too,” he pauses, then thinks what the hell and adds, “but I always had a thing for you.”

An amused smile plays at your lips. “I know.”

“What do you mean ‘you know’?”

“I mean, big sisters always know,” you reach out and playfully pinch his arm, “also, you weren’t very subtle.”

Reiner rolls his eyes, but he can’t find it in himself to be all that embarrassed. He was a teenager, horny 24/7. What was he supposed to do?

“It’s okay. It was cute.”

It’s a good thing you’re telling him that now and not when he was 15. Reiner can only imagine what that word would have done to his self-esteem back then.

“Still think I’m cute now?” he asks, one eyebrow raised.

“Well,” you turn on your stool to face him fully, empty glass now pushed away from you, “I don’t think I’d use that particular descriptor now.”

It’s difficult not to preen under your appreciative gaze. Reiner isn’t sure if you’re tipsy or just bold, but you stare at him in a way you never have before, eyelids low, pink tongue darting out to lick your lips.

This… this is lust. This is how he looked at you when he was younger, how he’s looking at you now like nothing’s changed. Except this time it isn’t one sided. This time you look as bothered as he feels.

Reiner grew out of his cockiness years ago, has been told he’s sweet by recent partners—one of the good ones. Gentle.

He doesn’t think he can be gentle now, though. Not with you widening your thighs where you sit, as if beckoning him to stand between them.

Not after waiting for so long.

“My apartment’s about twenty minutes away,” he offers, moving the small distance it takes to crowd into your space.

“My hotel’s even closer.”

Heat races down Reiner’s spine. That’s it, then. It’s confirmed. You do want him. He isn’t just imagining things.

“Right around the corner, actually.” You run a hand down his chest, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from his shirt.

Without further conversation, you both rush to pay out, leaving a few bills on the counter before walking out. Your fingers lace between Reiner’s, a sensation he had only ever dreamed of feeling.

Your room is on the second floor, and once locked safely inside, you drop your purse on the floor and reach for him, pulling until he’s pressing you into the door.

“My Rei-bear, all grown up,” you tease, hands at the back of his neck.

He grips your hips hard enough to make your mouth open, lowering his voice when he leans in to ghost over your lips.

“M’gonna make sure you never call me that again after tonight,” he rumbles.

“Yeah? And how do you plan on doing that?”

His younger self usually fantasized about taking his time with you, being the best you’ve ever had, and yada yada, and while Reiner still wants to make you quake, he simply lacks the capacity to move slowly. He’s pent up with a side of giddy, but mostly he’s just desperate—desperate for your mouth as it attaches to his, for your tongue as he strokes over it with his own, for the way you scratch down his scalp.

Reiner tries and fails to suppress a shiver, heart ricocheting in his chest and making his whole body vibrate against yours. You taste like cherries and alcohol, and he can’t get enough. All he wants to do is drink you down, wants your aftertaste stuck in the back of his throat for the rest of his life.

You grind into him, press against his painfully hard erection and smile into the heated kiss. Your hand travels downward to palm him through his pants, but Reiner catches your wrist and shakes his head.

“I’ve waited years for this, and you think you’re the one calling the shots?” He grins at the way your eyes widen in surprise, a gasp pulled from you when Reiner catches you off guard and pulls you away from the door and all but spins you to the bed.

You’re both quick to strip down to your underwear, though Reiner immediately unclasps your bra and gets rid of it as well. You arch your back in invitation, and Reiner moves at the speed of fucking light to bury his face in your tits, nipping and sucking, running his tongue over your peaking nipples—fit in his mouth so nice, soft fat spilling between his fingers as he paws and gropes.

“Having fun?” you giggle, moaning softly when he tugs one of the buds between his teeth. Reiner doesn’t answer, just peers up at you as he plays, pushing his hips into the bedding as he does.

With other goals on his mind, he begins scooting down your body, leaving as many marks as he can until he kneels between your legs and starts sliding your panties down. Puffy pussy exposed, Reiner feels his eyes dilate and his mouth begin to water.

“Fucking Christ…” he breathes, gliding shaky fingers over your dampened folds as if in awe. He’s wanted this for so long, and now that he has you laid bare before him, Reiner feels out of control. Most of his organized fantasies left his mind some time ago, but now he’s losing his sanity altogether. Any coherent thought. Gone. All he wants to do is—

You make the most gorgeous noise when he pushes his tongue inside of you, trapping your thighs against his biceps to keep you from squirming.

“Oh—oh my god,” you whimper, fingers curling in his hair as your hips roll.

Reiner drools all over you, adding to your juices only to slurp it all up. He’s shameless as he eats you out, smacking and lapping and groaning all while trying to memorize the way you taste and how soft you are clamping down on his tongue and the middle finger he slips inside of you.

He moves to suckle on your clit, circling it and growing even more ravenous when you start to tremble.

“Rei—Rei, fuuuck…”

“Good?” he rasps, though judging by the strands of arousal that are dripping from you, he already knows your answer.

“Yes, god yes, don’t stop.”

He crooks his finger, stroking your insides until he finds that extra swollen spot and presses against it, his cock twitching when you begin to leak even more.

“God, your fucking pussy is so perfect,” he groans, swiping his tongue up and down your slit to swallow everything you offer him.

And, you offer a lot, soaking his mouth and chin, creaming around his finger, and Jesus he wants to be inside of you, wants to bury himself in you and make you scream his name.

But before that he wants you to cum on his tongue. He wants you to fall apart just like this, with your toes curled and your body bucking, and your cunt so messy for him.

“O—oh my god.” He glances up in time to see your eyes grow wide and your jaw drop, almost like you’re surprised. “Oh my god, Rei, I’m gonna—fuck, don’t stop, please…”

He keeps hitting that spongy spot, keeps flicking your clit back and forth, gripping you tighter as your back arches off the bed. Your orgasm crests, and Reiner quickly seals his lips over your clit, pulling wave after wave out of you and tasting squirt on his tongue.

The only thing that keeps him from coming in his boxers is the promise of fucking you, but he still feels pre drip from his cockhead as his abs flex with restraint.

When your body uncurls in blissful relaxation, Reiner stops sucking, gives you a few soft licks as you pet his hair.

“Holy shit. Where did you learn to do that?” You huff, “thought I was gonna black out there for a second.”

Reiner chuckles and places a kiss on your inner thigh.

“Maybe you will by the end of the night,” he smirks, wiping his face with his own discarded shirt, “since I’m nowhere near finished with you.”

You look at him with foggy eyes, a fuck drunk smile on your face as you sit up and grab him by the shoulders to pull him down on top of you. Reiner catches himself, hands planted on either side of your head as you wrap your legs around his waist.

“Promise?”

Instead of responding out loud, Reiner dips low for a kiss, deep and slow. You’re stupid if you think making you come once will be enough to satiate him after all this time. He wants to leave his mark, mold you to himself, make you ache for him like he still aches for you.

He needs to make you his the way he’s always wanted you to be, and now that he’s no longer a lovestruck boy, Reiner thinks he just might have a chance.

me with my fav old man fictional character

Ride, Cowgirl.

pairing: dbf!southern!frank castle x afab!reader

summary: neither of you can keep last night off your mind, needing more Frank finds comfort in your room.

warnings: age gap (reader is 22, frank is 52), use of pet names, dirty dirty thoughts!!!, mention of a divorced dad?, fingering, sex!!, praise kink asf, oral (f receiving), soft frank, reader calls him frankie accidentally, frank making noise in bed, riding like a cowgirl!!, bearded frank <3, no mentions of y/n, no descriptions of reader, not proofread

word count: 3514 words

author’s note: I’m in love with darlin’ and frank, they are simply the lomls currently. anyway, the end gives the perfect set up for a third part if it is desired!! In the meantime, it’s 1;30 am for me and I need sleep!! please enjoy &lt;3

read the first part cowgirl ! and the next part cowboy hats !

Boyfriend by COIN played on the speaker your dad, conveniently, left outside as you laid on one of the pool loungers.  Thoughts of Frank consuming your mind, thoughts of his hands and his voice and the way he smelled and how he looked pain that he couldn’t fuck you in the backseat of his truck. Your fingers finding themselves rubbing the side of your neck, the very spot Frank had found comfort. 

“So how did last night go?” Tiff asked, hanging over the side of the pool to look at you. Your heart raced, did she find out? How would she? Did you accidentally call her when you were panting his name like it was the only word you knew? The way you froze as she asked a simple question, immediately made her suspicious of you.

“Huh?” You asked, in hopes of getting her to elaborate just a bit so you could come up with the lie of your life. Or maybe, you should confide in her. She is your girl for life, it’s not like she’s gonna judge you for doing it. If anything, she’d praise you and beg for details.

“After I left? How did the rest of the night go? Your dad doesn’t have the most interesting friends on the planet. All they talk about is work and their lack of wives.” She rolled her eyes, laying her head on her hands and kicking her legs in the water. 

“Actually…” You smiled, bringing your knees up to your chest to hide behind them as the blush spread across your body.

“Oh. My. God. Hold on!” She rushed to climb out of the pool, dripping water all over you as she sat on the opposite end of the lounger. If gossiping was a team sport, the two of you would have ten gold medals, if anyone asked you weren’t necessarily talking shit but simply saying how you felt about people.

“So, after you left, Frank and I went to the gas station and I asked if he had been with anyone younger. I don’t know what got into me, Tiff! He just looked so…godly. I wanted to jump his bones the second I came downstairs from changing.” You covered your face with your hands and groaned, the blush was probably becoming permanent at this point. You were going to be bright red for the rest of your life.

“Your dad’s best friend?! Holy shit dude. C’mon spill!” She laughed, prying the hands off your face and sitting expectantly. You were beyond grateful for the fact she wasn’t judging you and was actually interested. Maybe that was a bad thing, you didn’t care.

“Anyway, he said ‘Not yet’ and I was in shock or something! So, I reached over and kinda did a weird caress thing to his beard. I was flyin’ by the seat of my swimsuit, I’ve never been with a man who has any sort of facial hair. But he kissed me, and I mean like Really kissed me.i’ve never been kissed like that before, Tiff. Mind blowing.” Unbeknownst to you, the very man you were speaking about had walked out the back door and could hear the whole conversation. His chest swelled with pride, in some fucked up way he was glad no one had ever kissed you like that. It meant there was a lot more he could do way better than any of the other people you’d been with, and he’d be damned if he didn’t ruin you for any other man out there.

“Your dad is about to come out here, suggest you find somethin’ else to talk ‘bout.” He hollered at the two of you, your head whipping around so fast it was a miracle you didn’t give yourself whiplash, chuckling at the way your eyes widened when you realized he had heard you talking about him. “Quit speakin’ so damn loud anyway, sure the whole neighborhood heard.”

Frank didn’t truly mean what he said, he would love to listen to you retell the story of your escapades, what he didn’t want was your father to hear and put two and two together. He didn’t need to get into some shitty mess with the one constant in his life, he owed more to your dad than he cared to admit and ruining that friendship would send Frank to an early grave. That in no way meant he regretted what he did last night, and everything else he planned to do. He simply wanted to go about all this in a way that wouldn’t cost him his friendship but still gives him his girl, gives him you. He prayed for the first time last night, and he really truly prayed, for a situation where it all works out and he’s not back to square one. With nobody. Again. 

“Thanks for the warning, Mr. Castle.” Tiff shouted back, a smug smile playing on her face, giving him a small wave. She nudged your shoulders, giggling at the whole situation. All you wanted to do was shrink and disappear, you couldn’t be more embarrassed. You felt small and helpless, your best friend thought it was hilarious. God if you can hear me, please kill me.

You spent the whole morning thinking about him and the consequence of what you did, how would your next interaction go? Would it be weird? Would he pretend it never happened, that he wasn’t dying to have you right then and there. Yet, here you were no true interaction but you were the one cowering away from it. You were the one trying to pretend like it didn’t happen, when truthfully you wanted to shout it from the rooftops and let everyone know who had given you the best orgasm of your life.

“I’m going to shrink to the size of ant and drown myself in the fuckin’ pool, Tiff. I swear to god.” You slouched as far down in the lounger as you could, squeezing your eyes closed in some desperate attempt to make it all disappear. “Of course he would be here right now.”

“Ants don’t have lungs, they can’t technically drown. Besides, it’s not like he came out here and murdered you, all he did was tell you to be quieter. He also made no indication or mention of last night, so stop lettin’ that pretty head of yours go wild.” Tiff rubbed her hand soothing up and down your arm, she knew better than anyone the way your mind would take someone breathing at you and interpret it as they hate you and want you dead. That’s why she worked so well with you, the sane and grounded to your wild and anxious. 

“I don’t think it would matter even if he did, the principle of it all is what’s causing my worries. Do you think worry dolls are still a thing? I could most definitely use one right now.” A groan once again left your mouth, your eyes opening and searching for the older man who was carrying planks of wood across your backyard. Your father walked out of the house, giving you and Tiff a wave before hollering at Frank about whatever they were building.

The whispers and giggles coming from the two of you were intriguing Frank, he wanted to know exactly what you were telling her and what you were intentionally leaving out. He wanted to know if you were even talking about him, or if she was telling you the real reason that I just left abruptly last night. Because he knew, he wouldn’t say anything to you about it unless you brought it up first, but he knew. The work in front of him was becoming increasingly less interesting, he was so close to telling your dad to throw in the towel and call it a day. He didn’t even know what he was building anymore, he truthfully didn’t care but your dad did. That was enough for him to keep going.

“Those two have been out all day, shockin’ they’re not burnt or nothin’.” Your dad commented, planting his shovel in the ground and leaning against it. He smiled your way, not that you noticed as you were preoccupied with Tiff. You were his pride and joy, his baby. He’d murder anyone for you, it was a part of the reason you never brought anyone home. 

“‘M not shocked. Last summer, I’m not sure either one of em spent any more than twenty minutes inside. Make sure she- they wear sunscreen, don’t need em getting skin cancer.” Frank was quick to correct himself, not that your dad would’ve found anything wrong with his original statement but he was covering all his bases. Not that he didn’t care for the other girl, Tiff was her name? He didn’t need to know her name, not when he knew yours. 

“I’ll make sure to pick some up from the store the next time we make it to the grocery, I know my girl wears some. Not sure ‘bout her friend.” His girl. The words made Frank irrationally angry, you were his daughter but the thought of someone else staking claim over you drove him mad. One night with you and he was acting, and thinking, like you were his wife. Wife. No.

Frank had met your father when you were nineteen, hadn’t met you until you were twenty. It wasn’t like he was truly doing anything wrong but he was going to fight a never ending mental battle about you. Going through every hoop to tell himself neither of you was doing anything wrong, that you weren’t going to be in trouble for your actions. That it was, simply, okay.

The sun was setting, the breeze taking over and raising the hair on your skin. You truly had been outside all day, with sunscreen reapplied every hour or so, you were bound to find a few sunburnt spots in your shower. You exchanged goodbyes with Tiff and made your way to your room to start the nightly routine you had adopted since being home, switching the bluetooth from the speaker outside to the one inside your room. You opened the window, your music slowly starting to dance with the breeze, when a soft knock on your door grabbed your attention.

“Hey cowgirl.” Frank whispered, just barely loud enough to be heard over your music, making his way into your room and studying it. Committing all the bits and pieces of it to his memory.

“I’m so sorry about earlier, if you don’t want me to tell Tiff anymore I won’t. I just, I tell her everything and I needed to tell someone.” Your cheeks slowly started turning pink, Frank thought you were cute like that.

“Don’t apologize, darlin’. I didn’t care, just warnin’ ya ‘bout your dad is all.” He walked closer to you, his height very apparent, your head the perfect height for his chest. He brought a finger up to your cheek, dragging it down before tucking your hair behind your ear. 

“I appreciate it, I know how much he means to you.” No you didn’t. He knew you knew a small bit not enough to truly understand what the two of you meant to him. He would be forever indebted to your father if it meant keeping you, if it meant holding you and kissing you. Consuming himself with you.

“So pretty.” He truly whispered, admiring every inch of your face, leaning down to kiss you. Your heart stopped, he didn’t regret it? He thought you were pretty?

You decided to stop fucking thinking for once and enjoy it, leaning up to meet him halfway in the kiss. Threading your fingers through his hair, much like he did with yours in his truck. One his hands held the side of your face while the other tucked itself into the waistband of your swimsuit bottoms, rubbing at the indentation it left from being worn all day. 

“Ready to ride, cowgirl?” He asked, pulling away from the kiss enough to nip at your jaw as he waited for an answer. He wouldn’t be mad if you said no, he would be patient and wait until you were, but he went home and fucked his hand like a horny teenage boy at the thought of you on top of him.

A whimper is all you managed to respond with, your mind momentarily thinking about your dad but was interrupted by the softness of your mattress touching your back. 

“Goddamn swimsuits, prancing around in practically nothing.” He remarked, still standing as he eyed your body. His finger snapped the strap of your bottoms, smirking at the sound before he dragged them down your legs. 

“What’s your favorite color?” You asked softly, making him burst into laughter. 

“For what?” He responded, controlling his laughter at the fact you would ask that right now. 

“So I can wear one that color the next time you’re over.” You smiled, looking up at him. Somehow he looked even prettier from this angle, if that was possible. 

“Uh, probably red.” He gave a bit of thought before responding, curious to know if you would actually be wearing a bikini the next time you saw him. At your house, anyway. 

He stashed the bikini bottoms in his back pocket, pulling you to the edge of the bed by your ankles and getting down on his knees. Frank thanked all the heavens and the stars for the meal he was about to eat right before licking a stripe through your folds and sucking on your clit. The stimulation instinctively caused your thighs to close, causing him to force them back open and lay one arm across a leg with his hand splayed across your stomach.

He moaned.

He moaned.

Frank moaned, was he enjoying this as much as you were? Were there any downsides or faults to this man? 

He moved his mouth closer to your clit, paying almost all his attention to it as he inserted his middle finger slowly. A wanton moan making its way to his ears, he thought everything about you was pretty. If he wasn’t rock hard when he took your bottoms off, he definitely was now. The stretch in his jeans was not entirely comfortable, it truthfully wouldn’t be able to accommodate much more. 

“Frank, Frankie, please..” 

Did you just- did he imagine that? He’d never had anyone call him that before, but it sounded so damn good coming from your lips.

“What, pretty girl? Use your words for me. Tell Frankie what you need.” 

“‘M so close, please need more.” You whined, to him it even sounded a bit like you were going to cry. He’s bet his life savings you were a pretty crier, a pretty anything. He just wanted to look at you. Always.

All he wanted to do was pull out his phone and record the pleas and the moans coming from you, to listen to later if you were ever ripped from him and he didn’t get to experience this, experience you, ever again. If it weren’t for your fucking music. He was thankful for it, blocking your sounds from anyone in the house. He added his ring finger into the mix, relishing in the sound you made. You were his drug, he truly was addicted. He needed his next fix before this one was over. 

Moments after he sped up his fingers and added more pressure to your clit, your orgasm ripped through you. Body shaking, eyes rolling back. This was better than the one he gave you last night. You’d never be able to touch yourself ever again, not the way he did. You didn’t think anyone could ever compare now that Frank had touched you. 

By the time you came to, he had discarded his clothes and was on top of you. He pulled you into a kiss, swiping his tongue over your bottom lip and groaning into your mouth when you let him in. His tongue explored every inch of your mouth while his fingers explored every inch of your body. 

“I don’t have a condom.” He confessed.

“Don’t care, on the pill. Frankie please, I need you inside of me right now. Need your cock, frankie..please.” The sound of you begging for him had his ego going through the roof, the fact that anyone could want or need him this bad was mind blowing. 

He rubbed his cock through your folds, kissing you a bit more before he pushed the tip in. Your mouth opening in a gasp. You knew he was big, you saw the imprint in the truck yesterday. But this was different, the stretch hurt in a delicious way that you needed more of. He waited a moment before pushing in a bit more, toying with your clit and peppering your face with kisses to distract you.

He bottomed out, you had never felt so full in your life. You swore he was in your stomach, taking rearranging your guts to a new level. He stayed still, letting you get used to his size. He didn’t want to hurt you, too much.

“Frankie move.” 

Your wish was his command. His thrusts started slowly, building up in speed as he went. It was at this point, you realized Frank Castle was not quiet in bed. He wasn’t necessarily loud either, but he was groaning in your ear. The grunts and the groans were spurring you on, your moans and whimpers were doing the same for it. It was a cycle, and if either of you had your way it would never end. 

“Sound so damn pretty. Makin’ all these noises for me, huh? My pretty girl, my girl.” He put all his weight on his forearms, lifting himself enough to look you in the eyes, his hair falling out of place and onto your face. He was gorgeous, especially like this. Raw. Vulnerable. Just for you. 

“Your girl, yours.” You babbled, too busy reeling in the feeling of his cock driving in and out of you. How his bare skin feels on yours. His voice praising you. Calling you pretty. 

“That’s right, such a good girl.” His praises continued, some of them too muffled for you to hear as he sucked on your collarbone. Or your neck. Any exposed skin he could get in his mouth. 

Without pulling out, he flipped the two of you over so you were on top. Riding him. Cowgirl. 

“C’mon cowgirl, ride me. You can do it baby.” He lifted your hips up and placed them back down to get you started, placing your hands on his chest for you.  He slipped one of your boobs out of the top, you were still wearing, and put your nipple in his mouth. Rolling the bud between his teeth, enjoying the new sounds he managed to get.

You placed your weight on your hands, positioning your legs right, and lifted back up. He was somehow even deeper than before, it was almost overwhelming. His pelvic bone was hitting your clit just right every time you came down, accompanied by his groans, you were a goner. You fell into his chest as you felt your second orgasm start to rip through you, your words slurred as you told him to use you. You were his to use. 

Frank had been close since he put you on top, his self control had been wearing a bit thin. He fucked you through your orgasm, pistioning up inside you like his life depended on it. 

“Where do you want it, c’mon baby where?” He grunted, gritting his teeth as he tried to hold his release off. It was getting increasingly harder when your cunt was gripping him like that.

“Inside.” Is all you muttered out, half aware of your choice. You’d deal with it later. 

Not a moment later he painted your inside white, cummimg with a low and long groan. Relaxing his head completely against your pillows, taking deep breaths. You crumpled against his chest, just resting for a moment as he was still inside you. This was the most relaxed you’d been in ages, at some point you drifted off to sleep. 

You were awoken by the feeling of Frank cleaning you up and putting a blanket on top of you, obviously you knew he couldn’t stay. It still hurt. It hurt your heart, your soul, your everything. 

“Gotta go, pretty girl. I put my number in your phone. We’ll talk later.” His last sentence meant more than just texting you, you both knew it. At some point, lines had to be drawn or you had to fess up to your dad. But for now you’d live in delusion, in a world where you were in an established relationship and no one thought anything of it. He placed a kiss on your forehead, finished getting dressed and got up to leave. Stopping at the door he turned around to give you one last glance, you had already fallen back asleep. His cowgirl.

♡ ˙ ˖ ✧ — the story of las vegas’s biggest bootlegger & his favorite burlesque dancer.

♡ ˙ ˖ ✧ — she/her pronouns, i guess sugar daddy nanami but like reader and him around the same age sooooo, reader is black, nanami lowkey a simp in this tbh, set in the 20’s, racism mentioned, slight voyeurism, creampie, usage of alcohol, usage of drugs (cigarettes), slight history inaccuracy, slight timeskip where reader + nanami are in their 30’s, but in flashback they’re in their 20’s, yes i know i’d rather go blind didn’t get released until the 60’s but i kept listening to it during one scene i wrote in this lol, flashback is in italics, the story told in third pov, wc: 5.3k minors dni pls !!

♡ ˙ ˖ ✧ — @earlesskitten ’555 collab event’, congrats once again on your milestone.

Keep reading

PAIRINGS ✩ — plug!connie x hyperfem!black!reader

WARNINGS ✩ — ts kinda nasty when I think abt it, sub!connie, handjob, kissing, smoking, cum eating, daddy kink

CONNIE’S back laid in between your thighs, his head resting on your stomach. You were sat up, resting all your weight on the headboard. Your pink acrylic nails wrapped around Connie’s neck.

You were bent over as you pressed kisses onto Connie’s cheek, your fenty lipgloss staining his cheek. Connie laid comfortably, counting money.

Summer Walker quietly played from the tv. You lightly bit Connie’s cheek before sucking on the spot. Connie liked being absolutely smothered in your love plus it felt kind of good.

Your hums to ‘Anna Mae’ vibrated onto Connie’s cheek, your nails lightly grazing his neck.You released his cheek, the spot looking light reddish.

“Oops” You gave the spot one more kiss. “I gave you a hickey” He turned his head towards you.

“You tryna have people think you beat on me and shit” he laughed, wrapping a band around the stack.

“You are so cute I just wanna eat your face” You dragged your acrylic nail down his face, tapping his nose. You squished his cheeks together before kissing his pouted lips multiple times. You didn’t give him any time to speak, just suffocating him with your affection.

“You’re so good to me. Always taking care of me, can I take care of you pa?” You innocently ask, your lips still brushing against his. His eyes close and you can feel his body melt into yours, feeling a little needy. “Yeah” he softly breathed out.

The way this big ass angry tattooed drug dealer was being held by you, feeling so so vulnerable. You ran your hands down his white tee, pulling it up slightly. You rubbed at his lower stomach, pulling a groan from Connie.

“Gonna make you feel really good” You kissed at Connie’s neck as he tilted his head, giving you access to his sensitive neck.

Your hand reached under his grey sweats, rubbing his length over his boxers. You could hear small whiny breaths coming from Connie as you slipped your hand under the band. You tugged his heavy hard length out into sight. His tip pink and leaking, the base fading into a darker brown. Both of you guys were focused on what you were doing to him. He licked his lips, making them glossy and wet.

“Why do you have to be so cute, sexy, and adorable?” You kissed his wet lips. Connie was too focused on your hand stroking his dick. Your smooth palm twisting right on his tip, getting his pre-cum all over your hand.

You watched as you mindlessly sucked on Connie’s neck, starting to fasten your pace.

“Ay coño” Connie breathed out, his hips bucking into your hand.

“Does it feel good?” You squeeze him at the base of his cock.

“mhmm” He nods his head. You smile before repeating his famous saying, “Use your words”

Connie gasped as your thumb rubbed over his tip, circling around. “Yeah.. y-yes fuck” Connie’s thighs clenched, feeling so good. The bottom of his white tee was clenched between his teeth, trying to refrain from moaning as loud as he wants to.

You took notice of that, “Don’t do that daddy I wan’ hear you” Connie’s cock pulsed at the petname.

“Say it again” Connie whined as you tortured his tip with your hand.

“You gonna cum daddy?” You now have both hands twisting up and down his cock. Connie’s chest heaved up and down as his toes curled in his socks.

“Y-y…esss” Connie went limp in your hands, his cum oozing out of his tip. You slowly twist and squeeze his base, making sure to empty his fully.

You hear Connie wince as you still stroke his cock. You let go, looking at all of the cum on your hand.

You bring your hand up to Connie’s mouth, his tongue licking up alll his cum. Connie was pretty shocked at the action, his cock rising once again.

“How ‘bout I ride you until you cry” You suggest to Connie, your boobs all in his face.

What a horny monster he created

Reiner's love language is touch. Even when you guys are fucking fighting over something stupid for days, he still can't sleep without you cuddling up next to him. "C'mon, girl." He huffs, hands gripping the supple flesh of your thighs and pulling slightly. "Put your leg on my leg so I can get some fucking sleep." You can't help but groan at how annoying he can be, not interested in babying him while you're in the middle of a fight. You listen anyway, missing the feeling of his warmth yourself and pull your thigh over his, arms finding their way over his neck and pulling his face to rest between your tits - just the way he likes it. And its really not long before the room fills with his silent snores.

In his sleep, he pulls your body flush against his and wraps his muscular arms around your waist, the feeling of skin to skin contact with your partner making you fully forget what the two of you were fighting over to begin with. Reiner stirs in his sleep a bit, cracking an eye open to see if you're still awake and when he sees that you are, he pulls you a bit closer (if it were even possible at this point). He mumbles something under his breath, mouth a bit muffled under the weight of your tits but he can't bring himself to move his face for a minute.

He repeats himself. "'M sorry." And, to be honest, he's got no clue what he's apologizing for by now. The argument was days ago. He's not even sure if he's the one in the wrong. He just can't handle the tension between you guys anymore. Reiner hates fighting with his girl, knows he'll never win against you anyway. He kisses your collarbone a little, an attempt to coax you out of your fit. You giggle, fingernails carding through his soft blond roots. How can you stay mad at your man like this? "You know I forgive you." You smile, kissing his forehead in return.

I’m SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!

the extradimensional eldritch abomination can have a little gender. as a treat.

the start of something beautiful | r. braun

word count: 402 [ 1 min 30 sec read] | ✪ content warnings: uuuhhh stay away if u team fuck them kids. i mean i am too but like.. who don't love a fictional baby?

✮ new dad!reiner x new mom!reader / reiner x black!reader

you, your man, and y’all’s newborn baby.

- new dad!reiner who cried more than the baby did at birth

- new dad!reiner who, despite not letting you lift a finger since finding out about the pregnancy, still puts you on bedrest for the first few weeks post-partum. regardless of doctor's orders.

- new dad!reiner who rushes to his babygirl's every beck and call. he's learned her different types of cries after just one week, and can damn near hear her cry before she actually starts crying.

- new dad!reiner who's there for every post partum ache or craving, anything you want he'll get.

"whats wrong?" he immediately shoots up from his book in bed at the sight of you teary-eyed.

"it's s-stupid" you sniffle

"how many 'stupid' things have i made happen for you during the pregnancy? you still think i care about stupid?? tell me what's wrong baby."

"i want a kinder bueno bar so badddduhh" you whine, slumping over into the pregnancy pillow you still utilize.

you barely blink and he's sliding on his hoodie and slides.

best believe you got three of those damn bueno bars.

- new dad!reiner of whom you have a video of slowly swaying in the kitchen, lowly singing to an RnB song, daughter laying across one arm and a spatula in the other one early morning.

- new dad!reiner who has no concept of when a baby is meant to start eating solid food.

"so uhhh.. what's going on here?"

"’m introducing her to peanut butter."

"for one, ill be damned if my baby likes that solidifed dog water and two.. she's three and a half weeks old?"

"yeah. and?"

"'rei, that's like 8 month old shit. she can't even sit up on her own?"

(spoiler; not that you liked peanut butter before, but during your pregnancy the smell made you throw up on more than one occasion. no suprise she didn't like it a year later when reiner tried again.)

- new dad!reiner who you find in the hall late one night, showing babygirl your bump progression photos, explaining to her how big she was at each interval and how excited he is that she's finally here in the flesh.

- new dad!reiner who's first post of her had lyrics to "she's mine, pt.2" in the caption.

- new dad!reiner who, again, cries more than the baby does when his paternity leave is up and he has to work again.

- new dad!reiner, who makes you wanna marry him all over again.

y’all gotta start writing reiner like the PATHETIC LOSER he is and not this macho man🙄🙄😭 . make him whimper and moan a lil damn ‼️

romantic confession dialogue prompts 

"i can't pretend anymore."

"you need to know that i have grown to care for you. deeply."

"i've loved you since the moment i first laid my eyes on you."

"you deserve to know."

"it's you. it's always been you."

"are you really so oblivious?"

"there isn't anything that i wouldn't do for you."

"i was made to love you." 

"i cannot bare to be apart from you anymore." 

"please. please just listen to me."

"don't make me say it. i can't say the words."

"you are all i can think about."

"i can't fathom the idea of my life without you in it."

"i dream of you. all i do, is dream of you."

"i am so very in love with you."

"is it so obvious how infatuated i am?"

"for years i have yearned for you, in secrecy and silence."

"we have just met and yet it feels like i have known you for a lifetime."

"you are everything. everything."

"it hurts me, just how much i ache for you."

"i don't know if i can't bring myself to speak it."

"i know that this is not what you want to hear..."

"after everything you've done, i still love you. with all i am."

"it's true."

"i cannot stand you, and yet i also cannot stand to be away from you."

"please...say something."

"i feel your absence in everything that i do alone, in every place i go without you."

"your smile brings me so much joy."

"i'm falling for you."

"i am sorry that you found out this way."