Just a Writing Blog

[sugarless--girl]

Try, Try Again

"How could you let it get this bad?"

Prompt taken from this tumblr post. Shout out to @whumpyourenemy​ for the great prompts! Also, special thanks to my beta, Dragonroses (tumblr). Appreciate your input as always!

Read on Ao3

[el-theartist]

*Click for better quality*

My little drawing for hxhbb22!! I had the honor of collaborating with @sugarless--girl so go check out their super cool fic “Parts of a Whole”

This was a super cool and fun process to do! I truly hope I am able to do another one :)

Link to the fic right here!!

https://sugarless--girl.tumblr.com/post/688586721143734272/parts-of-a-whole

Kurapika works in a job most would not. Being an executioner is rarely worth the payout. But, he's been here, and he's managing it. A new

[sugarless--girl]

Parts of a Whole

Kurapika works in a job most would not. Being an executioner is rarely worth the payout. But, he's been here, and he's managing it. A new doctor, by the name of Leorio, comes to the Organization, and Kurapika can't help being annoyed by his presence. His instinct is, of course, to tell him to get lost.

Nothing ever goes the one expects it to.

Read on Ao3

Thank you so much for doing this with me @el-theartist! I feel like I upgraded my writing game! Hopefully it shows in this fic :)

[sugarless--girl]

Reflection

Shinobu and Mitsuri finally have some time and take a moment to enjoy themselves.

Read on Ao3

The first thing Mitsuri did when they’re behind closed doors was hug Shinobu. She bounded up toward the shorter woman, picked her up and swung her around as if they were meeting for the first time in months. 

It had only been a week. The wait always felt excruciating. 

“Shinobu-chan, I missed you!” She said, nuzzling the shorter woman. It felt too simplistic to convey the emotion she felt but that was all the language Mitsuri had. Were she a dog, she’d be wagging her tail. And just like one, Mitsuri leaned in to inhale Shinobu’s scent. She smelled lovely as ever. It felt nice to just hold Shinobu and release all of the energy she carried through the day. Hunting demons never got any easier, but this made it work.

“Mitsuri-san, give me a moment! We haven’t even taken our shoes off!” Shinobu said, a laugh coloring her voice.

Mitsuri let go, albeit reluctantly. She had to be careful with her strength—a part of her was afraid of giving Shinobu undue treatment and bruising her accidently. But, even in spite Mitsuri’s fear of hurting Shinobu, she could barely hold back from pouncing on the other.

It wasn’t even moments after Shinobu had taken off her shoes and set aside her sandals that Mitsuri had her pinned against the nearest wall. The doorway wasn’t a place to have sex, but pulling away from Shinobu felt impossible. She was a girl that deserved to be taken on the softest of beds, but Mitsuri couldn’t pull her hands away from wandering over the other woman’s body.

Perhaps, what was the most satisfying thing was seeing Shinobu’s breath hitch. A pillar was always careful with their breathwork, yet Mitsuri felt proud when Shinobu wavered.

“Mitsuri-san—!” Whatever Shinobu was about to say was cut off with a searing kiss. Mitsuri gripped Shinobu’s hips, pressing a leg between her.

“Shinobu-chan, can I—?” The question was unfinished, as it always was. There was no real direction with it either as the ‘can I?’ meant anything and everything between. Mitsuri felt awkward asking for what she wanted but the shaky nod that she received from Shinobu was enough. Besides, if Shinobu was so kind to offer her this, was it wrong to take it?

She unbuttoned the girl’s uniform and buried her face in Shinobu’s breasts. The position would’ve been awkward if Mitsuri didn’t pick up Shinobu with ease. Shinobu, who was used to being manhandled by Mitsuri at this point, easily wrapped her legs around Mitsuri’s waist for support. Mitsuri could hear her fast heartbeat and feel the skin’s heat against her face. The elegant scent of wisteria flowers swirled beneath her. Mitsuri’s lips latched onto a nipple as she tongued the flesh, reveling in the sweet sounds Shinobu was trying to hold back.

“M-mitsuri, hold on! Last time, it really chafed when—” A beat of silence.

Mitsuri pulled back. “Oh no, you didn’t like it then?”

Shinobu stared back at her. “I-I didn’t say that.”

“You said it chafed when—?”

“It chafed after we…you…” Shinobu looked away, barely keeping her composure. Mitsuri loved seeing this side of Shinobu who was so perfectly put-together. Did anyone else see her like this? She hoped not.

“After we, what?” She asked. A part of her knew exactly what she was asking with this question and another part of her hadn’t at all caught up. It was hard to think with Shinobu flushed beneath her with pink nipples begging to be teased. She was glad they weren’t partnered up in battles. Mitsuri was sure she’d get distracted.

“Mitsuri-san, please! You always pretend not to know what I mean.” Shinobu said with a put-upon frown.

“I don’t! You have to tell me exactly what you mean, or else I won’t know.” Mitsuri said with a sweet smile.

Shinobu huffed but the pink staining her cheeks made look all the more alluring.

“You’re so beautiful, Shinobu-chan.” Mitsuri cooed, and leaned up for a kiss. It was hard to maneuver but she pulled the butterfly clip out of Shinobu’s hair, messing it up. Mitsuri loved the way Shinobu’s short hair looked on her, but every thing of Shinobu’s seemed as if it were the best way to do something, even if it was as simple as keeping her hair a certain way.

Shinobu had no real way of responding to Mitsuru’s proclamation—not that Mitsuri would let her. Shinobu would often protest when Mitsuri said such things. How the other girl didn’t know she was the most lovely creature was beyond Mitsuri. Did the mirror not show the same things Mitsuri saw?

A thought came to Mitsuri. She disentangled herself from Shinobu, a line of saliva following their broken kiss. The delicate blush was now crawling down onto Shinobu’s neck. It was difficult to not keep ravishing the other woman but Mitsuri had a plan.

“Shinobu-chan, can we go to your bedroom?” Mitsuri asked. The answer was likely to be yes, but she felt it was necessary to ask. At times, she wanted to stop and ask if every touch and brush of skin was allowed as the contact felt taboo. There were no rules against Pillars fraternizing with each other, but Shinobu appeared so untouchable. It went without saying that Mitsuri didn’t feel entirely comfortable moving around Shinobu’s place, as well.

Shinobu stared back, attempting to get her breathing back under control. She smiled at Mitsuri. “That was the initial plan, wasn’t it?”

Mitsuri blushed. “Sorry, Shinobu-chan! I couldn’t help myself. You’re just so….you know!!”

“There’s no rush” She tucked a strand of hair behind Mitsuri’s ear. “Let’s take our time, alright? It’s rare to have a moment to ourselves as is.”

They made their way to Shinobu’s bedroom in a hurry. Mitsuri pressed kisses on Shinobu’s neck, dragging her hair back to reach it. One of the many things that Mitsuri liked about Shinobu’s current hairstyle was the unfettered access it gave to her neck.

Shinobu, in turn, kissed Mitsuri’s hand and arm, because that was all she could reach. Mitsuri would never say it aloud, but she found their height difference charming. Shinobu had to be part-yokai to explain her ethereal energy.

Mitsuri didn’t close the door behind them as she went to push Shinobu’s haori off, careful to toss it aside gently. Shinobu backed away from Mitsuri, batting away the other girl’s hands as she took her sweet time to pull off her uniform top and uncover her bare chest.

Everyone had breasts and Mitsuri’s was often on display with the way her uniform was shaped. But, somehow, Shinobu made her body’s unveiling come off as a secret of the universe. Like, she was sharing something so untouched by other’s eyes that Mitsuri had to worship the rare sight.

Or maybe, she was just waxing poetic. Which was totally fair! Shinobu was that pretty.

“Shinobu-chan, quite teasing me!” Mitsuri whined, as she made grabby hands toward the other girl. Her hands went to cup Shinobu’s ample breasts before Shinobu took Mitsuri’s hands.

“What, like you did to me earlier?” Shinobu asked, pulling Mitsuri close so that she could undo the other girl’s top button. Mitsuri took a hint and began to disrobe rather quickly.

“When was I teasing you?” Mitsuri asked, already forgetting the events of the doorway. In her defense, she was utterly distracted by Shinobu. Which, again, was rather fair as she supposed most people would lose some of their concentration were Shinobu losing composure underneath them. It was the most human quality that Mitsuri could think of.

“You’re ridiculous.” Shinobu laughed. Her own hands roved up and down Mitsuri’s arms. She always seemed to have a fascination with her arms, though why, Mitsuri couldn’t tell. “I really can’t tell when you’re pulling my leg.”

“I’m not lying.” Mitsuri said, leaning down to kiss Shinobu. They held their place there, exploring each other’s lips as if it were the first and last time they could do such a thing. Mitsuri’s tongue caressed the girl’s mouth, letting herself map it. She wanted to commit to memory every changing inch of Shinobu’s body.

Shinobu’s hand went to tug at Mitsuri’s pigtails, taking the ribbon apart and tangling the hair between her fingers. Mitsuri let it happen. Shinobu’s touch felt nice, especially as she drifted to scratch the other’s scalp. The slow intimacy felt sacred. Mitsuri was usually the one raring to get going faster but Shinobu would oftentimes, purposefully slow them down like this.

It was driving her mad to go at this leisurely pace.

Even with this thought in her head, Mitsuri pressed against the palm that came to rest on her face. She brushed a kiss into it, warmed by the smile that Shinobu shot at her. For a moment, things felt light and easy.

“Shinobu-chan!” Mitsuri said with a giggle as Shinobu pressed a ticklish kiss on her neck.

“Yes?” Shinobu asked in a musical tone. “What—oh!”

She gasped as Mitsuri squeezed at the other girl’s ass, unable to help herself. This softness was sweet but Mitsuri still felt that ramping energy within her, willing her to move, move, move.

Mitsuri tugged at Shinobu’s pants and felt the other pull at her skirt as well. For a moment, their movement became stilted and awkward as they hurried to get out their clothes. Mitsuri was too impatient for anything sensual at that moment.

With their clothes tossed aside, they fell onto the bed and resumed kissing. Both Shinobu and Mitsuri’s hands roved and caressed each other. Mitsuri felt that strange tug in her to push Shinobu’s hands and tie her up. Perhaps, she would’ve even liked to blindfold and gag her, so that she was entirely immobile and unresistant. It was a possessive instinct that she hadn’t known she ever had prior to these couplings. After all, she hardly felt the desire to do a thing in her other liaisons.

Mitsuri didn’t quite know what to make of this desire. In the heat of the moment, with Shinobu panting underneath her, nothing seemed quite so obvious. After all, it was a form of surrender, wasn’t it? What would she have to do to have Shinobu offer such a precious gift?

She felt Shinobu’s hands travel downward and she mirrored the action. Mitsuri already knew she was wet and was slightly disappointed to discover that Shinobu wasn’t quite there yet. But, Mitsuri knew the night was coming, from the start of the day. She had been keyed up, from the get-go.

Mitsuri let out a gasp as Shinobu’s fingers touched at her sex. She let herself feel that moment, savoring the heat that was building up in her body. Shinobu was maddeningly slow with her ministrations but, even so, Mitsuri could feel the momentum building up.

“Wait, wait, wait—” Mitsuri said, pulling Shinobu’s hand away.

“What’s wrong?” Shinobu asked, her voice tinged with a note of fear. “D-did I hurt you?”

“Oh, nothing like that!” Mitsuri was quick to reassure the other girl and felt guilty at the way Shinobu’s face was flooded with relief. “I just, um, don’t want to come yet. A-and, I want to try something new. If that’s okay?’

“Try something new?” Shinobu smiled as she slowly sat up. “Mitsuri-san, you try something new every other time we meet. I’ve come to expect it, by this point.”

“Well, I didn’t want to pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do!” Mitsuri sat up as well, and wrung her hands.

Shinobu laughed. “If it’s something I don’t like, I’ll let you know. I promise you, I’m well capable of saying such a thing.”

Mitsuri bit her lip. Shinobu was so polite and careful, but she was good at standing firm. There were a few things that Mitsuri had suggested that she had turned down. And, though Mitsuri had been disappointed, she had never pushed. Not that she ever enjoyed being the type to push, anyway.

“So? What is it?” Shinobu asked, leaning forward on the palms of her hands. Her breasts were distracting (as always) but Mitsuri managed the difficult task of keeping her eyes on Shinobu.

“You know that mirror you have? Over there?” Mitsuri asked, pointlessly gesturing over to the mirror in the corner as if it was easy to miss. It was difficult to get a mirror of this size, but Shinobu must have splurged on it as a treat. “Could we…..have sex in front it?”

Shinobu tilted her head. “What do you mean? Do you mean, just as we were doing, right now?”

“Not exactly…” Mitsuri tugged at her hair. Already, her face was heating up at the suggestion. It was a silly passing thought, but at the same time, she wanted to see it realized.

“Why don’t you show me?” Shinobu offered, taking pity on Mitsuri’s inability to explain herself. “If it doesn’t work out, that’s fine.”

Even when she put it like that, Mitsuri wanted it to work out.

“It’s not what I want to show you. It’s more that…I want you to see yourself.”

Shinobu stared at her. “I’m not sure…..” She trailed off, eyes darting to the side before it came back to meet Mitsuri’s in the mirror.

Mitsuri waited patiently, though the heat in her body still had not cooled. It wasn’t restraint that stopped her from pushing Shinobu down, but rather, the desire of receiving what she wanted from the other.

“I don’t really know what to say. You want me to watch myself? While we…have sex?”

“Yes!” Mitsuri said, glad that her intentions had gotten through. “So can we? Do that, I mean.”

Shinobu looked apprehensive but nodded her assent anyway. It was often that she’d be game to try something even if she was unsure how it would turn out.

“Come sit between my legs then.” Mitsuri shifted so that Shinobu could be positioned right in front of the mirror with Mitsuri looking over her shoulders.

Mitsuri saw them in the mirror. Shinobu was not quite smiling anymore, and instead a pink splash of embarrassment colored her cheeks. On the other hand, Mitsuri’s own elation was rather obvious, grinning as if she had the most delicious dango.

“Shinobu-chan, you’re so….” Mitsuri leaned in and breathed in Shinobu’s scent. Her lips hovered near the other girl’s ear as she whispered, “Beautiful.”

Almost immediately, Shinobu colored even more. Her eyes averted from herself in the mirror but Mitsuri took her by the chin and directed her gaze back at herself.

“No, I want you to see yourself.” Mitsuri could feel that strange monster in her that desired to take control of the situation. Were she in a more sensible state of mind, she would’ve felt bad for pushing Shinobu this way, but she could hardly feel sorry now, as she heard the other’s breath hitch.

Somehow, now more than ever, she found the discipline to hold herself back from entirely devouring Shinobu. She couldn’t as it wouldn’t be so easy for Shinobu to watch herself. And that was the whole point of this.

Mitsuri let go of Shinobu’s chin and dragged her hands up the other girl’s arms. “W-where do I put my hands?” Shinobu asked, making eye contact with Mitsuri in the mirror.

“Um…” Mitsuri had to think hard on this, the sight of Shinobu’s blush making her dumb. “Maybe you could touch yourself?”

“What?!” Shinobu’s exclamation was loud. 

Mitsuri winced, unsure what she had said wrong. “But, we’ve seen each other masturbate before!”

“Not like this, though!”

Mitsuri kept watching Shinobu’s reflection. If the other woman did dislike it, then she’d back off. But, before the thought could be completed, she watched Shinobu’s hand move downward between her thighs. Mitsuri pulled her closer, so that the other woman’s back was flush against her chest.

Shinobu's eyes kept darting away the few moments she made contact with her reflection. She hadn’t seen her this flustered in a while. Mitsuri could feel the heat pooling between her thighs. She ached to touch herself, but the desire to keep her eyes entirely on Shinobu won out.

“You’re so beautiful, Shinobu-chan.” Mitsuri breathed. She could see Shinobu flinch under the compliment. Her hands were right where they needed to be, but they were hardly visible with the way Shinobu had her thighs clamped together.

Mitsuri grabbed Shinobu’s legs and parted them. Shinobu was entirely on display. “Mitsuri, warn me next time!”

“Sorry~!” Mitsuri sang,  hands moving to cup Shinobu’s left breast.

Shinobu wasn’t moving. Her face was entirely red now as she stared at herself.

“Shinobu-chan?” Mitsuri called out, voice dripping with honey. “Do you need help?”

The room was silent with heat before it was broken with a choked out, “p-please.”

Mitsuri’s hands snaked downward, between Shinobu’s thighs. She could feel the tension in her body, strung-up. Mitsuri wanted to push the other woman down and take her as she was. But, that would end this game she had created, and that thought kept her patient enough.

She stroked at Shinobu's folds, taking her sweet time with it. Shinobu closed her eyes, but Mitsuri took her by the chin and forced her to look once more. She brushed over the clit with the lightest of touch and heard a gasp from beneath her. Shinobu held a hand to her mouth as she struggled to keep her eyes on the mirror. She was trembling.

Mitsuri kept at it until Shinobu was wet and dripping. Shinobu seemed more, than ever before, responsive to her touch. She was panting, utterly unable to keep up her breath techniques now. "Can I?" Mitsuri asked, holding a finger at her entrance.

"W-what? I mean, yes. Go ahead." Shinobu said.

Mitsuri's middle finger dragged up along the inside of her spread folds, pressing gently against her before pushing in. A finger, then two. Shinobu pushed up underneath her, into Mitsuri's palms. "Do you see yourself, Shinobu-chan? Have you ever seen yourself like this?"

Mitsuri pressed a kiss to Shinobu's neck. "You have no idea how much I want to keep you like this, with me. I want you to be desperate for me, always."

"Stop teasing me!" The demand was punctuated with a moan as Mitsuri pushed her fingers in deeper. She patiently rocked her finger in and out of her sex. Her digits arched up, pressing into Shinobu as she sought the spot best to satisfy her. Mitsuri kept at the pace before soon speeding up as Shinobu's breathing got more ragged.

Mitsuri was soon fucking Shinobu with her fingers, thrusting in and out of her folds. Her thumb kept brushing up against the other's clit, playing with the sensitive nub all while the woman cried underneath her. From her position, Shinobu looked to be crumbling sooner than usual as the focus on her body was getting to her. She wondered how Shinobu felt, being displayed like this.

"This is what I always see, Shinobu-chan. Even when we're apart, I'll think of you coming undone like this underneath my hands." Mitsuri kept rocking her fingers in and out, slowing down to torment the other. "I imagined you like this, at the meeting earlier. I probably should've concentrated on the meeting, but you made me like this. Sometimes, I really can't think of anything else but you."

Shinobu let out a keening moan as the pressure kept building. “M-mitsuri, I—” But Shinobu had nothing else to add, even as Mitsuri waited patiently for her to continue. Well, patiently as fingering a girl could get.

Mitsuri wanted Shinobu to see how undone she’d get. Shinobu was so sweet like this, wanting, seeking pleasure. And Mitsuri was the one doing it to her. The rare bit of possessiveness she felt in the moment caused her to lean down and bite hard at the woman’s slender, pale neck. Shinobu cried out under her and Mitsuri could barely sense what she had done. The desire to mark her, and make her own was all-too consuming.

She wasn’t thinking anymore. It was all pure-instinct and the heat building in between her own thighs that kept her moving. Mitsuri ignored the desire, as it would soon be satiated.

Shinobu’s eyes were pressed closed. “Shinobu-chan, you’re not looking.” Mitsuri scolded. “Don’t you want to see how beautiful you look?”

“This is—is too—” Shinobu gasped. “Y-you’re a sadist!”

Mitsuri stopped and pulled out her fingers in alarm. “Sorry, should I—!”

“Don’t you fucking stop!”

Mitsuri felt a smile touch her lips at the face of Shinobu’s divine desperation. This, as she saw it, was permission for her to continue their game. “Do you like seeing yourself?”

“No, but—” Shinobu glared at her reflection. “I don’t….I don’t get what it is about this.”

“You’re pretty even when you’re glaring.” Mitsuri pressed a kiss into Shinobu’s hair. “You’re so beautiful. Even more so like this. I’m so lucky to witness it.”

“You’re….too much….” Shinobu trailed off. She appeared to be looking at Mitsuri through the reflection but Mitsuri did not wait to decipher the odd expression as she went to stroke her once more. She thrust her fingers into the girl’s sex once more, reveling in the whine that followed.

“I want you to see yourself. You have to know how lovely you are.” She pressed a kiss on the woman’s ear. “My pretty, pretty Shinobu-chan.”

“Mitsuri–!”

“Beautiful Shinobu-chan. Elegant Shinobu-chan. Graceful Shinobu-chan.”

Mitsuri’s thrusts became more sloppy and she wished she had what men had so she could feel Shinobu more closely. But, then again, men probably would probably miss how special it was to have Shinobu coming undone with just her hands.

“I-I wish everyone could see you right now.” Mitsuri whispered, feeling strangely overcome with emotion. 

Her eyes are no longer on herself, screwed shut as she clenches. Mitsuri could feel Shinobu squeezing around her fingers. She could hear the other girl struggle to form Mitsuri's name, grasping at the rug below them. She arched against Mitsuri, twisting for release.

With a gasp, Shinobu came, spasming in Mitsuri’s arms. Mitsuri coaxes Shinobu through it, savoring the heady heat in the air. It was insane that the sight of Shinobu in her arms was enough to drive her insane.

Shinobu slumps against her and Mitsuri slips her fingers out only to immediately begin fingering herself. The sight of the girl spent in her arms was enough to send her over the edge.

"Mitsuri, I can..." Shinobu began but barely had the energy to move. She trembled and pulled Mitsuri’s face to her own, kissing her hard. She tangled her hands into Mitsuri’s hair, biting down on Mitsuri’s lips, nearly drawing blood.

That shouldn’t have been enough, but the visual of Shinobu had her keyed up enough that she dissolved in pleasure just as Shinobu sank her teeth. She cried out, lighting coursing in her skin as she came.

Mitsuri fell backward, grabbing onto Shinobu so as to drag her down as well. She let out a self-satisfied groan as she cuddled with the other woman, only slightly bothered by the hard floor. She didn't mind it much, but she would've preferred it if Shinobu was on a more soft surface. She pulled the other girl right to her breast, as she thought this. Those were soft, right?

"Mitsuri! You're too much!" Shinobu complains, though it doesn't sound all that put out. "Are you sure I can't...do anything for you?"

"I came though!" Mitsuri giggled. Her skin is still buzzing and the satiated feeling felt incredible. Mitsuri couldn't believe that she barely needed stimulation to be pushed into orgasming, but it was there. "I guess you were all I needed to see."

Shinobu was quiet before she spoke up. "You're ridiculous." She stroked Mitsuri’s stomach with her thumb. “I don’t even know what you were trying to do.”

“You didn’t get it?” Mitsuri asks, propping herself up. “I thought….I just wanted  you to see yourself. I thought it would be nice.”

“Embarrassing, more like.” Shinobu said with a huff. She bit her lips as if contemplating something before she smiled. She smiled, face still flushed. “You’re too much.”

“But you’re okay with it, right?” Mitsuri asked, propping herself up with her elbows.

“Like I said, Mitsuri-san, I’m plenty capable of saying no.” Shinobu said, rolling to get up into a sitting position. “Though, I’m not entirely sure I can resist your requests.”

“I don’t know what that means!” She said with a pout.

Shinobu laughed. “Let’s take a bath, why don’t we?”

Mitsuri waited for a moment before she leaned forward to kiss Shinobu. “Sorry about your neck.” She murmured as she eyed the reddening bite on Shinobu’s shoulder.

“You don’t have to worry—I got you for it, after all.” Shinobu said, tapping Mitsuri’s lip. “Now come on. I hate feeling sticky.”

Shinobu stood up and pulled Mitsuri along with her. She glanced over to the mirror and her expression reddened. Her eyes darted away almost immediately. “L-let’s go.”

Mitsuri followed, happy to have put a part of her in Shinobu. Even her reflection would be for Mitsuri.

[kakairu-big-bang]

Title: Twenty-Two

Team R: Writer - @sugarless–girl, Artist: @animetrashmuffin

Rating: Mature

Tags: Major Character Injury, Blood and Gore, Aliens, Alternate Universe - Space, Minor Character Death, Thriller, Romance, you know I was trying to go for horror but I really don’t think I got any of that, Pining Hatake Kakashi, POV Hatake Kakashi, Based off of Ripley’s Alien

Summary: Orochimaru has some important scientific research on board a ship that’s lost contact with Konoha forces. He requests a team of elite Konoha officers to infiltrate and bring home the cargo. Kakashi, Tenzo, Anko, Ebisu, Hayate, and Iruka are all conscripted for the mission. Unfortunately, things don’t go right.

CW: graphic depictions of violence, gore

💞  Click to read this KakaIru Big Bang fanfic on AO3!

[sugarless--girl]

TodoDeku Big Bang: Asking About You

Todoroki Shouto found solace in Izuku Midoriya’s writing. He tore through all five of the author’s books and short stories, keeping up-to-date with his works. However, one day, he hears that the author is giving up writing at the age of 31. Determined to find out why, Todoroki goes to visit Midoriya and seek the truth for himself.

Conversely: Todoroki Shouto falls in love with a book, an author, and then his story.

Read on AO3

Heads up to anyone reading this: I'm well-aware that the literary references are all Western. Most of my understanding of literature is from the American schooling system, after all. So, please remember to suspend your sense of disbelief as you read this story. I sure as hell do when I'm re-reading my stuff. Also note that there will references to dark topics throughout the story even if I don't touch upon it entirely.

Special thanks to my artist, Caro, and beta reader, Rissa! Please check out their art and writing and shower them with love!!

Side ships include: Shinsou Hitoshi x Kaminari Denki, Yaoyozoru Momo x Kyouka Jirou

Anyway, hope you guys enjoy the story!

@tododekubigbang

[sugarless--girl]

day 7: senku’s birthday

@sengenweek day 7!! give it up for day 7!!

Read on Ao3

“Surprise! You have me for your birthday present! Happy?” Gen had greeted Senku at the door, thankfully wearing clothes. For the ‘present’ aspect, he had a bow tied around his neck that led down into his shirt. Senku was very curious to see where that ended up.

“Is this gonna be a thing every year? You said this last year as well.” He said, shutting the door behind him and hanging his coat. Gen fidgeted, looking impatient and for that, Senku took his time.

“Yeah, but it was a joke last year. This time, it’s real. You can do anything you want to do. Anything.” Gen shot Senku his most seductive look. It worked. Sort of.

Obviously he found his boyfriend hot but the idea of teasing him was always far more interesting.

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

“Alright. Let’s go run some regression analysis in the lab.”

Gen spluttered. “Wha—Senku-chan! You know that’s not what I meant!”

“Hey, you said anything.” Senku said, pulling Gen toward the direction of their home lab. He could feel the other man tug at his wrist, most likely preferring to take things to their shared bedroom.

“Quit teasing me! Do you want me to be straightforward or something?” Gen’s annoyed tone was surprisingly fun to wrangle out of him. Especially since his annoyance tended to be a theatrical display. It was always fun drawing out his true emotions.

“Wouldn’t hurt. I don’t see why you’re dodging around the point. I know you have something planned so why don’t you quit playing coy and tell me what it is.”

Gen pouted. “That takes the fun out of it...”

“I promise that I’m still gonna like it, surprise or not. Now tell me what are on the plans.”

“Fine…I made dinner and, um, prepared...”

“What was that?” Senku grinned, already knowing where this was going with the way Gen was shifting.

“You know! I’m definitely not giving you dessert if you’re making me say it.”

“Alright, alright.” He conceded, finally giving in and heading toward the bedroom to change out of his work clothes.

“Now come on, I’m looking forward to what you made for dinner.”

Senku would change, eat with Gen, and then ‘unwrap’ his real present.

“You’re gonna love it!” The excitement in Gen’s voice brought a smile to Senku’s.

“I know I will.”

“Senku-chan?”

“Yeah?”

“Happy birthday.”

[sugarless--girl]

day 4: flowers

@sengenweek day 4!! give it up for day 4!!

Read on Ao3

“Senku-chan, I—” Gen’s voice was weak and reedy—unlike his normal theatrics. Senku wasn’t looking at him. His attention was focused on the lab equipment before him

“Come on, Gen, let’s run this test one more time. I think I’m getting somewhere.”

“Listen, there’s no—”

“The last data set didn’t yield anything, I know. But I swear, I’m closer to an actual solution.”

“Senku-chan, please listen to me!” Gen clutched at his shirt, to stop himself from coughing. He tried to clear his throat inconspicuously but Senku whirled on him, staring him dead in the eye.

“Listen to you? Listen to you?! You’ve been no help with this!” There was pain in the scientist’s eye. Gen didn’t mean to cause it.

“Senku-chan, this is—”

“Dammit, don’t say that it’s fine! You know it’s not fine! It wasn’t fine when you started coughing up those fucking flowers then and it’s not fine now! Let me figure this out!” The dark circles under Senku’s eyes were pronounced. Gen felt a guilt shoot through him. That and a strange thrill.

“Okay, okay I won’t say it’s fine. But I’m going through with the surgery anyway so it should solve—”

“It’ll solve your problem but at the cost of your memories for this person, right? Are you really fine with that, mentalist?” Gen’s breath caught.

It wasn’t the solution he wanted. But for whatever reason, Gen couldn’t bear to be vulnerable to Senku. If the other boy cared this much for him and it had yet to do anything to the disease than what was the fucking point?

Or that was what Gen told himself. He knew the real reason was that he couldn’t handle the rejection. Not from Senku.

Fuck, he was such a coward.

“...I mean, what other choice do I have?”

“If you told me who it was, I might be able to figure out something with that person but you won’t even—”

“Senku! J-just leave it. Please.” His voice cracked and he began coughing.

Gen bent over and flower petals were dislodged from his throat onto the ground. He felt a warm hand on his back, but that just made the pain in his throat all the more painful.

This was platonic. That was all it was. All it could be. If Senku reciprocated, then this wouldn’t be happening.

It took only a minute for Gen to get his breathing in control again. It was labored and painful but he was back in control for the time being. Senku stood up and handed him a paper towel and then set to cleaning the fallen petals on the ground. Gen shakily wiped his bloodied mouth, spitting the remaining petals into the napkin.

“Fine. I won’t push it. But if you change your mind, tell me..” Senku said, placing the petals onto a tray. They were different colored petals of the aster flower. Gen didn’t have to see it. “Okay? I don’t want—I could solve this if I could use the object of your…affections. Gen, don’t—don’t do this. Just let me in. I swear I’ll figure something out.”

He swallowed. The taste of the aster flowers lingered in his mouth. He was starting to find it unbearable. Gen was tired. He closed his eyes and the meaning of the flowers came to him easily. Purity, undying devotion, wisdom, love. How could all these things encapsulate his feelings for Senku? They were unclear and shifting at best. Why was it a disease that forced him to confront it?

Gen just stared. His vision turned blurry. He blinked.

“What if—what would you do if the person was someone we both knew?” This was already giving away more than he wanted to but he was just so….tired….

“Is it Ryusei?” Senku asked, glaring at the table filled with lab equipment. His hands were clutching at the edge. His shoulders were tense.

“W-what? No!” Where did Senku even get that idea? “I-”

“It’s someone we know?” Senku’s eyes were trained on Gen now. His glare had softened into a more thoughtful expression. Gen knew that he was doing his everything to figure out what Gen was thinking.

Gen opened his mouth and closed it a few times.

“I-it’s you?” The words slipped out before he could even think through it properly.

“What?” Senku was staring at him, shocked.

“I, um, I didn’t—”

“Dammit, Mentalist.” Senku said, dropping petal samples. He pulled Gen into a painfully tight hug. “Say something next time.”

“I—”

The scientist pulled back. Gen couldn’t bear to look at him and tried to move away but Senku had him clutched between his arms. “I can work with this. I can—don’t worry.”

“B-but you don’t even like me!”

“Who said I didn’t?”

“I have this….stupid disease! And—”

“Yeah, well, it didn’t even occur to me that I could—I was allowed to—” Senku was strangely at a loss for words. “I could have you.”

The words were whispered into his ear and Gen shivered. Finally, finally, he moved his around the boy clutching him and melted into his embrace.

“You’ve always had me.” Gen sighed. “Just—”

“I’ll take care of you. Don’t worry.”

And for the first time in a while, the burning sensation in his throat died down. He felt tired but content.

[sugarless--girl]

day 3: morse code / marriage

@sengenweek day 3!! It’s late but who cares!!

Read on Ao3

“Gen, come here.” Gen perked up when he heard his boyfriend’s voice. He turned to see Senku holding a strange machine.

He made his way over and peered at the device Senku had just created. Gen didn’t recognize it but it held some sense of familiarity. “What is it Senku-chan?”

“I made a simple morse code machine and I want to double check my messages. I’m not too confident in the language.” Gen had told Senku that he knew morse code. He shouldn’t have been surprised that he would remember such a detail about Gen but it was one more reminder of how well his boyfriend paid attention to him. It was...warming.

“That doesn’t sound like you at all. I thought you knew everything?” He said, shooting Senku a teasing smile.

“You know that’s not true. Now come here. I know you’re well-versed in it.”

“Alright, but—”

“Just come here.” Senku pulled Gen in front of him, using his arms to cage the other man between him. Senku was oddly straightforward with his gestures of intimacy and never managed to stop catching him off-guard. Not that he’d admit it.

"I figured a straight key would be simpler. You know the language but you haven't operated one of these machines, right?" Senku’s voice was low and right near Gen’s ears.

"That's right." He said, trying not to let his fluster be seen through. But Senku probably knew what he was doing.

"Let me show you."

It only took a bit for Gen to pick up how to use the little machine. It wasn't anything too difficult and the magician always had been a quick study.

"Okay, now wait here, I'm gonna go to the other end of the village to test this out." Senku gathered the other morse code machine.

Gen pouted. "Can't you do this outside the hut?"

Senku smirked. "I need to test the distance. Besides, you can stand to be apart from me for a little bit, can't you? Or do you like me that much, mentalist?"

Gen ignored the heat rising up his ears and said, "Senku-chan, you're always working! Is it so bad that I want to see my oyfriendbay for a little bit?"

"Your oyfriendbay needs you to run a test for me.. Just for a little bit, alright?" There was a hint of bashfulness to Senku’s posture. He appeared to be fidgeting, taking his hands in and out of his pockets. Gen didn’t know what to make of this.

"Alright...." Gen pouted but he let the other go without complaining too much. If he snuck in a kiss or two here and there, well, that was just for him to know.

Senku paused momentarily at the door. Gen blinked, unsure of what the boy was waiting for. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Senku shook his head and left. What was that all about?

The first message took longer than expected. Gen was on the verge of going out and checking what was up as Senku was rarely the type to dally. (The only time he did was when he was out of stamina). But it didn’t have to come to that as the message came through.

Test.

Hey Gen.

Gen smiled before shooting off a message of his own. Hi Senku-chan

You look nice

Gen’s eyebrows rose. Senku rarely complimented him—not out of discomfort or anything but simply because it rarely occurred for him to do so. He smiled.

Work on your compliments

I tried

Somehow, he could hear Senku’s deadpan through the clicks. How very expected of the genius.

Try harder

Then how about this

That sounded strangely ominous. Gen bit his lip in anticipation of what would come.

What?

Will you marry me?

Gen stood in shock before running out of the hut toward Senku. The scientist was only a ways off and caught him easily.

[sugarless--girl]

Tender Hearted Fools

Tanjirou has been hit by a demon blood art that slowly freezes his heart. Zenitsu melts it.

This was done for a Zentan Secret Santa exchange over at the 'Gentle Scent and Sound' server! It came out way longer than I intended it to be tbh. I was hurrying to finish this but it just. Kept. Building.

Well, I got it done anyhow. Unfortunately, I did not get it beta-read so apologies for any mistakes. I suck at catching my own errors so it's entirely possible I have quite a few in there. Even so, I hope it's a good read!

This was done for Lisfranc over there! I hope you enjoy it, hun!

Read on Ao3

Tanjirou didn’t know how long he had been sitting there. The demon was long gone by now but her word’s rang clearly in his head.

“I’ll make sure you regret this! Even through my death—you took what was most important from me and now—! Now I’m going to make sure you’ll never feel anything again for the rest of your life!”

He had felt sorry for her—the tears in her red eyes had caused him to pause momentarily, causing her to get an attack in. It hadn’t hurt and that was what scared him the most.

What had the demon hit him with?

The thought lingered in his head as he slumped into a sitting position. And then he stayed there.

***

His chest burned. It felt like hours. Why wasn’t he moving?

Tanjirou tried to move his fingers and they cooperated, albeit slower than he would’ve preferred. It was discomfiting. There was a chill creeping through his body that felt colder than the snow surrounding him.

But the environment didn’t help either. The wet snowflakes that fell on his skin stung. It hurt. Why did it hurt?

Tanjirou needed to get back. Nezuko was waiting for him. But would she be upset to see him give up so easily at a bit of cold? Would she hate him? The piercing chill hurt his chest even more.

What would the others think? How would they react?

Shinobu’s scent of anger would turn toward him. Inosuke would yell at him and regard him as weak. Kanao would disregard him coldly and perhaps simply say nothing. Zenitsu would…

Would Zenitsu be disappointed in him if he laid here forever?

“Get up, idiot! Don’t fall asleep in the snow!”

The frigidness eased up. Tanjirou moved forward.

***

Tanjirou would stop every now and then when the frosty chill stopped him. Somehow thinking about disappointing others would make the ice in his heart grow more pronounced. He would touch his chest every now and then found it freezing. Was it all in his mind or was it real?

Thus, he decided not to think of the others.

Instead he thought of Zenitsu. Zenitsu with his bright smile, his obvious delight when complimented, his strong thighs that came from perfecting his Thunder Breath, his lovely yellow eyes, his—his—

And suddenly Tanjirou was running back to the Butterfly manor. A laugh startled from him once he realized that the cold had receded within him.

(Now, why was it that the thought of Zenitsu solved his problem?)

***

“So, you’re saying you can move now? Despite being unable to move before?” The skepticism was clear in Shinobu’s tone. “Were you doing anything in particular before you dealt with the demon blood art?”

Tanjirou scratched his neck. Zenitsu and Inosuke were hovering nearby, both clearly worried on his behalf.

“Not really? I mean, I was thinking of Zenitsu but—”

“What?!” Zenitsu’s voice rang loud in the clinic.

“Gonpachirou, what did that demon lady look like? The Great Inosuke will defeat her for you!”

Aoi smacked the two of them. “God, shut up both of you! Shinobu-sama, do you want me to kick them out? I’ll kick them out.”

Shinobu didn’t appear to pay the three of them any mind. “You—you thought of Zenitsu? Huh.” She leaned back and looked over him with an assessing eye. Her gentle smile was gone and instead an expression of intrigue was in place.

“I—yeah. Is that weird?”

“Wh-what does that even mean?” Zenitsu’s face had a pink tint to it and Tanjirou couldn’t help but admire how it lit up his features. The smell of mortification wafted from him and he only felt a bit sorry that he had embarrassed his friend in such a way.

“It depends. Do you mind telling me about the demon once more? I believe I may have heard of her before.”

Tanjirou nodded. “Okay, well she wore...”

***

Shinobu thoughtfully tapped her chin as Tanjirou finished the description of the woman. Zenitsu watched him with wide, terrified eyes (he hated seeing his friend in distress). Aoi struggled to keep her annoyed expression on but her worried scent gave away her true thoughts. And Inosuke—well the boar head didn’t show much but his scent had vague hints of protectiveness and a whole lot of competitiveness.

It warmed him to see that his friends were still who they were. That they still cared.

(Why wouldn’t they?)

“I’ve heard of this demon before. I believe she terrorized many humans before the Demon Corps got involved. From that point on, she hid so that she wouldn’t encounter any of us.” Shinobu got up and walked to grab some medical supplies. “From what I’ve heard, her demon blood art is a slow-acting one. It slowly kills those that have been hit with it.”

“So Tanjirou’s gonna die?” Zenitsu worried his lips. The pink tongue that darted out distracted Tanjirou momentarily but Shinobu pulled his attention back once more.

“Possibly. It all depends whether or not we kill the demon first. Or—” Shinobu hesitated. “There’s a back-up option based on the rumors I’ve heard. It’s turned into a bit of a legend actually.”

“Legend?” Tanjirou prompted.

Shinobu placed the medical supplies next to him with pursed lips before quickly plastering on her typical smile. “Well, let’s not rely on any myths, okay? I’ll send out Inosuke and Kanao to take care of the demon. The two of them should be able to handle it!”

“What about Monitsu! He’s strong when he’s asleep!”

“There are so many things wrong with what you just said! First of all—”

“I’ll have to keep Zenitsu around for...well, backup. There’s a couple things I need to test.” Shinobu’s smile was mysterious and her scent lost a bit of the anger before intensifying. Tanjirou didn’t know where her anger was directed at. Toward the demon? Or...toward him?

The chill started creeping back in.

“Shinobu-sama, should I help with you on the tests and such?” Aoi said, pulling Tanjirou out of his strange thoughts once more.

“Ah, yes. I’d appreciate that. Aoi. Now, off you go, Inosuke-kun! Kanao should be out in the front!” Shinobu said, smiling at the boy with a board head. She turned back to Tanjirou. “Now then, shall we get some tests done?”

***

Inosuke and Kanao were gone. Tanjirou didn’t know why he knew this but as he laid in bed with a dull ache ringing through his chest, he figured it had to do something with the blood demon art that he was stuck with.

No one was left in the infirmary. Shinobu insisted on keeping him under observation for a few days longer. Truthfully, Tanjirou felt guilty even taking up her time. 

Useless.

The coldness of his inner thoughts shocked him. He blinked his eyes open and sat up on his bed. The room was dark and cold. So cold. Was it always this cold?

The warm glow coming from underneath the door seemed even more distant than usual. Tanjirou wanted to get up and go to it but he couldn’t. His body felt too heavy. The chill brought up an impervious tiredness within him. It felt impossible to fight.

He fell back onto his bed and slept fitfully. 

***

Tanjirou awoke to a chill seeping through his bones, into his very core being. He shivered but the slight movement wasn’t enough to affect any of the despairing cold he felt then and there.

He heard whispering. Or rather whispered shouting. “—You need to trust Shinobu-sama! And me! She wouldn’t make you do something you absolutely didn’t have to.” That sounded a lot like Aoi and Tanjirou only confirmed moments later with his nose. For some reason, his sense of smell was dulled greatly. It was disconcerting.

“I do!” That was definitely Zenitsu. He could smell the distinct scent of peaches and peach blossoms that belonged to the lightning user. “And don’t like—you’d absolutely make me do something I didn’t have to do, just to have one up on me!”

“Okay, but this isn’t a situation I’m trying to be petty—”

“So, you admit it!”

“Shut up, idiot!” Aoi and Zenitsu both smelled tense. Tanjirou, still groggy from the sleep and chill, tried to piece together the situation. “You need to trust that I’m not trying to get back at you or something equally stupid. This isn’t the time for that.”

“But, I—”

“I know that none of this is…good.” Zenitsu let out a snort but Aoi seemed to forge on ahead. “—but Shinobu-sama believes this will save Tanjirou.”

Save him?

Zenitsu let out a frustrated sigh. “Are you sure that the demon can’t—”

“Inosuke and Kanao are doing their best on the mission. But just in case—don't give me that look! Just in case worse comes to worse, you have to do your part. You want to help Tanjirou, don’t you?”

“...God, you’re sounding more and more like Shinobu-sama everyday.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” The tension seemed to diffuse from the room and Tanjirou opened his eyes figuring it to be the right time to enter the conversation.

The two stood near the doorway to the medical center. Early morning light filtered through the windows, casting delicate shadows. Tanjirou was sorry to be bundled up in his blankets as his favorite thing to see was the light weave through Zenitsu’s blonde hair. They looked especially luminescent in the morning hours. But the chill gripped him and he stayed in bed under many layers of blankets.

“Aoi, I don’t know if I can do this.” Zenitsu sounded so defeated. Tanjirou wanted to scoop him up and bundle him in his own blankets. Perhaps cuddle with him near a fire.

“You can and you will.” Aoi sounded confident at least.

“Do what?” Tanjirou asked, breaking into the conversation. It was best to let them know he had been eavesdropping after all. He hadn’t meant to let it continue this long but the grogginess of waking up and the coldness crawling through his veins made him slow to react.

Zenitsu let out a shriek that earned a yelp of surprise from Aoi. The girl smacked Zenitsu on the arm (she could only reach up there when they both were standing upright) in retaliation.

“T-tanjirou! How much did you hear?”

“Tanjirou, how are you feeling?” Aoi said, cutting off Zenitsu as she went to Tanjirou’s side. She laid a hand on his forehead, withdrawing it almost immediately. “Wow, you’re—”

“Cold.” Tanjirou said, punctuating it with a weak laugh. “I think this is the demon blood art—”

“I was there yesterday, too, you know.” Aoi said, making her way to the medical equipment stored in the cabinets. As she prepared for the tests, Zenitsu made his way to Tanjirou’s cot. The brunette didn’t want to leave the relative warmth of his blankets (relative, as it was hardly enough) but he put out a hand for Zenitsu, regardless.

The young blonde man only hesitated for a moment, before taking it. He winced at the icy grip of Tanjirou’s fingers but didn’t pull away. For that, Tanjirou shot him a smile.

Zenitsu looked even more upset.

“Are you okay?” He asked which seemed to upset Zenitsu even more.

“Am I okay?! I should be asking you that! Shinobu-sama said that you’re suffering from some fucked up revenge curse from the demon!”

“I mean, I think it’s just a blood art thing? But it should be taken care of once Inosuke and Kanao capture her.”

Zenitsu’s eyes fell. “You heard us.” He sounded stricken.

“J-just a little. I heard that you have to do something and those two went to take care of the demon in the meantime. I’m really sorry about that. I promise, I’ll try to be more careful next time.” Tanjirou clutched and Zenitsu’s hands more tightly and felt a gentle squeeze back in return.

“Alright...that’s fine I guess. But, Tanjirou—! Aren’t you—! Isn’t it—!” None of his statements followed through but Tanjirou waited patiently all the same.

“I’m fine, Zenitsu.” The blonde shot him a murderous glare. Tanjirou could only laugh as Zenitsu’s glare was really adorable. Like a kitten trying to look scary—the lightning user was only ever intimidating in battle. And even then, that was more cool than anything. “Okay, okay, I’m not totally fine. But Shinobu-sama will figure it out, right? If not her, then Kanao and Inosuke will deal with the demon and that should solve whatever ‘curse’ thing I’m stuck with.”

Zenitsu didn’t look convinced. Instead, his scent seemed to grow more distressed.

Tanjirou frowned. He hated seeing the other stress. (Although, Zenitsu constantly stressed about everything, so really, Tanjirou was asking for a lot here.)

“Alright, sit up.” Aoi said, interrupting whatever Zenitsu was about to say. He looked relieved and disappointed all at once. “Let’s run some tests and then get some food in you. Sound good?”

“Yeah, I’m fine with that. As long as it’s, ah, warm?”

“Way ahead of you. Zenitsu, are you staying?” Aoi shot the other boy with a significant look. Zenitsu dithered before pulling a chair beside Tanjirou’s bedside.

Strange. Aoi hated it when Zenitsu (and Inosuke) hovered over her shoulder as she did her work. But Tanjirou wasn’t going to question it, now. Not when Zenitsu’s company appeared to help him fight the chill. Or maybe the cold had all been in his mind? That certainly was a possibility.

Either way, Zenitsu’s company was...nice. And Tanjirou appreciated it.

He shot Zenitsu a beaming smile, ignoring the icy grip on his heart. Zenitsu returned it, albeit weaker than usual. Strange that Tanjirou’s heart stuttered at that.

***

Tanjirou woke up with a start. He was freezing. He had been sleeping so much. He was just so cold.

The dream lingered in his mind even after he shook the grogginess away. Usually they slipped by fast. But this time it felt as though it was impossible to shake off.

“How about I show you what betrayal I faced? The unrequited feelings I dealt with? I didn’t deserve any of this! And yet—I’m still here!” The demon’s words prior to her attack rang in Tanjirou’s head, loud and clear. The pain was evident in her cold features. But it was her following words that were the most notable to the demon slayer.

“You won’t be able to feel anything after I’m through with you! Nothing will save you from my blood art! Not even a lover’s touch!”

Had she said that? Why couldn’t he remember?

What was happening?

“Tanjirou?” Zenitsu entered the room. “Are you alright? I heard a—”

“I’m fine!”

Zenitsu smiled and cold grew even more pronounced.

“A-are you sure? You know you can tell me anything…”

“I know, I know. I didn’t mean to make you worry.” Tanjirou sighed. “I just woke up from a nightmare. I don’t—I don’t really know what to make of it.”

“What was it about?” Zenitsu said, stepping closer. Tanjirou smiled.

“Um, it’s a bit depressing? Maybe—”

“You don’t have to talk about it! I was just giving you the option!” Zenitsu came to sit beside Tanjirou’s bed. With him so close, Tanjirou could feel the warmth of his proximity. Were lightning-breath users normally this warm? Electricity burned stuff, right?

“Thanks Zenitsu! But really, I’d rather not linger on it you know?” The dream had been disconcerting. “Why don’t you tell me about your day instead?”

“Are you sure?” The worry was evident on Zenitsu’s face. Tanjirou wanted to brush away the stress lines that were already forming. He didn’t want his friend to worry so much. “I mean, if you wanna hear about Aoi bullying me then alright.”

“It’s more interesting than what I’ve been doing.” Tanjirou said with an easy smile. It was odd at how he was able to smile despite the nightmare he had just felt.

“Okay, so Aoi thinks that my hair is fake so she—”

Tanjirou felt lighter than ever listening to Zenitsu’s story. But something still tugged at his heart.

***

Tanjirou woke up.

It was starting to get tiring to wake up to a dead coldness in his bones. He hoped Inosuke and Kanao could make their expedition faster as the chill was getting more and more unbearable.

He couldn’t muster it in him to move until the scent of peaches hit his nose. How did he notice it before? 

“Zenitsu?” He called out, voice quiet. It was becoming difficult to get a grasp on the time due to how much he was sleeping. He could differentiate between day and night but it was difficult to tell what time it actually was. 

The room was dark and he could barely make out the silhouette of his friend. Zenitsu’s head appeared to be slumped over on the bed covers, his arms serving as pillows. Tanjirou could barely make out the blonde hair but he reached out and touched it.

It felt soft. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to him—Zenitsu took care of himself pretty well. Perhaps he expected the jagged locks to feel harsh due to the way it was cut but that clearly wasn’t the case. Something tight in him unfurled as Zenitsu let out a puff of air, snuggling into the bed covers.

Tanjirou moved, ready to pull Zenitsu into his bed—surely it wasn’t comfortable sleeping like this—and winced. God, it hurt. It hurt so much.

The inner corners of his eyes pricked with involuntary tears of pain. He gritted his teeth as an icy sharpness kept hammering at his chest.

He didn’t realize how shallow his breathing was until he felt an arm on his back stroking him. “Breath, Tanjirou. Come on, you know how to do it. Breath with me.”

“I—” But Tanjirou couldn’t choke out any more words.

The arm on him drew back and Tanjirou felt even colder.

“Tanjirou, c-can I—” Zenitsu began, waiting for permission that Tanjirou didn’t understand. Somehow he just felt hurt.

Tanjirou clutched at his chest when he felt the bed shift. He felt arms encircle him and Zenitsu pulled Tanjirou’s head to rest against his chest. He could smell the scent of embarrassment wafting off of him but Zenitsu held him tight.

Being in his arms was like being inside a kotetsu. Or taking a warm bath. Or coming back home. It felt like all of those things and more. 

The room was quiet. Until Zenitsu coughed. “U-um, does this help?”

Tanjirou blinked. The sharpness in his chest receded. “Yes? I mean, it does. Huh.” He pulled back and immediately winced, the pain coming back immediately.

“Wait, hold on!” Zenitsu moved to settle in the bed next to Tanjirou and pulled him back in his arms once he was positioned comfortably. “Shinobu-sama said that, uh, cuddling helps?”

“Really?”

“T-the legends, say that you know….”

“What do they say?” He wished he had heard of the legends prior to meeting the demon. Maybe he should’ve done more reconnaissance in the area before he decided to fight her.

“Well, um, that being close to people helps?” Zenitsu’s voice sounded unsure. If that didn’t give it away, his scent held a tinge of deception beneath it. Tanjirou wrinkled his nose. It wasn’t an intolerable smell, but it felt….wrong coming from Zenitsu. “Do you feel better?”

“...yeah, actually. Did Shinobu-sama tell you anything else about the legend? Why didn’t she tell me?” 

“You were sleeping! It would’ve been bad to disturb you!”

That sounded too much like an excuse and it was apparent that both of them were aware of this as Zenitsu brushed it aside and moved ahead.

“Anyway! You should go back to sleep. Shinobu-sama said that conserving your energy was the most important thing to do while we wait on Inosuke and Kanao. And don’t argue with me!”

“I wasn’t going to.” Tanjirou said with a slight chuckle. It was muffled as he circled his arms around Zenitsu’s waist. God, he was so warm. “I promise, I’m doing my best to rest. It’s just—well, everything just feels so cold, you know?”

“...I’m sorry you’re dealing with this on your own. I should’ve been there to—!”

“Hey, hey, hey, what’s this about? I was sent on a mission and I got caught up in it. It’s not like you could’ve predicted my failure.” Even as he said this, he felt a sharp stabbing sensation in his chest.

“Tanjirou? Are you—?”

“Hold on.” Tanjirou muttered. He slowed his breathing until the pain receded. His breath helped him focus on Zenitsu’s peach blossom scent which centered and anchored him.

They continued to clutch each other—Tanjirou, like a man hanging onto a life raft, and Zenitsu, terrified and shaken.

“Y-your heart. It sounds….muffled. I mean, your sound is always so—it’s always there but this time it’s not and-and it’s just so—”

Zenitsu was truly scared for him. This shouldn’t have warmed Tanjirou so much but it did all the same.

“I’m sorry—”

“Why are you apologizing! Stupid Tanjirou!”

“But, I am! I didn’t mean to worry you!”

“You’re not worrying me, idiot!”

“But, I can smell it on you?”

“Didn’t I tell you to stop smelling me?? Why do you keep doing things like this!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Tanjirou said, punctuating his apology with a laugh.

“Hmph.” Zenitsu pouted but he pulled Tanjirou closer all the same. “I’m not going to forgive you until you learn to take better care of yourself.”

“Alright, I’ll be more careful next time.”

“You’d better be! You can’t leave Nezuko-chan behind with your carelessness! Who’s supposed to take care of her if you die? Me and Inosuke?? We don’t know how to take care of girls! Inosuke would probably teach her all the wrong things! And Shinobu-sama is too busy! Kanao and Aoi maybe but...” Zenitsu began muttering under his breath how well of job Kanao and Aoi would do, coming to the conclusion that no would take care of Nezuko as well as Tanjirou did.

Tanjirou blinked. When had Zenitsu changed his song from ‘marrying Nezuko and taking care of her’ to just ‘taking care of her?’

“You don’t want to marry her, anymore?” He blurted out, unable to keep the surprise from his tone.

Zenitsu stopped and stared at Tanjirou, eyes wide. “You—what? You think I still….like Nezuko-chan?”

“Yes?” The two continued to stare at each other before Zenitsu snorted and flopped back onto the bed, taking Tanjirou with him.

“I shouldn’t be surprised but I am.” Zenitsu sighed. “I don’t like Nezuko like that anymore. I mean, she’s great and all but…”

“But what?”

“...nevermind. Anyway, Tanjirou! It’s time for you to sleep!”

“I wanna hear the rest of what you were about to say!”

“Who says I have more to say??”

“Don’t you?”

“Just go to sleep Tanjirou!” Tanjirou stared. Zenitsu was underneath him and Tanjirou’s chin was on the other boy’s chest. “W-what?”

“Are you gonna stay?” The stinging sensation in his chest sharpened but not so much it was unbearable. 

“I-I, yeah. If that’s okay with you?” Zenitsu appeared strangely shy all of sudden. But Tanjirou wasn’t about to make him feel self-conscious all of a sudden.

“Absolutely. Do you wanna talk or—”

“Sleep, Tanjirou!” Zenitsu huffed, a bit of fire returning to him. Tanjirou wished there was more light so he could see the golden sparks in his eyes. “You need to rest!”

“Okay, okay.” Tanjirou conceded, moving to get comfortable. Zenitsu didn’t let go of him once. It should’ve occurred to how odd it was to cuddle with a friend like this but it felt so natural, so right that he didn’t bother to stop and think. Why would he when it all felt like a dream?

They were both on their sides, Tanjirou with his arms around Zenitsu’s waist and the other boy’s arms around his shoulder’s cradling Tanjirou to his chest. It felt warm. It felt right.

“Night, Zenitsu.”

“...Night, Tanjirou.”

***

Tanjirou woke up. It was freezing. He bolted up as a piercing sting shot through his chest.

God, he was so tired of this. How many times over was this going to happen to him? When would Inosuke and Kanao finish the demon off? Was he becoming more callous with time?

“Tanjirou?” Zenitsu mumbled. He rubbed his eyes and squinted, trying to make out Tanjirou’s expression through the cutting darkness.

Tanjirou couldn’t speak. He could barely even breath. Even his breathing techniques weren’t helping him here. Real panic was crawling up his skin and pinpricks of cold sweat dotted his pores.

“Tanjirou?” Zenitsu said, louder now. He got up and took Tanjirou’s icy hands into his. “What’s wrong? Your hands are freezing!”

“I-I—”

“Can you—what’s—” Zenitsu’s anxiety was contagious. Normally, it wasn’t—Tanjirou could easily balance out Zenitsu’s neuroticism—but this time he felt every single emotion the blonde was facing.

“Zen—” He could barely make out another word before Zenitsu took his face and kissed him.

Immediately, the bitter cold subsided.

Tanjirou let out a gasping breath, trying to suck in as much air as possible. He pulled back and stared at Zenitsu incredulously. “Zenitsu, wh—”

“It’s because of the legends!” Zenitsu’s face was now beet red. “The legends are, you know…..”

Tanjirou continued to stare, gobsmacked.

Zenitsu looked up through his lashes. The beginning of light was making its way into the infirmary. It wasn’t coming fast enough as Tanjirou wanted to drink Zenitsu's every expression. His heart was pounding fast, the rhythm seemingly melting whatever demonic curse was cast on him.

The glacial presence in his chest no longer seemed to be chipping away at him. Tanjirou didn’t even pay attention to whatever numbness was left.

“What—” Tanjirou licked his lips, chasing the taste of Zenitsu before continuing. “What legends?”

“Shinobu-sama said that-that the demon, she—” Zenitsu appeared unable to parse through his thoughts but Tanjirou wasn’t about to interrupt him. He wanted to know what that kiss had meant. “T-the legends say that she terrorized people because she lost someone she loved. And because she’s a huge romantic, or whatever, the only thing that could break her curse is a loved one’s kiss, or whatever. Personally, I think a condition is dumb—”

“You love me?”

“I—Tanjirou!”

“Y-you said, true love’s kiss could break the curse and—”

“I said a loved one’s kiss! That’s not the same!”

“But do you—do you love me?” Tanjirou could barely get the words out. He was terrified.

“I—I guess….”

“You guess? You’re not sure?”

“Okay fine! I like you!” Zenitsu glared at him but it was somewhat ineffective due to the sheer embarrassment radiating off of him. “I….sorta even, maybe, love you.”

Tanjirou stared, hardly believing his luck.

This didn’t seem real. He didn’t feel deserving of this. Zenitsu, shouldn’t have—He didn’t realize he’d ever be given something so precious like this. But, all the same...

“Wh—Tanjirou! Why are you crying?” Zenitsu flailed, worry obviously etched onto his face.

“I’m not sad, don’t worry.” Tanjirou said, rubbing away the sudden tears. It had been unexpected and caught him off-guard. But he felt relieved all the same.

The ice frozen around his heart was fully gone. It didn’t register to Tanjirou, at least not consciously. He just felt...fulfilled.

“I thought—” Zenitsu started but Tanjirou cut him off with a quick kiss.

He pulled back, almost immediately. “Sorry, sorry! I couldn’t help it! Was that okay? I should’ve asked.”

Now it was Zenitsu’s turn to look shocked. “I—I just confessed to you! And now you’re asking me if it’s okay to kiss me?”

“Well, it’s important to ask for permission. Right?” Tanjirous asked with a teasing smile. Zenitsu just pursed his lips.

“Okay but are you accepting it or—?”

“I like you too, Zenitsu. I like you a lot, actually. It’s probably love but I’m not too sure.”

“Not too sure??” Zenitsu looked a mix of annoyed and pleased. “What do you mean you’re not too sure??”

“I mean, it just occurred to me that what I felt for you was, well, romantic. I guess, I didn’t connect the dots until you mentioned it.”

Zenitsu just stared. “So, you just figured it out…?”

“Uh, I think so?” Tanjirou let out a self-conscious laugh. “I mean, I thought you liked Nezuko this whole time! So, I guess I just didn’t let myself...feel for you in that way. But it’s okay! It happened anyway!”

“...You are unbelievable.”

“Is that a good thing?”

Zenitsu simply answered him with a kiss.

[sugarless--girl]

Dinner and Breakfast

Kakashi's a vampire, Iruka's his blood bank. It's simple as that. Or it should've been just that.

Written for Umino Hours Discord Exchange hosted by @magnustesla​. I scrambled to write everything super fast so I hope it all makes sense. Ngl, I didn't know where the hell I was going with this until I was more than halfway done. Hopefully that doesn't show LOL

The initial idea was that Iruka had a sanctuary that helped a lot of different supernatural beings. It would be in a modern setting but Iruka would act as a intermediary of sorts for the mythical world and normal world. Naruto would be a kitsune, Kotetsu and Izumo would be tengu, Asuma a fire elemental, etc. Anko and Genma made in here briefly but I didn't get much of a chance to expand on them. I like what this idea turned out to be but maybe someday I'll expand it a bit further. Who knows?

Anyway, comments are most welcome! Hope you enjoy this @seekingsquake!

Read on Ao3

Iruka was brought back to wakefulness as he felt a body enter the covers on his bed. He was entirely cognizant as he felt the dip near him but he was almost jolted awake as an ice cold nose pressed against his neck.

“Kakashi!” He hissed as he pushed himself up. Iruka’s eyes could make out the silver hair that stood out in the dark.

“Ah, did I wake you up? Sorry about that.” Kakashi said, sounding far too amused to actually mean his apology.

Iruka just glared, trying to blink the sleepiness out of his eyes. He glanced at his bedside and found that the clock read a little past 5AM. Dammit, Kakashi always came too early. “I told you to go wait in your room, last time.” Iruka said, unbuttoning the collar of his pajamas,

“Mah sensei, I couldn’t wait to see you again.” His voice was too casual but there was deliberateness to it—as if he was barely holding back. Iruka, now that he was more awake, was able to see that Kakashi’s eyes had a gleam of predatory hunger to them. He always waited until the last moment, didn’t he?

“Don’t flatter me.” Iruka said, pushing aside his long brown hair to bare his neck. “Just hurry up. And please try to not bite so obviously. The kids kept asking questions, last time.”

“I’ll try to be more careful.” He said with a helpless shrug and moved to pull Iruka close. The younger man came into his arms easily, into a position made more for lovers than two in a mutually beneficial relationship. As always, Kakashi’s body was cold. He looked uncomfortable for a split-second before his blood-lust took over and sunk his teeth into Iruka’s neck.

It hurt as per usual—this was nothing new. But Iruka was getting better at concealing his reactions. Kakashi always seemed uncomfortable with their arrangement no matter how much Iruka assured him, it was fine. The silver-haired man didn’t show it all that much, but it seemed as though his indifferent attitude that was clearly a put-upon mask, would fall away at Iruka’s discomfort. It was odd having the other vampire hover over him, truthfully. Really, Iruka didn’t mind. Kakashi was careful with the amount he drank. He never left Iruka exhausted in the same way others did in the past.

Kakashi pulled back after a few moments, his eyes dark. He stared at the brunette and Iruka held back a shiver. There was a want in them that only existed for a split second before it disappeared. Iruka blinked, feeling sleepy once more as exhaustion overtook him. He went to find some wrappings for the puncture wounds, not risking bleeding over his covers. Why did Kakashi always insist on coming right when he was asleep?

“So,” The vampire said, watching Iruka fix himself and re-button his shirt. “Breakfast in bed?”

“That’s your end of the deal, isn’t it?” Iruka said, a sly smile on his lips. Kakashi shot back his own sheepish smile—as per usual, he was always strangely bashful after his feeding. Maybe it had to do with the fact that it was such an intimate position.

“Yeah, I’ll go make it. Uh, thanks.” And with that, the vampire pulled up his mask and left the room. Iruka dropped back to his pillow and closed his eyes. He could get an hour or two of rest before he had to properly get up.

***

Sometimes Iruka dreamed of Mizuki. He woke up with a start those nights, often shaking and covered in sweat. He was slowly forgetting the color of his eyes but it still stood out to him every now and then. Was forgetting really the answer?

Kakashi had habit of sleeping in Iruka’s bed during the day. The brunette didn’t mind—he knew that the other man couldn’t go out anyway due to the sunlight. Really, it was a bit adorable but Iruka never said his thoughts aloud. He wasn’t sure why he kept such things to himself.

***

Iruka woke up to the smell of pancakes. Kakashi kept stopping by to cook for him even when the other man didn’t get any blood for it. It was a relatively new development that Iruka couldn’t help but feel strangely guilty over.

He also couldn’t help but wonder what Kakashi was thinking. Was he planning for something? Buttering him up for a favor?

When Iruka brought it up at the dining table, the vampire just laughed and said, “can’t I just do something nice for my favorite human?”

***

Sometimes Iruka waited outside for Kakashi. He’d do this most often when the sky was it’s clearest. It was never particularly clear as the light pollution from the city lights obscured the stars—nothing like home. But he wasn’t looking for the stars as much as the absence of light.

The absence of light in the form of a bat. It wasn’t easy to spot and oftentimes, Iruka didn’t see anything. However, it seemed as though Kakashi came like clockwork these days. Long gone was the ‘always late’ Kakashi Hatake. Or at least, he was on time when he was visiting Iruka. Now, wasn’t that something?

***

One time Iruka woke up from a dream about Mizuki and Kakashi was beside him. He handed the shaking brunette a glass of water. Soon the words came spilling out as easily as the few stray tears did. Kakashi didn’t say anything but instead listened. His smooth face never strayed from Iruka as his hands rubbed comforting circles on the other’s back.

***

“So…are you guys sleeping together or what?” Iruka choked on his water. Anko kept smiling.

“Platonically, yes. Romantically no.” Iruka knew that dodging the topic would be worse. Anko was relentless.

“What about carnally?”

Anko was always a bit too interested in Iruka’s sex life. She claimed that it was a because she was a succubus but Iruka knew better—it was because she was a relentless gossip hound. Truly a terrible habit.

“He’s just seeking me out for warmth.” That was the shittiest lie that Iruka came up with. And he was a pretty good liar (despite popular belief.) He scowled, knowing that Anko wasn’t buying it.

She really wasn’t. “I just wanna know what’s been going on between you two!” Her voice was bordering on whiny. It was cute but Iruka wasn’t about to tell here how endearing he found her.

Instead he just rolled his eyes and acquiesced a bit of information to satisfy her. “Honestly, I have no clue what’s going on between us. It’s not like we’ve even kissed or anything. I just give him my blood and he cooks me breakfast.”

Anko hummed. Iruka was afraid she was going to push it. “You know, I heard that sex with a vampire while they suck your blood feels really good.”

“I’ll….keep that in mind….” Even though he was used to the raunchy topics Anko brought up, Iruka couldn’t help the heat that crept up his ears. “Thank you for that.”

“Your welcome! And don’t forget to wrap it before you tap it!”

***

Sometimes Iruka wondered what Kakashi and him would look like. He considered and let his considering be shown through his actions. The vampire was left flustered by his actions.

But then Mizuki stopped by. And once again, Iruka was reminded of the particular shade of his green eyes.

***

The next time Kakashi came, Iruka was grading tests that his students had done. Grading an elementary school student’s journal was always a fun experience seeing as they had ridiculous stories to tell. They obviously didn’t see it as anything but normal but the way the student fixated on certain topics was just too adorable and entertaining.

Kakashi crept in through the window and froze as Iruka fixed him with a glare. Even though it had been a month since he last saw him, Iruka still was able to pick up where they left off. (Kakashi had to leave for some important business—or at least, that’s how phrased it said it. Iruka simply hugged him and left him at that. The vampire looked strangely let down.)

“I told you to knock on my door!”

“Well you see, your next door neighbors dog knows I’m a vampire and I don’t want that dog to relay that information to his owner so—”

“Alright, stop.” Iruka said, pinching his nose. “Take off your shoes already—I don’t want you tracking dirt in my house.”

“Really, sensei? You think I’d do such a thing?” Kakashi asked, eyes warm. It was obvious that he was smiling, even with his mask on. “You have no faith in me!”

It was true that Kakashi’s shoes were relatively clean. But they were relative to Naruto’s shoes, who was the only other person who insisted on climbing through the windows. “You’re such a bad influence. Soon, everyone that comes through my door, is gonna assume that my window is fair game.”

“Mah, mah, I’ll try to not come when anyone’s here.” Kakashi said with chuckle. “I never do, anyway.”

Iruka rolled his eyes. “Guess again. Genma’s here.”

The warmth from Kakashi’s eyes dropped and Iruka was left blinking in surprise. “Genma?”

“I needed him to look over a few wards. They were fine until—” Iruka pursed his lips. He forgot Kakashi didn’t know this story.

“Until?” He appeared to pick up that something had gone wrong. “What happened, Iruka?”

It was always odd to hear Kakashi call him by his name. Especially since he so frequently preferred to use Iruka’s title, ‘Sensei.’

“Mizuki stopped by and well, Naruto and Anko were around so not much came of it.” He didn’t get too hurt this time at least. It was embarrassing to be protected by Naruto—someone Iruka vowed to protect himself—but at least the situation didn’t get out of control. Anko diffused the situation before anything worse happened. “I just needed someone to look over my wards a bit more thoroughly. He’s in the bedroom.”

Kakashi stood still. Iruka couldn’t read him.

“Where is he now?”

“Asuma took care of it.” His shrug was forcibly casual. Iruka was mostly over the incident but still. “Anko and Asuma both managed to handle it pretty well.”

He was thankful for that. He didn’t want Naruto to be the one to protect him—not when it should’ve been the other way around.

Kakashi crossed the room in a few strides and tilted Iruka’s chin as if to see the truth for himself. But this time he was fine. Or fine as he could be with his shitty ex trying to break into his house. “I’m fine, Kakashi. Really.”

The silver-haired man didn’t seem entirely willing to accept it but he nodded all the same. “Alright, but just let me know if you need anything.” The sincerity coming from him was jarring.

Iruka couldn’t help but tease him a little. “What, not about to ask for anything in return? I thought you came here for blood?” It was a bit of a cruel joke—he knew that Kakashi didn’t just want that. But Iruka still said it anyway, the tease a bit more of test now.

“I don’t—” Kakashi scratched the back of his neck. “Mah sensei, your opinion of me is too low.”

The implicit ‘I care about you’ hung in the air and Iruka couldn’t quite….grasp it. Not yet. It was too soon. The pain from seeing Mizuki again was still hovering in the back of his mind as Iruka worked. He had mostly gotten it to settle down with the tedium of work but that didn’t mean he was ready for any deeper conversations. Not just yet.

“Either way, the situation’s been dealt with. Do you want to check the wards, yourself?”

“What, don’t trust my work?” Genma, a mage working under the witch Tsunade, came striding out of the only other room in his apartment. “What are you telling Kakashi, Iruka? Seriously, we had our favorite teach protected this time around.”

Iruka bristled at the idea that he even needed to be protected but Kakashi relaxed a bit more. “That’s good to here—I know this Sensei is the type to never say if he really does need help.”

“I just said you could check the wards. Isn’t that accepting help?” Iruka pointed out.

“That’s different.” Genma scoffed.

Iruka was ready to go at the mage before Kakashi interrupted with, “is Naruto alright?”

Iruka bit back a smile.

“He was fine as ever.” Genma said, adjusting his bandanna, “He wanted to fight Mizuki himself but Asuma held him back.”

“Good.” Kakashi nodded and Genma made his way out of the house—presumably to check the magical wards there.

It was the two of them once more. “I’m sorry I wasn’t around.” Kakashi said, quietly.

“It’s not something either of us could’ve predicted.” Iruka said with a shake of his head. He couldn’t lie—Kakashi brought him a sense of security that no one else brought—but it wasn’t all that bad this time. Truly.

“Still—”

“Seriously, Kakashi. It’s not a big deal. Now, are you too tired to make dinner or should I order take-out?”

“Is Genma eating with us?” Kakashi asked, making his way to the small, but neatly kept kitchenette.

“I’ll ask.” Iruka said making his way to his door. He paused and looked at Kakashi. “It’s nice to have you back again.”

Kakashi’s eyes curved into a smile. I feel safer with you here. The unspoken words hung in the air. It didn’t need to be said.

[sugarless--girl]

For You, I’ll Wait (Anemone x A2)

Summary: Anemone and A2 have a moment together.

Read on AO3

“Hey.”

Anemone nearly jumped at the voice and immediately turned to see A2 laying underneath a tree, almost entirely hidden by the bushes around her. It was strange seeing her with the short hair she initially had those long three years ago.

“Hey, yourself. What are you doing there?” Anemone asked, managing to keep the surprise out of her tone.

“Just, you know. Relaxing.” A2 let out a sigh that sounded too weary to be relaxed. “We can do that now, huh?"

“I—yes, I suppose so.” Anemone said, hovering as she was unsure whether to sit or not. A2 simply raised an eyebrow, neither giving her the option or taking it away.

Even A2 gave her nothing but choices. But of course she did—she was still the resistance leader at the end of the day. Anemone sat down beside her all the same.

“So you’re just relaxing? Not hiding from 9S?” Anemone asked, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

A2 groaned. “He keeps on asking questions! Every time I answer one, he has five more for it! Not saying anything seems to be the best way to keep questions minimal.” She grumbled to herself.

“You should humor him—it’s in his nature to be inquisitive, isn’t it?” Anemone asked, an expected laugh bubbling up from within.

But before it could escape, A2 said, “and look where it got him.” She sighed. “It’s weird to care about someone like this. I don’t like it.”

“You care for 9S, right?”

“Yeah, but that’s all 2B’s memories. Now that she’s back, I’d rather not...you know….”

“Carry the weight of caring for someone?” Anemone asked, smiled wryly.

“It’s not like that.” A2 sighed. “He’s still wary. Even though he knows what happened, it’s not gonna make him like me anymore. And answering questions isn’t gonna change that fact either.”

“He just needs time. Maybe that’s him trying to reach out, you know?”

“I know. I’m just saying he’s annoying is all.”

“Well—” Anemone didn’t know what to say to that. “Don’t say that to his face?”

“Too late.” A2 muttered.

Anemone couldn’t help let out a laugh. “You’re terrible.” It was incredible the amount of lightness she had felt in the first time in years.

“And yet, you’re talking to me.” A2 said, closing her eyes. She looked content and Anemone had to wonder...was she? She certainly hoped her friend had some respite from what she had gone through.

“I am.” Anemone said as she got comfortable next to the YoRHa unit. Or was it ex-YoRHa now that the Bunker was gone? Perhaps, A2 had always been ex-YoRHa once she had become a rogue.

That didn’t matter. She didn’t want to dwell on the fall of the Bunker any longer than she had to—she had good friends there, after all. Instead Anemone sat in silence with A2.

A2 said nothing more. They stayed like that, watching the clouds pass and the birds chirp as they flew overhead. It was quiet. And for once, Anemone didn’t think of the past and didn’t think of the future. All she thought of was about the presence next to her.

***

“Hey, Anemone.” A2’s voice broke the silence between them

“Hmm?”

“Have you ever seen the stars?”

“I—I’m afraid not. I’ve never been to the Kingdom of the Night so...” She had always been fighting where she was currently stationed. The machines didn’t work there so there was no real reason to travel to the Kingdom.

“Ah, Well, humans seem to think it's a big deal or whatever.” Where was A2 going with this?

“You’ve been reading up on humans?” Anemone asked, surprised.

“What’s with the surprise?” A2’s voice sounded both sleepy and annoyed. “But yeah, I have. Bits and pieces. Probably should know a bit more about our creators, right? Even if…they're gone.”

“Right….”She didn’t know what to say to that. It had been a while since Anemone took time to understand who she was fighting for. Did it matter anymore? The humans were gone but they were left behind.

A2 shifted beside her, sitting up now. Anemone didn’t look at her but she could feel the other android’s eyes on her. “Yeah…anyway, they say that the night sky is supposed to be pretty incredible. Think it’s any different from space?”

“Possibly? The sky and clouds might affect how the light filters through to the atmosphere, after all.”

“Huh. You know a lot about….that stuff?”

“I...I guess so. You pick up things when you live as long as me.” Her memory wasn’t perfect. It was fracturing at its edges and yet there were still so many things that came to surface she had supposedly forgotten. Things like information on the sky and clouds and such—knowledge she had determined to be useless for fighting against machines and here she was, remembering it all.

“Hmm.” A2’s hum was noncommittal. It was easy to forget that they had centuries of years apart from each other.

“Hopefully you’ll be able to live as long as I did.”

“...We’ll see.” Was that the wrong thing to say?

Anemone decided to change the subject back to the topic at hand—she didn’t like the idea of hurting A2. “...So what about the stars?”

“Right. So apparently they’re super beautiful or whatever. I didn’t get to see them much on the Bunker. I mean, the time I spent there was for learning how to fight so I didn’t appreciate it at the time. I just wonder if I...you know….lost the chance to actually see them.” A2 was so young but she had lost too much already, hadn’t she?

“You have a point there but...well, we could always go to the Kingdom of the Night and see for ourselves?” The idea sprung from nowhere in particular but she found it appealing nonetheless.

“I…you’d wanna do that? With me?” Anemone smiled at the incredulity in A2’s voice.

“Yes? I mean unless you have—”

“Don’t finish that sentence—I have nothing else going on. You know this. I know this.” The resistance leader didn’t have to look at her to know she was rolling her eyes.

“Yeah, I guess I do. I just—”

“Not sure about it?” Finally, they made eye contact. Anemone felt lost in the pale blue of A2’s eyes. How long had it been since she looked at someone like this? Like she was seeing them for the first time?

Snapping out of her strange reverie, Anemone sighed. “Yeah. There’s still a lot to do here—there’s so much rebuilding to get done and so many new connections to forge.”

“Yeah, and we gotta help Jackass with her revenge quest, huh?”

“I’m not entirely sure how to help her…” Anemone grew silent, thinking about the things they had lost from the war.

“Eh, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Better you, than me. Right?”

“Sure. But don’t discount yourself—you were responsible for saving us all in the end.”

A2 snorted. “Hardly. I wouldn’t call that saving anyone. I wasn’t sure what I was doing half the time.”

“You tried, nonetheless.”

“Why are you the one comforting me here?” The android said with a sigh. “I wanted to—I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just...you changed so much since I last really saw you. It hasn’t been that long and I just…”

Anemone waited for A2 to continue but when it became clear that she wasn’t going to, she spoke up. “I changed, yes, but you did too. You changed a lot more than me.”

“I’m younger than you.” A2 muttered.

“Yes...and you have....a lot more to see now that we’re a little bit free, I suppose?” Anemone didn’t know how to say what she was trying to say. All she wanted to do was help A2 feel a bit better. Feeling emboldened (or maybe even a little desperate), she held out her hand for the other android to take.

A2 took Anemone’s hand. She threaded her fingers between the other woman’s gloved ones. Both their hands were black but one was due to skin stripped away and the other due to gloves meant to protect. “Coming back to the previous thought….wanna go travel once we’ve got this all cleaned up?”

“Sure I’d like that. But, after you finish helping me with the peace treaties and such.”

A2 wrinkled her nose but clutched Anemone’s hand even tighter. “God, diplomacy is so not my thing. Why do you want me there anyway?”

Anemone laughed. “Why not?”

“Wow, what a great argument. Our resistance leader, ladies and gentlemen.” She said, tone wry and eyes sparkling with mischief.

“That’s why you’re there—you’re the one gonna be arguing.”

A2 tilted her head and smiled. God, it had been so long since she had seen that expression. “Alright, I can concede that. I’ll wait a little bit longer—we have time.” Anemone could feel herself smiling back.

“For now. But I guess that’s enough, huh?”

“It’s enough.” And once more, they fell back into their comfortable silence.

[sugarless--girl]

Inozen Week: Study

Zenitsu teaches Inosuke how to read

Day 2 of @inozenweek 

Wrote this for Day 2 of Inozen week! I'm sadly not up to doing every day of the week (wish I could ;_;) so I'm aiming for three days at the very least. Three is a good number ;) Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy! Inosuke is a lot harder to write for than I anticipated but I still love him. Zenitsu is easy to write for but I'm a neurotic mess just like him so that's not really much of a surprise, haha.

Also, yes, in this fic, I gave Inosuke dyslexia. I think it would be an interesting concept to explore but I'll have to settle with this, for now. Hope you guys enjoy this little fic! Edit: I ended up only doing one day because too much irl stuff came up ha ha.....

Read on Ao3

Zenitsu didn’t know why he was roped into teaching Inosuke. Sure he had some formal schooling but surely Kanao was a better choice for this? Or even Shinobu? Why did he have to be the one to teach the stupid pig how to read?? Even Tanjirou—who learned practically everything from his dad—would’ve done a better job!

They had to start from the very basics as Inosuke didn’t even know how to hold a pencil. Kanji was far too complicated for him so Zenitsu stuck to hiragana. 

“You’re not doing it right! You haven’t at all bothered to copy any of the letters I’ve told you to do!” Zenitsu said as he inspected the paper in despair. Inosuke’s handwriting was atrocious. It was worse than a five-year-old child’s attempt. Really, wasn’t this a lost cause?

Inosuke just growled in frustration. They had been at it for an hour now, and Inosuke’s writing hadn’t improved in the slightest. Zenitsu bit back a sigh. A part of his mind went back to his Gramps and how often the man would get mad at him for making mistakes. The feelings of being a failure were carved into his mind deeply—he couldn’t get any Thunder breathing form past the first one down. He loved his Gramps, he really did but Zenitsu wished that the old man would’ve been a bit kinder.

Couldn’t he be like that for Inosuke? Then again, teaching wasn’t at all Zenitsu’s forte (really, what was?). He didn’t want to be responsible for Inosuke’s learning. It was too much pressure!

“The letters look…..squiggly.” Inosuke muttered out.

Zenitsu blinked. “But, they’re supposed to?”

“No! The writing….they move!”

“I-” Zenitsu stared at the paper, trying to see what Inosuke was seeing. “The letters move?”

“Yes!” Inosuke’s voice made Zenitsu jump.

“What do you mean?”

“They move! They slide off the paper!”

“You’re making this up.” Zenitsu snorted.

“No, I’m not. The letters move.”

Did he have problems with his eyesight? Maybe that was the issue. If that was the case, then Zenitsu couldn’t really blame him for struggling with the words. But, Shinobu told him to teach Inosuke, and he couldn’t very disobey her now, could he? (He totally could, if Inosuke would give up!)

“I-I still have to teach you.” Zenitsu said and moved to give the paper back. The boy was looking strangely dejected. Then again, was it that strange? Inosuke had been down after his fight with the spiders as he had been unable to kill any demons at that time. It had been a huge blow to his ego but he had learned from it.

Inosuke kept staring at his paper, as though he was willing it to make sense. Zenitsu knew that feeling all too well. Gramps had taught him everything he knew and it would be hard to understand at times. One of his weakest subjects was math, mostly because the old man didn’t know how to properly teach him—he was rather weak in the subject himself.

Zenitsu shifted uncomfortably in his place. “M-maybe, we could just leave it for now?”

“What? Do you think that I can’t learn it??” And of course, suggesting to give up would set Inosuke off. It wasn’t his intention at all! Motivating him to study harder wouldn’t help if he was struggling with the basics! Inosuke needed a better teacher first. Maybe someone like...

“Wouldn’t you rather learn from Tanjirou or Shinobu-san?? They’re more patient than me!”

“No! I can do it! Do you think I can’t??”

“I didn’t say that, idiot!”

“You called me an idiot!”

“Because, you’re putting words into my mouth! I give up all the time, anyway. It’s really not that important to learn if we wanna fight demons.” Zenitsu could think of a few instances when it would be useful but couldn’t they send someone else in place of that?

“But you know how to do it….” Inosuke muttered under his breath. Of course, Zenitsu caught all of that. Was he feeling jealous or something? Maybe he felt left behind? Or maybe…..maybe he felt as though he was losing against Zenitsu?

It never felt good to lose—something a loser like Zenitsu could empathize with. He sighed as he racked his brains as to what he could do. He felt guilty about abandoning Inosuke. They barely made any progress but he had been trying hard! “Maybe...I could read to you? I have to teach you about history and stuff anyway.”

This piqued Inosuke’s interest. “You’ll read to me?”

“That’s what I just sa-”

“Like a subject reads to his king!”

Zenitsu sighed as he reached for a book. Talking Inosuke out of one of his moods was a pain so it was best to just go along with him. “Sure, whatever. Now sit down and listen, okay?!”

Inosuke complied. He flung himself onto the ground, and lay there, all sprawled out. His confidence in his body could not be mistaken. Everything Inosuke did—eating, fighting, even sleeping—had a feral, unrestrained self-assurance to it. He only appeared to be insecure in rare moments when his skills were completely thrown off balance,just as he had with writing and reading.

In some ways, he was the utter and total opposite of Zenitsu. Zenitsu, who was a coward (at best), had enough knowledge to get through life, but that itself didn’t feel like much of an accomplishment. It felt weird (wrong?) to be proud of something like knowing how to read. After all, it was as basic as breathing, wasn’t it? But knowing that Inosuke struggled with something that Zenitsu was good at—it didn’t feel like a victory. 

Maybe he just wasn’t the competitive type. (He wasn’t. Competition had never crossed his mind with Kaigaku, so why would it now?) Having something over Inosuke just reminded Zenitsu that he had it better than others. He had been lucky to grow up in a house where he had been taught how to read and fight. Inosuke had to learn all of that on his own. And yet! Still, he whined about himself…

The blonde sighed as he flipped through the pages of the history textbook. All this self-pity was starting to annoy even him. Inosuke was still in front of him, stretching in a way that looked insanely painful. “Okay, well let’s start with the Meiji period since it wasn’t that long ago.”

Zenitsu began reading from the textbook, trying not to be bored by his own words. He could feel Inosuke’s eyes trained on him. His heartbeat was slowing down, but not so much that the other was falling asleep—something Zenitsu wouldn’t condone if he were to do that. This textbook was boring! Why was Inosuke watching him so intently? He wasn’t that interesting!

He sighed as he looked up, Inosuke’s green eyes seemingly drilling a hole into his head. (For once, he wasn’t wearing his boar head—mostly because Zenitsu insisted on it if they were to work right next to each other. He didn’t want to smell the old boar carcass while he was trying to teach the idiot how to read!) 

“What are you so interested in!” It was less of a question and more of a statement. Zenitsu had no idea what Inosuke found riveting. Part of him was freaked out because he sounded...fond? No, that couldn’t be right. There was no way in hell that Inosuke was endeared by his reading. His voice was annoying, after all. (Many people had told him before)

“You.”

The simple statement knocked the wind out of Zenitsu. He buried his face in the book as he tried to process his emotions. Inosuke’s heartbeat was shifting and the blonde couldn’t read it. 

“Wh-what’s that supposed to mean??”

“I’m listening to you. You told me to listen.”

“You never listen! That’s why...that’s why I’m shocked.”

Inosuke shrugged, as though he, himself, didn’t have an answer to why he was so attentive all of a sudden. “S’nice. Your voice.”

“Huh?! Have you gone deaf?! My voice is not nice!” Zenitsu exclaimed, caught off guard by the…..compliment? (Since when did Inosuke give compliments??)

“I’m not deaf! Stupid Monitsu doesn’t know anything….” Inosuke grumbled to himself. Zentisu had no idea what had upset him this time.

“W-why are you mad?” Oh, goddammit, he stuttered! Why was he so suddenly nervous?? It was just Inosuke….(then again, Inosuke’s screaming always put him on edge. But this was different, somehow.)

“You don’t understand anything. For someone so smart, you sure are stupid.”

Zenitsu just stared. “Smart?! I’m not smart! Maybe to an idiot like you, I am.” As soon as he said those words, he regretted it. Why was he so incapable of taking a compliment! But, wait, this was more of an insult, so maybe his comment was fine?? (He still felt guilty.)

“I’m good at other things! I can collect lots of acorns. More than you!”

“Then why don’t you go do that instead!” If Inosuke left on his own accord, maybe he didn’t have to teach the stupid pig-head.

“No. Keep reading to me.”

“Why do you want to hear me read so badly? Isn’t it boring you?” Truthfully, the blonde expected Inosuke to bail a lot sooner than this. He never had any interest in learning boring any of this.

“.....your voice is good.”

“You’re lying.” Zenitsu wasn’t sure why he was so convinced Inosuke was pulling his leg, truthfully. The faintest idea that….that he…..he liked—

Don’t get ahead of yourself, idiot! He doesn’t mean anything by it!

“I’m not lying! I never lie!” Inosuke was obviously annoyed by his accusation but it was such a dumb thing to get mad about! What was he supposed to do….accept the compliment??

“Okay! Okay!” Zenitsu cried out. He really didn’t want to argue about something so inane. What was it about Inosuke that set him off like this? “You’re not lying! My voice is-is…good.”

What on earth did that even mean??

“I’m right. Duh.” Inosuke said, shifting back into a more comfortable position.

Zenitsu just rolled his eyes and stared back at the boring page. He sighed. Fine, he’d keep at this stupid task. He didn’t want to push Inosuke into studying more but he also didn’t want to incur the wrath of Shinobu. Demon slayers didn’t have to know how to read, did they? All they had to do was cut down the demons. (A part of Zenitsu wondered what would happen after the demons were all gone but that idea felt too hopeful and unrealistic. Maybe, if that day ever came, he’d properly teach Inosuke how to read).

“Read! Read some more!” Inosuke demanded. Couldn’t he ask for anything nicely?

“Fine, fine.” Zenitsu sighed as he went back to the book. The facts were boring and they made Zenitsu slowly drift off. Even as he read the words aloud, none of the information was sticking at all. It was probably worse for Inosuke as he had no formal instruction or instruction at all. How did he learn how to fight so well? Was it innate talent? But no, Inosuke was a hard worker too. And he was so strong with such a pretty face and the nicest lips….

These thoughts swirled around Zenitsu’s head as his eyelids began to droop, bit by bit. He was being lulled to sleep, by the boring words on the page. Inosuke’s eyes were still on him and his heartbeat sounded strangely….fond?? He felt rough hands come touch his hair, rustling it. Zenitsu’s last thought before he slumped over the textbook was ‘is that sound for me?’

***

Shinobu laughed softly as Aoi nervously hovered behind her. They were looking into the room where Inosuke and Zenitsu were “studying.” She hadn’t had too many expectations for this endeavour—she had simply done it because it felt like Inosuke needed a bit more of a push. It wasn’t easy to explain why learning to read was important, but perhaps… perhaps if he had a chance to impress his crush, then maybe he’d be more motivated to study.

And she was right!

In the room, Zenitsu lay on the ground, the textbook a makeshift pillow. Inosuke was at the desk, hard at work. All he needed was the right push!

[sugarless--girl]

Celestial (Kakairu Fic)

Written for @hkandiu​ for the @the-umino-hours​ 60 Minutes to Gift Exchange! The Theme was “Masks” and the given keywords were “green” and “celestial.” I hope you enjoy it, darling!

Summary: Kakashi asks Iruka to make him a watch. Really, its just another excuse to see him.

Read on AO3

Kakashi strode into the shop without the confidence befitting the God of the Skies. He more or less scampered in, looking left and right to make sure no one was around to see him visit the Deities’ main (and beloved) Artificer, Umino Iruka. Anko, once an apprentice to the Three Great Sages, was prone to visiting Iruka and she had made the wonderful connection that he was visiting the (pretty) brunette far more than necessary or even normal. Clearly, she was annoyed that Kakashi was taking up Iruka’s time so that the Artificer didn’t have time to goof off with her. Good.

He pushed aside the curtain that hid the back of the shop from the rest of the patrons. Kakashi had come here often enough that Iruka decided that it was easier to just have him stick around in the back shop as he fixed the artifacts that Kakashi was oh, so, very prone to breaking. It was not at all an excuse to see Iruka more often.

The workshop was reasonably messy meaning Iruka was in the middle of project. Kakashi felt a spike of guilt for even requesting the celestial watch to be made. However, that guilt was immediately dashed when he saw Sasuke right next to Iruka, leaning over something on the table in front of him. Of his three students, Sasuke was perhaps the best option to have in this situation. Sakura was a far too perceptive and was constantly trying to set them up “subtly” whereas Naruto usually ended up taking Iruka’s attention for the majority of the time. Kakashi wasn’t jealous at all. At least Sasuke knew how to mind his own damn business.

“Kakashi-san?” Iruka said with a surprised expression, “You weren’t supposed to be here for another two hours.”

“Maa, I had some free time to kill. Thought I’d stop by and just….hang out….”

Iruka nodded his head as though it made sense for the literal God of “weather patterns” to be hanging out, casually, as though he didn’t have any responsibilities. Sasuke’s expression indicated that he knew that all of this was utter and absolute bullshit.

“Well, feel free to sit where you usually do. I’m just finishing some last minute changes that Sasuke wanted.” Iruka said smiling at his former student, warmly. Kakashi did not at all swoon at the sight of Iruka’s smile.

Sasuke, his cold-hearted student, just nodded his thanks. He looked back at Kakashi and raised his eyebrows with clear judgment in his eyes. Why Sasuke was judging him was beyond Kakashi. He couldn’t even properly communicate his feelings to Naruto. Really, they were in the same boat.

“Alright. I’ll just...” Kakashi said, making his way to a chair that would give him the optimal view of Iruka’s ass from behind his book. Sasuke just shot him another judgment-filled look before turning back to Iruka.

Iruka waved good bye to his former student and then turned to Kakashi. He had an idea why the God was here but he wasn’t about to take the lead anytime soon. Seeing Kakashi flustered was absolutely worth all the extra work he was putting in to make the things he asked of him. The previous time he had asked Iruka to make a plant that stayed forever green, even without sunlight. It was a challenge as it meant bending the rules of nature to his whims. But he enjoyed these challenges and enjoyed Kakashi’s company even more.

“Alright, Kakashi-san, I’ve nearly completely your celestial watch but I need you to look over it to make sure everything works.” Iruka said, reaching for the top of a shelf where he had purposefully put the watch at. He stretched, pretending to struggle to reach the shelf. The brunette felt a hand brush past his arm as Kakashi picked the item and handed it to him.

The God of the Skies couldn’t at all meet Iruka’s eyes. The blush that stole across his face was blatant, even as it hid behind Kakashi’s mask.

“Thank you, Kakashi-san.” Iruka said, with a hint of mischief in his tone.

“Y-you’re welcome.” Kakashi stuttered out. They stayed there a few more seconds, just looking at each other—Kakashi drinking in Iruka’s features as though he were a beautiful painting. It was enough to make Iruka blush. The brunette licked his lips and Kakashi’s pupils dilated. But the God didn’t do anything. Iruka sighed internally before slipping past Kakashi. He was supposed to leave his past of badly thought-out relationships behind. Teasing Kakashi, Lord of Winds, Destroyer of the Stars, didn’t seem like a good idea. Besides, Kakashi wasn’t making any moves anytime soon.

But the way Kakashi looked at Iruka’s lips made it especially impossible for him to resist. Everything in Iruka urged him to pull down that damned mask and kiss him. Really, what was holding him back?

Everything, idiot. Kakashi-san is just attracted to you. The likelihood of a relationship is slim to none. He’s got too much to worry about.

Damn his mind for being so reasonable.

“Seems like you have a lot of stuff you need. Although, this project seems a lot more useful than the other things you requested from me.” Iruka said, opening the box containing the timepiece. Inside it was perhaps one of Iruka’s finest works in the last decade or so. A brilliant watch containing all the celestial objects in the sky, moving in real-time. He had to conscript Kurenai for her illusory magic and Shizune for the sky-records but the majority of the work—the fine tuning and delicate machinery—was all done by Iruka.

Maybe he went above and beyond this time to impress Kakashi. Kurenai and Shizune’s knowing looks weren’t even necessary as Iruka himself knew that he was only taking on these ridiculous projects on Kakashi’s behalf. Why were they dancing around again?

Right, because they both were cowards. Iruka may have wanted to drag down Kakashi’s mask to truly see him but would Kakashi want to do the same? Would he be alright with the Iruka that he so carefully tried to hide?

“It looks….really incredible.” Kakashi said taking the watch in his hands. His eyes sparkled as he took Iruka’s creation and held it up to the light. The stars shone clearly inside the watch, even from Iruka’s position. The way the sun spun lazily and the stars blinked as they came into and out of life, just as Kakashi controlled it with a twitch of a finger. Iruka knew he outdid himself this time. It was truly one of his best works. “Wow. You’re….”

I’m what, Kakashi-san?

“I’m glad you like it.” Iruka said with a smile. He was pleased that Kakashi was happy. Really.

But why did he feel so empty?

“No, I mean. I thought I asked the impossible…”

“Oh, so you set me up with a task to fail?”

“Maa, that’s not what I said…”

“Really, Kakashi-san. I told you to never underestimate me.”

“I don’t,” Kakashi said, holding Iruka’s gaze with reverence. The brunette held his breath before breaking eye contact. Was he blushing??

“Anyway Kakashi-san, if that’s all, I need to clear my workshop so—” Iruka gestured to the exit, wanting the God to leave. Please, stay longer. Really. I don’t mind.

Kakashi still stood there, with a dazed expression. “I-I love you.” He looked shocked by what he said and braced himself, as though he expected Iruka to hit him. The Artificer looked at the God.

Iruka simply smiled, walked up to him and pulled down the mask.

[sugarless--girl]

College Strays

College was a new start for Umino Iruka. He didn't have to be the same snot-nosed brat that desperately needed people’s approval. But it was harder shaking off that need than he expected and as a result, he was saddled with some of the most annoying people he had the pleasure of meeting.

I took some of my own college experience and shaped it into Iruka's own. I had the lovely idea of Iruka accidentally adopting a bunch of disaster college student despite being a disaster college student himself. It would've been nice to expand a bit more but for now, I think I'm satisfied with this much.

This was for the Umino Hours Discord Exchange hosted by @magnustesla​. It was written for @anniemaar and the platonic pairings requested were Iruka & Kakashi, Iruka & Anko and Iruka & Yamato. I unfortunately couldn't fit the last coupling in as I'm really not sure where to fit Tenzo in all of this but nonetheless, I hope you enjoy! I had fun writing this :)

Read on AO3

Iruka rubbed his eyes as he tried to ignore the pounding headache, annoyingly steady and distracting. The nausea kept him from shooting up in his bed as he felt someone shift against him. Oh god, he didn’t go home with someone, did he? But, no, the feet pressing against his back were definitely Anko’s, seeking for warmth in the cold winter. Goddammit, Iruka went all out at last night’s party, hadn’t he? He always did this.

“Just one drink ‘Ruka,” Anko would say, and Iruka would acquiescence because the week was long and being an RA for students around his age really sucked…

Second years didn’t get any damn respect did they? Well, he could normally deal, but this week had been especially bad. His side job (side hustle, as Anko liked to call it) was tutoring students in English and helping them with their essays. And because it was midterms season, every one of his clients seemed to be calling in with a last-minute proofreading request. Of course, Iruka took each damn job. He needed the money (he also had a hard time rejecting people—and that wasn’t something he felt like psychoanalyzing anytime soon).

College was supposed to be a fresh start. A way to move past his rebellious and misguided past, but he immediately failed when Anko decided to befriend him during their freshman orientation. Somehow him (politely) declining to answer the icebreaker question—how he got the scar across his nose—was somehow a “challenge” to her. Her goal was supposedly to unlock his secret, tragic backstory or whatever. As a result, she became impossible to shake off, despite them being in a totally different majors (English and education for him, business for her). Anko was determined to stick with him until graduation it seemed like—something that Iruka doubted would last.

And now she had burrowed in his bed in an attempt to sleep off the copious amount of alcohol she had guzzled down. Anko shifted against him as she lazily got up. Iruka narrowed his eyes, furious that she never seemed to get as bad of a hangover as he did.

She stretched, popping her shoulders before turning to Iruka. She smirked at his frown and reached out to ruffle his hair. “Hey, don’t get mad at me. You seriously needed to relax.”

“And your solution was to get me drunk?” Iruka said, attempting to raise a brow. He winced when he realized that even glaring was making his headache worse. (He could not deny that a night of dancing made him feel lighter than ever, but this was not about to stop the brunette from giving Anko grief about the whole thing).

“Yep. It’s what I’m best at, after all,” Anko said with a smile that didn’t completely reach her eyes. Iruka wanted to protest that she wasn’t just someone he blew off steam with by drinking with, but he didn’t know what else to add. Before he should add anything, Anko reached out and tapped the crease in his eyebrows. “If you keep frowning, you’re gonna just make the hangover worse.”

“And who’s fault is that?”

Anko rolled her eyes. “I only handed you one drink! I even tried to stop you from chugging down the last few drinks but hey, you didn’t listen.” Iruka sighed. He vaguely remembered that. Clearly the week was much harder than he had expected, as he barely protested when Anko had given him the beer. He pulled the covers over his head to help block out the sun from searing his eyes any further—it only mildly helped his hangover. “I still blame you,” he mumbled through the covers.

“Yeah, yeah.” He heard shuffling from her side in the bed. (It was a miracle they both managed to squeeze into his tiny, twin-sized bed—RA’s got their own nice studio apartment but the same shit-sized bed as everyone else).

Iruka felt Anko ruffle his hair. “I’ll make up for it, alright? Breakfast’s on me.”

“I guess that’ll do…” he mumbled. “I feel awful, though. I’ll probably throw it back up—whatever you feed me.”

Anko lightly laughed before moving away—probably to go freshen up. “Next time, listen to me before you decide to pile on extra work, alright? Maybe you won’t go as hard on the alcohol as you did this time around.”

Iruka nodded his head, although he doubted she saw him. He supposed it wasn’t a bad night out. He did feel a bit better about the previous week more than anything and hey, midterms were over so he deserved a night of fun.

“How’s pancakes sound?” Anko called. Iruka felt vague nausea at the idea but agreed to it nonetheless. He needed to eat—couldn’t really starve a hangover, could you? Besides, Anko’s pancakes were delicious.

"What are you doing here?” Iruka asked. Well, it was less of a question and more of a statement. Genma grinned up at Iruka with a cheeky smile while Shizune looked between the two nervously. Clearly, she had been dragged here. “How—”

Genma stood up from the small dining table (it felt more like a desk to Iruka than a table for food) and sauntered over with ease that he shouldn’t have for someone that broke into his apartment. “How did I get here? Well, my dear friend—”

“We’re not friends.” Iruka said, voicing lacking conviction. (What constituted as friends? He had to come to the terrible conclusion that Anko was indeed a close friend, but did this include Shizune and Genma? All they did was bother him with their schoolwork)

“It was magic!” Genma’s smile was more annoying than anything else and Iruka had the strangest urge to throw his book bag at the other. A long day after classes and studying and he comes home to this? Two acquaintances that broken into his studio apartment, which was 100% breaking-and-entering?

“I could have you arrested for this.” Iruka sighed as he dropped his backpack on the ground, bending down to unlace his boots. Shizune squeaked and it took everything in him to not apologize. She was complicit in all of this, after all.

“But you won’t! Wanna know why?”

Iruka just stared. Genma stared back—daring him to guess. The silence was uncomfortable and clearly, neither were backing down from this stupid disagreement. Goddammit, he already had one annoying person in his life (aka. Anko)—he really didn’t want to deal with another.

“We brought food!” Shizune exclaimed—the silence had gotten to her. “You helped us out during midterms and well, we felt…..that we should do something nice, you know? I know things haven’t been easy and I figured bringing you food would be a good way to thank you and all…..”

“That makes me sound pretty nice, huh?” Genma remarked, scratching his chin

“It was my plan,” Shizune huffed.

“That sounds about accurate,” Iruka said faintly, trying to scan his small apartment for the food. He was starving.

“Hey I still split the bill—”

“Which was expected of you—”

“And picked up the meal.”

“Yes, but—”

“What did you guys bring me? Where’s the food?” Iruka interjected. He was starving.

“Oh, here.” Shizune said, reaching for the fridge and bringing a whole lot of containers.

“Is that Thai?” Iruka asked faintly.

“Yeah,” Shizune said with a smile. “Genma mentioned that you liked it.” Iruka grabbed a bowl and began unloading some Pad Thai into it. So Genma really did listen to him? And Shizune cared enough to think of bringing him food? Huh.

“Are you gonna give me some?” Genma asked, knowing what the answer would be. Iruka sighed and began loading another two bowls with the Pad Thai. “You buy me food and then demand for it back, huh?”

“Oh! Well, I don’t really need—” Shizune said, hands fluttering anxiously.

The brunette grinned suddenly, his bright smile catching the two off guard. They were, of course, disarmed by his charm—which was something that often happened in Iruka’s company.

“I’m only teasing. You guys are the ones who bought the food so of course I’ll give you both some.”

Genma started “Uh, it was for you—” Now, he decides to be a reasonable person?

“What? Don’t wanna have dinner with me?” Iruka pouted. Genma and Shizune blanched. It was hard saying no to him. How could they refuse?

The trio settled down to eat at the cramped table—he really should buy some more chairs if people were going to come over more often—and somehow, the tiredness that accumulated throughout the day was gone from his shoulders. He felt the tiredness lift from his face as Genma joked with Shizune’s crush while the other shot back at him about his latest rejection. In the excitement of free food (and good company) Iruka totally forgot to ask how they managed to get into his apartment. Well, he could always just blame Anko.

“Why….why are they here?” Kakashi asked with a strangled voice. He was sitting at the dining table as Iruka attempted to teach the other man why English was necessary for a biology major like him. Unfortunately, Kakashi kept glancing at the other residents in his room. Iruka didn’t blame him.

Anko laid on his bed, watching some dumb movie with Kotetsu it seemed like. They were both fans of unironically watching My Strange Addiction. Seriously, they both had such trash taste in shows, neither were allowed full control of the movie for movie nights. Kurenai was on the floor, a hundred percent concentration as she tried to get her nails absolutely perfect—it was always the same red color but since she kept messing up her right hand, the process usually took ten times longer than for her left hand. Izumo and Shizune were chatting at the stove, making spaghetti for the third night in a row. Iruka was a worse cook than the two of them and besides, they were all poor college students, so he really didn’t have many complaints. A decade of eating the awful, shoddily-made food in the orphanage really lowered his standards.

“Just ignore them,” Iruka sighed. He turned to face Kakashi, who avoided his eye contact. He didn’t hold it against the other man—he was pretty anxious. Something that most people completely missed when talking to him as they assumed his curtness was him trying to be a dick. But no, that was just Kakashi being nervous. “So you had questions on your last English paper? It seems like you improved a great deal, so good for you!” But, it seemed like Kakashi wasn’t done when he asked “I—do they do this every night?”

“Well, no,” Iruka said, glancing at the others as he tried to recall their schedule. “Anko has volleyball practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon; Shizune has to go to the clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Izumo has Mondays taken up by his physics lab; Kotetsu has work on the weekend at some restaurant; Kurenai only really drops by occasionally and Asuma even more rare; Genma is free all the time but you never can predict when he won’t be here—he sometimes brings Raidou. I guess….most of us are here on Thursday? But, it all really depends.”

Kakashi just stared and looked around the room. “And…...you’re okay with this?”

Iruka shrugged, about to dismiss the question before really thinking about it. Was he okay with it?

Truthfully, it could get a little annoying and on his nerves if people started to overstay their welcome (and that usually meant Anko and Genma) but honestly? If he was being 100% real with himself—it was kind of nice. He liked everyone being here. It reminded of the orphanage but this time, the people chose to stay with him instead.

Just as he was about to respond to the question, Genma opened the door, bringing in a whole case of beer. “Santa’s here! And I’ve brought presents!”

“Oooh!!!” Anko cheered, hopping off the bed. “Gimme, gimme!”

“What? No way, these are for ‘Ruka,” Genma said, holding the case over his head. Anko, being a head shorter than him just kicked his shins in retaliation. “What the hell??? Mooooooom! Anko’s being mean to me!!”

“Settle down children.” Iruka sighed before getting up. Best to separate them before things escalated and they ended up breaking something again. “And you really didn’t need to get more beer, Genma. We already have plenty of alcohol.”

“More doesn’t hurt, does it?” Anko said, clinging onto Genma’s legs in an attempt to trip him over.

“Definitely not.” Genma agreed—his words at odds with his actions as he was trying to pry off Anko from his legs.

Iruka took the case of beer to the fridge and was about to go back to Kakashi before Shizune put a hand around. “Try this out, Iruka!” she said holding out a piece of zucchini with a pair of chopsticks.

The brunette leaned down and ate the piece. “Huh…..this is pretty good.”

“We found a recipe online because we wanted to jazz it up a bit more,” Izumo said watching Iruka’s face. “So….you think it’s good enough?”

Iruka smiled. “It was always fine before.”

“You were seriously okay with eating spaghetti for three days in a row?” Izumo asked skeptically.

“Free food is free food. But it’s great, Izumo. You’re both getting better at cooking!”

Izumo ducked his head to hide his flustered expression while Shizune giggled. Iruka smiled at the two before going back to Kakashi. The silver-haired man was watching Genma and Anko viciously wrestle (god, it was always all or nothing for the two of them wasn’t it?) with horrified interest. Iruka snorted and Kakashi turned back to him catching his eye momentarily before dropping his gaze.

“They’re a bunch of weirdos, aren’t they?” Iruka said turning to look at Kurenai who had managed to rope Kotetsu into painting her right hand. He must’ve been doing a better job than her if her pleased smile was to say anything. She caught his eye and shot him a wink—Iruka couldn’t wink and Kurenai took any opportunity to rub it in his face. She tilted her head slightly, toward Kakashi and Iruka caught on.

“Uh…..I-I guess?” Kakashi said, toying with his surgical face mask.

Iruka smiled at Kakashi’s awkwardness. It was a lot more endearing when you got to know the guy better.

“But to answer your question from earlier…..it’s not bad,” Iruka said with a slight smile. “The company…..well….it’s better than being alone, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Kakashi said stiffly.

Iruka stared at the silver-haired man before looking down at the homework on the table. He began gathering it up as he thought about his next move. The sad and bitter child in him that never got adopted into a decent foster home was quiet now. He may have lost his blood family but….these guys were enough for now, weren’t they?

“Well, only one way to find out. Will you stay for dinner?”

[sugarless--girl]

Day 22: Shopping — Hinaino

Hinata goes shopping for a gift

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“Excuse me Ma’am, would you like any help?” The sales associate asked Hinata. The dark-haired girl stuttered out a ‘no thank you’ and hurried away. She mentally cursed herself for not being able to bring herself to talk to the associate—it probably would’ve made things a lot smoother in searching for an anniversary gift. But she wanted to do this by herself. Maybe it was illogical to not seek for help but it was a pride thing at this point. Hinata wanted to be the one to pick out something that’d make her girlfriend smile.

Ino and Hinata had been going out for almost a year now. It was only a few weeks before their first anniversary and Hinata wanted it to be perfect as possible. Ino deserved the best. The blonde girl had been extremely patient with her and Hinata wanted to thank her by showering her with as much affection as possible. She planned for a spa night—Ino’s favorite way to unwind—coupled with some artsy movie that Hinata never really got but watched anyway for Ino’s enjoyment. And she needed the perfect present to tie it all together. Which was why she was shopping in Sephora—Ino’s favorite store.

However, it wasn’t easy shopping for her partner. Ino had particular tastes and was extremely picky with her makeup. Maybe a lipstick? She always liked wearing red. Except that’d be too easy, wouldn’t it? Besides, Hinata didn’t keep track of what lipstick she had and didn’t have.

Maybe skincare? No, Ino had a strict routine that she stuck too. She already had a list of items she wanted to try. Hinata could get some sheet masks but that was hardly enough for a present. Perhaps a perfume? But then again, Hinata liked the perfume Ino wore. The floral-citrus scent suited her well and Hinata had gotten used to dabbing it on her wrists just to remind herself of the blonde girl while they were apart.

“Hinata? What are you doing here?” Hinata whirled around to see her girlfriend (and Sakura) standing near the perfume display.

“I-Ino!” Hinata squeaked out. Of course Ino would be shopping at the mall on a Sunday afternoon. It was kinda what she did.

“You said you were going to the library.” Ino said with furrowed brows. Sakura looked between the two and wisely decided to back away.

“I-um. Well….” Ino waited patiently for Hinata to say something more coherent. Her face was slowly turning red as she couldn’t think of any excuses. She really wanted to surprise Ino…. “I was shopping….”

Ino raised an eyebrow. “I can see that. Are you here with Tenten or something?” She asked as she looked around.

“N-no.”

“Uh, you’re here alone?”

Hinata nodded.

“You know Sakura and I don’t mind if you join us for our shopping trips, right?”

“I-I know that. I just had some shopping I wanted to do by myself.”

“We could’ve helped. Well, I, could’ve helped. Where did Sakura run off to now….”

“Sorry Ino—it was just something I needed to do myself.”

“Which is?” Ino asked as she tilted her head. Ino knew Hinata’s boundaries but at the same time, she wasn’t afraid to pester the other girl.

“Um, well……”

Ino looked utterly confused. Which made sense—what would Hinata be reluctant to share with her?

She glanced around before something seemingly clicked for her. She looked back at Hinata and grinned. “Is this for our anniversary?”

Hinata nodded shyly.

“Now I can see why you didn’t want me to know.” Ino grinned. “Alright, then Sakura and I will go shop at MAC or something. I look forward to see what you get me.”

Hinata smiled. She didn’t know how to explain it to others but she liked this unabashed side of Ino—where she looked forward to presents. It made it easier for Hinata to communicate her affection to the other girl.

“T-thanks Ino. I can’t wait for our anniversary.”

Ino leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Me too, sweetheart.”

[sugarless--girl]

Day 21: Wings — Konan/Karin

Karin didn’t believe in god or angels. But after meeting Konan—well she couldn't help but  want to consider the possibility.

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Karin didn’t believe in god or angels or whatever. But she was really starting to rethink her stance after Akatsuki.

Now, don’t get her wrong—she still didn’t believe in god or whatever, despite whatever the hell Pein said. But after meeting Konan, well, it was a little easier to accept that maybe angels existed once upon a time and maybe they fucked humans during that time and passed down their genes. It’d explain why Konan was so stunning. And also why Karin’s eyes followed her everywhere—Angels had the ability to steal your attention, probably. She wouldn’t know.

“Dude, quit staring at her! You’re gonna get your ass kicked for checking out the leader’s chick.” Suigetsu hissed under his breath as he elbowed Karin when she watched Konan walk by them.

“Pretty sure Konan’s not anyone’s, dipshit.” Karin muttered under her breath.

Suigetsu sighed. “That’s not what I meant. She’s the leader’s partner—of course he’s gonna watch out for her.”

“She can take care of herself. Didn’t you see what she did when Hidan catcalled her?”

“Okay, you’re missing my point here. It doesn’t matter who’s gonna kick your ass, because someone’s gonna kick your ass.”

“All because I was checking out her ass?”

“Yes.” Suigetsu sounded exasperated. “Literally, you can’t even see anything. What’s the point?”

“I have a better imagination than you.” But maybe she’d knock off the staring so much. It probably would be embarrassing to be caught having a crush. Criminals didn’t exactly do romance. A part of Karin wished for a life where she could worry about shit like that but it was too late anyways. She might’ve not signed up for whatever the hell Orochimaru put her through but she did choose to stay by Sasuke’s side.

Alright, this crush thing wasn’t working out because she just found out Konan had wings. She had fucking angel wings made of paper, of all things. She looked like an angel, no, a goddess under the rain. Maybe Karin would reconsider her stance on gods.

She glanced to her left and saw that the rest of team Taka was as equally impressed. Well, maybe not Sasuke but what did that boy know about beautiful women? He was too busy playing hard to get to realize what a bombshell Karin was. His indifference towards Konan cemented the fact that maybe, he wasn’t into women.

More for her.

“The wings represent freedom.” Juugo whispered underneath his breath. Suigetsu and Sasuke looked at each other before Sasuke decided that this was cutting too much into his brooding time and it was time to leave. Juugo decided to follow their leader which left her and Konan (and Suigetsu but Karin was trying to count people that mattered here).

“I didn’t know you could fly, Konan-sama.”Karin greeted as the woman descended in front of them.

She raised an eyebrow. “Why else would they call me God’s Angel?”

Because you’re beautiful, Karin wanted to blurt out but she held her tongue. If Suigetsu’s expression said anything it was that she was completely seen through by her friend. But hopefully Konan couldn’t read minds.

“No idea.” She shrugged. “That’s what I was wondering about.”

Konan just regarded her coolly before turning away to the Akatsuki lair entrance. Karin just stared after her. Konan’s wings were just too cool. That single conversation would probably keep her in a good mood for the rest of the week. That sounded a bit sad but it was infinitely better than crushing on Sasuke—that was far more depressing.

“You’re hopeless.” Suigetsu sighed, as if reading her mind.

“Shut up.” She’d work her way up to Konan’s favor. Karin didn’t have much to lose after all.