Xiomara had faced down burning buildings with steadier hands than she had right now. Which was pathetic, really, considering the deadliest thing across the table was a wine glass with a smudge she kept staring at instead of her date. First date. That word still felt foreign in her mouth, like she’d borrowed it from someone else’s vocabulary. She shifted in her chair, tugged at the rolled sleeves of her button-down, then finally dared a glance at Lu. God, she was gorgeous. And worse—she was here, choosing to sit across from Xio like this wasn’t the strangest, riskiest thing either of them could’ve done in their long-ass lives.
“So,” she started, the single syllable coming out rougher than she intended. She cleared her throat, tried again. “I’m not gonna lie to you. It’s been… a very long time since I’ve done this. Like, ‘the telephone was still a novelty’ long.” A crooked smile pulled at her lips, self-deprecating but soft. “So if I fumble, you’re just gonna have to deal with it. No take-backs now, counselor.” She reached for her wine, took a sip, then set it down with a quiet clink. “But I’m glad it’s you,” she added, voice low but steady. “If I’m gonna screw up dating all over again, I’d rather it be with someone who can handle the fire.” @howmcnythings
This is super late (as is all of my stuff), but @welt-verbessererin reminded me about finishing it. Expect the last two sometime this week. If you want to read the entire entry, I also posted on Ao3. It’s longer than I expected it to be.
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"Disappointment, thy name is Gendry," Bella leaned against the counter behind the bar. She picked up another freshly cleaned glass to wipe dry. "Come on," his sister glanced at the entrance as a group of giggly women stumbled inside. "It's been a year. Don't think it's gonna happen."
He made a dismissive snort and tossed by the last of his ginger ale, then sat the empty glass in front of her. The edges of his brows twitched with irritation when none of the dark-haired women in the group was the person he sought. Bella was right; it'd been a year to the day since that night. If the brunette did remember him, why would she want to come back?
Gendry ran a hand through his loose black hair as it began to itch his forehead. He meant to cut it last weekend, but things ran late at work, and he never got around to it. His sister returned with another drink and a plate of wings. She took some more orders, then returned to her task of cleaning glasses.
"Maybe she got hit by a car," Bella said in the form of a question.
"What?"
"Maybe she got hit by a car," she shrugged. "You know, like in one of those classic movies. The ones Edric loves to bore us with watching."
"How does that make me feel better?"
"Cause you're not the reason she didn't show up. Maybe she wanted to, and on her way here, she got ran over."
"That's awful!" He tossed his half-eaten wing back on the plate. "Why would you-" Gendry pushed his dinner away, no longer hungry at the image. "And I'd still be the reason if she was on her way here when something bad happened to her."
"Oh." Bella's lips rolled inwardly awkwardly, then shrugged again. "There are plenty of others who'd kill for your attention. Why don't you go spend a paycheck on one of them," she pointed the bottom of the glass towards the crowd before setting it down. "Get something out of it while getting her out of your head."
He mumbled under his breath, then bowed his head to toy with one of the chicken wings. Bella got the message loud and clear. She snatched some food from him and walked away. Not long after, someone took a seat on the stool at the corner of the bar next to him. Gendry didn't care to acknowledge the customer. He had to admit they had a great pair of legs from what he saw in peripheral.
Anime: Kuroko no Basuke
Pairing: Kasamatsu Yukio x reader
Rating: K+
A/N: Because I’m a hopeless sap for him, I updated twice in one day... I’m such a sucker for Kasamatsu. In which you meet up with him for the first time alone, and you try to figure out why your heart won’t stop beating like crazy around him,
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School could not end fast enough.
You've learned over the past few days that Kasamatsu isn't much of a talker over text. It makes things easier for you because you prefer talking over the phone or in person. Things can always be misconceived through the wonders of texting, and you tend to panic during certain situations.
The clock continues to tick slowly, leaving you restless.
Your eyes are on the court, watching the team practice inside the gym. But your mind wasn't in it. Every sound echoed through your skull, as if muffled by your headphones. Rather than sit on the bench, half-dazed in your thoughts, you choose to run laps outside. You want to remain in shape, should volleyball ever become an option in the future. While basketball was fun, and you found yourself excited, Volleyball was always your favourite sport. It's a shame Seirin didn't have a girl's team. That still didn't make your choice waver, as you wanted to start fresh, at a new school as far away from your brother as possible.
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"I made my choice, Ryouta."
The blonde blinks, pausing his packing and turns his head to you. There was something in your tone, screaming for his attention. He almost finds himself breathless at your serious expression.
"I'm going to Seirin."
It's then his eyes grow dark, cold, and it catches you by surprise, but you remain firm. You will not waver. You will be strong... Against the one sibling who has always supported your decisions.
"Y...You can't be serious ____-cchi!" he cries, standing up straight to look down at you, "Why would you want to attend a school that has no status! Everyone in our family has attended Kaijou!"
You shake your head, "I'm serious, Ryouta. Mom and dad are fine with my choice." you pause, eyes hardening, "We have different futures and we can't follow each other forever."
He finds himself out of breath, and Kise tries his best to understand.. But he thought you would attend Kaijou because they have a volleyball team... You've always expressed interest in it, doing well at Teiko… So why would you leave your legacy behind to attend a school that offers nothing?
"I don't expect you to understand." you continue, startling him from his thoughts, "I love volleyball, but I'm taking a year off. I want to explore my options."
He shakes his head, golden hues glistening with unshed tears, "You're right.. I don't understand..." he begins, feeling his fists quivering with emotions. "Why would you leave everything behind to start at an unknown school? A place that offers nothing?"
You smile sadly, reaching out to grab one of his hands, gently rubbing the skin, "We're different people, Ryouta…" you whisper, feeling a tear slip, "I know we've done everything together... But I want to be at a place where I can be free... Not bound by expectations and perfection."
You don't meet his gaze, feeling his stare burn into your mind.
"Some day, you'll find a team that cherishes you for you... Not just your skills..." you murmur, letting go of his hand and taking a step back. "And when that day happens, you'll be happy we didn't attend the same school... So... Until then, we're going to be enemies."
You leave his room then, unaware of the tears spilling from his golden hues, and the way his eyes glower with a hidden emotion...
"One day..." he whispers, feeling his fist shake, "I'll make you proud to be my twin, ____-cchi… And I'll bring you to Kaijou with me... Some day..."
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You stop running then, head tilted towards the sky as you feel a few drops of water pelt your skin... Figures, on a day you're thinking about meeting your new friend, it has to rain right? You sigh softly, jogging back to the gym, grabbing a towel from Riko when she offers it.
"Say, ____-chan..."
You hum, looking at her curiously.
"Why did you choose Seirin instead of Kaijou?"
You're stunned by her question, unsure of an appropriate response... You watch Kuroko and Kagami leave the gym, bickering and arguing over Nigou before looking at the coach once more.
"I like having options, Riko-senpai." you begin, a soft smile on your lips. "I don't like being smothered with one option, and fearing the unknown."
She raises an eyebrow at your words, but before she can ask further, you gather your things and politely bow, before explaining you're in a hurry to leave. You didn't want any of them knowing you were to meet with Kaijou's captain. It wasn't their concern, but you wanted things to be under wraps for the time being. Until you could figure out what Kasamatsu meant to you.
He's one of a kind.
In your haste, you run past the gate, preparing to catch the train to Kanagawa, almost missing the raven-haired male walking towards you. You almost miss him, had he not been wearing Kaijou's jacket, the blue vibrant enough to catch your attention. You pause, eyes wide and lips parting, before you smile.
"K....Kasamatsu-senpai!"
You stop your movements, allowing him to meet you half away, a soft scowl on his lips. The rain adds to his demeanour, and you find yourself left scrambling for words. He extends his arm, the umbrella above his head now shielding you from the impeding rain.
"OI... Why aren't you using an umbrella, brat? Do you want to get sick?"
You shrug, before pumping your fist into the air, "Believe it or not senpai, but I have a tough immune system! A little rain's not gonna get me sick!"
He rolls his eyes, clicking his tongue before shrugging. "As long as I'm here, you're not going to cause trouble, got that?"
You salute to him, face serious and vibrant, "Yes sir!"
He tries hard not to laugh, instead letting out a quiet grunt as you begin to walk away from Seirin. The silence between the two of you is comfortable, occupied by the rain above your heads. There's a little tension, but not enough to make you uncomfortable, and you find yourself lost in thoughts again... At least until it dawns on you..."
"W...Why'd you come to Seirin, Kasamatsu-senpai?"
He blinks, looking at you for a brief moment before his eyes are back towards the streets, "I... I figured it'd be best to meet you here... It would be rude of me to expect you to come by train alone to Kanagawa..." he pauses, as if contemplating his next words... "U...Unless that makes you uncomfortable..."
"....N...No!" you blurt out, startling the both of you. You rest a hand on your mouth, trying to hide the blush on your cheeks before looking away, trying to calm your racing heart,. "I...I mean..." you stutter, trying to process the words in your mind, "I... I find it sweet... T...Thank you senpai..."
He feels his face growing hot, trying not to internally panic.. He's never been good with girls... But he finds that being around you... It's somewhat calming... Almost as if he can relax and be himself... He sighs softly, gently patting your head, secretly hoping you don't notice the shaking in his hands..
"Y....You don't have to thank me... I...idiot..." he mumbles, finding his eyes look at you when you laugh. He sighs, trying to regain composure. It's then he notices the small café up ahead, and finds himself walking in that direction.
"L...Let's go in here..."
You smile, following behind him, almost brushing against his hand in an attempt to catch up. The electricity between you two was visible, and although Kasamatsu tried to hide it, you caught his reaction. You find yourself a table in the corner of the café, adjacent to the window. The rain cleans up the streets well, and you're left with a peaceful view. The few people left outside quickly run for cover, while you find yourself getting warm and comfortable. A mug of hot chocolate rests in front of you, and you find yourself staring up at Kasamatsu, watching him take the seat across from you.
"Y...You didn't have to pay, senpai..."
He shrugs, taking off his jacket and resting it against the chair, "It's not a big deal _____..." he begins, a mug resting against his palm. "It's the least I can do..."
You raise an eyebrow, before giggling at his posture, hiding your smile behind the mug. "If you say so..." you whisper, feeling his gaze burn into yours. You take time to soak in your surroundings, noticing very few people were in the café... Probably because they were already at home with their families.. You blink, quickly taking your phone out and sending your mom a text, so she doesn't worry. You notice one from Kise, but choose to not look at it yet... You didn't want him bugging you while you were getting to know his captain.
"So... senpai..." you begin, placing your phone away and resting your chin on your hands, "Tell me about yourself.. All I know so far is you're Kaijou's captain, and you play guitar..."
He finds himself frowning, staring down at the cup in his hands before hesitantly meeting your gaze. The curiosity was there, and as much as he should feel flattered for the attention, he finds himself stumped..
"W...Well..." he begins, mentally cursing at his stutter. "I... I plan on attending university when I graduate..."
Your eyes light up, finding yourself intrigued.
"You must like school... Don't you Kasamatsu-senpai?"
He shrugs, "I mean.. We all have to learn right?"
You hum, hues sparkling, "What's your favourite subject?"
"Math."
Your hands smack against the table, startling him as he meets your golden hues, "NO way! I love math!! Though I do enjoy English and History! You're always learning something new! It's rarely boring in my class!"
His blue hues watch you with a renewed interest, and he finds himself smiling softly. "Is that so? I wish most kouhais had the same mentality as you."
You blink, feeling yourself blush at his compliment, before looking away... "W..Well… You're not gonna meet many people like me..." you mutter, looking back at him "I'm one of a kind!"
He finds himself chuckling, though shakes his head, "You're definitely something else, _____-chan."
The sudden suffix makes both of you pause, staring at each other in shock. Blushes erupt on both your cheeks before you look away from him, hearing him cough into his fist. Oh man... why can't your heart stop thudding in your chest already? You rest your face in your hands, though the silence has you curious... You peek from your fingers, watching as Kasamatsu rubs the back of his head, trying to find the words to say... You lift your head, watching him act like a child being caught stealing a cookie from the jar, and that is the most adorable thing you've seen.
You laugh then, feeling his stare on you, confusion and slight irritation evident.
"I can say the same thing about you, senpai..."
You rest your cheek in your hand again, giving him a lop-sided grin, "You're definitely something else..."
He tries to open his mouth, but finds himself sighing instead, shaking his head. "Something tells me I'm gonna regret asking this..." he begins, before meeting your eyes once more, "Would you like to meet up again next week? We have a day off on Tuesday from practice."
He finds himself breathless when you grin at him happily, eagerly nodding your head at his question. "I...I'd be more than happy to accompany senpai!"
His heart races once more, before he smiles softly, oddly feeling at peace.
"I'm glad to hear it... I'll pick you up from Seirin… If that's fine with you."
You roll your eyes, finding yourself smiling at his words. Of course he'd say something like that.
"You don't have to ask senpai... Of course you can..."
Those words are all he needs to hear, and Kasamatsu finds himself grinning despite feeling nervous. To know you enjoy spending time with him enough to accompany him a second time is enough.. And he hopes to learn more about you, and why he always feels at peace with you.
Ok I could have considered making a drawing emulating their first date but decided to analyze something, the episode of "My Fair Hatey". Honestly, it was not a date anymore, it was a team work to stop Dominador, it would not be the first time that they joined since they did it in The ShowStoppers to stop the Hater and Wander in the concert. But I consider this as its true “First Date” since they had to go to a place, in this case, to disable Dominator's ship with Frostonium.
Peepers proves to be reckless in wanting to take the opportunity to enter the mouth of the wolf with an interesting and cute plan but that can be frustrated by being alone, something that Sylvia told him clearly. Peepers agrees with this, so he proposes her to join with him using her strength. She is excited by the idea and those powerful gloves (by the way, a mystery of how Peepers has ones specifically for her, I could think those were Odion's robots but this one has 3 fingers like Syl's ... Mystery? ... Or Peepers know that there would be a possibility to ask Syl for help in any moment). However, Sylvia rejects him but Peepers uses a few words that make to change her mind easily: Are you a man? or Are you a Zbornak?
We know so far this output was not going to have a romantic end but we were delighted with their musical performances singing “That's how we'll get her”, “Let's All Go Meet Dominator” and a little part of “My Fair Hatey” (sung by Wander).
And well in the ship, each one showed their skills, Peepers using his intelligence and Sylvia, her strength. Although they have a momentary success (before the ship assimilates the Friostonium) that briefly peepers celebrates, we see the concern of Sylvia to leave the place as quickly but taking his companion on duty who later, she would name him “Buddy” (with Wander).
I think they already have more confidence from this moment although they would admit very little especially when they struggle to obtain something as the Robomechabotatron but once they realized (by Wander) that they could use this robot to stop Dominator, they agree. In short, it would be great to see more episodes where both of them join forces for a common goal again.
