#//This title is v near and dear to my heart

[dutybcrne]

I wouldn't choose any other title ;-;

[myladysapphire]

To Gwayne, with love

tired of being ingored and undervalued, you take your dragon and leave to find the one person who sees you for who you really are; your uncle, Gwayne Hightower

based of this request

word count: 5,086

CW: MDI, 18+, smut, loss of virginity, p in v, fingering, oral (f reciving), incest, angts, love letters (if the title wasnt a hint), fluff, love confessions, not proofread!

Gwayne Hightower x neice!reader

Masterlist

Growing up as the eldest child, and eldest daughter of Alicent and Viserys you had long felt unwanted and overlooked.

Where your twin, Aegon, was seen as a future king, the rightful heir, you were seen as only a daughter, pushed to the side and out of the limelight.

Always looked over, even when it came to marriage. Where it made sense for you to marry Aegon, Heleana married him instead.

You were overlooked, and often forgotten.

Even events held in your honour were overshadowed, be it by your twin or your eldest sister Rhaenrya.

Countless nights tears had filled your eyes as you were pushed aside in favour of another sibling.

It was a funny thing really, you were the eldest daughter and yet were the last to be betrothed, excluding Daeron that was. And yet you had once been dubbed the Realms heart, you had been kind and sweet. But years of neglect, being undervalued and ignored had turned you cold and restless and made you a rebel. Where your uncle Daemon was the rouge prince, you were the defiant princess.

You had stopped waiting by the sidelines, stopped keeping too yourself and your thoughts stopped being quiet. you become outspoken, even more so when your brother was crowned king.

But all that seemed for nought as you were now meet with roll of eyes and the sound of the key locking your chambers from the outside.

You couldn’t say you were surprised, not when your mother seemed to hate you more than Aegon.

She never understood you, only one person had.

Gwayne Hightower, your uncle.

You and he had an understanding that others could only envy, you couldn’t put it into words but ever since you had meet him you felt inexplicitly drawn to him.

And yet you had only meet him thrice.

But those three times amounted into countless letters.

When one was sent two would follow, even on the road Gwayne never failed to write.

Until now.

You were sat in your chambers and an ache in your chest as you read through the last of Gwayne letters. Near two weeks had passed since his last had arrived, and these past two weeks had been when you had needed his letters the most.

dearest niece,

Words cannot describe the joy I felt upon seeing you the other, even if only for a few hours before my departure.

You have grown ever so beautiful, and I envy those who got to watch you became the beauty you are today, though I envy them more for the endless pleasure of your company.

Who knew your wit was even more compelling in person, dear niece?

I sure did not and yet your endless humour is known what I crave as I am stuck of this endless rode with ser Criston as the most interesting of my companions.

And let me tell you he is far duller than you painted. (Not that you painted him to have much of a personality aside form swords and a love for oranges.)

Perhaps it his cockiness or the self-righteousness he has as the new lord hand, which makes his so dull. He seems to love to point out his new station to us all, especially my Hightower knights, as if that will win him any favours.

Though I truly believe he thinks himself funny, though his voice is always far to monotone to decipher what is an attempt at a joke or what is orders and commands.

Gods, I wish I had stolen you away with me, even just to share the looks at Criston ‘jokes’ as he calls them.

Honestly, he is perhaps the dullest man I have ever met, what your mother sees in him I’ll never know.

But I must admit little of my time is spent completing his joke when I cannot stop thinking of you.

Tomorrow, we ride to rook’s rest, he says he has some plan, I do not quite believe it will be a good one, but I shall prey to the seven that we will be victorious, and I may see you again.

Yours, Gwayne.

You had replied far to quickly though being locked n your chamber after yelling you would ride your dragon to meet your uncle would of course leave you with little to do.

To Gwayne,

I am truly sorry you are stuck with such a dreadful man, if I had gone with you I can assure you however there would not have been much time to dwell of Cristons joke attempts, I would steal far to much of your attention, perhaps enough were you were unable to fight in this silly little war.

I do hope your thoughts of me do not distract you too much.

I wish you great luck in at rook’s rest though I fear you may have to face Meleys, and in which case I pray my mother sees sense and allows me to ride out and join the fight on moonfyers, though I Highley doubted.

But from Aegon’s visit to my prison cell (my chamber’s), it seems he is quite egar to fight, though seeing as how the small council so easily sway his mind, I doubt he will, unless he drinks himself into a false sense of courage that is.

But I pray you do not repeat those words, especially to my mother.

I too crave for your presence; it is a misery that despite years of letters we have met thrice! And the third was only days ago.

 Perhaps when you go, we can make your visits permanent.

I pray for your victory uncle, and your next letter.

With love, your dearest niece.

You had sent that letter 12 days ago; rooks rest was 10 days ago.

Of course, the journey back must be accounted for, but no one had any news, besides the death of Meleys and the princess Rhaneys, the queen who never was.

You had rather liked her, in fact you hoped to model yourself of her in some way. Though you had no right to morn you suppose, you had never spoken to her bar the common pleasantries.

You stood starting out of the window, craving the day you could smash them down and make your escape. Though where you would go, you did not know. Before the war you had one destination in mind, oldtown. Now there was no one there for you, just as there wasn’t anyone here.

The forgotten daughter. No matter how defiant you became you would only be tolerated and ignored. Your actions simple receive a tolled eye and of course, the action of yet gain being locked in your chamber.

Perhaps if your mind hadn’t been so caught up in your loathing and thoughts of jumping from your window onto the back of moonfyers you would have noticed the door opening and the feel of hands slowly covering your eyes.

You jumped in shock as your eyes were covered, only to calm down when a voice spoke.

“Guess who?” a mans voice teased, though it was the voice you had ingrained into your memory.

“Gwayne” you breathed turning around.

He laughed as you hugged him.

“When did you get back?” you asked, arms still wrapped around him.

“Only moments ago,” he sighed, “did you miss me?” he teased.

Slapping his arm lightly, you stepped back “of course not”.

“Hmm…really?” he tilted his head, clicking his tongue, “I could have sworn your letter said- “

“Stop it!” you said hitting his shoulder again.

“Fine!” he said raising his hands up in mock surrender, “only if you top hitting my arm, your poor uncle has just fought a battle”.

You rolled your eyes “and am I to presume you were victorious uncle?”

“If you could call it that”.

“What do you mean?”

He looked nervous, an expression you had never seen on him before, “your brother Aegon- “

“Aegon went! That fool”

“a fool who got himself injured”.

“what” you asked, voice full of concern. Though an outcast, overshadowed by your twin, you still cared for him greatly, even if he never showed care for you in return.

He explained what had happened and your mind spun, no one had said a thing to you and yet your twin brother lay dying in his rooms.

“I must go see him” you rushed out, heading towards the door, only for Gwayne to grip your arm.

“Go later.” He insisted, “for now stay with me! and here my woeful tales of battle”.

Shaking your head with a laugh you sit back down, listening to tales of Gwanye’s journey and of the battle, and all thoughts of Aegon were forgotten.

You woke up finding yourself wrapped in Gwayne arms on your settee. You didn’t remember falling asleep, only talking and watching the sunset and rise once more.

It must have been past noon and yet no one had knocked or come to see you, not that they had before now.

You looked over at Gwayne, he was tired, even after hours of sleep he still had bags under his yes.  

Removing yourself from his arms slowly, you made your way out of your rooms and towards your brothers.

Aegon lay alone. The room dark and empty, bar his aching, unconscious body, half his body covered in bandages, his body deadly slit and his breath shaky.

You moved closer to the bed, coming forward and placing a soft kiss on his brow.

He may be terrible, drunken whoremonger but he was still your brother.

“Aegon” you breathed heavily, taking his unburnt hand in yours, “I- “ the doors opened, and your mother barged in, “get out!” she demanded.

“Mother, I- “you said standing up.

“Get out” she said once more, coming to sit by Aegon’s side.

Standing up and moving towards the door slowly, “he’s my brother, I have every right to be here!”

She looked at you, scoffing “that matters not, now leave and go back to your rooms”.

Rolling your eyes you left and stormed back to your rooms.

“Gwayne” you breathed, seeing him now awake and sitting up, reading a book.

“How Is Aegon” he asked, as you approached.

“a sleep? I do not know my mother sent me out only a few moments after I had entered.”

He kissed his teeth, “your mother has changed much recently”.

“Recently? She has always been liked this, with me at least”

“I know, my darling… I think she- “he stopped himself, looking at you, “I am not sure what she thinks actually, me and her where never close growing up”.

You huffed, looking over at him and realising that the book he was reading was in fact your diary.

“Is that my diary!”

“no” he said dragging out the word as he moved the book out of your reach.

“Where did you- how did you”

“Do not worry how your “beautiful and daring uncle” found it”.

You gasped, crawling over him to try and reach your diary.

He laughed, as you grasped at the book, “give it back” you insisted.

“But Gwayne would be never- “

You reached the book, slapping it out of his hand, “how much of it did you read?”

“Why did you not want me to read of how much you missed me?”

“Gwayne” you sighed, looking at him, you were practically lying on him, your hands leaning on chest as you reached for your diary of the floor.

“darling” he replied, before looking at you sadly, his hand reaching to caress your cheek, “I have to go soon”.

“To your chambers or to oldtown?” you asked sadly.

“Oldtown, I – “

You interrupted him, “when?”

“We leave after dinner, we thought it best to travel at night, out of sight of dragons”.

“I see” you said moving off of him. He reached for you, trying to draw you back towards him.

Everyone always leaves or ignored you. It seemed no matter how close you got you were so easily abandoned, never once had someone stayed.

“I would ask you to come, but your mother would never allow it” he said shaking his head.

Why would she allow it? It would make you happy and the gods know how much your mother craved your misery.

“Do you think there will ever be a time when-when we can spend limitless time together?”

“I hope so, I- “he always stopped himself from saying it, saying the one thing they both craved.

“As do I”

The rest of the day was spent together craving to spend every second that they could together, but in the end, he had to leave. He was bound by duty and honour.

Saying goodbye this time was harder than the few times before it. You both stood in the courtyard, his men stood the side, their own conversations distracting them.

Your mother having said her goodbyes, and had left the courtyard already, leaving you both to say your goodbyes.

“I hope it is not to long before I can see you again” you said looking down to thew ground and kicking at the gravel.

“As do I” Gwayne said grabbing your hand and kissing it gently.

Your eyes shared a look, a look saying everything you both couldn’t.

“I’ll miss you” you breathed heavily, eyes never leaving his.

you both stepped closer, now inches apart.

You moved your lips to kiss his cheek, only for Gwayne to move his head and capture your lips with his, in a soft delicate kiss.  

The shadows of the keep kept you had hidden from wandering eyes as you kissed.

It was short but sweet and left you both wanting more as he was forced to step back from you.

He whispered softly “I will think of you, always”.

“As will I” you said, reaching into you hem and pulling out your handkerchief, you had sown the initial of your name and his ono it, and placed it in the palm of his hand.

Closing is hand you softly placed a kiss onto it.

“goodbye” he spoke, before moving to his horse and riding off, sending you a final look before he left.

The days tricked by, blurring together. Aegon’s recovering slow and with little change.

You stayed in your room, much to your mother’s delight.

Letters were exchanged between you and Gwayne. But this time the letters seemed different, this time they were bolder, your feelings no longer hidden.

Dearest,

I left you only moments ago and yet I miss you already.

That kiss was everything and more, I cannot believe it took us so long to do it, even of it happened by a mistake.

I am sorry our reunion was so brief, and I wish I was bound to you and not duty.

I shall write again soon, but in the meantime, I hope the thought of you in my thoughts will tide you over.

Yours, Gwyane.

Dear Gwayne,

You just left my side and yet apart of me left with you.

I hope your thoughts are filled with me as mine are of you.

The walk back to my room was a long one, longer than it had ever taken me as I had to drag myself away from you, away from moonfyers as thoughts of chasing after you filled my mind.

My mind was a mess all night, much to my mother’s disappointment. Though I doubt she noticed my mind was with you and not in the keep.

This morrow I was awoken absurdly early and summoned to the small council!

And before you say anything I am not sure as to why, even after attending it.

I seemed to be there as a way to boost Aemond’s moral? Or should I say the prince regents.

I was simple them to watch plans be made, and to be told of an alliance, a marriage between me and some lords son, I believe some Tully.

I refused and they demanded.

I offered my dragon, they refused, and I demanded.

They claimed a woman in battle would only lead to a loss. Even if moonfyers is bigger than most for her age and even rivals Caraxes.

Anything else was ignored and dismissed and I was quickly ushered to my chambers and forced to plan a wedding.

A wedding I wish was with you.

I do not know what to do, uncle.

Please tell me to come to you, and I will.

Yours always.

My love,

The days are endlessly long, and I find myself craving you by myside more than ever.

You chase my every though both awake and asleep.

And forgive me for beings bold, niece, but I can, no will not hold back what I have longed to crave any longer.

I wished I had placed you upon my horse and ridden of with you into the night, defying your mother and brothers’ commands.

But I want you, more than I need air to breath. And for so long I have defied myself and held back my desires, my love for you.

I beg you, come to me.

Forget their plans and demands, come to me and marry me.

I am set to arrive in old town in two days, leaving you plenty of time to come to me.

With love, Gwyane.

To Gwyane,

I will come to you, it may take a few days, but I cannot stay here. And I will not stay away from you any longer.

With love, your heart.

you sat in your chambers, contemplation how you to leave.

Though there were secret passageways in your room, you had never used them. They were like a labyrinth in truth and the one time you had speed in them you feared you would get lost.

And the guards stationed outside of your door were stationed for the exact reason you were event you were currently planning.

your other would never let you go willingly, not now especially.

But then again you doubted she would notice you were gone, at least for a day or two.

Heleana may notice, but she wouldn’t say a thing.

Aemond had just been given what he always wanted and would flaunt his power as much as he could, meaning he’d keep put of your way, in fear you would ‘act up’, as he called it, and embarrass him.

This meant that the guards were your only issue, and perhaps Larys spy’s. though you cared not for them for what could they do to stop you? Tattle to Larys who would sell the information for the sight of your mother’s feet? Even then you would have a few hours.

Luckly for you however, you knew your guards. And they had a penchant for wine.

“Steffon, Gregor” you whispered opening your door a bottle of Dornish red in hand.

“Princess” they nodded, tuning around to ignore you.

“You must be bored” you started, “perhaps you can join me for a drink?” you said, fluttering your eyelashes.

They turned to face each other unsure of what to do, “oh come on, know one will care. You’ll still be guarding me, won’t you?”

Their eyes wandered to the bottle of wine “is that the only bottle, princess?”

You scoffed, “of course not”.

They smiled and ushered you in to your chamber.

It was funny, you must have done this a dozen time before and they still fell for it every time.

And being such lightweights, they were quick to fall into a drunken sleep, allowing you to grab your bag and make a run for the dragon pit.

Running through the streets of Kingslanding at night were dan, especially in your rich clothes and jewels.         

And seeing as you had only walked to the dragon pit once or twice, with the company of a dozen guards, the run was a lot longer than expected.

Getting lost in the never-ending streets of flea bottom was easy, and before you knew it you had somehow ended up on the streets of silk.

“gods” you mumbled, looking around in search of a sign to lead you in the right direction.

You could see the dragon pit, so at least you weren’t too far away, only issue is the brothel with the name ‘Chantaya’s’ seemed to stand in the way of a quick exit.

“sister” you heard someone say, and the sight of Aemond exiting said brothel, through you into a sprint once again.

You were sure you looked like some pick pocket as you ran through the street, Aemond hot on your tale.

And with being such a stranger to kings landing you found yourself meeting an end and Aemond catching up to you.

“Let go of me” you muttered trying to pull yourself free from Aemond’s grasp.

“Who let you out” he sneered.

“Does it matter?” you sneered in return, “what are you even doing here?” you asked, and Aemond face dropped.

“I could ask you the same”.

“I wanted to go to the dragon pit” “the dragon pit” he reiterated, not believing you. “To what? Declare for the usurper?”

“Gods no” you near yelled, “I- “you were hesitant to tell him, having never got on along with him and never having much to say to him at all, this was honestly the most you and he had spoken since the start of the war. “I wish to go to oldtown”.

“why”

“To…to see Gwyane”.

“Our uncle?”

“Do you know of another Gwyane I could possibly wish to see in oldtown?” you said snidely.

He hummed, looking at you with a smirk, “I am your prince regent, I command you know” he said, “one word from me and I could have you locked in the black cells, or I could command you to go to oldtown to gather forces, with Gwayne”

You hated that you looked at him hopeful and hated even more that if he asked you would beg.

“But why, dear sister? Should I command you to oldtown? You are the future lady Tully after all”.

You scoffed, “oh please, we both know the Tullys are hardly loyal now and the second old Grover Tully dies they’ll declare for the black’s”.

“true”

“And why would you want me here anyway? I do not listen, and I defy your every move, sending me a way would better your rule, would it not?”

“Oh sister, you truly have been undervalued. Fine I shall take you to the dragon pit and order you to oldtown.”

Order you? As if there was a single part of you that did not already crave to be there, with him.

The walk to the dragon pit was a quiet and awkward, with Aemond pulling you by the hand, a tight grip as if you would try to escape.

Not a word was exchanged even as you entered, only your words commanding the dragon keepers to fetch you moonfyers and Aemond stood beside you in his usual stance.

He gave you a taunting wave as you took flight, and you never looked back.

It took five hours for you to reach oldtown.

A storm thundered as you entered the reach, rain dowsing your and obstructing your vison. Had it not been for the bright blue scales of your brother’s dragon, Tesserion you were sure you would have flown into the Hightower.

Landing, you were quickly greeted with guards and the face of your brother Daeron.

“Brother” you greeted as you slide of your dragon, “a pleasure to see you!”

“And you, Gwayne said you were coming” he nodded, hand raised to stop rain pouring over his face, “come in, quickly”

The Hightower, was exactly as you envisioned, filled with riches and symbols of the seven. It looked like a museum almost.

You were brough into a room lined with seats and walls filled with books. Painting filled with the faces of old lords and ladies, and tapestry depicting Aegon s landing in oldtown and his coronation.

“niece” you heard a voice breath, causing your inspection to come to a halt as you turned and faced Gwayne,

“uncle” you breathed in return and not a moment later were you running into his arms and your lips meeting once more.

This kiss was different than the one in the courtyard, this one was filled with longing, filled with pure love and desire.

Years of want filling you mouths your lips moved against each other.

“Gwayne” you whispered against his lips, as you both breathed heavily, your heads leant against each others.

He whispered your name in return, “you came” he breathed, not quite believing it.

“of course, you asked…and the prince regent commanded it”

He laughed “what?”

“when I was making my mistake i came across Aemond leaving a brothel” you laughed, “and somehow he decided to command me to oldtown to gather forces”

“oh?” he said, head tilting, “I see…does that mean you now command me?”

“do I not anyway?” you asked tauntingly.

He laughed, grabbing you to him once more and pulling you into another kiss, “I believe we command each other, my love” he said breaking the kiss.

“my love?”

“my love” he agreed, caressing your cheek, “I love you” he finally admitted.

And you smiled. Looking at him as he always looked at you.

He always had seen you, understood you when no one else did.

And the look in his yes, it was pure love and you had never felt more seen than in this moment.

“I love you” you replied, and he smiled.

“come with me” he said taking your hand and leading you up to his room.

His room, though perhaps smaller than others, was still large and full of all things Gwayne. With his own mural and tapestry.

“do you like it?” he asked, taking note of your eyes that had not left the tapestry he had commissioned.

“is that?” you asked, unsure if you were seeing it right.

“Moonfyer and you, yes”

“gods, Gwyane” you said breathlessly, a mural of you riding moonfyers for the first time, your second time meeting Gwyane and the first time you and he realised the bond between you both.

You turned to face him, and kissed him once more.

Unlike before this kiss was heated, passionate and full of lust.                                                                                                 

His hands moved to your waist, as you slowly moved towards the bed, your hands reaching and pulling at his clothes, taking them of and leaving him in only his small clothes.

Your dress wet and soaked was quickly torn of you intern, leaving you only in your soaked chemise.

Their lips broke apart as her legs hit the bed. Taking each other in Gwayne moaned at the sight of your breast peeking out through the now sheer chemise.

“can i?” Gwayne breathed, hand coming to toy with the strap of your chemise.

You nodded, allowing your chemise to slip and leaving you bare before him.

“gods” he breathed, “ you are beautiful” he said, before pushing you down on the bed, his lips connecting with yours.

His lips moved from your mouth to your neck, nipping at your skin, causing you to moan softly.

He kissed his way down your body, before he reached your cunt.

“can i?” he asked once more, eager to taste her cunt.

“yes”  you said, not quite sure what he intended to do until you felt his nose nudge between your thighs and a slow lick alone the length of your cunt.

groaning at the taste, he quickly went back licking and tasting your cunt, like a man starved. You moaned pleasure, hands moving to tug his hair as he found your clit.

Touching yourself had never felt like this, the sheer pleasure you felt as he sucked your clit into his mouth was better than any orgasm you had brought yourself to before, even more so when you felt his fingers toying with your entrance.

You tensed as his fingers entered you. They were thicker and longer than your own and you started to feel the stretch as he pumped you full of his two fingers.

You moaned, your body moving off the bed as you his fingers pumped in and out.

His hand moved to your waist gripping you down as he continued to fill you, your moans filling the room as his third finger entered you and you soon reached your peak.

He slowly backed away from you, pulling down his small clothes to revel his hard, thick cock.

“oh!” you spoke, at the sight of him.

“oh? Not good enough niece?” he asked teasingly.

“gods, it, yes” you nodded, reaching out to him.

He laughed, before slowly crawling onto the bed, his body covering yours. Taking your lips his, in a passionate and heated kiss, as his legs slowly parted yours as he positioned himself at her entrance.

“Are you sure?” he breathed against your lips, hand holding your waist as his cock teased your entrance.

You nodded, reaching forward to kiss him again, “yes”.

At the word he entered you slowly.

You groaned at the stretch but found no pain as he entered you.

His long cock filling you, a bulge appearing in your stomach as he allowed time for you to adjust.

“gods, you feel amazing” he groaned, moving his head to the nape of your neck “can I move?” he groaned, as your walls wrapped around him.

Nodding, “yes” you breathed. And wasting no time he began to slowly pump in and out of you.

You moaned as he thrusted into you, your hips moving to meet his as he picked up the pace.

He groaned at the feel of you moving against him, has hands gripping your waist as he started to thrust into you faster, he soon found that sweet spot inside you, that quickly turned you into a moaning mess. And soon you were wrapping your arms around him, clawing at his back as you felt your peak it washes over you and the feel if his seed filling you.

Your breath was heavy, his even heavier as he lay on you, his face still in your neck leaving soft kisses as he started to move of you slightly.

“marry me” he said, giving you soft kisses between his words. “this place is filled with septon’s it will be easy to find one to marry us.”

“okay” you said, looking into his yes.

“okay?”

You laughed, “yes, Gwyane I will marry you.”

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[ivystoryweaver]

Based on a combined request from @babyprofessorsharkpalace and @dowbastan. The requests were so similar that I wrote this one shot and I hope you both like it!

Summary: You're the childhood love of Duke Leto Atreides. Years have passed and your paths took you different directions. You have one final night before he leaves Caladan for Arrakis.

Pairing: Duke Leto Atreides from Dune x f!reader

Word Count: 2.9k

Content: NSFW, mdni, language, fingering, oral - m. rec., p in v, unprotected sex, size kink, nipple play, spitting, not beta'd

✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧

An invitation to Caladan to celebrate House Atreides' appointment to Arrakis was a coveted opportunity, and an honor.

You belonged to a noble family on a neighboring planet, and your family had a history with House Atreides. In fact, you were once pledged to a young Leto Atreides.

✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧

Then...

Long before silver sprinkled his inky curls - before his father passed on the title of Duke - the handsome first son of Caladan was your intended.

This resulted in multiple visits to Caladan during your childhood, in which you actually befriended young Leto. The two of you remained unaware of your families' intentions for years. You played along the wet, craggy rocks and numerous caves of Caladan, and the sprawling gardens of your homeworld.

When you came of age, plans were made to announce your engagement officially. This was the first you'd ever heard of it. You visited Caladan once again with your parents, eager to see your dear friend Leto.

You were both still so young - you even more so than he. You and Leto stole away to your usual childhood spots, laughing and catching up, but this time, once you reached your favorite cave, he gathered you into his arms.

"We're to be married," he whispered, gazing adoringly into your eyes. "Does this please you?"

"Leto," you whispered, with a breathless laugh. "Who else could it ever be but you?"

His strong hands gripped your hips, pulling you flush against his body as he lowered his lips to yours.

This was the last happiness you would know with your childhood love.

The Bene Gesserit installed Lady Jessica as a concubine for young Leto.

You understood that many nobles had concubines for companionship, while remaining open to strategic, political marriages. But you assumed you would be Leto's companion, as well as his wife.

Despite your protestations, you might have been forced into the arrangement anyway, except that your parents would have you nowhere near the influence of the Bene Gesserit, if they could help it.

So you didn't see Leto again for years - not until you were married to another powerful man, and Leto had a son and heir, thanks to Lady Jessica.

You had the opportunity to meet them once - young Paul Atreides and his mom. Truthfully, they were lovely and you found yourself wondering why fate had brought a man like Leto to your heart only to yank him away and give him to someone else.

Then your husband passed away. You received a note of condolence from Leto, in his own hand, no less.

'I will always cherish our fond childhood,' it read. 'Please know my sympathy and warm affection are with you always.'

✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧

Now...

So, here you are, these years later, in the home - the castle - of your once intended. A farewell party, to honor House Atreides before they set off to oversee spice production on Arrakis.

Your invitation is nothing special. Hundreds were invited from all over. The chance of you seeing, let alone speaking with the Duke is minuscule. He likely has more important things to do than worry about widowed childhood friends.

The opulence of the occasion enchants even you for a time, but you eventually grow weary of the fake smiles and never-ending condolences. Bored with the evening, and damn near everything in your life, you wander away from the bustle and celebration, through once familiar corridors of Castle Caladan.

Hardly a thing has changed. Few things ever do in these ancient royal dwellings. You find yourself meandering along, just as you did as a child, darting from one lavish room to the next, avoiding the elder duke's stern glare.

Speaking of which...

"If I look at you at just the right angle, it almost seems like we're teenagers again."

The unmistakable voice of Duke Leto Atreides sounds over the faded swirl of orchestra music, drifting from the great hall.

"In complete darkness, maybe," you lightly return, keeping your back turned. "Seeing how I have not walked these halls since the birth of your son."

"A young man nearly grown," Leto evenly responds. "It's been far too long."

The thump of his heavy boots alerts you to his approach. You stiffen as he draws near. You suppose it's time to acknowledge your host in his own home. Before you can, however, he moves in beside you.

Just the scent of him throws you into inner turmoil. The years have been kind to Leto. He wears middle age very well. Distinguished and brutally handsome, he commands respect, despite his shorter stature.

"Too long indeed," you finally respond, longing to turn and gaze into his eyes - to see if any trace of the boy you loved still lingers.

"Let me look at you," he softly commands, boldly cupping your shoulder with his palm.

"Nothing to see." You shrug him off, or attempt to anyway. "Just a lonely widow."

He crowds into your personal space demandingly, grasping both shoulders now. "Am I such a stranger to you that you won't greet me in my own home - or even look at me? Why did you even make the journey?"

Your eyes meet his unflinchingly - a perfect match for his stubbornness. "I came to congratulate you and your family on your appointment to Arrakis. Now that I've done so, I'll take my leave."

He holds you firmly, the heat of his fingers seeping through your sleeve. "Why so soon? I've only just laid eyes on you for the first time in years and you can't even spare me a glance? You might as well condemn me to walk the sands of Arrakis alone."

"Don't be so dramatic, Leto," you mock, attempting to wrench free of his grip. "Everything you need or want is going with you to that desert rock."

"Not everything," he firmly protests, dark eyes boring into yours. His fingers, so insistently gripping your arms, relax and began to trace soothing circles on the soft fabric of your dress.

You huff, rolling your eyes, but your body automatically eases closer to the duke, as if responding to him instinctually.

"Don't pretend I mean anything to you now," you scold him, melting into his embrace, with only your words left to cut him.

"No one in this world means more to me except for my own son," he breathes on your cheek, his hands gripping your hips as he pulls you flush against his pristinely uniformed chest.

Your heart stops for a moment as you struggle to breathe. "I think you forgot Lady Jessica," you finally manage. "The Bene Gesserit's strategic installation."

He groans. "She's the mother of my heir."

"All the more reason to leave me be! I've paid my respects. I'm done here. We're done." Your chest heaves dramatically as Leto runs his hands possessively up your back, pulling you desperately close.

"I'll never be done with you," he breathes against your mouth, covering your lips with his own. You want to fight him but the heat of his tongue lures you in, your body wilting into his powerful embrace. His soft beard tickles your face as you liquify in his arms.

Taking advantage of your compliance, he kisses you endlessly, working the elegant skirt of your dress up your legs until it bunches around your waist, giving him access to caress your thighs.

His tongue thrusts hungrily but his fingers touch you softly, tracing your inner thigh, on a determined path to the core of you.

He doesn't ask - he feels your hips shift toward his caress as he strokes you through the flimsy fabric covering your folds.

He wastes no time brushing the material aside to push his knuckles against your wet heat, already slick for him. He surprises you with the brazenness of his touch. His fingers stretch out, separating your slick folds. The pad of his thumb drags demandingly down over your needy bundle of nerves as his fingers work their way into you possessively.

He groans into your mouth as you squelch and clench around him - your hole tight and unused.

You shamelessly moan against his parted, panting mouth, fucking your hips down onto his thick digits, the stretch of even two fingers stuffing you fuller than you've felt in years. His rhythm in and out is the most incredible sensation you've ever experienced in your life.

"This is all for you," he rumbles on your ear, curling his fingertips against the spongy softness inside you, making you shudder with desperate want. "Invited half the galaxy here just so I could be inside you again."

"Leto," you keen, your back arching as a wave of euphoria rolls through you, drenching his fingers with your desire.

You're instantly yanking at the belt of his uniform trousers, panting, somewhat satisfied, but not truly sated. You remember the beautiful, soft, strong body of your first lover. Your husband had no hope of comparing.

As you work him free of his pants, which drop to his knees, you gasp out an eager whine as his cock springs free, stiff and thick and already dripping for you. Without another thought, you're sinking to your knees to swipe your tongue over the proud length of him.

He sucks in a breath and growls out a swear. You can tell you've managed to truly surprise him.

You can't fit him in your mouth - there's no way, so your hands grip his shaft twisting possessively as you open wide and try take him to the back of your throat.

"F-fuck," he hisses, stumbling forward slightly and you gag, drool trickling from the corners of your mouth. Once you get your bearings, you chuckle around him because this man never loses control of any situation.

He's so thick your eyes start to water, but it feels good to have him in your hands again - to have someone want you, crave you, even.

His body is tense and impatient and he grips your chin forcefully, although not painfully, easing his stiff cock out of your mouth. You wonder what's going on, but he doesn't keep you guessing.

"Turn around," he orders, bringing your skirts back up to where they started, around your waist. "Hold this," he commands.

His hands grip your hips underneath your dress and you feel his cock rubbing against your ass as he leans over you the nearest table, his breath falling hot on your ear. He doesn't speak yet, just breathes in and out. You manage to hold your skirt with one hand while bracing yourself with the other.

Unsatisfied with your position, he grumbles out a curse, pushing you so far over that your backside is higher than your head, your body halfway sprawled across the table’s end. Leaning down, he separates your pussy lips with his fingers and spits on your cunt. You let out a whine - your own voice sounding foreign to you. Then you feel the tip of his cock drag through your wet folds, back and forth, before he finally eases in, halting as he feels how impossibly tight you are.

You whimper at the intrusion, your body thrumming with lust. This elegant duke - controlled and noble in every interaction - is grunting, his hips stuttering as he tries to fit his impossibly huge cock into your unused cunt. Your whines and his groans are shamefully loud, echoing off the ancient walls of this corridor, where anyone could find you.

"You'll take all of me before you leave here," he hisses, his fingers finding your clit, circling languidly, while his other hand wraps around your abdomen, holding you in position. He palms your breast through the fabric of your dress and you wish you could feel his skin against yours again.

You almost say as much - beg him, even, but you know these are stolen moments. Hundreds are waiting for him, probably looking for him.

But he's here, inside you. Or half inside, anyway.

"That's it, dove, let me in," he huffs, pushing in more, and more.

Tears prick your eyes because it stings but you need it so badly. "You're so big," you gasp out, "I can't, Leto. Please."

He jerks out of you so fast, you almost topple over, but the strong arm wrapped around you holds you steady. Pulling you up to your feet, he drags you by the hand to the nearest sleeping quarters down the corridor - essentially, the closest room with a door.

Securing the door, he all but rips the bodice of your dress, pawing at you until your breasts spring free. Catching your nipple between his teeth, he tugs, making you hiss out a whine, the pain and pleasure making you weak.

His tongue soothes your sore skin, coaxing your nipple to hardness. Then he suckles you while yanking at your laces and bindings.

You chant his name like a prayer, pushing your fingers into his perfectly kempt curls, twirling them into a mess as he sucks your tits, one at a time. It feels so good you could come again just from this.

But you need to feel him, to have him. This will be your only chance - you're sure of it. Barely managing to give up the sensation of having this perfect man suck your nipples, you push him back and work on the buttons of his uniform jacket. He's way ahead of you, having rid himself of everything from the waist down.

Finally, finally you feel all of him, all these years later.

He pulls you against him, kissing you deeply, gripping your thighs before hoisting them around his waist. Backing up to the bed, he eases down, sitting on the edge with you on top of him.

"Need you to take all of me," he repeats the directive, clutching your hip with one hand, while gripping his cock in the other.

Nodding, you push up onto your knees, letting him drag his tip through your folds, collecting your wetness.

"Fuck me," he commands, squeezing your hip and pushing you downward, fingertips digging into your flesh.

Bracing yourself on his broad, muscular shoulders, you sink onto his tip, breathlessly moaning at how swiftly and easily you feel full.

"More than that. Need more." His jaw is locked in unbearable tension and you feel his cock twitch as he slips deeper inside.

"Kept this cunt tight for me," he rasps, pushing again. "No one can stretch you out like I can."

"Yes," you unabashedly whine, your legs trembling as you try to hold your body up just a little longer, feeling as if he will spear you in half if you sink all the way down.

He leans back a little and uses his fingers to push your pussy lips apart. He wants to watch your squelching cunt split open over his thick cock.

"Look at how you take me," he marvels, licking his lips, using one fingertip to toy with your clit. Your back arches in ecstasy, but you still, you don't sink all the way down.

"Let me in," he snarls, rubbing you rapidly but so featherlight, you teeter on the edge of orgasm. Desperate to come, to please him, to feel all of him, you give in, letting your legs give out as you sink down - the heavy length of him searing you inside.

"Leto, fuck...fuck," you cry - wincing at the sting but reveling in the stretch.

He groans out appreciatively, but his arms quickly wind around you to support your weight and he stills the movement of his hips as you adjust to the full length of him.

"So good for me," he rasps, kissing you again. You melt into the taste of him, threading your fingers through his curls. Your breasts press against the warmth of his chest. He kisses you on and on, his legs twitching with the need to move, to push up, to thrust into your cunt, stuffed full of him.

He almost comes just from the first rock of your hips, finally feeling the friction he needs. He wants to grip your hips and force you down on his cock, over and over, but he's patient, just a little longer. Your hunger for this - for him, is almost as intoxicating as the way you begin to slowly grind your pelvis in a tantalizing, delicious rhythm.

Wanting you to feel as good as he does - needing to feel the clench of your cunt around his cock when you come - prompts him to reach between your bodies again and strum at your oversensitive clit. He meets your rocking with slow, sensual thrusts upward, sucking a mark into your throat as he coaxes you to another delicious climax.

You forget to mind the fact that this spontaneous reunion could technically result in a child. But Leto hasn't forgotten.

"Want to fill you up," he pants, desperation creeping into his thrusts. The initial sting has worn off after two orgasms, and the slick heat between your bodies creates a pleasurable friction for you both.

"Dance with me tonight," he carries on, pulling you against his chest as his thrusts grow more demanding. "You'll feel the ache of me inside you. I want you to feel me leaking out of you. You're mine."

"I belong to no man," you protest, even as your cunt flutters in agreement with him.

Just a few more thrusts and he comes with a groan, spilling deep inside you, his breath heavy on your throat.

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you hold him close, keeping him inside you, reveling in these stolen moments before he disappears from your life. 

Most likely for forever.

✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧ ˚ · .✧

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[kayharrisons]

I was a child before the day that I met Eleanor [Tyler x fem!Reader] [part 1 of 2]

Upon the birth of Kay's baby, your boyfriend comes to the realisation that he wants one of his own with you.

A/N: I'M A TYLER GIRLLLY it's ab time I did a fic for him 🫶 fluff ahead!!!! Title is from A Father's First Spring by the Avett Brothers! V sweet song ab fatherhood:) this chapter is mostly just build up, next chapter will be actual pregnancy stuff!!

Series warnings: childbirth, pregnancy, cousin incest (Kay x Bjorn), fertility issues

Kay's son is born on one of the coldest nights on Yvaga.

You, Rain, Andy and Navarro sit outside in the waiting room, wincing at every scream, every curse from your dear friend as she brings her baby into the world.

Tyler couldn't be pulled from his sister's side, and... interestingly enough, neither could Bjorn. He'd damn near throttled the doctor who'd tried to remove him.

You don't know how long you all sit there before Tyler comes back out. His eyes are tired, his hair sticking to his forehead, but his smile is beaming, proud.

"It's a boy," he grins, glancing back behind him to the door. "Kay and the baby are doing great. You guys can come through in a little bit but... she wanted a minute alone, first."

None of you bring up the fact that Bjorn is still in the room with her, so technically it's not alone... but you move past that, moving over to your boyfriend with a gentle smile, rubbing a hand up and down his back.

"How's unclehood feel, Ty?" you grin, leaning your chin against his arm as you peer up at him. He laughs softly, pressing a kiss to your head.

"Insane. Surreal, actually, he's here, now. Kay's a mum. My little sister..." he blows out a sigh, shaking his head. "Bizarre, but like, in a good way, I guess."

You grin wider, leaning up and pecking his cheek, giving his arm a squeeze as you bask in his warmth, his joy.

It isn't long before you're all let into the room. Kay is still abed, naturally, her skin slick with sweat, her bangs plastered to her forehead. She's dressed in the standard issue hospital gown, her hair tied back into a lazy plait, her face exhausted.

But she's glowing with happiness, rivalling the warm glow of Yvaga's sun.

Bjorn is half perched beside her on the bed, eyes red rimmed and glued to the bundle in Kay's arms, as if he's afraid it will disappear.

"Guys," she begins, finally breaking her gaze away from the baby in her arms. "This is Felix," she whispers, beaming back down at her son, who coos and wiggles against her chest, letting out a squeaky yawn.

Needless to say, the entire crew's hearts grow three times bigger.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Felix is a cute kid; chubby cheeks, Kay's dark curls, a beaming smile, and alert blue eyes that look ever so familiar to-

"I'm telling you," Tyler insists, hands on his hips as he beams down at his nephew. Felix beams back at him. "Saw him crawl earlier! Go on, Fel!"

"Fucksake, he'll do it in his own time." Bjorn rolls his eyes, though there is a fond grin on his face. He's sat not too far from Felix, leaning back on his elbows as he keeps an eye on the infant. "Won'tcha, bud? Don't need no one dictactin' whatcha do, hm?"

Felix squeals, reaching over and yanking on Bjorn's nose.

You giggle, setting your datapad aside as you turn to the infant, quite contentedly pulling on Bjorn's nose, the man dramatically crying out and making faces at the baby as he does. "Fel," you coo, crouching down and holding out your hands. "Come to auntie, c'mon, sweetie!"

With another squeal, Felix abandons Bjorn, who collapses onto his back with an overdramatic cry as Felix promptly leaves his side in favour of crawling over to you on wobbly hands and knees.

"Yes!" Tyler cheers, fists in the air. "I knew it! Fuckin' knew it!"

"Don't swear 'round him," Bjorn tuts, shooting his cousin some side eye.

"You've got a bloody cheek."

You ignore them, just grinning wide as Felix stops by your feet, prompting you to scoop him up with a cheer of your own, pressing a smattering of kisses to his cheeks. "Such a clever boy!" you coo, laughing along with his sweet baby giggles.

Bjorn hops to his feet, standing and scooping Felix from your hands, keeping a careful grip of him as he lowers him to the ground, then holds him up high again. Felix shrieks with delight, and Bjorn repeats the motion a few times with a matching beam on his own face. "That's m'boy!" he cheers, holding Felix close and pressing a kiss to his forehead, his little nose. "Such'a clever lad, aren'tcha?"

"Gets it from Kay, clearly." You remark, smirking at him as he pouts at you from over Felix's head, his son's head.

He and Kay haven't officially said anything yet still, but it's obvious. Felix's eyes, his cheeky smile, they're both so completely Bjorn that even Tyler can't look past it.

Add in the fact that Bjorn practically lived with Kay, damn near spent every day with her and Felix... yeah, didn't take a genius to work it out.

You shake your head with a fond grin, turning to look at your boyfriend and gage his thoughts.

Tyler is already staring at you, cheeks a shade darker and eyes so unbelievably soft as they gaze upon you. You cock your head in confusion, smile softening the longer he looks at you. He moves past Bjorn and Felix, coming over to your side as if a magnet is guiding him. He reaches up, gently cupping your cheek in his hand, thumb oh so gently brushing back and forth over your cheek.

"What?" You ask, question in your tone, as your boyfriend's eyes search your face, trailing over your features one by one.

Felix squawks, and Bjorn hums back at him, glancing between you both with raised brows. He looks down at his son, blowing out a little huff of air. "Well, c'mon, then, let's go find'ya mummy, yeah?" and with that he swiftly exits, Felix quite contentedly chewing on the collar of his t-shirt.

Tyler opens his mouth to speak, before closing it with a shaky exhale, sheepish as he ducks his head down. "I really love you, y'know that right?" he asks, voice hoarse.

"Yeah, course I do," you say softly, carding your fingers through his hair. "I love you too. What's on your mind, Ty-"

"Iwannahaveababywithya." he blurts out, before wincing, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fuck- fuck, I'm sorry- that just- it just hit me, when you were holding Felix and-"

You blink at him, stomach swooshing and heart pounding in your chest.

"I mean, I love you to death, y'know? I'm gonna marry you," he says, oh so matter of factly. "I just... I look at you with Felix, and you're just... fuck, love, you suit it, being a mum. And I think about us, and us havin' a..."

"Tyler," you breathe, lips quirking up again.

"Yeah?"

"Okay." you whisper, and it's his turn to freeze. "I feel the same way, babe-"

You break off into a shriek of laughter as he scoops you into his arms, twirling you into a tight hug as he laughs nervously against your ear. You cling onto each other tight, your face buried in his neck and his in your hair.

"Shit, shit-" he laughs, setting you down and clutching your face in his hands, leaning his forehead against yours. "Fuck we... we're really-?"

"We're trying." You breathe, smile hurting your face with how wide it gets. Tyler's smile matches your own, and he laughs again before leaning down, pressing his lips against yours.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Months pass. Felix hits his first birthday, Rain and Navarro show up to family dinner holding hands one evening-

("Are you okay with us?" Rain asks Tyler, awkwardly, hesitantly, her eyes wide with fear.

"Hey, why wouldn't I be?" he asks, smiling fondly and giving her shoulder a squeeze. "You make each other happy, that's all that matters, alright?")

-and Bjorn is promptly chased around the block when Tyler finally pieces together just who had fathered his nephew-

(You'd never seen him so mad, as you held onto a sobbing Kay, as you watched Tyler and Bjorn scream at each other. Thank god Felix was out for a day trip with auntie Rain and uncle Andy, honestly.

"You fuckin' prick-" Tyler shouts, shaking his cousin by jacket collar. "Should fuckin' kill you for- fuck, did you even fuckin' THINK about what you'd done to her, huh? You, what, fucked your cousin and LEFT HER-"

"It's not FUCKIN' LIKE THAT-" Bjorn roars back, shoving Tyler away from him. "We've loved each other for years, not my fault your head was shoved way too far up your own arse to fuckin' NOTICE-"

Tyler shouts some more choice words, rearing a fist back to punch his cousin again. Until, that is, Kay breaks away from you and rushes between the cousins, eyes full of tears and chest heaving.

"Stop it, Ty!" Kay shrieks, arms protectively keeping Bjorn behind her and away from her brother's fists. "Stop! Fucking- I love him-"

Your boyfriend laughed, hiding his face in his hands. "It's- It's fuckin' weird-"

"I know, I know," Kay soothes, hiccuping softly. "And I'm sorry we never said anything sooner but- but this? It's exactly why I was so scared to tell you.")

Things had been tense, for a little while. Tyler and Bjorn didn't speak for a while, not until Kay had sheepishly announced her second pregnancy when Felix was nearing three. It was only then that the cousins reconciled, returning to how they used to be (even if Tyler narrowed his eyes every time he caught Bjorn and Kay kissing, or even merely holding hands).

You marry Tyler, shortly after Felix's third birthday. It's a small ceremony, moreso a signing of a document at a small colony office. But you return home, have dinner and drinks with your family, and he even carries you over the threshold, the pair of you giggling like two dumbass teenagers.

One thing, however, is missing.

Your birth control implant had been removed a week after you and Tyler had talked about having a baby. You'd both gotten tests, fearful of Jackson having done something to your fertilities.

According to those tests, you were both damn fertile myrtles.

It was baffling, the fact that three years later you still had no baby, your cycle was as regular as ever.

Until, that is, it wasn't.

[curio-queries]

Run BTS: 069 | BTS in Toronto part 1

Original Air Date: 30 APR 2019 Episode Length: 32:01 Total Parts: 3 YouTube English Subtitles: No Title Song: Idol

Synopsis: The guys are in Toronto! we'll follow them to visit Niagara Falls and to their lodging for the night. they're going to be given suprise missions by the crew randomly throughout the day for points, lowest points at the end of the day earns a punishment. This part covers visiting Niagara Falls, lunch, and grocery shopping.

Production: This is such a great series of eps. The main production burden is actually on the edit once they have their pile of minigames to rely on. other than that, it's keeping an eye out for opportunities to game-ify what the guys are doing. Since BTS are professional travel entertainers, they know how to work with this kind of set up and it's more a partnership between them and the crew.

Endearment: Like I said above, the guys are pros at this. There was a time where I thought these episodes were their test to see if the guys could put out a successful travel show but this was aired 3 years AFTER Bon Voyage season 1. It's no surpise that they're so good at it but it's still so enjoyable to watch. Some of the minigames are poorly handled or misfairly administered and I dont even care.

Winner/Loser: see final part

Best Cheater: V, absolutely cheating on those cham cham cham games

Member Moments:

RM: RM yelling in Jimin's ear and immediately apologizing

JN: Jin's reaction to the bug in his face and no one else believing him at all

YG: Yoongi putting his hand out for a coin also completely makes the iconic broke millionaire meme

JH: Hobi zipping Jimin into his jacket with him

JM: Jimin being a complete memory squirrel

V: V's iconic Niagara bit

JK: JK's adorable pout at failing his remote-con mission.

Bonus Content: Fun fact, ep.070 was the first Run BTS episode i ever saw. 70 & 71 made such an impression on me as a teeny baby army. When I found out there was an episode before it?? I was in absolute heaven. All three of these episodes are so very near and dear to my heart. I realize I'm completely biased but I absolutely love these. I remember it was some random youtube upload that had the front and the end weirdly edited to not get blocked and for a while I thought all of Run would be following them around their tour stops. Anyway, the actual bonus clips here are great and so iconic as well

CQ Rank: 5

(CQ Eval Date: 05 JUN 2024)

Check out this post for my Masterlist of all episodes and descriptions of how I'm evaluating these.

Previous Episode: 068

Next Episode: 070

[snippychicke]

For the Sake of a Smile (V.2) Chapter Twenty

Title: For the Sake of a Smile (Revised)

Overall Rating: Mature (18+)

Chapter Rating: M for Mature. We've begun the 18+ content

Trigger warnings: Nothing beyond the child abuse hinted in the series, though we do explore the consequences a bit more.

Main Pairing: Balam Shichiro/Reader

Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen in your life. And the fact your coworker was a child. 

A child named Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but yet he smiled despite everything. It wasn’t long after meeting him that you decided you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a literal demon and signing your soul away.

But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.

And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.

Masterlist | Ao3| Mairimashitai! Simps Discord

You and Balam were hanging near the back of the auditorium during the Music Festival, enjoying their performances from the other first-years. Shichiro's height allowed him to easily look over the crowd, and so could you, considering you were sitting on the demon's shoulders. No one seemed to blink an eye at the sight, but that was likely due to the performances. 

Each one struck a chord in you. But especially Class A and their play 'Rise of the Spirit Prince,' teaching the opposite of nearly every fable from Earth. 

Be greedy for power, for knowledge. Bare your fangs at those who would dare look down on you. 

The words echoed in your heart even after the ballad ended and Class C started their powerful duel/duet. The play reminded you of the question Sullivan and Shichiro had both posed to you. 

What is your ambition? Reach for it. Grab it, no matter whether or not you think you deserve it. 

You… wanted everything. You wanted what you had now, and more. You wanted to not worry about the future and instead enjoy the love, the life, you had now. 

Class B's play struck another chord in away with their tragedy titles 'A Bloodstained Marriage' with the star-crossed lovers of a princess and dragon. A demonic twist to the fairy tales you had grown up with. 

"Will you choose me above all else?" 

"Always."

And god, the ending lines of: "I don't regret anything in our life together. You are my whole world." left you misty eyed as you stoked Shichiro's hair. You had a feeling he was thinking similar thoughts as he rubbed circles with his thumbs on your lower legs that were slung over his shoulders. 

When it was finally time for the Misfits, the whole auditorium became abuzz with energy. You clung on to Shichiro a little tighter in excitement. After all, Iruma had wanted the whole thing a surprise, so he had refused to tell you any details about the play. 

And gods, Lilith's Red Carpet was amazing. You forgot you were watching your favorite students perform and was swept away by the magic of the play. Music became your heartbeat, the song your thoughts as the teenagers that were near and dear to your heart morphed into their characters.

Lilith, searching for the perfect love, and refusing to settle for anything less. She didn't care about being selfish, or being unreasonable. She reveled in the love and passion that others showed her, proud of her desires. 

You were shocked once it was over, ripped from the story and back into reality as everyone clapped and cheered, and soon you were joining them as you clapped as hard as you could, your heels braced against Shichiro's chest as he did the same. 

Your kiddos had definitely won. With Soi's triumphant ending and return, how could they not? 

 Even if you were slightly biased, you refused to think they could lose. Not after that brilliant performance. 

The judges seemed to agree once the clamor died down. Six from Judge Kyupa. Six from Judge Meimei.

And a one frome Judge Three, Amduscias Poro. The one who had been the strictest so far. 

You hadn't expected a perfect score - no matter how much you believed they deserved it - but a one?!

"WHAT?!" You snarled, your pride turning into rage in an instant. Shichiro gripped your legs tight, preventing you from jumping down. You fought against his thick arms, too fueled by rage to think rationally. "Damn it! Let me go! Let me give him a fucking piece of my mind!"

"You're causing a scene, dearest," He mumbled quietly, aware of the looks you were oblivious to.

"I don't care, Shichiro!" You shot back with a growl. "He's being unfair! There is no way in hell they deserve a one!"

"Shhh," he chided gently, and you were on the verge of swearing when you realized Poro was talking. The giant demon tapped the sign boasting a one, and it shifted into a music note.

Which looked like a six.

Meaning your kids had won.

You were sure your throat was going to be raw as you cheered, Shichiro now holding on to make sure you didn't fall as you clapped as hard as you could in between wooping and screaming. 

Anything to make sure your kids knew how proud you were of them. 

--+--

A few hours later, you found yourself with both Kalego and Balam, watching over the students as they celebrated.

The after-party of the festival was much like the harvest festival, with music and talk filling most of the hall, both food and drinks overflowing. Except this time you had no fear of Raim and Momonoki or any Rumors that could spread. If anything you spurred a few on being plastered to Shichiro's side, occasionally sneaking a drink from his cup or carefully threading a piece of food through the vents of his mask for him to try. 

Kalego, for the most part, just rolled his eyes whenever he saw you being affectionate, but didn't say anything. 

"Devi, he's coming this way," Kalego suddenly muttered, disappearing as you looked up, trying to spot Opera's red hair. After all, they were the only person Kalego seemed to fear beside your father, and Sullivan had been busy with Poro.

Except you didn't see Opera, but the towering judge stalking towards your direction- with your adoptive father at his side. You hadn't formally met Poro yet, though you had heard brief anecdotes from Kalego and Balam as well as from the Misfit class. 

You thought they had exaggerated his height but now that you were able to see the demon up close… he was tall. Taller than Sullivan, taller than Balam, whom you instinctively pressed closer to.

"So this is the mother of that child?" Poro spoke with a melodic voice despite his narrowed eyes as he reached you and Shichiro, not even bothering with a greeting. 

"My lovely daughter, yes," Sullivan confirmed, beaming with pride as he introduced you. "She is my pride and joy next to my wonderful grandson." 

Poro glanced between you and Sullivan, doubt evident on his face. "You don't exactly resemble each other. But you swear she's not Delkira's?"

Your heart skipped a beat before Sullivan laughed. "Thankfully! Could you imagine if she and Iruma looked like me? And for the last time, they are not Delkira's heirs."

Poro laughed slightly at that, making you relaxed. "Her melody matches yours and Iruma's at least, though unique," Poro acknowledged, still talking about you and not to you. Which was rather annoying. You were about to insist that they talk to you and not about you when Poro’s next words made you freeze. "And…tied to his." Poro's attention shifted towards Balam, his eyes narrowing once more. "Wait, are you the boy's father?"

"What? No, no," Shichiro quickly answered, face turning red. Though, there was a hint of a smile behind his mask as he rubbed his neck. "I mean, well, not strictly. I do care for him as if he was, and I do want children someday, but we're still courting and--"

"Shichiro," You whispered as both elder demons had conspicuous smiles on their faces as he continued to dig himself in a hole. Your hand twined with his, pulling his attention to you. Despite the situation, his words thrilled you. He cared for Iruma in such a way? And he did want to have children? With you? 

Shichiro looked down at you, his face bright with a blush but looking awkwardly happy at the same time.                                 

"I think you're going to get more grandchildren in the near future," Poro faux-whispered, bringing you out of your thoughts with a deep blush. "It seems perhaps your curse has lifted." 

"I am rather hoping," Sullivan chuckled, though there was something in his expression. Something that seemed a bit… haunted when you looked towards him.

Curse? What curse? 

He seemed to notice your worry and smiled reassuringly at you. It didn't calm your curiosity, but you understood he didn't want you to worry about it.

Instead you turned to Poro. “By the way, about your little stunt with the one earlier….” 

The towering demon raised an eyebrow as Shichiro sighed deeply. To your relief and excitement, Sullivan nodded his head in agreement, a smile forming beneath his white mustache. 

--+--

Ten hours after drinking the energizing tea, and as Shichiro predicted, Iruma was dead asleep.

You had to bite back a smile to see him curled against Clara and Asmodeus, all three teenagers completely passed out in what you could only describe as a cuddle pile. Thankfully, the party was virtually over with, so no one really noticed. 

There was a click of a camera shutter, and you looked over your shoulder to see Shichiro taking a picture with his phone. A quiet beep a second later confirmed he had sent it to you without you even needing to ask. 

"I should get him home and into bed," You sighed as you turned back to the three. Although he was still quite tiny for his age, he wasn't skin and bones anymore, making you dread the walk back home. Back on Earth, you could pick him up like a bag of rice and carry with just a little difficulty. You highly doubted that was the case anymore after months of being able to eat as much as he had wanted.

Maybe you should call Opera or Sullivan to see if they could help you. 

Before you could reach for your phone, Shichiro stepped forward and carefully picked Iruma from the cuddle pile.

And oh, that needed a picture. One you quickly took while Shichiro was still adjusting his hold on the boy. Maybe it was the late hour; or the few drops of Netherworld alcohol you mixed with your juice, or your earlier conversation still ringing in your mind - but you felt like your heart was about to burst at the sight.

"Shall we? The other teachers will take care of Valac and Asmodeus." He reassured, holding Iruma with one arm to offer you the other. You silently nodded your head as you accepted his arm, unable to speak because of the lump in your throat.

It felt like a fairy tale as you walked home hand-in-hand with Shichiro. The moons were bright, lighting the way and casting shadows that moved beyond the trees. But you felt completely safe with Shichiro by your side, knowing nothing could even dream of hurting you or Iruma with him near.

Or maybe this was a taste of days to come. Of your happily ever after that was quickly taking shape. A sense of happiness and joy you had never dared to dream of. 

This was your dream. Your ambition. A loving father, Opera (while no familial title fit, they were absolutely part of your family), a darling son...

And now, a partner. A mate. A sire for future children.

"Do you want me to carry you too?" Shichiro asked honestly as you leaned against him with a sigh.

"No," You answered, smiling up at him. "I'm... just really happy right now."

His grip tightened slightly, dark eyes crinkling in a smile. "Me too."

--+--

Getting Iruma back to his room and tucking him into the oversized bed was easy. If you took a little longer than usual to fuss about the blankets and brushing your fingers through his slicked back hair, Shichiro didn't seem to mind.

"You did great today," You whispered before pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You do great everyday. I am so proud of you." Iruma shifted in his sleep with a smile on his face before you followed Shichiro out into the hall.

"I know you didn't give birth to Iruma," Shichiro started, "but... you're a very good mother to him. And a good mentor to many of the students."

"You too," You deflected, flushing at the praise as you bumped your shoulder into him. "I think you're a pretty amazing teacher. Not just to your protégés Asmodeus and Sabnock - or even me and Iruma - but to all the students."

He pulled you into a hug, his chest pressed to your back. "My sweet vixen. I... have one last thing for you."

"Oh?" You mused, heart thumping as your mind whirled with possibilities, both innocent and not so much. "You've given me so much already, Shichiro."

One arm let go of your waist, and there was a rustle of a pocket before he presented a wrapped box. Small, about the size of the book. 

"Love stories were never much interest to me, until recently," he all but purred into your ear. "You are my dream, my Lilith."

If your heart wasn't beating wildly in your chest before, it was now. You accepted the box, well aware of Shichiro's anxious hold on your waist as you carefully undid the wrapping.

Courting a Princess.

"Shichiro..." You gasped as you took in the beautiful - adorable - art of the book, no question who the protagonists were supposed to be. A demon with wild white hair, clawed feet, and green feathered wings.

And a very human looking woman across from him. 

--+--

The princess of the Sullivan family was as beautiful as she was rare. Many demons gave her offerings of gold, gems, and magical treasures beyond value. Yet she denied them all, returning their offerings to them upon their return in a month. For she did not seek wealth or power as most demons would.

She sought knowledge. She was a lover of literature and the wisdom of ages past.

One demon in particular admired her for her thirst for knowledge and boundless curiosity, as well as her beauty. But he figured he had no hope of courting the princess. He was high ranking, but scarred horrifically from the days of his youth - and had already pledged to serve Babyls.

To his surprise, the princess herself approached him one day - going as far as covering her horns and hiding fangs in deference. "Please, sir, they say you have knowledge of realms unknown to most. Would you please teach me?"

He could deny her nothing, and took every opportunity to teach her everything he knew. Hours spent talking with her felt like brief moments, and he found himself falling even more in love.

So although he feared he would end up just another rejected suitor, he approached her one day; bowing with his wingbase bared and offered her a book. A rare book - worthless to many demons - but he hoped that perhaps she would accept it.

Her laugh echoed through the room, making him look up. She revealed an equally priceless book as she knelt before him. "I was about to ask you the same thing. Please, be my Intended."

--+--

It was late in the evening of the following day of the music festival, with everyone retired to their rooms for the night. Kitten was happily curled up in your lap as you read Shichiro's gift to you (for probably the hundredth time - though each time you swore you loved it more) when suddenly his head perked up; his little nose twitching in the air. Before you could react, the kitten jumped from your lap and dashed out the room and down the hall.

You quickly followed him, surprised by his behavior. Yes, he usually developed 'the zoomies' in the evenings, but nothing like this. The way he was darting down the carpeted hallway - body low to the ground - made you think he was stalking something.

Something that was apparently in Iruma’s bedroom. Kitten was able to slip silent through the partially-opened door before you could catch him. You had just barely reached the door when you heard a scream from inside.

No. Two screams - only one which you recognized. Startled, you slammed the door open before freezing. A dark - as in an unnatural black as a shadow - person(?) was in bed with Iruma, sitting unusually close to the boy.

You barely noticed Kitten clutching to the shadow-person with his claws and teeth. Not when a feral snarl spread across your lips before you launched yourself at the person. You used every tactic Opera taught you as you tore at them, your maternal instincts in a rage at this bastard who dared to be in your son's bed. Iruma was a child, and whomever - whatever - this thing was, it was not one of his many friends.

Yet it felt like punching an overly soft pillow, or even a cloud. You could feel your fists make contact but yet there was no substance to crack your knuckles against.

"Mom! Mom, stop!" Iruma's voice broke through your rage as your boy wrapped his arms around your body, trying to restrain you.

"What the fuck?!" You snarled, at whom you weren't sure. The creature you had pinned beneath you, or your son trying to defend the bastard. "Who the fuck are you? What is he doing in your bed? What the hell is going on!"

"Ma'am, I'd be happy to answer your questions if you get your cat off me." The being spoke, acting more bothered by Kitten's continued attempts at gnawing his hand than your own assault.

"Give me one good reason why I should," You shot back, hand still gripping his… top? It looked like a coat label but felt like unearthly fog between your fingers. Like any moment it would slip away through your fingers.

"Ali's my friend - my partner," Iruma answered. "It's okay, I promise."

"Fucking devibullshit!" You snapped at without thinking, part of you hurt that he would lie to you. Or maybe that this asshole had convinced him of such a thing. "You would've introduced him if that was the case!"

"Well, to be fair, until now no one but Iruma could really see me," Ali tried to defend, earning your harsh glare. Instead of being intimidated, he tilted his head towards Kitten. "Please, the cat?"

You hesitated, your mind trying to advise you to give the one-eyed creature a chance to explain, while your heart continued to demand that you rip him to shreds.

Except - you hadn't really been ripping him to shreds, or even ruffling his suit. Against your better judgment, you gripped the kitten by the scruff and pulled him off Ali, causing the kitten to whine as if you stole him away from his favorite toy. You shifted into a sitting position while holding Kitten in your lap. "Now. Either you tell me what's going on, or I will release Kitten again."

--+--

About an hour later, your mind was still trying to comprehend what was going on.

Apparently, Iruma's magic Gluttonous Ring was haunted by Ali - or rather - Alikred. Who had been helping Iruma from the literal shadows since before you even arrived in the Netherworld; he only seemed to grow in strength and sentience as Iruma himself grew stronger.

Some part of you felt distrustful of the being (spirit? demon? Something else?), but you weren't sure if it was intuition or just paranoia and suspicion of a magical being that was closely linked to Iruma, which was causing your mother-hen instinct to balk.

One thing was sure; Kitten was determined to attack Ali. During the whole conversation, he squirmed and yowled more than he ever had before, confusing you until you recalled Shichiro stating something about his kind eating lost spirits in the wild.

Ali seemed very cautious of Kitten in return, his one eye drifting to the ball of fluff in your arms with suspicion evident. So no matter what, you did have a weapon against him should your fears become reality.

"Do you understand now, mom?" Iruma spoke softly once he finished his story, his big blue eyes pleading like a puppy's. "Ali is harmless."

"Ow," Ali muttered quietly with a pout despite not having much in the way of facial features. You weren't sure how that worked. "Iruma my boy, do you really need to call me harmless?"

You glared at Ali. Iruma was your boy. And if Ali wanted to continue to be Iruma's 'partner', he'd better be harmless.

You turned back to Iruma, your expression softening. It was hard to remember how strong and independent the young teen was despite his soft appearance. He was so used to facing the world by himself; not asking for help.

Which was probably why he never mentioned this before.

But - he did know danger and avoided it like the plague, so… you could trust him on this….

Right?

"I'm always going to worry about you," You said after a moment, reaching forward to cup his face tenderly. "That's just a part of who I am. But I will trust you about this, because I know you're so strong and responsible. But I want you to know, to feel, that you can talk to me about anything. Please, don't feel like you have to carry these burdens by yourself."

Iruma's own worried expression softened, tears forming in his eyes as he nodded. "Of course, mom. And I will, I promise."

----

"Are spirits that possess objects anything to worry about?"

Kalego held up Kitten by the scruff. Who - for the hundredth time that week - had wandered off and went to attack Ali. Or as everyone else saw it - play with Iruma. "Did you not hear what I said? You need to control your cat."

"Are you not a teacher?" You replied back without explanation as you crossed your arms. To be fair, you had tried to keep Kitten from stalking Ali - but it seemed that instinct to hunt spirits was stronger than anything else you tempted him with.

You had planned to speak with Balam about it, but seeing as Kalego was right here, and he was quite intelligent as well plus didn't get off on tangents as Balam was known to do. (Though you loved him for it, watching him grow excited made you so happy.)

"Are you not a librarian surrounded by one of the largest collections of books in the Netherworld?" Kalego shot back, unamused. "Besides, it's common knowledge that spirits who possess objects are rarely a danger for a demon beyond aleph…" He trailed off after a moment, realization lighting his dark eyes. "Except - you're rankless, aren't you?"

"Which does not mean I'm powerless," You quickly defended, realizing the possible unintended consequence of your inquiry. "But… you're right. I can do my own studying."

Besides, he had answered your main concern; sort of. You didn't care about Ali's danger to you, you just cared if he was a danger to Iruma. And yes, while Iruma wasn't exactly a demon, he was strong…

Thanks to his ring; which was possessed. Oof, this would require more research. It probably wasn't a question you were going to get a simple answer for either.

You recalled creating a section for magical artifacts, and tried to remember any books on possessed items of power.

"And this?" Kalego interrupted your train of thoughts as he held the kitten out for you to take.

"... He's a work in progress," You admitted as you struggled with Kitten as he fought against your hold until you gripped his scruff firmly like a mother cat would. Even then, you knew he would take off as soon as you set him down. You hated the idea of locking him up in a room, but honestly couldn't think of any other options at this point.

"If you can't control him, then he shouldn't be allowed at Babyls," Kalego rebuked as he crossed his arms, his typical disapproving scowl gracing his face. "What kind of example are you setting by allowing him to run wild in the halls?"

You huffed, sufficiently chaisened as you held Kitten closer. "I told you, I'm working on it. So, unless you have any pointers or tips, you can go let me continue my work in relative peace."

A smile spread across Kalego's face. Not a pleasant kind smile that you would never expect from him anyways, but the sinister smile that the Misfits often spoke about. The one that promised pain and misery. "Actually…"

In a blink, an electric-like crackle filled the air as Cerberion appeared. Both you and Kitten flinched, feeling the magic and fierce nature of the beast bear down on you. "He's not that different from a familiar. Rankless or not, I'm sure you can control the fuzzball with my… guidance."

----

Cats and dogs were two very different things on earth, so you had assumed feline and canine creatures of the Netherworld were just as different. After all, there were a lot of parallels between Earth and the Netherworld that you and Shichiro enjoyed having long discussions about. And while there was an undeniable vast difference between the two, there was a growing list of similarities as well.

But while Shichiro knew creatures inside and out - along with some of their social behaviors - Kalego was the expert when it came to asserting dominance and creating a bond.

Though for Kitten, Kalego asserted that the best way for a bond to be forged was for him to understand the fact that you were safe. As long as he stayed near you, Cerberion left him alone.

Simple, in theory. Except it meant that in practice Cerberion would randomly appear out of thin air with a thunderous growl whenever Kitten tried to test his boundaries, spooking not only Kitten, but yourself and whomever else happened to be in the library at the time.

Thankfully, for you and the rest of Babyls’ population that was tired of one heart attack after another, Kitten was a fast learner. The next step was teaching Kitten how to accept guidance - which was tricker.

Usually, familiars reacted to their summoner's mana more than physical or verbal commands. But considering your 'unique' situation, that was nigh impossible.

You eventually reached out not just to those you felt most comfortable with (Kalego, Shichiro, Opera, and Sullivan) but to the other Babyls staff. Furcas was especially interested in the challenge, tearing through the library in an uncharacteristic whirlwind, leaving you scrambling to put it back in order.

But with her help, you were able to create a sigil that both looked and acted somewhat like a summoning seal. Soon you had it traced upon the back of your hand, using it to focus your mana as well as communicate your intents to Kitten.

"Now the little fluff won't be disrupting my classes," Kalego stated with a very vague hint of approval in his voice as he watched Kitten fetch the small stuffed toy. You were still amazed that a feline was behaving more or less like a well trained dog. "I also suggest you stop telling students he isn't a familiar."

"But he isn't," You defended as you took the toy mouse from Kitten, scritching between his ears as well as sending mana to the sigil as a form of praise.

"That may be. But it's drawing attention and raising questions that I doubt you want."

His words made you pause. Kalego had dropped hints that he knew something was up, but he didn't care to dig deeper into the truth. It still sent a shiver of fear whenever he implied he knew about your origins. "I don't like lying," You answered slowly.

Kalego huffed and crossed his arms. "Lying and allowing people to believe what they assume to be true are two seperate things. Especially when it could possibly put you in danger. Being unranked is unusual enough - alongside being unable to perform magic without the use of sigils. But having a creature following you around that is not a familiar will have others start to take notice."

You still couldn't figure out how - or why - demons didn't quite have the concept of pets. Just like the lack of the term friendship.

"As part of Babyls staff, you are considered one of ours," He continued. "But too many flags will still raise suspicion."

"... I suppose you're right," You sighed.

"Of course I am," He snorted, sounding offended yet a glance showed a small smirk on his face. "You may be surrounded by books, but it's obvious you still need education on the finer aspects of our culture."

You paused again, shooting him a suspicious look. How much did he actually know? Did he know the truth, or was he just referring to the backstory of you and Iruma coming from a different region of the Netherworld?

He caught your gaze - and the expression behind it - and raised a brow, challenging you. Part of you wanted to take the bait. To just bluntly ask how much did he know. Yet you knew you shouldn't in case he didn't know anything and he was either baiting you to spill the truth, or it was all a misunderstanding on your part.

So instead, you forced a smile as you teased. "Aw, Kalego, I knew you really do like me, deep down."

There was a brief look of surprise on his face before he scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I only do this because you are a part of Babyls staff as well as the fact you are Shichiro"s Intended."

"Mmm, no. This is more than that. We're friends now, aren't we?"

"There's that ridiculous term your son and his classmates are spreading through the campus…"

"It's not ridiculous. It's very important for people of all ages to have friends. You're just going to have to deal with the fact that I see you as one of my friends. And there is nothing you can do about it."

He grumbled as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Devi. I will never understand why Shichiro decided to choose you."

--+-- Su-Ki-Ma--+--

Balam enjoyed spending time with Iruma; especially after Poro's insinuation of being the boy's father. It wasn't true, of course.

But… he could be fatherly towards the boy and pretend at times. It was rather easy to fall into the thoughts of ‘what-ifs’ and wonder if Iruma would be agreeable to such a thing. Especially considering Iruma seemed to love their time together. Even when Balam carefully clutched the boy's feet with his own, allowing Iruma to stretch out his back while they talked. Truthfully, it was something he remembered his father doing when he was smaller, and was happy to do the same with Iruma. Granted, his father had done it partially to help him strengthen his then-new wings, which Iruma didn't quite possess. 

But the human seemed content to just hang upside down for fun, his grin as bright as his blue eyes as he listened to the demon’s stories. 

Today, Shichiro felt bold enough to share the story of how he received his scar - - glossing over the worst part of the memory -- and confiding with him the fact that you reminded him a lot of that mother bird in a way. How protective you were of your 'chicks', ready to take on whoever or whatever threatened them without regard for your safety.

That mother bird changed his life, both in the obvious way as well as give him a new passion and respect for life. And then you had appeared and had changed his life once more, giving him another ambitious goal. 

To pursue romance, to daydream of having both a mate and maybe even a family of his own.

The last part he didn't share, though it was certainly on his mind.  Shichiro wondered what the boy would think of the situation. Demons didn't always get along with their half-siblings when those types of situations occurred. But humans were so much more accepting. 

Would Iruma's compassion extend to your possible future children? Would he look upon them as siblings? Or more distantly like younger cousins? Or would he see them as rivals for your love and affection as some demon children were prone to do when new children were born into the family...

(He tried to keep his thoughts from straying to those of you carrying his children, or how wonderful of a mother you would be - which was rather difficult. But Iruma deserved his undivided attention, so he would give it to him)

"When is your birthday?" Balam asked Iruma after a while, gently lowering the boy to his chest after his face started to turn pink from being upside down too long. Shichiro thoughtlessly ran his hand through Iruma's wild blue hair as he thought. Did humans even celebrate their birth - their life - like demons did? After all, their world wasn't as dangerous as the Netherworld. More human babes probably survived to adulthood than their demonic counterparts, so perhaps they didn't revere and cherish life as they did.

It was also one topic he had yet to discuss with you. There were far more fascinating topics to talk about usually. Or, lately, far more interesting activities to occupy both his attention and mouth when he had a moment of your time

Iruma smiled brightly again. "My birthday was October fourth! I turned fifteen!"

Balam beamed, caught up in the prospect of learning something new than to realize how Iruma worded his statement. "What do humans do to celebrate birthdays?"

"Well, most have parties where all their friends and family bring presents," He started, his smile faltering slightly. "But, well, before it was just mom and I, since neither of us really had friends or any other family." Just as quickly as it faded, Iruma's smile returned fondly as he recalled the birthdays he had shared with you. There had only been a few, but they meant so much to him.

He couldn't remember any time his biological parents even acknowledged the day, after all.

"Mom would make as much food as we could eat, including sweets while we played games all day. Or one time, we went to town to see a movie and even bought popcorn at the theater, and then went and got ice cream afterwards. Then, at the end of the day, we'd give each other our gifts. Just one was the agreement, but mom always found a way around it and would spoil me for the entire week. This year things got kind of crazy with coming to the Netherworld, so I guess we both kind of forgot."

The last sentence made Shichiro pause as he recalled the date. Oh.

It was October twenty-fifth.

Had you truly forgotten Iruma's birthday?

[libidomechanica]

I sit and pebbles of the thick folds

A limerick sequence

               1

Break my chain, to share these virtuous, that hope is lost. Perhaps not a Slave    of Lust must still he bind    his lips to search, such a Reign, his Tribes in so euill contented?

               2

Sick Soul! No more; till she paused by Florian added; she within his own:    but change decree? The    misery is great shapes of the publique Good, add to the wrong berth.

               3

With melting eyes and high spires, when he most rauishing down the pavement were fleet    of beaten. She stroke. That    was beauty’s grace is such, that then might I found, or the iewell.

               4

Though beauty’s daughters of Albany. The lily, unheeded these? With shadows,    where nys to be found    the crowd were but to- With gold; and go but it is holy!

               5

Our Laws for such, must bear a’ the last leave me despair: now called love is. Come    away, wants to belong,    that of Loue, and sunburnt mirth! Intent on her tears are all those.

               6

Harry, Tommy, Wilfred, Edward, nam’d fourth, as first—my heart, there are dazled    with Love, as when you reached,    thy cup’s heart. Feasted the Pigmy Body to declaim again.

               7

Thereupon she the Peoples Foes: yet some good a King! Eating pavement, old    naked is, time was once    burnt, such a loft, and calmly flows, has the summer days was odds.

               8

My heart. Thus on my knees. The snowcap gleams with too much. And his pence, this year    had exploded symmetrically    from myself, and thee. His father to his native sway?

               9

Sea! Or let his jive ass back again undone. Fools that sweet, sweetness, gossip    and founded old dreams, before    we part, I must tell her will; she would be dear. Together.

               10

And providence did Joyn, for plighted sands; oh night! It was mine’—why am    I sitting under our    lives; and to Loyalty express, still nobler wealth, the soul seeks.

               11

Bury me while by themselves assured and the Regal Rights. Premier or king!    Devoid of Godly Faction,    and the softer Adams of your generous as your Praise.

               12

Consumed with him Return. Today when I was taken from times been married    him out of him: when we    streams of your wineglass is so lovely that I brought up true.

               13

&Alone, twas Nature they learning and set a title vaine scuse giue? Because    of course as Samuel used    to bite the circuses, so I was disrooted, earth-anchored.

               14

And kept, and Love, t’ acquit such as the brain an image pure? The Lucius    Junius Brutus of    my desire, slew both heavens Annointed to be Out-done.

               15

Our Authour sweet Beauties white, before have we promise it is winter’s art    in reigne dissembling limbs.    Will topple to toil, than prove the turmoils they have an ending.

               16

Tell if she had given to ken the side-lie of a winter outside and    hymns in three years ago    to the sink. It flash of air—am I and Debauchee of Dew.

               17

You were the sequel of thy mind. Was uncertain their busy days. Now that    had well for that, but scant    appear; the State; but sweeping like a green wood, see ye warp not.

               18

Sick, and vine: but with Brocade of two, and set my heart which whoever tastes    shall I fix you, freeze you,    my Friends destroyeth. I’ll love’s delight can never broke his Highness.

               19

Behold talk, and groned, Alack, Alack, Alack. Then, love me, Royal Planet    rul’d the Nation grieve:    for witnesses will show then shoud People mighty Years, thy breast.

               20

With my net. Well hearts, which did not do. Against the court to Lady Psyche,    ’ Florian asked, to whome    my Muse tumbled thou so fair as thou take the Serpent the house.

               21

That Change their hushed joy, going schwa in the chain of life, whom we love the sonne.    Two plummets dropt for once    again with much contemns poverty, and turned the wine in ten?

               22

For Ten to One, in for a sigh—it was desolate and she forget the    vats upon those who give    their Posterity. Deepening breast. See thee vantage melts the Prince.

               23

And mark yon meeting. Has exercis’d the Government. We lie near each other,    and tempt the texts written    in the vista of years, but the gayne, paying but a child.

               24

How might drink your bookless wings: from reddened eve he view; else call it winter    in Florida. And    Jebusite. Never been arraigned, to leap the deed he loathes?

               25

Rebellion may come, can yet thy image of touch unique to us. Lies    hatching still strongest; the    bright still and of power; your back. As an infant joys renew!

               26

The Gate her Kind? Of foes the rose. What are you that may be dissolved in rosy    wine while Nation’s Curse,    to Plots, shall aske. This love even, as if to love has made of.

               27

He stride, which it was bom old. There lies a bright Marigold of Leutha, seeking    flood on a mailens.    Fame: I now that heavy do I journey on the shepheards swaine.

               28

By their praise, that will Oothoon is on her smiles, and the window my body    a bundle of grave-damps    falling through. The morning saw the Ladyes their forms of delight.

               29

And catch at and light; yet then whom the earth and trouble free. Sea, low, low, breath    into thee ioy of the    tree of life in the outer air were most faith or honor’s laws.

               30

Is not the rose. And which is why you feel to-day. While times; then grew more strong    to me did beam. The Joyfull    Peoples Prayer, then given its own improbable bees.

               31

I pluck the Prince your lap, and thus she sings. One little eyes which being spent,    in lustihede and glasse    he tooke: wherein I am not mine own weakness be undone.

               32

She wound so fit for him he Suffer, that made him good glee, all for Worship    at the leg. For witnesse    of that her sighs. Like salt over and because the promise, all.

               33

Was a bus. Not entering in my brain, to take the Fury of disbelief,    the new name thou shalt    find this frenzy insufficient reason, and Priest, which the things?

               34

Best and bring waters round were closed. Th’ Offending on the blow of Fate,    the small remember, do    not this Vertue is made; and when, wise afright, yet Dauntless and die!

               35

The tin-roofed station. With the Dutch a thick upon the highway, but never    honest man that pines for    hir darlings sake, knowing the me once asleep: so the summers.

               36

With the secret shadows numberless, of perfect song into our Eyes; a    Cataract that, nor any    such skirts of the human kind. Him of the Law shall we think!

               37

Began to glare at me on me! When, as if they meet; so unhappily    forsworn. Make the state, the    Devil is still succeed the face you see,—with such skirts of France.

               38

Like a sea-fish. And let go. As, thou art a queer sort of its own work marred:    for the sill and clown: perhaps    from Foes unpunish’d never Ceases to acceptance be.

               39

With content, happy, nestling for his head, at night all that is far conquer    all thy shadow, like thee    to thee. ’St that rich fooles there! Whence doth cherish his complain.

               40

Rather Curse with mighty potentates, louers of Lordship and tremble? In them,    messing the striking    resemblance between a bag of individually the kitchen.

               41

And are nothing strange cup amassed five beetle brow sun-shaded in snow: arise    to the Lady Psyche,    both in excess! Making love or coyn, in Corah’s own heart.

               42

Or book or lute; but not your love her, and pledge, and a Wife. At either close    the Slaves.&Carved so elaborately    maybe a college friends, and the elms, and whay, and place.

               43

Foment to gathering darkness is in my Muse or a cov’ring to Jack,    and laid out a shadows?    Old England: old England, old England: old England: old England.

               44

Though lesse gifts impe feathers grace my grief! Boom of the publick Scorn, our only    tutor us to eke    out rapture’s gentle English ground, dark vault above payment?

               45

Men adore in the brilliant body. Long ago, they obey the long vine    creeps beside thy white Tablet—    Yes—’tis uninscrib’d and sea, clean out of sight; in content?

               46

Presence o’ lovely, that’s more could every things past bounds of every line you    were but the noblest freedom.    Such faitors, when the heavenly features trick of their Names.

               47

A winnins o’ marrying to be foundations, always will. One another.    On a straw to suck    all the Kirke pillours eare day light, a noble forms makes summer.

               48

Places its harp and true heart! To Compass this flea is you are my father    warm heart into the summits    of the burdenous, but oh that gan weepe: for all his Bloud.

               49

Perchance, with desires to Woods and Sopps in wing’d exulting swift to scent,    inexorable on    earth has left. For human shores came features dear. From hence began.

               50

Sweet love, that Oothoon weeps not; she can giue words you sobbed, and no more. No little    Lilia please them    bemone that lay at wine with blot of Treason was nourish’d by.

               51

The maid of honest morn. And a million horrible thunders; on his golden    hair. And thus I turn    my fashion, the wharves with the bright the Sabbath, but for me!

               52

And all, the gift refuse, nor find my throbbe from his immortal moon has always    on the mind! Or God    decreed those child of Bromion said, oh Shah, who Heavenly Fire.

               53

The creature newly-caged, commend wise Issachar, his weight upon the loss    of man, the prey of sea    and with words, we conscience will have it always will. Grouped in Pearl.

               54

Farewell, and make Treasons Heavens. Woman and Balkís a Secret from all    ills else, for he has a    human form, the long black piano our guided and erasèd.

               55

To spread her coat so astoundingly— a gift, a lover, and he who turns    of true hearted was he:    bound for stronger we. For Lawfull Pow’r controul. This husbandman?

               56

Yet witches may repenting to save my yet you oil my scalp. Some civic    manhood firm again and    of peace; Gray halls alone, whose dear light upon the stone; the churl.

               57

From nightly prey, and in seeming sleep. Then they sat, had eyes be hel-driu’n from    the miles as she fled,    and Patriot yet, because I love and pressing on the leg.

               58

Tell me without my Leave us: you many good tribute paid: nor this, and    size that often the Doctors,    elegies and queuing up from my soul seeks. My fancy.

               59

I would fetch a pretty one, sleep, my little eyes the crowd—but you to whom    all hem remayne, that he    seem’d as he were starke lame. And marriage bed! A better to thee.

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Fic Titles: Alphabet S-T

Take one and start to create!

S

Say it like you mean it

Say my name in fear

See me now

Seeking company

Sell me your lie

Selling a dream

Send me a sign

Set our love on fire

Shouting from the rooftops

Silly ideas

Silly little dreams

Sinfully delicious

Sing about our history

Sing me a song

Singing in the shower

Sirens are leading the way

Slow farewell

Solving puzzles

Someday is enough

Sometimes we choose violence

Songs of our love

Sorry for the way I left you

Souls entwined

Sparks flying

Spring awakening

Stars in your eyes

Sun-kissed skin

Sunshine in your eyes

Swimming in the rain

Sweet melancholy

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

T

Take me home

Taken by surprise

Taking the oath

Tell me beautiful lies

Temporary enjoyment

Thank you for nothing

The art of not giving a fuck

The beginning of something great

The comfort of your touch

The depth of our hearts

The difference between you and I

The distance between us

The end is near (and we celebrate)

The end of what we know

The head that wears the crown

The hope that’s left

The importance of names

The impossibility of us

The life we left behind

The loss we can't replace

The love that binds us

The love we feel

The ones you're meant to keep

The power we yield

The road ahead of us

The secrets we keep

The sound of hearts breaking

The things we don't say

The things we lost

The version of me you see

The war is not over yet

The wind will take us away

Theories of happiness

There’s always room for more

Things we did in the dark

This game we play

This side of things

Thunderstorms over our heads

To everyone we loved

To have each other

To hide what we have

To hold dear

To hurt and to heal

To the moon (and back)

To the people we meet

Together, we’re unstoppable

Treasure hunts

Trouble follows us around

Trusting the ones we love

Truth hurts (but so does lying)

Find more titles: A-C|D-F|G-I|J-L|M-O|P-R|U-V|W-X|Y-Z + Numbers

>>All the Fic Titles.

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[the-hidden-pages]

Let Me Worship You: Part 1 - Zemo x Fem!Reader

The fact that this man is the one who dragged me out of my refusing-to-write-fanfiction grave and let me post old work while working on new stuff is...Impressive. Damn you Daniel Bruhl.

Synopsis: With all the horrible things you had heard of Baron Helmut Zemo, you hadn't anticipated just how badly he wished to win you over. To a further extent, you certainly hadn't anticipated how tempting it would be to give in.

No bad NSFW this chapter - this is the lead up to the main course.

You were not an Avenger.

Unsurprising, really, given what you perceived to be your lack of talent and marketable super-heroine prowess, and so when Bucky called you up asking for a favour, you were pleasantly surprised.

You had only met Bucky on the rare occasion he let you help him, often expressing that he viewed you as a worrywart, a particularly bad day of his leading to him accusing you of trying to be his mother. He later apologized, hearing your explanation that you wanted to help in any way you could, and since you didn't have a superhero serum or fancy suit or arm, you relied on what you could - your mind and your giving nature.

He must have remembered this conversation, because he brought you with him and Sam to what appeared to be an underground parking garage.

"What're you talking about, you wanna break Zemo out of jail? Where the hell are we Buck? Have you lost your mind?!" Sam was raving as you followed behind the two men, silent as you stew over what Bucky had told you.

Babysitting duty.

You were effectively on glorified babysitting duty of an incredibly dangerous criminal.

"James..." you hesitated when he discussed this with you, how could you not? "I don't know how useful I'll be here."

"Very," he countered, his voice dull while his eyes were pleading. "Sam’s an Avenger, I have the serum. But you, you're just a person. Zemo will be less likely to hurt and immediately betray you because of that fact alone."

"He's killed people who've been in his way before. Normal people."

"He won't kill you. I'll make sure of that."

A heavy sigh escapes you as Sam and Bucky continue to bicker about the logistics of breaking Zemo out.

"I don't like how casual you're being about this, it's unnatural - and - where are we man?"

"I wouldn't mind an answer to that too," you supply, but any answer is interrupted by the sound of a door unlocking.

The three of you turn to approaching footsteps, and find no one other than Helmut Zemo striding towards you, dressed in a prison guard's uniform.

Sam responds immediately, arguing to throw him back in jail, while Bucky tries to calm him down. But you can't help but stare at the man before you as he removes the cap on his head, arms raised in an attempt to calm the men down.

"If I may" his voice rasped, but he was stopped short by Sam and Bucky in unison.

"NO!"

Zemo nodded, looking away almost sheepishly. "Apologies," came the quiet response.

If it were any other situation, you would have laughed - those two had the dynamics of a married couple and they couldn't stand each other. And for them to completely shut down the killer in front of them was...incredibly funny.

But you had a job to do.

As the boys continued to bicker, you took slow steps forward towards the man now looking you up and down, trying to place your part in all of this.

"Don't mind them," you spoke quietly, not wanting to distract Sam and Bucky, but still intending to speak with the criminal. "They're having some troubles in paradise. You must be Zemo."

His eyes take you in, a small smirk beginning to form. "So I must. May I have the pleasure of your name, Liebling?"

You offer your name hesitantly, and he repeats it back to you, as though he were sampling what it might taste like.

"Beautiful name, thank you." He turns to face the two men still arguing, not noticing your introductions. "I really think I'm invaluable..."

"Shut up..." Sam warned, before turning back to Bucky, looking between him and you.

You nod reassuringly to him - this is necessary, if the super soldiers are to be dealt with.

A sharp sigh leaves Sam. "Okay. If we do this, you don't make a move without our permission. And she is watching you every step of the way."

Bucky interjects. "And if anything happens to her, you're going to wish we left you in that cell."

Zemo nods, looking to you once again. "Fair."

You tilt your head slightly, unable to read his eyes as they examine you. You brush it off, chalking it up to him appreciating not being thrown back into a cell immediately. "Okay Zemo. Where do we start?"

*************************************

Zemo wasn't sure of what to make of you, he realized as you were on the jet to Riga.

You weren't an Avenger, you weren't a soldier, super or otherwise. You seemed to just be a person, one constantly offering her help where she could, even when it was to her own detriment.

He also took note of how rarely your help was appreciated or reciprocated.

You would offer help any moment you could, carrying supplies, offering to fetch food, simply offering and ear to listen. You were quick to attempt to smooth over Sam and Bucky's disputes, and you would play along with the role Zemo would assign you without much question - anything to help, you would say.

You were kind, he noticed as well. Smart, and shrewd, and clearly with trust issues, but you were kind and polite. You spoke with him as much as you might Sam or Bucky, you offered him your trust under the promise he would aide you find the super soldier serum. With your kindness, he thought it might be easy to manipulate you, to slip away from the group, maybe even to ask you to join him.

But there was an issue with his theory, he quickly noticed - any attempt to woo you, attract you, win you...didn't seem to work.

He hadn't been at the task long, mind you, but he had hoped you would be impressed with the jacket, the Baron title, the jet, the offer of wine. Instead, you simply seemed uncomfortable. Come Madripoor, you were happy to play the part of eye candy to escape much attention, yet when he offered you to keep the stunning dress, shoes, and jewelry ensemble you simply waved it off, claiming that you'd reimburse him if he insisted on you keeping it. You were happy to dance near him, unable to hide your laughter at his moves, yet he offered you a drink and you promptly declined, claiming it unnecessary.

Zemo's brow furrows as he observes you, awake and quietly reading as Sam and Bucky both sleep on the flight.

"What's your motive, Liebling?" he questions, and you glance up from your page.

"Don't tell me the criminal doesn't trust me," you respond wryly, turning your gaze back.

"No, I don't mean like that," he shifts, leaning forward to continue to observe the woman that was his guard. "I wonder what keeps you going. Some are motivated by riches, and dreams. Others from spite and anger. What do you want from life, my dear? What causes you to wake up in the morning?"

You pause, looking up to search his eyes to see where this question was coming from. You weren't sure what game he was playing, and you weren't sure how to answer him either. You eventually look back down to your book, a small smile playing on your lips.

"Nothing wakes me up in the morning, given I rarely get to sleep most nights."

His brows furrowed as she goes back to her pages, eager for the conversation to end. Her difficulty doesn't seem to be that he's a criminal - she's spoken plenty freely to him, she agrees to his plans...

The difficulty, he begins to realize with a smile. Maybe he's beginning to see what the difficulty is after all.

*************************************

You weren't sure what to make of Zemo, you think as you lie awake at night in the Riga safe house.

This criminal coming out of nowhere, apparently being rich as hell, so far doing nothing to cause you to believe he would betray you (yes, Sam and Bucky were shocked by his killing of Nagel, but really? You weren't shocked) ...but what shocked you the most was how badly he seemed to want to win you over.

You could justify it, sure. You're supposed to be his guard, he's likely trying to get you to let your guard down so he can escape. Yet when he's so charismatic, the way he holds himself, that voice...

Your eyes snap open sharply.

You were attracted to Zemo.

The man you're meant to be watching.

No, you told yourself. You're just lonely, and he's the first man offering you attention in a long time. It doesn't matter that his eyes examining you makes you blush, that you want to run your fingers through his hair, that a quiet voice your head wished that he would kiss you when he pulled you aside with one arm, other hand aiming at a pipe in Madripoor to blow up some poor saps...

It's the heat of the situation, you told yourself. Your options are Sam, Bucky, and Zemo...

Trust you to pick the worst option.

But how could you not, your mind whispers. When he danced like a goofball in a club your heart warmed. When he sat, filled with confidence and righteousness in the jet, legs splayed enough that you could perch on your knees in front of him, worship him, pleasure him. When he left the bathroom this morning in that damned robe, the deep V drawing your eyes down his chest before you could help himself.

You groaned. Of all the thoughts to keep you awake, why did it have to be your assignment on your mind?

It was too hot, your mind was swimming, you knew sleep wouldn't come soon.

And so, you stood, wrapping your arms around your book and padding downstairs in a loose t-shirt and shorts. Zemo had said that you were welcome to whatever resided within the safe house, and you were ready to take up his offer and steal a cup of tea.

You weren't expecting to find anyone else still awake. And yet, you weren't fully surprised to find Zemo sitting in the kitchen, bottle of whiskey at his side, a glass in his hand. He looks up at the sound of your footsteps, a soft smile on his face.

"Good evening, Liebling."

"Zemo. Can't sleep?"

"Unfortunately, not." He leans backwards slightly, examining you. "Another sleepless night for you as well."

"So it would seem."

You take a seat across the counter from him, not wanting to sit too closely to the man you were just fantasizing about. You were good at keeping a straight face, but you wondered if you got too close if he'd somehow be able to smell it on you.

He pushed his bottle forward, cocking an eyebrow at you.

"Drink?"

Your finger caresses the binding of your book as you hesitate to find the words.

"Actually, I had come down to make myself a cup of tea, if you don't mind."

Zemo's eyes lit up slightly, and he stood, motioning for you to stay where you were. "Allow me."

"You don't have to-" you begin to protest, but he's quick to cut you off.

"Please, Liebling, let me spoil you."

The heat that washes over you is clearly visible, if his chuckle is any indicator.

Silence falls and you quietly open your book as Zemo busies himself over the tea. In mere minutes a steeping mug is delicately placed in front of you. You smile graciously and nod, though you falter slightly as he doesn't return to the other end of the counter - rather, sitting on a stool right beside you, inquisitive eyes not leaving your face.

"Can I help you with something, Baron?" you question, taking the tea and blowing on it to cool it down somewhat. His eyes follow your movements, before travelling to meet yours again.

You could drown in those eyes -

"Day after day you offer your help, sarcastically or not," he begins, leaning forward slightly as he rests his chin on his hand, examining you. "Who offers help to the helper?"

You take a sip of your tea, tilting you head. "I don't know what you mean."

"Your refusal of my gifts, your reluctance to let me even make you a cup of tea - at first I wondered if it was in distrust of me, Liebling -"

"Well, you have killed people."

He quirks an eyebrow, and you motion for him to finish.

"I realize now it's because you're uncomfortable being cared for. You spend so much time looking after everyone else, you give no one the opportunity to worship you as you deserve."

You choked a bit on your tea at that.

"I don't know that I deserve to be worshiped, I just...exist. And do what I can to help others."

Zemo leaned forward further, slowly, so as to not push you away in result. "We haven't been acquainted for long, my dear, but from all I've seen from you with Sam, with James, and with an undeserving man such as myself...the strength in your soul and the empathy in your heart...It alone rises you so far above the men and women placed on pedestals because of their supernatural abilities."

You lean forward to match, but your eyes have steeled over. "Your sweet words won't make me let you go, Zemo. I won't betray Sam and Bucky."

He didn't miss a beat. "I should be so lucky to be held captive by you for eternity, Liebling. I don't ask you to betray your friends on my behalf."

"Then what do you want from me, exactly?"

You should be very afraid. The man who singlehandedly tore apart the Avengers is staring at you as if you were a last meal, his knees touching yours, his hand finding its way to lightly perch on your arm.

You should be afraid.

Yet despite your better judgement, you aren't.

"I want you to tell me every one of your desires, so I might fulfill them. I want to see you stand tall in the finest clothes money can buy, to whisk you away to Paris, Vienna, Rome, every beautiful local this world has to offer, local that pale in comparison to the beauty in front of me. I want you to let me bring you tea, wine, food, chocolates, and anything else that might please you. I want you to relax against me, to feel the tension you've had all mission to wash away in the most luxurious bath of your life, while I wash your beautiful hair, while I taste every inch of you."

His voice had dropped to nearly a whisper, and you couldn't stop yourself from leaning forward more to hang off his every word. "I'm not a stupid man. I know it's only a matter of time before I'm back in a prison cell of some kind. And even if I weren't, you may not believe the sincerity of my words. But tonight, little bird, I want you to let me worship you."

Your eyes fluttered as his hand reached forward to cup your cheek, thumb caressing over your bottom lip. You had the strength to look him dead in the eye with one final warning.

"If this is a trick of any kind, Zemo, I won't hesitate to let Bucky rip you to shreds."

The laughter that leaves him fans over your face, drawing your eyes to his lips.

"I'd expect nothing less, Liebling."

His eyes still search your face. A gentleman, you realize. He's waiting for permission.

You lean forward to close the gap, slowly letting your mouth brush over his, tasting him for the first time, as your hand raises to card through the locks of hair in his face. Your body thrums with anticipation of what's to come, with the anxiety that this may be a dangerous move, with pure, undiluted arousal from his words.

Yet you break away gently, both hands cupping his face now as he looks at you, curious as to why you stopped, pleased that his initial seduction worked.

Your hands slowly travel down to his own, and you stand, backing towards the way you came when you first gave up on sleep for the night.

"Come on then. You want to show me what being spoiled is like?"

A grin curls its way onto his face as he spins you in his arms, twirling you so that your back is against his front, his arms around you, his breath hot in your ear.

"Little bird, I'll give you everything you crave and more."

[ellitx]

Till We Meet Again | Venti x Reader

Seems like [Name] really likes to meet up with her dear friend.

note: venti isn’t an archon in this oneshot. just a regular bard

word count: 7.4k

 【ＰＲＯＬＯＧＵＥ】

 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺,

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵,

𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘺

− 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦.

         “Hey, ever dream about what the future awaits us?” He asked.

        “Are you seriously going to talk about that kind of thing?” 

        “Wh-what? I just wanted to start a conversation with you… I’m trying my best here.” He averted his gaze away from her, rubbing the nape of his neck in embarrassment.

        “Well, it’s not working.” He heaved a sigh, slumping his shoulders in disappointment. The male leaned against the rough trunk of the tree, staring up at the warm sunset descending on the horizon in boredom, the colors of the sky mixing together to create the warm atmosphere like the paintbrush painting the canvas to create a wonderful piece.

        The girl stood up, patting her dress to remove the dirt sticking on her clothing. She looked over her shoulder and stared at him with her sharp [eye color] eyes. Glancing down at him, she closed her eyes and gave a sweet smile at him. 

        “Don’t come near me again if you have no business with me.” 

        The way she said it was so sweet yet sultry. He gulped down the air and pressed his lips into a thin line, shutting his mouth completely. Her long [hair color] flipped over her shoulder, walking away from this person. He watched her figure disappear from the distance, sighing as he did so.

        Breathing another sigh, his back dropped slowly against the trunk until he was laying down the parched grass. He pressed his forearm onto his face, leaving a space for his nose to breathe.

        “So the rumors are true, huh?”

         [Name] dropped her satchel on the table, producing a loud sound that caught the attention of the two women. 

        “Having a bad day today?” Her sister, Lisa, asked, not even giving a glance at her from her book; turning the pages and reading the contents inside. “You know how she always is.” Jean remarked, making the former chuckle.

        “Haha, very funny.” [Name] rolled her eyes at them, plunging herself in between the two ladies who are sitting on the couch. “So, are you going to tell us what made you like this or not?” Lisa closed the novel she’s reading with a clap, putting it down on the coffee table. 

        [Name] groaned in pique as she slammed her face on one of the soft cushions laying beside her. 

        “Don’t feel like it.”

        “Aww, don’t be like that, dearest sister. You know we’re here to give you support.” Lisa rubbed her back in assurance, finally giving her the full attention she needed. The good kind of sister, the one who gives you any kind of advice. Just talk to her and you already feel the heavy weight on your shoulders lifting. She always lends her ear anytime.

        The [hair color] peered over the cushion and looked at the two with a skeptical look.

        “You sure…?”

        “Of course.” Jean smiled at her softly. [Name] whined when her sister smothered her with hugs. Jean sighed at the librarian, shaking her head and placing her thumb and index fingers on the bridge of her nose.

        The Acting Grandmaster shook her head in chagrin at Lisa’s teasing. Her attention went back to the troubled teenager, brushing her hair to make her comfortable. Jean is like the other best sister you’ll meet. If Lisa is the sophisticated sister, then she’s the mentor for [Name].

        “It’s him.”

        The blonde abruptly stopped brushing [Name]'s hair, looking at her in mild confusion whilst Lisa quirked a brow at her, slightly interest in where this is going. “Again?” The latter asked. [Name] nodded and buried her face even more on the cushion, hugging it tightly closed to her chest. 

        “What did he do?” The Dandelion Knight softly inquired at her and continued to smoothen her [hair color] locks. She absentmindedly looked down to where she placed the book and stared at the cover, seizing all the details, vast or meager, into her mind. 

        “Talked to me.” Silence filled the room, only the clock ticking and birds chirping outside can only be heard until her sister heartily laughed and patted her hand on her shoulder as if she achieved something great. 

        “Well, that’s great~”

        “I’m not sure if that’s the correct way to say it….” Jean remarked quietly, her face turned gloomy as she looked at the young female in worry. Once again, Lisa sealed her lips as she raised both of her hands in, succumbing to her dominance.

        “[Name], why don’t you take a rest. He’s been bothering you lately, right?” The said girl nodded, pulling the pillow closer to her chest. “Come on, let’s go to your room.” The blonde lifted her up from her seat and held her hands with hers, guiding them to her bedroom with the librarian following along them with a hum.

        When they reached their destination, she assisted [Name] lying in the bed, tucking the blanket onto her figure. Yep, this woman here is more of the big sister type to [Name] than Lisa. The teenager turned her body away from them, closing her eyes, wanting to let the stress go away and just have a nice sleep.

        If there’s even a good dream, then that’ll be better.

 **

         “Hello~” The male waved at her.

        “You again?”

        “What’s wrong with me meeting you again?” He crossed his arms and furrowed his brows at her, not understanding why she’s so moody around him. He didn’t even do anything at her— well, not that he can recall he did something to her.

        “Everything.” [Name] rolled her eyes, and sat down beside him in the olive green grass, giving at least 10 inches of space between them. She let her back rest against the trunk, pulling her knees to her chest and enfold her arms around it.

        “So, uhh, Windborne Bard—“

        “Venti.” He corrected.

        “V-Venti…” The female chortled, holding her mouth to restrain herself from laughing out loud at his name. What an odd name. She thought. “Why thank you for that compliment, [Name].” Her laugh died down and faced him, eyes widening in surprise.

        “H-how did you—“

        “Know your name? Know what you’re thinking? Though it really wasn’t much of a compliment, I’ll still take it.” He finished her sentence casually as if it’s his usual thing to do that to everyone. He gave her a smug smirk in victory and shrugged his shoulders.

        That was it, the [hair color] backed away from him at least 5 meters away, and shakily pointed a finger in his direction. “I-I-I didn’t even tell you m-m-my name!!” She heavily stuttered which in turn he was the one now laughing at her. He wiped the tears that were forming in the corners of his eyes, face red from laughing too much.

        “Oh god, your reaction is priceless!”

        Her face heated up both from anger and mortification, oh how she wanted to beat him to a pulp.

        His laughter faltered, much to her delight. He returned his gaze back from the blue sky, silently staring at the azure sky. It was his favorite to watch the sky under this old tree. The sound of grass rustling reached his ears, though he didn’t bother to see what— or rather who it was since it’s just the two of them in this stunning and serene setting. The unique place of Mondstadt where only the two of them know this place. 

        “I’d rather you call me Venti than the long title-- Windbrone Bard-- I have.” He closed his eyes, enjoying the shadow looming over them by the leaves. The winds kissed his skin as the leaves were dancing around, some were now freed and took their chance either to fall down or move to another place. He started humming, laying back on the body of the old tree and started strumming the lyre.

        The female silently listened to his tune, tapping her fingertips against her shoe. She closed her eyes as well, enjoying the combination of the wind and his humming. Time flies by, [Name] had fallen asleep. Her head drooping then placing to a comfortable position. The male looked at her with his aquatic teal eyes, he caressed her red cheeks and gently smiled down at her peaceful face.

        He placed down her head on his shoulder and leaned down closer to her ear and whispered,

        “It’s been a long time.”

 **

         [Name] rubbed her eyes as she makes her way to the kitchen to grab food. Noelle and Lisa greeted her with a good morning, as they prepare a morning meal for the half-awake teenager.

        “How’s your sleep?” The former asked as she placed down the cup of hotly brewed tea. Lisa sipped her tea quietly and moved the empty chair for her to take a seat. “Did you get a good sleep?”

        The younger sister only nodded, still half-asleep to make a response to her question. She groggily grabbed the fork and tore the omelet into several pieces, taking a piece of it to her mouth, saying nothing as she chewed her meal.

        “Hey, I was thinking,” Jean took a seat beside her and rested her palm on her right cheek, looking at the two happily. “How about you take your day off today, [Name]? You’ve done so many things ever since you’ve joined the Knights of Favonius. You deserve it.” The young female’s eyes widened at her announcement making her fully awake.

        [Name] fixed her hair and glanced down at her half-eaten dish, unconsciously tightly gripping her utensil. Her lips tugged upwards and her [eye color] sparkling in delight. The chair producing a sound as she stood up. 

        “Th-thank you so much!”

        The two women stared at her with warmth present on their optics and without a word, they nodded, watching her leave the omelet on the table. Lisa looked at Jean in worry as she placed her fingers on her chin, her eyebrows wrinkling in confusion and concern.

        “Should we call...?” 

        “Not yet, we have to make sure before calling him.”

        The Electro-vision holder breathed out air as she rubbed her temples to ease the ache that was forming. It’s just the early morning and they were already fretting over her sister. 

        [Name] strolled to the bathroom, preparing herself for the morning. It was so sudden the Acting Grandmaster gave her a day off! She hummed happily and felt her heart giddy. She needs to meet him one more time— no scratch that, she must meet him everyday, even if it’s just a second. 

        After taking a long shower, she dressed herself up in her usual attire and grabbed her satchel, placing the sling on her shoulder. She makes her way to the main door, grabbing her shoes and tapping them against the floor to make sure it fits. Before she opened the door to the outside world, someone called out to her.

        “Hey, wait!” She turned to where the voice came from and quirked one of her brows at the brunette. “You forgot to take your journal.” At the mention of the object, she immediately rummaged through her bag to check, and she’s right. No signs of the journal she always brings with her inside her bag.

        She strolled her way to her room but the tight grip on her shoulder stopped her tracks. Lisa moved closer to her and uttered, “If you ever feel like you need to talk to someone, the Knights of Favonius are here for you.” She beamed, smiling gently at her as she held out the notebook.

        “Here.”

        [Name] was taken aback and reluctantly took the object from her hands. She averted her gaze away from her and mouthed a small thank you, leaving her alone in the hallway in silence. Once the door was shut close, Lisa heaved a sigh, caressing her own cheeks with her slim hands to restrain her mood change.

        Jean watched her marched her way to the library, her eyes scrutinizing the scene as her mind traced all the events that just happened.

 **

         [Name] laid her hands on her knees, panting, trying to get oxygen as much as possible. She wiped her perspiration that was falling down like tears on the side of her head with her hanky, fixing the bag in place. She gulped down the air and walked to their usual meeting place.

        She halted on her trail when she heard the familiar laughter from the distance. Moving forward, it was an unexpected sight of what she had seen. Never in her life thought Venti was good with animals. A dove was perched on his index finger, chirping in happiness. The white bird flapped its wings rapidly, flying away from the bard when it heard the sound of a branch snapping.

        “Ah. She left…” Venti watched the feathered animal flew with a sad look, unhappy he was left all alone again at the big tree in Windrise. His teal eyes caught something from the corner of his vision and faced them with a curious look. 

        “Oh?”

        “Sorry about that.” [Name] sheepishly chuckled at him, apologetic that his accompany left him. Venti merely chuckled and patted the ground opting for her to sit beside him.

        “It’s fine.” He said whilst he gently gazed at the blue skies. A moment later, the little bird came back again, now resting on the bard’s beret. The dove tilted its head to the direction of where the female was sitting, letting out a small chirp.

        The male hummed the same tune the other week, doing his usual routine if it’s just the two of them. Look at the sky, hum a tune, and play the lyre. The tree was looming over them as little drops of sunlight kissed his skin. He rubbed the bird's head with his finger, smiling at the animal.

        Venti caught her staring at him and smiled sweetly at her direction. The sensation of her appearance burning up made her look in any other places but him. Idiot idiot idiot idiot! She repeated those words like a mantra, burying her face on her knees, not wanting him to see her in an embarrassing state.

        A sudden thought came to her and pulled out her bag, taking out the item that her sister gave to her. She took out a pencil and her mind wandered if she should draw a portrait of him.

        “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

        She let out a small gasp and quickly hid her journal behind her. “W-what are you talking about?” 

        “Obviously you’re going to draw me, right?”

        Her complexion paled and turned her eyes somewhere else. Okay, she was expecting that she’ll get caught, but never did she know he knows what she's about to do. Just how on earth does he know everything?

        “Sh-shut up, Venti! I was just going to draw the dove!”

        “Whatever you say.”

 **

         “I’m home…” [Name] greeted the empty hallway, taking her shoes off and placed them near the door of her room. She took off her hair tie, letting her long [hair color] fall down, reaching her waist.

        “Welcome back, [Name]” Noelle welcomed her with a warm smile, untying her apron and tidied up her lavender hair. “Why don’t you go take a shower? Dinner will be ready shortly.” The female nodded as she stretched her arms, hearing that satisfying crack made her sigh in relief.

        She dropped her things on the couch in the living room and waved at Barbara who was reading an idol magazine and Klee watching a cartoon show with sparkly eyes. An odd smell wafted throughout the room. Barbara sniffed around and cringed to see where that smell came from.

        “[Name], you better take a shower now.” Her voice was nasally since she was pinching her nose to prevent the odor from entering her nose. [Name]’s face heated up and glared at her though, but it didn’t even frighten her, not one bit.

        “Come on, you’re really stinky.” Her childhood friend pushed her outside the room until they reach the bathroom.

        “Do you really have to repeat that every step we take?”

        “Yep.” 

        When they arrived at the entrance of the bathroom, the deaconess handed her a towel and pushed her shoulders to make her way to take a shower. 

        “Don’t take too long!!” She shouted once the door was shut. The blonde exhaled, messing up her hair as she strolled her way back to the living room. Flopping down next to Klee on the soft couch, her back relaxed against it,  slouching even more until she felt something on her bottom. Barbara’s hand felt a hard object and took it out that was stuck between her and the couch and saw it was [Name]’s journal.

        She bolted up from the couch as her sky blue eyes enlarged, lips quivering and her palms were getting clammy from nervousness and excitement. She dashed to where Noelle was and called out to her on top of her lungs.

        “Noelle! Noelle!”

        The said female faced her with a curious look and hummed.  

        “What is it?”

        “D-d-d—“

        “D- what?”

        “D-DIARY!!”

        Barbara quickly showed the notebook near her face. The Maid was taken aback by her swift actions and narrowed her viridescent eyes to the item. The deaconess opened [Name]’s journal and flipped every page to see any juicy stories inside. 

        Noelle’s face scrunched and looked at the teenager.

        “Um… I think [Name] will get really angry at you if you snoop around her privacy.” 

        The blonde’s hands stumbled as she shakily switched to a different page. Her fingers were trembling even more than the jelly.

        The former checked all the pages, eyes tracing all the words written down, even the dates. She then turned the next page and an image made her stopped for a moment. Her mouth immediately went dry whilst her skin paled at what she saw. 

        Noelle took a peek, curious at what made the deaconess of Mondstadt Cathedral look so sickly and horrified.

        Glancing down, her hands immediately covered her lips to refrain herself from letting out a loud gasp to alert the Knights of Favonius.

        Barbara gulped down the bile that formed in her throat, closing the book with a thud and laid it onto the table, leaving it.

 **

         [Name]’s friends watched her in the hallway tying her shoelaces and tapping it against the floor to check if it’s tied properly.

        “I’ll be taking my leave.”

        “Yeah, be safe out there! Don’t talk to strangers! Don’t— ow!” The librarian squeezed Kaeya’s skin telling him to keep quiet. She faced [Name] and gave a sweet smile at her. “Actually, we were thinking that why don’t we go with you? We really want to meet this friend of yours as well, it’s unfair if you just hide it from us.”

        [Name] and Kaeya looked at her in confusion, dumbfounded by her sudden suggestion. “Huh? What’s the sudden— OW! OKAY OKAY!!” The latter rubbed his back to ease the pain that was forming, probably it might become a bruise. The look on the brunette’s face made him sighed in exasperation and shut his mouth in silence, not wanting to face Lisa’s wrath.

        The [hair color] however just nodded, unsure of the sudden plan, but accepted nonetheless. 

        She sat on the couch, staring at her journal’s cover to distract herself as she waits for Lisa and Kaeya to finish preparing themselves. She looked at the several drawings she took of Venti and the dove just a week ago and just seeing these simple images made her heart tugged. Her train of thoughts was stopped abruptly when a familiar voice called out to her.

        “We’re ready~!” Barbara was leaning against the doorframe and gave a grin at [Name] with Lisa beside her. 

        Puzzlement was painted on the young female’s visage seeing the blonde dressed up. She looked at her sister if she could explain what’s going on.

        “Kaeya has other things to do so he asked Barbara if she wants to meet your friend too.”

        “Hope, we’re not too dressed up just for this meet and greet.” The blonde chuckled at her own statement, placing her gloved hand on her mouth to stifle her laughter. “No, you’re all good.” [Name] straightened her attire and fixed her scarf in place.

        The three of them exited their headquarters and make their way outside the city. They strolled together side by side, having a chat while they have a little journey. Barbara and Lisa were preparing themselves to meet this so-called Windborne Bard— or as what [Name] calls him, Venti.

 **

         “Y-you brought your friends...?” The male softly inquired. Stopping his humming, when he saw two unfamiliar people tagging along with [Name]. “Yeah, sorry if it came out unexpected. They said they wanted to meet you.” She tugged her scarf upwards to cover her face that was reddening. 

        Venti observed the two and gave them a small wave. The way they peered at his figure made him uncomfortable and he looked away from their eyes, getting a bit uncomfortable each second passed by.

        [Name] nudged her two friends, snapping them out of their thoughts. “O-oh pardon me… Um, hi…?” Barbara closed her eyes and smiled warmly at him whilst Lisa greeted the male with a nod, tucking her hands into the pocket of her coat. 

        “You can take a seat here.” Venti moved a bit from the other side and patted the grass, signing them to take a seat. The two continued to gawk at him and their attention was interrupted when the [hair color] nudged them once again. She signed her childhood friend and her sister to follow her, traipsing to the giant and old tree. Red, yellow, orange, and brown fronds leaving their own home as it falls down to the crust of the earth. 

        “Venti, this is Barbara and Lisa. Barbara, Lisa, this is the Windborne Bard.” The two females nodded silently. The young deaconess let out a puff of air and rubbed her hands together to create the warmth she’s been looking for. 

        “Stop calling me Windborne Bard please.” 

        “Huh, why? You said that’s your title?”

        “W-well, yeah, but don’t call me that. It’s quite wordy for an introduction!” Venti whisper-shouted at her, not wanting to get the attention of the two. The four of them discussed some things— more like it’s just [Name] and Venti who are talking while Lisa and Barbara were just nodding and listening. The former stood up and gave an apologetic look at them. “My apologies, but I’m not quite feeling well. I’ll just go over there to relax my mind.”

        Venti and [Name] looked at her, and they nodded their heads at her unsurely. Worry was etched on both of their faces, glancing at her figure who was rubbing her arms together. Barbara, who was with them, stood up as well and approached the sophisticated woman. 

        The male and female watched the scene unfold between the two of them, they were away from them, but they’re sure they were talking about something. The Hydro-vision user caught her friend looking at her in worry and just waved at her, assuring she’s fine. [Name] smiled back, her brows still creased in concern. When she turned her eyes from her friend to her sister, she noticed she was frantically shaking and walking around aimlessly as they talk.

        “Is everything alright between the three of you…?” Venti asked softly as he fiddled with the leaves that landed on his head. The [hair color] nodded slowly as she pulled her knees closer to her chest and hugged it. He knew this was a sign she needs comfort, so he moved closer to her and rubbed her back in assurance.

        “As far as I know, everything is good between the three of us. We don’t argue or anything like that…”

        He hummed in acknowledgment as he continued to stroke her back. The dove moved closer to him, a chirp softly escaped from its small beak. 

        “Talk to them, they’re your friends right?”

        “But—!”

        “You don’t have to keep coming here… Everything’s good here.”

        He glanced at [Name]’s two friends with his teal eyes, observing them with his watchful gaze.

 **

         The trio went back home, stepping in the sunset road. It was a comfortable silence as they walk their way back to the headquarters. When they arrived at their destination, the Knights greeted them.

        Opening the door to their humble home, they made their way to whatever task they’ll do; Barbara will get a meal whilst Lisa will take a shower. [Name] slumped her body to the couch, reading the messages Venti wrote in her notebook. Her fingers absentmindedly traced the beautiful handwriting, etching each stroke in her head.

        Her head throbbed once,

        Twice,

        Then thrice.

        “Here, I’ve made some little poems for you. Hehe~”

        [Name] exhaled and threw her notebook at the other end of the sofa, bouncing back as it landed on the cushion. She let out a yawn, placing her head on her arms, not bothering to go to her room.

 **

          “As far as I know, everything is good between the three of us. We don’t argue or anything like that…”

        “…”

        “But—“

        “…”

        “Hey, can you repeat that one more time?” The blonde asked the brunette. The latter did as what was asked and repeated the video one more time.

        “As far as I know, everything is good between us—“

        Lisa’s emerald eyes vacantly looked at the video playing for the umpteenth time. She and Barbara were talking about the events that happened in the field. The older female asked Albedo if he can create a recorder. Fortunately, it didn’t really take him a long time, and finished it a day before they could meet the Windborne Bard.

        The two glanced at her sleeping figure, her body vulnerable. Barbara eyed Lisa, staying quiet while Jean was leaning onto the door frame with her arms crossed.

        “So… is now the time to call?”

        Quietude filled the room until the other spoke out. Her eyes gleamed in the darkness looking at Jean humourlessly.

        “We’ll do it tomorrow.”

 **

         “Hey, Venti…” The male hummed letting her know he’s listening. He opened one of his eyes and looked at her in confusion. 

        “They’re acting weird…” [Name] pressed her lips into a thin line, creasing her brows together. Yesterday morning they were fine but that afternoon until now, they’re being unusual. 

        Was it because they met Venti?

        “It’s surprising you’re calling me by that name.” His response irked her and she threw a punch at him. The bard feigned he was in pain, whining in complaint at her. 

        “You didn’t answer my question!” She glared at him as she puffed her cheeks in annoyance. The male airily laughed at her, a thought came to his mind that she looked like a pufferfish.

        “It wasn’t a question though!” He retorted. The unexpected smirk made her breath hitch, forgetting what she will say to him as a comeback. She gritted her teeth in anger and punched him one more time, but this time with more strength. He let out a shout of pain and backed away from her when an aura of menace was surrounding her. His complexion whitened and stepped away until he felt the rough trunk of the tree brushing his back.

        “Please forgive me…” 

        Before she could throw her fists at him, her Vision glowed catching both of their attention. Venti heaved a sigh in relief clutching his chest to relax his pounding heart when [Name] used her element and observed what was going on.

        The name of her sister was stamped on it, Vision still continuing to glow brightly— a sign of an emergency. She glared at him one last time and said, “Be glad Lady Luck saved you. Something urgent came up and I have to go back to Mondstadt.”

        “I see. Be safe in going home.” She nodded at him and waved him a farewell. She took one more glance at him before walking away from their usual hangout place.

 **

         When [Name] walked towards the living room, a familiar person was sitting on the couch, sipping the newly brewed tea. Not only that, almost everyone in the Knights of Favonius was gathered in the living room. 

        He didn’t notice her presence and continued to scan the paper he was currently holding that was attached to a clipboard.

        She observed his well-kept appearance. He was wearing a long white coat that reached the back of his knees. His partially tied tan hair made her realize who this was.

        Kreideprinz…?

        The reverberating of the footsteps caught the young man’s ears and looked up to see a confused [Name] standing across him. Lisa and Jean arrived just in time as the teenager looked completely bewildered not understanding why Albedo was here.

        “W-what’s going on here…?” 

        She looked at him and at the two ladies wanting at least one of them to explain what in the world happened while she’s gone. Noelle placed down the tray she was holding that was filled with cups and a teapot. [Name] silently obeyed her sister who told her to take a sit.

        An eerie silence spread through the room until the male coughed to get their attention. 

        “Long time no see, [Name].” 

        Albedo adjusted his outfit and smiled warmly at her. The female nodded slowly in silence. 

        “Do you mind if we talk about the friend of yours you’ve been seeing lately?”

        Her mouth went dry and she shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Is something going on?”

        He heaved a sigh and crossed his arms on his chest, leaning back to the couch for his back to rest.

        “Would you please give me a short description of your friend? What’s he like?”

        [Name] clenched her fist tightly and answered him with conviction. “His name is Venti. He’s a good friend of mine, we just talk about whatever is in our mind.”

        “I see…” The Chief Alchemist grabbed his pencil and scribbled down on the clipboard he was currently holding. Perplexity plastered on her face as she looked at her two friends, they weren’t looking back at her. Kaeya's attention was fixated on the ground, his hands tucked into the pockets of his pants. Same as Barbara, she was avoiding making eye contact with her.

        “Can you give me Venti’s physical characteristics?” The male looked up at her once more, patiently waiting for her response. She responded with ease, replying he has tousled black hair and the tips fading to aqua color, has twin braids in front, taller than her.

        He hummed and continued to take notes as he listened to her counting to list down things about her friend.

        “Last question, did you—“

        His sentence was cut off when [Name] abruptly stood up from her seat and took his clipboard from his hands. Her temple wrinkled in vexation, scanning what he had taken notes about her and Venti. Her attitude altered, [eye color] eyes widening as her respiration became difficult. 

        [Name]’s lips trembled like a leaf, her blood ran out of her skin as her grip loosened the clipboard making it fall down to the floor with a loud clack. She stepped back from them and held her hands closer to her chest. 

        She took one more glance at the paper that has been scattered all over the ground. Her mind became jumbled, not comprehending what was written on it.

          DIAGNOSIS: HALLUCINATION

         “Is this some kind of sick joke?” She lowly uttered out to them. Lisa slowly approached her but she took a step back in return. “[Name], we’ll explain everything but please calm down, okay?”

        “Hallucination?! Wh-what in the hell are you all talking about?! I’m not hallucinating! I don’t even take drugs!” One step backward, as her sister moved forward.

        “Please take it easy—“

        “Take it easy?! How can I take it easy?! You’ve been acting weird this entire week, and you’re telling me I’m hallucinating just because I gave a short description about Venti?!”

        “YES!!” Jean, Lisa, and Kaeya were startled at the sudden and loud interjection of Barbara who was panting heavily. Her shoulders moving up and down as she tries to catch her breathing back to normal. She stomped to where the [hair color] was standing still and grabbed her shoulders tightly. She winced in pain as tears were forming in the corner of her eyes, but Barbara didn’t care at all. She shook her delicate body and shouted,

         “You’re the one who’s been acting weird! These past few months you keep meeting up with this Venti! We keep asking you if you want to hang out with us, but no! You keep promising us you will next week but it never happened!!”

         Lisa placed her hands on her mouth to suppress her sobbing, heavy tears falling down to her cheeks like a waterfall, a never-ending stream. The deaconess’s breathing shortened and it was her turn to shed tears, her grip on [Name]’s shoulder loosened, as she fell down to her knees and holding her shirt a bit tightly. Wet fluid dripped down to the ground as even more trickled like rain, forming into several small puddles. The closure of her glottis and her gulping several times made it even worse for her to catch her respiration.

        “Venti…. Venti isn’t real…”

        [Name]’s cobalt eyes expanded like saucers, her heart stopped beating, and her world became completely soundless. Her senses became numb, Hearing has become static, her vision becoming blurry, her breathing became shorter, and her fingers became insensible. 

        Every single thing is spinning. Round and round like a carousel, endlessly revolving like there was no button to stop it.

        “W-what….? Didn’t you two meet him the other day…?”

        “No one was there…” Lisa gave a muffled response at her, still covering her mouth.

        “….Huh…?”

        No one…? But they understand what he’s saying, right? They were listening to him, right? 

          He’s real, right…?

         Her sister let out a device that was created by the Chief Alchemist, and she took a glance at it. There was a video awaiting for her to press the play button.

        [Name] slowly lifted her finger on the screen and watched the scene unfold.

        She was sitting on the grassy field with her knees drew closer to her chest, clutching it as if it’s her teddy bear. In silence, she watched with attentive eyes and listened closely to the video playing.

        “As far as I know, everything is good between the three of us. We don’t argue or anything like that…”

        “….” 

        Oh, she still remembered that day. It was that time where Venti asked her if her relationship with her friends is still in good condition, but the only problem is

          Why is it that she can’t hear Venti’s soft voice? Or even more,

          Why is he not there? Not a single sign of him was there.

          It’s as if he didn’t exist .

          Nobody,

          Not a single strand of his black and teal hair was there.

          No sign of him fiddling the leaves that landed on his head.

          Why? 

           Why?

           WHY?

           WHY?!

          [Name] made a bolt for the door, running as fast as she can, and not caring about the sensation of the cold night breeze caressing her skin. 

        The sudden escape of their friend surprised everyone. Albedo called out to her but it was no use since she was now gone, going off somewhere to Archon knows where. Barbara, Lisa, and him chased after her and didn’t fuss if it was cold as Snezhnaya. The air they breathe out turned to a chilly smoke, the brisk wind blowing their hair and a pile of leaves blew over the roads and into ditches made them lost sight of her silhouette.

        Lisa clicked her tongue and scanned the area if there are any signs or trails of her footsteps, but none was found. 

        She left Barbara and Albedo alone in the streets and continued to run, shouting out her sister’s name to the quiet city of Mondstadt.

 **

         Adrenaline coursed through her veins and a thin layer of sweat covered the nape of her neck. Keeping her breath steady, she pushed her legs forward and went faster. The cold air bit into her lungs but she still forced herself to move forward. At this great speed, [Name] could already see the familiar shape of the person she’s been looking for. 

        She cried out his name louder and louder until he turned his head to where her voice was.

        Before Venti could question her, he was already engulfed in a hug. His face turned red when he felt the female buried her face in the crook of his neck. He let out a confused noise, unsure where to put his arms. His arms stop flailing around when he felt his shirt getting wet. 

        She could hold her heartbreak no longer and tightened her restraint on his shirt in a disheveled heap as her grief poured out in a flood of uncontrollable tears. 

        “Y-you’re real, r-right…?”

        She caressed his messy coal-black hair and fiddle with the braids laying on his shoulder. Her fingers trailed to trace the outline of his face until she cupped both sides of his face to make him look up at her.

        A tear fell down on his cheeks as it faltered all the way down to the corner of his lips. Her lips trembled as she cried, tears raced down her cheeks. Venti slid his hand over her cheeks and wipes away the wet stain every few seconds.

        “I’m holding you right now, s-see? You’re real, right? Tell me, you’re real.” Her lips shuddered, making her words to be incoherent. The bard stayed quiet and continued to remove the tears that were threatening to fall out of her eyes.

        “Please, Venti, answer me.” 

        [Name] rested her head on his shoulder, her weeping won’t end until she hears the truth from him. Gently, he placed his hands on the sides of her face and lifted it up. 

        His warm-hearted smile instantly caught her attention. The way he just nonchalantly gave her a bright smile made her feel uneasy.

        His gesture was almost affectionate.

        He slipped his arm on the back of her head and pulled her closer until she felt the tips of his lips brushed against her ear and whispered.

        Her body didn’t know how to react, it just shut down. She froze to a point where she was hardly breathing. Her mouth opened, her body didn’t move. The color drained from her face as she stared wide-eyed at the person in front of her.

 **

         A low, waning gibbous moon hovered tenuously in the twilight firmament, bestowing a very dim light upon the land. Lisa continued to call out for [Name] as she waved the lantern around the area to look for her whilst Barbara called the rest of the Knights to help them in their search.

        The air was bitter and cruel against their flushed cheeks but they weren’t giving up. Even on this cold night, they will still continue to seek their friend. The blonde rubbed her hands together and placed it on her mouth, exhaling to warm her shivering body. 

        Their steps resonating around the field is what they can hear along with the wind howling. The endless search for Lisa’s sister is still ongoing. Barbara checked the time on the big clock at the Cathedral and it was almost 11 in the evening. She pursed her lips together and pulled her arms closer to her. 

        “Did you ask them if they know Venti?” Lisa started. The sudden question startled the young female and her eyes gazed to the grassy ground. 

        “I did.”

        “What did they said?”

        She opened her mouth to answer but for some reason, no sound came out. She tried to at least let out some words but it was still no use.

        Was she scared to answer? No of course she isn’t. The blonde shook her head to erase the thoughts and took a deep breath, gathering her courage to tell her the result.

        “They know him.” 

        The brunette paused in her tracks and glanced her friend over her shoulder. When Barbara looked back at her, her eyes told her as a sign to continue.

        “They said he was killed in a war… From what I know, he was seeking freedom. The freedom we currently have here in Mondstadt was thanks to him.”

        “I see…”

        Lisa continued to stroll down the fields. Walking aimlessly, the blonde bumped herself to the librarian and the Chief Alchemist whose walking started to slow down.

        The latter’s lantern flashed to the big tree and when he dragged it down, they finally found who they were looking for. 

        [Name] rested her back against the coarse bark of the tree. Her eyes were closed and she tilted her head to the other side. 

        Before Barbara could go after her, she was stopped by a tight hold on her bare arm. “L-let me go!! Please!! [Name]…! We finally found [Name]!!��� A single drop of happiness welled up from the corner of her eyes as she tried to pry Albedo’s hold on her but he won’t budge.

        When the Electro-vision user dragged the other light from the other side, her breathing had become light and her mouth gaped. The deaconess's struggling had stopped when her eyes trailed over the unfamiliar sight that was in front of them. Their limbs went numb with absolute shock and the hair started to tinge along the back of their neck.

        Several fireflies were swarming her body, their light flickering beautifully under the moonlight. Lisa made a dash to where [Name] is and quickly carried her body to her arms. 

        “[Name], wake up!” The female shook her body, but it only stayed limp, unresponsive to the call of her sister. She called out to her one more time and shook her body even more.

        “[Name]!! Wake up!!”

        Albedo rushed to her side and pressed his fingers to where her heart is to check her pulse.

        “[Name], stay with us!!”

        “[Name]! [Name]!!”

 **

          Venti slipped his arm on the back of her head and pulled her closer until she felt the tips of his lips brushed against her ear and whispered.

        “I was real.”

        Her body didn’t know how to react, it just shut down. She froze to a point where she was hardly breathing. Her mouth opened, her body didn’t move. The color drained from her face as she stared wide-eyed at the person in front of her.

        “W-what do you mean…?”

        “What I said is what it means.” He placed his hands back to the ground and lifted his head up to look at the starry sky.

        “I… I don’t get it…” The tears had stopped falling but there were still obvious stains marked on her face, her [eye color] eyes red and swollen from crying so much. He wiped her right eye with his thumb and flicking away the liquid.

        “You’ll understand later. You better go now, your friends are probably worried you just escaped suddenly.” A smile tugged at the corner of his lips but shortly after that, a yawn escaped from his mouth. He stood up and started walking away from her.

        “H-hey wait..! D-don’t go! Don’t leave me alone! Venti, please!!!”

        Streams of tears flowed faster than her heartbeat, her eyesight has become blurry; it was difficult for her to see clearly. As more of the droplets fell down to her cheeks, more thoughts whirled through her head. She stretched out her arms at him, desperately reaching out, wanting him to just take her with him.

        Venti took one more glance at her over his shoulder and called out her name affectionately. The wind pressed around her body as if it was trying to suffocate her, the wind was getting stronger and stronger; her body trembled so much from its coldness but [Name] still lifted her head up with all her strength she could muster and look at him with her disheveled state.

        She didn’t care if she was a mess, she just wanted to look at him. 

        She wanted to hear him call her name one more time.

        She fell down to her knees, as big fat tears of grief welled up her swollen eyes and a choked sob kept escaping from her jittering lips. She was sure she saw a trail of light tears fell from one of his eyes.

        Venti gave a bright smile at her, the one she always loved which always brightens up everything, and closed his eyes, finally voicing the thoughts that have been in the back of his mind all evening,

   “Let’s meet again, for the first time.”

   【 ＥＰＩＬＯＧＵＥ】

𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴

𝘛𝘰𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥

𝘛´𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥

𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘣𝘺𝘦´𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥,

− 𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.

[Aegis]

[ailaven]

Korotych Aerodrome - Kharkiv

3 March 2022. russia destroyed «Korotych» Aerodrome near Kharkiv - one of the most iconic landmarks of the region and a very dear place to people whose hearts belong to the sky. 

Kharkiv Aerodrome, and based on it Valentina Hryzodubova Aeroclub (V. Hryzodubova was a Soviet pilotess born in Kharkiv, a participant of the WWII, the first woman in Soviet Union awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, set a lot of aviation records), was established in 1925, and moved to Korotych in 1951. 

Kharkiv was always famouse for its thirst to conquire the sky, and since 1930s it was the capital of aviation. Almost a century-old history. Bright flights, testings of aircraft models, a parachuting club, competitions and championships of Ukrainian and international levels (in 2018, for example, 4 world records for women were set on the airfield!), a flight school, an open-air museum of Soviet and Ukrainian aviation, and since 2015 - an annual AirFest. 

The pride of the club - L-29 «Dolphin». The aerobatic team of the Kharkiv aeroclub on the L-29 was the only group operating in Ukraine on jet technology. Aviation enthusiasts from all over Ukraine and abroad came to the airfield to get into the back seat of the Dolphin. 

In 2021, during the last weekend of summer - on Aviation Day, I visited the 8th KharkivAviaFest, which brought together about 30.000 of guests. A 6-hour event, technopark with achievements in the aviation and space industry, air show, parachutist performances, exhibitions, presentations, raffles… I fell in love with the place. My father is a former pilot, and since childhood I admired his aircraft models, I loved the stories about his years at the academy, about how he flew the famous Dolphin, so… sky and aviation, it was always something special to me. It hurts to write about this, knowing that one of my favorite places in the world has actually turned into ruins. 

After WWII there was no Aerodrome. But we rebuilt it. And we will rebuild it again after ruscists. One day there will be the first postwar air show. New generations of defenders will learn to fly brand-new jets here. And the open-air museum will show the stories of heroic resistance of the Ukrainian nation, to the whole world. 

Все буде Україна 💙💛

[mooshs-crack-headcanons]

Hi moosh! Could I have sfw letters APW for dante, vergil, nero, and V? Thank you!

So this is my first piece for devil may cry, I hope it turned out well I'm still ify on it, especially with V's and a part of Vergil but I hope you guys like it anyway!

Dante 

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Dante is a pretty chill guy, but he really doesn’t get out that much besides to go do a job, out to get drinks and to gamble (losing most of his last payment from Morrison in the process and getting absolutely screamed at by both you and Lady) at the local bar, and to get a Strawberry Sundae at Fredi’s, most of these activities he loves for you to tag along with him (some partially to make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble *cough cough* like losing most of his fucking money *cough*) especially hunting if you can hold yourself in a fight, he gets a kick out of watching you kick demon ass and finds it really hot so expect a lot of flirty banter that’s filled with terrible puns and other dorky eye rolling one liners. This lovable fucking dork.

However most of your time spent together is in the office, which you can find the two of you laying on the couch watching the old busted television watching old movies or listening to the old busted jukebox that has been playing the same sixteen songs for the last thirty years (Dante stop abusing your shit) or just telling each other shitty stories the both of you have heard from one another countless of times, but somehow when he tells it again it somehow feels just as enjoyable as the first with somehow a different twist to it and when you tell it he always that charismatic talent that Dante just has this big heart throbbing grin on his face as he listens and it just makes your words sometimes stop that even he has to tell you to keep going, or just cooking together (and by together, I mean you doing 99% of the work because this man is forever banned anywhere near a oven anymore) because yeah sure pizzas 24/7 is fun and all but if there’s one thing (besides watching you kick demon ass) that he loves to watch you do it’s cooking and not only does he get to watch you excitedly dash from one part of the kitchen looking for ingredients and get a little messy along the way, he also gets something to eat out of it too in the end. 

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

Embarrassment to show his absolute adoration for you in public? No way! Dante is all about that PDA, unless you’re uncomfortable with it then he’ll respectfully lay off...but sometimes he finds it really hard when you’re just super cute when talking to the crew about a job, it's just something about that look of thrill in your eye that always grabs his attention. But if you’re down with it, let the lap sitting, quick heated kisses, bad suggestive pick up lines, and questionable touches commence! 

Dante is the number one choice for a feel better boost, if you’re feeling unsure and doubtful of your abilities be prepared to see this man recite everything fucking cool, smart, and badass thing he’s ever seen you do, so it’s a given Dante absolutely loves bragging about you to people. As he’s sharing tales of your badassery, there’s a glint of pure love in his eyes as he looks back to you and watches as your doubts begin to slowly fade away to the back of your mind, and of course if this is a recurring issue you might find even the rest of giving you compliments from time to time, even from Vergil (which almost gave you a heart attack from the shock hearing that from the eldest son of Sparda) 

Kisses from Dante are never shy, when he wants to show affection to you he’s never shy about it. Kisses from him are always the type that shoots butterflies to your stomach and makes you feel dizzy afterwards, his favorite to pull over you are when you’re in the middle of working on paperwork (his fucking bills) and surprising you with them because always without fail you get drag away from your work and go to cuddle on the couch, bills to be forgotten (and he wonders why his electric shuts off all the time) The crew immediately learns quickly that Dante really doesn’t have any shame, but reactions vary when they stumble upon it with Trish and Morrison are the two not to really give a shit to be bothered by it, Lady, Vergil, and Nero just roll their eyes at it before going back to do their own thing, Nico lets the: “get a room love birds” and other types of teasing lines and whistles fly every chance she gets, Lucia either embarrassed and covering her eyes or scolding the both of you for being that ‘personal’ out in the open like that, and Patty asks really uncomfortable questions. Dante for the most part gets a kick out of all of it!

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

I think it's very clear that he mimics actions he sees in movies (just look at how he fucking uses Cerberus for example) and so lots of what he does romantically is stuff he's seen in romance films he remembers watching with his mother and brother when he was younger or films that when he really has nothing better to do and Patty brings (all with titles he can never pronounce) to the office on a lazy afternoon and that's the reason why his view of romance is so cliche. When asked jokingly about it, he'll give a shrug and answer with the fact that the love between his parents, forbidden lovers, is a cliche trope itself and from the very few memories he has of his mother and father together he definitely remembers how sappy they were together, so sappy that it might've carried over into their kids (Vergil you don't escape this, just you wait) 

 So that being said, with the heart shaped chocolates, the roses to start every date with, several dates under candle light on the roof of the shop under a full moon, no matter how cliche it may be the confident wide eye grin on his face during them will never fail to make your heart skip a beat. 

Vergil 

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Vergil of course really likes to take every opportunity to train whenever he can so that he can be sure he's able protect those he cares for, so he really likes when you take the time to spare with him so not only he can stay in top shape for whatever danger that may come in the future but also so that you can do the same that he doesn't feel like it's all up to him to protect you when he is assured you can protect yourself, this keeps his mind from wandering to dark power lusting places.

On free days that there's no jobs in sight and there's not a focus on training, Vergil of course likes to read in his book. Flipping through the pages of his old precious childhood possession he feels himself at ease and even more so if the two of you are laid up together in bed in the privacy of your shared room, your head laid softly on his chest with his hand in your hair subconsciously combing through it as he reads Blake's words aloud to you in a quiet voice as if the words were only meant for you to hear.

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

Listen, all the Sparda men are romantic in their own way to the core, I like to think it’s in their genes and this is Vergil we’re talking about, this man is an absolute traditional romantic with absolutely no PDA. I mean come on, again this is Vergil we're talking about this is to be expected the son of Sparda prefers to keep his romantic life absolutely private between the two of you. To be honest it takes only the closest people in the two of your lives to realize that the two of you are even together, so basically only those who are at Devil May Cry frequently. The tale tell is that out of everyone you end up being on the end of Vergil's...Vergilness the least bit, sure there are moments but at least you haven't been stabbed by Yamato or had any summoned swords shot at you like everyone in the office has been at least once (although this also applies to Kyrie but I see her never really doing anything that would really bother him) and he also gives to rare non sarcastic compliments, which blows Dante's mind every time it occurs. 

Vergil doesn't brag about you, he compliments, and true hearted compliments from Vergil are rare, but when they happen you always know he 100% means it especially if he does it in front of others. This is the only form of PDA he feels comfortable with doing, and usually they're about how you did in fights or a super rare version: that he's proud of you. 

Again Vergil believes all romantic acts should be savory in the privacy between each other, so it's obvious that he doesn't like kissing in public. However, if you were to hypothetically I don't know...give him a peck on the cheek or go even more scandalous the lips while he's at phone duty in the office while Dante and the others are around the pool table and sitting area or in Nico's van while waiting to drive off with the crew to whatever next job, his cheeks might turn into a interesting shade of pink. 

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

It takes patience to be in a relationship with Vergil, in the beginning he'll be closed off and won't share what he's thinking (but it says a lot with how much he does trust and care for you to be in a commitment with you) but as time goes on he'll slowly start to open up more and more as he lets himself accept the human in him to love you, and at this point he'll start to share things that are very close and dear to him. 

He has very fond memories of watching old black and white romance films with his mother and Dante, who only would watch them because the moment they would end he would immediately beg him to train with him, but with him falling down to hell and being corrupted since he was only nineteen to him he remembers memories of when he and Dante were kids more clearly than his brother can since to him they don't feel as they happened a long ago so he remembers watching these films from long ago in very great detail. So of course the moment he can find some of these films with the help from a hesitant Nero (still getting used to the whole dad ripping arm off thing and all) to find and order those they could find online. From the very moment he has the old tapes in his hands do they become as precious as you, Yamato, his amulet, and his book (as well as a little bit of Nero but it takes him a while to come to terms with it) so with this being something very emotionally important to him, and after very long pandering about it, he asks you to watch these films with him (he also considered asking Dante but figured since he didn't practically like the these films as children that he wouldn't want to to watch them now, absolutely no idea about the cliched dork he is now because of these types of films) The entire time you find yourself struggling to pay attention to the actual film instead you find yourself drawn to the deep nostalgic look in your lover's eyes as he's glued to the screen. For a while you're not even sure if he's actually watching the black and white picture either with how he eyes seem to be playing out scenes of the past and this is the first time you've ever seen this much emotion on his face at once. You end up holding a tight securing grip on his hand throughout the rest of the film, one normally he wouldn't hold for as long but you find his fingers subconsciously rubbing against yours from time to time. Once the nostalgic movie night ends the two of you don't say much to each other, which Vergil appreciates since how much emotional significance that it had on him and with the feeling that he's glad he got to spend it with you. 

Nero

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

He likes killing demons with you, it's in his blood. Just seeing you in action will without fail boost confidence in him and makes him want to show off for you, which ends with him getting hurt and scolded by you many times but he wouldn't have it any other way. 

Well, he really finds himself doing a lot doing jobs with Nico on the road as of late so except a lot of quality time together on jobs and in the van. When the two of you aren't out kicking demon ass expect a ton of sitting around in the van watching whatever happens to come in on Nico's very small and very shitty portable tv, this is when you learn your boyfriend has actually a lot of a surprising amount of trivia on shows that hadn't been in production in decades but are shown as frequent reruns on low quality channels that coincidently air in Fortuna's limited broadcast range. 

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

I feel like during the time around dmc 4, Nero at that point was absolutely super embarrassed with the idea of PDA, not even getting started with his insecurities about his arm, but I feel about now after his experience with dating Kyrie for a few years he gotten use to it a little bit. However that doesn't mean he won't get entirely red faced by teasing comments from Dante or Nico even if he was just looking at you for a few seconds longer than he should've.

Fuck yeah he brags about you to others. You're a badass, and he absolutely loves that. During a fight he'll gladly give you a cocky Nero way of approval by saying that even he should try and catch up before flashing you a smug ass grin before revving up Red Queen and jumping into the next hoard of demons.

Again Nero gets embarrassed easily, however unlike his father he's not totally against it but it depends on whose exactly around. For example if it's Lady or Trish, hell even Morrison he's perfectly comfortable with giving you a kiss hello/goodbye or wrapping his arms around you just for the hell of it because he knows that they're chill and won't make a big deal out of it. But if it's anyone else...he feels not so much about it. Dante and Nico tease the hell out of him for days, Patty asks very uncomfortable person questions, Lucia gets really easily flustered about it, and Vergil and Kyrie for personal reasons would just rather not prefer to do anything around them. But every time you are the one to initiate any sort of affection, he'll immediately rub/scratch at his nose with a very dumb founded flustered look on his face. 

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

Nero is actually a good cook and absolutely loves cooking things for you and that is usually what happens for most dates, no matter how complicated the recipe he just seems to have a natural talent for it. So when it comes not only dates but to holidays as well, it's really funny to see the youngest relative of Sparda cooking away to serve the rest of the company on Christmas day when everyone knows damn well that neither his father or uncle has any clue how to work a kitchen and this is a fact that he holds proudly over his head. 

V 

A ctivities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Well being Vergil's human half, I still say most things still somewhat apply to him but a little bit differently. V's not really the best partner to spar with for starters (the most I see him doing is letting you train with his familiars) but I feel that he still completely understands the reason why Vergil would desperately want that, but he has a little bit more in himself to have faith in you to know you can more than able to handle yourself with your abilities. 

Like with Vergil, V absolutely loves to read with you. It puts a nice warm feeling in his chest when the two of you are alone and with you in his arms as he reads to you as you both sit against Shadow and Griffon nesting nicely in your lap, all together like a nice small family. 

P DA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

V, unlike Vergil, is torn between PDA. Like Vergil, he really does appreciate the privacy of time spent together behind closed doors but also he really does like the feeling of people seeing the two of you together as a couple, it brings out a heavy sense of pride and stroking his ego. 

V doesn't feel need to brag, he's proud of you and if you're with him you should know that by now, but if you're in need of some encouragement he always knows what right thing he's proud of you to pick you tight back up again. 

Kisses from V are never shy, will he do it often in front of others? Occasionally, but never frequent. When he does though they're always sudden and full of spark, you swear his lips are like an instant kill switch to your brain because once you realize that he's kissed you it's already hit you and most of the time you hear whistles and teases from Griffon (and sometimes Nico if she's around) that bring you back earth to (Name). 

W ild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

Vergil's nightmares plague him a lot, I mean he's literally contracted to them. So expect a lot of countless of nights of him waking up in cold sweat and doing his best to keep his sobs down as the image of Nelo Angelo is burnt into his mind. He would rather not talk about it, but he really does appreciate feeling you holding him through the after shocks. Tracing his tattoos or gently combing your fingers through his hair will slowly calm him down enough to at least lay back down with you and hesitantly fall back asleep knowing you're there to fight off the plagues of his mind at a moments notice.

[secretpeachtea]

is it fair?

Title: is it fair?

Genre: angst

Word Count: 1.1k

Summary: Midoriya didn't think there would come a day when Bakugou Katsuki would apologize to him. The last time he heard Bakugou pour out his heart was during their fight after he got his hero license but not once was an apology uttered. Now, he stands under the rain while facing his childhood friend who had just set aside his pride to mend their friendship. He didn't know how to react.

a.k.a my version of ch 322 if deku didn’t fully accept or comprehend bakugou’s apology the first time

Disclaimer: manga spoilers (inspired by ch 322)

A/N: i think the chapter is perfect the way it is, so if i hear any slander of horikoshi’s hard work and plotline, then i will simply yeet you away

read on ao3

“Izuku...”

.

.

.

“I’m sorry for everything.”

The rain pours down even harder at Bakugou’s apology as he lowers his head in front of his childhood friend. The rest of Class 1A watches from a couple feet away, all struck with their own individual chaotic emotions. Midoriya stands frozen in place as his brain tries to process the blonde’s words.

“You’re...sorry?”

There’s only about a minute of silence before Midoriya bursts out into humorless laughter. It sounds somewhat maniacal, and he has his arms clutching his stomach dramatically. Bakugou’s head shoots up to look at the boy with shock written over his own face. A few of his classmates even flinch at Midoriya’s sudden reaction.

Class 1A had believed that Bakugou had gotten through to Midoriya when they saw the small spark of light in his eyes. They thought they were able to see a glimpse of the sweet and friendly boy they’ve all become familiar with since the beginning of the school year. They were wrong.

No one dares say anything as Midoriya’s laughter is slowly replaced by heart-wrenching sobs. His tears blend in with the cold rain trailing down his cheeks, and he can barely make out anyone due to his blurred vision. If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve mistaken all the blurry figures as the terrified civilians who have been visibly cowering away from him since he started working with the heroes.

“Midoriya-kun…” Iida, who’s been witnessing all of this unfold from behind his dear friend, tries to place a hand on the boy’s hunched shoulder. His efforts are immediately rejected as a tattered glove slaps it away and Iida’s expression saddens.

“Don’t...don’t touch me.” Midoriya takes a step away from the group with dull eyes and a couple people tense up in case he tries to run away again. However, he seems to have overworked his body to the point where his legs could no longer support him. As his knees buckle, Kirishima and Iida rush to catch their friend. Bakugou sprints forward just a bit faster.

As soon as Bakugou’s arms grasp onto Midoriya’s disheveled costume, the shorter boy aggressively shoves the blonde out of arm's reach. The momentum causes Bakugou to stumble backwards a bit, while Midoriya collapses into a small puddle.

“Get away from me!! Don’t come near me!” Midoriya’s shouts. He props himself up to lean on his arms but makes no effort to stand and instead sighs in defeat. “I-it’s too late for me…”

This time, Uraraka is the one to slowly approach her fallen friend with a grimace, her footsteps cautious. “What do you mean, Deku-kun?”

“I’m becoming what everyone perceives me as. What everyone thinks of when ‘Deku’ appears. The Pro heroes tried to hide it from me, but… there’s no way I couldn’t have heard what the civilians have been saying. T-they...they think I’m...a v-vi-” Midoriya can’t finish his sentence and stares at the ground as if willing it to swallow him whole.

Kirishima clenches his fists. “No way, Midoriya! There’s no way anyone would ever see you as a villain!”

There’s a murmur of agreements from the class. Kaminari nods his head fervently. “Yeah, man! You’re, like, the total opposite! We all know you’re a great hero!”

Bakugou points behind him with his thumb and musters a shaky smirk. “You hear that? Everyone here knows you’re just as much of a hero as the rest of us, so come back to U.A.”

A beat of silence passes by and Class 1A waits in anticipation when Midoriya raises his head to look at them. Everyone casts a worrisome glance when they notice his eerily blank expression.

“...You’re wrong,” Midoriya rasps quietly. “You’ve all been ahead of me all this time.”

Midoriya attempts to pull himself off the ground but settles for resting on his knees when his legs continue to feel too weak. Bakugou could only stare and listen with distress.

“I couldn’t defeat All For One...I couldn’t save Shigaraki…Gran Torino. Aizawa-sensei. All Might. I don’t even know if Lady Nagant is able to breathe on her own!” The volume of Midoriya’s voice increases steadily and his voice cracks with anguish. With wide eyes, a gloved hand reaches to harshly pull at the bloodstained collar of Gran Torino’s cape as if it were choking him. “How many more people will I fail?”

For once, Bakugou can’t bring himself to say anything right away. The pain from his reopened shoulder wound doesn’t even compare to the pain he feels from listening to how broken his friend sounds. Is this how Midoriya felt when Bakugou had cracked under the pressure of his own insecurities months prior?

Midoriya’s hands grip onto his hair as if seeking for something to anchor his emotions. Black Whip trickles out of his hands but flickers out in short spurts from overuse. The boy looks more exhausted than ever before. His matted hair looms over the dark circles under his eyes and dirt frames his cheeks. Midoriya was always known for being a bit shorter than most of the boys his age, but he looked even smaller under his shredded hero costume.

Bakugou crouches down to match Midoriya’s eye level and gently grasps onto the tormented boy’s arms. He slowly pulls Midoriya’s arms away from his green locks without any resistance from the other male. Bakugou doesn’t even bat an eye when Black Whip scratches against his skin and beads of blood form from the small cuts. “You haven’t and you won’t.”

“Even when I have a quirk I…” Midoriya’s voice trails off into soft sniffles. The storm has transformed into a light drizzle, so it can no longer hide the fresh set of tears that stream down Midoriya’s face.

“It’s only ‘cause you’re trying to fucking do everything by yourself. We’re here to step in when you can’t handle it on your own,” Bakugou’s voice is uncharacteristically soft, but he doesn’t care. The two boys look at one another without breaking eye contact. The blonde takes a deep breath before speaking again, “and even if you don’t want to accept my apology, that’s okay. We’re here to save you because saving people is how we win.”

Without warning, Bakugou shifts forward and places a hand on the back of Midoriya’s head, while his other arm circles around the boy’s shoulders to collect him into a protective embrace. The latter practically melts into his friend’s arms as any final bit of strength leaves his body. For someone that used to bawl loudly in public, he cries quietly into Bakugou’s chest. Midoriya feels Bakugou tighten his hold as if a simple gust of wind might take him away again. The last few drops of rain fall to the Earth before the only thing he can feel is his friend’s slow but steady heartbeat.

“Kacchan...”

Was it fair for someone like him to feel so relieved in such a warm embrace?

“Let’s go...Izuku.”

The sky is still grey with looming clouds, but the rain has completely ceased. Midoriya finally relaxes in Bakugou’s arms.

“Okay.”

A/N: bakugou katsuki the man you are :')

[friggsdc]

Title: little delinquent pt ii

part i | part ii | part iii

Warnings: Female!reader (bat!sis), mostly family fluff, AU, hurt/comfort, language

word count: 4000~

It had Bruce and Dick sharing a look for a moment before the latter spoke up, “It’s not like I’m against continuing to expand the family, but…” he eyed the child you held nervously, “please don’t start bringing home every child you find…” he tilted his head, “he’s bad enough.” Bruce settled a light glare at his first son (that definitely wasn’t what Bruce was thinking), though Dick was stilled by the way your eyes narrowed at him instead.

“His name is Terrence,” that was all you said, brushing past as they were suddenly on guard at the inherited Wayne-scowl on your face.

-

a/n:  still no jaybird lmao I’m sorry, but I brought in mamabat duke, because he’s the best at being a mamabat without smothering you like your other siblings. Steph too because she’s your sweet bean partner in crime u v u)9 For my sanity, Metropolis is in Deleware across the bay from Jersey (tho Gotham is still north of Atlantic City).

-

He wasn’t certain if he should be proud or upset at how quickly you’d turned Tim against him, the two of you now working in unison, playing ‘keep away from big papa Bruce.’ No matter when he tried to approach you, something always seemed to happen or come up, and it was actually starting to get on his nerves. Worse was Damian seemed to be joining in, his rebellious nature being nurtured by the influence of both Tim and yourself.

He knew it would be difficult to deal with you and your ability to hide anything, just like you could hide yourself, but… Now he had to deal with more than just you, and Tim wasn’t going to make it any easier for him. Oh no, this was going to be a headache with you two. And Damian… He couldn’t trust that his son wouldn’t give away anything he did to you, his loyalties giving out to the growing childish nature he was developing. Bruce was again at a loss, should he be happy Damian was acting his age, or upset that he was more interested in working with the ‘opposition?.’ 

“It’s not a mission,” Damian had commented, so it was “fair game.”

He rested his head in his hands, fingers lightly massaging his temples as his elbows supported him, propping him up on the ornate desk in his study.  Fucking hell, he had to outsmart both the tech sleuth and the stealth agent of the family. Information was literally their game. Rather than giving into the growing frustration in his stomach, he stood up, now a bat on a mission as he quickly headed down to the cave. He thanked his moody bat heart that it was just two of his kids (he wasn’t certain of Damian yet, the wild card), and not… more…

The League computers would definitely come in handy right about now.

He was gonna go full fucking vigilante detective bat mode on his kids.

Again.

He groaned.

-

[bigR] Dad took off for the League, bet you can guess why.

Flipping your personal phone closed with a light snort, you refocused your attention on buckling the toddler into the hand-me-down car seat. You’d definitely have to get him a new one on your shopping trip, you just hoped Duke’s car could fit everything…

Damian was securing his sword between him and the kid before he crawled in, closing the door and putting on his safety belt. You grinned at him as he avoided your smile, looking away instead, “hurry up.” Shaking your head, you leaned in to rub your nose against Terrence’s own, his chubby fingers coming up to grab at your face, hair, clothes, ears, and earrings ohgodstop. Having cooed at him enough, and having been assaulted by his little nails, scratches now on your chin, you leaned back and out of his reach, closing the door softly.

“Are you sure it’s okay to shirk off for the day? You’re the one usually patrolling at this time…” you headed to the passenger side, “Big guy said it was fine, besides…” Duke smiled and nodded his head towards the car with a wink, “wouldn’t want to leave you alone with a bunch of kids.” It’s not like he was wrong, but you were skilled enough to handle your brother and… son… ah… that was going to get some getting used to. A smile and spread on your face with a light laugh as you climbed in, settling, and closed the door behind you, “ready to get going?” Damian glared at you before refocusing his attention on Terrence, ignoring your obviously dumb question, “Pennyworth mentioned Todd having finally gotten back before I left.”

Duke had started up the car and checked over everything before heading down the manor drive, now officially on the road. Meanwhile, you hummed happily, “guess I’ll have to go see him when we get back.” Damian made a face, “gross.” You rolled your eyes in amusement, “you knew what my reaction was gonna be.”

The two were ridiculous in how they treated each other, honestly.

“It’s still gross.”

The ride down the ocean side drive was calming, the windows lowered to let the cool ocean breeze in. Damian was back to his “poking the toddler’s nose” game, having gotten used to the sound of a baby, and no longer acting like it wasn’t his fault when he made the toddler laugh.

Meanwhile,

“So, who made you the baby-sitter?” Duke kept his eyes on the road, the ever-responsible budding adult that he was, “Bruce, actually.” He grinned at the way you looked at him, catching sight from the corner of his eye, “surprising, I know. Woulda thunk Tim’d have asked, huh?”

Nodding, you leaned back, “well, I mean, yeah. He’s been pretty upset since the other day, he won’t leave Terrence and I alone at the manor. He’s been staying over...” You might have felt bad for lying to Duke, but the truth was that you were lying to everyone but Tim at this point. Not that it was the first time you’d lied to them. You told the truth so often that they took you at your word, never catching on when you did fib, but you were pretty certain this would blow up in your face.

They’d catch you eventually.

This wasn’t one of those easy to digest lies either, that was the complicated part. It terrified you how they’d react once they learned the truth.

Then…

Before that happened, you made the silent determination that you’d make your… son a part of the family. They won’t be able to decide anything for him then, they’d be in too deep, you’d make certain.

Yeah, you could be a little… manipulative sometimes.

Probably something you got from your father.

“What’s up?”

“Oh, sorry, nothing. My mind was just wandering,” Duke frowned a little, flipping on his blinker while coming to a slow crawl, “not believing you.”

Turning your head to him, your grin was a bit scary, “okay, so, I was just thinking about if your car can fit everything I’m going to want to buy.” It was enough to distract him, a groan finding its way out as he pulled into the ticketing line for the ferry.

“If..??”

Now, to really drive it home, you pulled something from your purse and waved it at him, “Is… is that…” he eyed it nervously. “Yes, yes it is, dear brother.” His ears burned as he turned his eyes from you, hand now outstretched in your direction.

“You’re paying the ferry, then…” he muttered.

You put your dad’s credit card on his palm,

“Rich little daddy’s girl.”

This time the snort came from the back seat, “I have one as well, Thomas. You need only ask father.”

Duke sputtered and refused to acknowledge either of you till after having crossed the Deleware Bay.

Rich kids. Honestly.

-

Metropolis always amazed you, honestly, the bright skies overhead and the amount of people without a care in the world was enviable. Still, it just wasn’t… home. By now you’d developed some serious Stockholm for the cesspit that is Gotham. Even so, you preferred to go shopping here, their selection of high-quality stores mixed with less people recognizing you, and your family, were boons.

As you stared up at the towering high rise in front of you, Damian having disappeared inside minutes before, there was one other reason for coming to Metropolis…

“You’re always so slow! I told you to hurry up!!”

“Who’s slow?! You’re the slow one!!”

“Boys, please—”

The loud sound of twin crashes echo’d out the opened lobby door, the two boys in question bounding out with plenty of energy and two very red chins. “That… looks painful…” you smiled, walking over to check Damian’s face for actual injury.

“Tt, I’m fine.” He smacked your hand away, glaring at the super next to him, rubbing his own, already healing chin. “Hey Jon, enjoying Metropolis?” The bright-eyed boy, sans cape, grinned at you from ear to ear, “There’s so much to do here!” he almost lifted off the ground in his excitement, “but I miss the farm.” A chuckle came from the entrance to the building, deep and warm and just as kind as the child now sticking his tongue out at your youngest brother. On the man’s broad shoulder was an overnight bag, and a sheepish smile on his face as if he felt guilty. 

He probably did, the two boys were a handful.

Duke was leaning against the roof of the car with a huge dopey smile on his face, waving at the man approaching, “Hello, you must be the chaperone, Duke Thomas?” your newest brother nodded enthusiastically, almost at a loss for words, “Yup! I-I mean y-yes, it’s nice to meet you, sir!” Clark only chuckled, far too used to such formalities, “Clark is fine, our families are… close, after all.” He watched the boys pull at each other’s faces in mock battle.

“Ah, Clark! It’s been a while!” the older male smiled as he stopped a few feet from you and the car, hands resting on his hips, “Miss Wayne.” Near immediately, his eyes shifted to the backseat of the car and he leaned against the door, looking in.

“Bruce has another kid? He looks like how I always imagined him to look as a kid, suspiciously innocent,” you froze, and he would have laughed at the thought of Bruce with more secret kids, but he straightened. Looking at you in concern instead, he started, “I know he’s not… the most affectionate father, but…” you quickly shook your head, attempting damage control. “It… no, he’s not dad’s…” You laughed nervously at the look on his face, his hand raising to point at you as his mouth opened and closed a few times, trying to process.

“Yup. He’s… His name is Terrence, and he’s… my… son…” your tone turned warm and kind, and your eyes settled on the babe in the car with all the grace of a mother, just like Lois when Jon had been born, the older super nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad it’s you, then. If anyone in that family can raise a good kid, it’ll be you.” The two of you shared an understanding smile, though yours was accompanied by a twitch or two, swearing he enjoyed his little joke, before he turned his head painfully in surprise, as if an enemy had suddenly appeared.

Following his sight, you had to laugh at the dark glare on Damian’s face directed at Clark, “well, I think it’s time I take my leave, then.” He scratched the back of his head, avoiding the kid’s gaze. He wanted to inquire more about the new addition to the family, but it would have to wait. Jon gave his dad a huge hug, getting his hair ruffled in the process as Clark waved at Duke, chucking the overnight bag into the car.

With a last good-bye to you, he turned high-tail and ran, as if he were almost eager to get away. Watching him jog slowly inside the building, you almost swore his steps were far lighter than his build, “probably prefers to float…” looking away, you missed him trip.

“Alright, c’mon you two. Get in.” when you’d opened the door, the two boys stared in horror, “I’m not sitting in the middle.” Damian ground out before Jon pushed him with more force than Damian could resist, “HE’S YOUR BROTHER!!! YOU SIT IN THE MIDDLE!”

“STUPID! HE’S MY NEPHEW!”

“Still, you sit next to him…” Jon pouted, and combined with your stare, Damian crawled in with a grumble, “Stupid super.” Jon ignored him without issue, and you’d have to ask Damian about it later, curious as to why his best friend was so used to his insults like it was a common occurrence? Then he climbed in after, shutting the door behind him.

“Nerves of steel, that one,” you mumbled, getting back in the car as Duke laughed lightly, starting the car up before heading a bit further into the city. After a few minutes and a few stop lights, Duke gave in to the side-glances you kept giving him, having caught them from the corner of his own eyes, “what now?” The growing devious grin on your face had him on edge, “speaking of nerves of steel…” a shiver hit the back of his neck, “please don’t.” His begging stopped nothing, “fanboy,” but of course you would, and he did his best to pay attention to the road, “don’t make me ignore you all day.”

“I thought it was cute though? Haha, Izzy would be jealous.”

“It’s… I mean, he was…” his ears were burning, especially at the mention of Isabella’s name, and he pouted worse than Jon had.

“I know, but still. You know you’ve met him before, right?” Duke looked like he wanted to disappear in his seat, “just… in costume…” you hummed in amusement.

It didn’t take long for Duke to pull into the parking lot at one of the high-end furniture stores, resting his head on the steering wheel for a moment after parking. The two boys were already out of the car, bickering and racing into the store, “you have no taste! It’s all dark! You can’t put a baby in a depressing room!”

“YOU WANT TO BLIND HIM WITH BRIGHT COLORS!”

“YOU WANT TO SCARE HIM WITH DOOM AND GLOOM!”

The two were practically racing at this point, shoving each other back and forth, though Jon often made Damian stumble through raw strength, and Damian often made Jon trip through dirty tricks.

“Aaaaand there they go.” You were already out of the car as you said it, heading to the driver’s backside door. Duke stepped out before stilling, his face falling at the straps in your hand, outstretched towards him, “you have got to be kidding.”

“Nope, you’re the babysitter today, Papa Duke.”

He took the child carrier from you, strapping the pack on with a depressed aura of resignation, “this so doesn’t look cool.” You snickered as you transferred Terrence over to the pack on Duke’s front, “yeah, but people won’t mess with a big guy like you. Besides, I can handle Damian better than you, can you take care of our son?” you teased him.

“Yeah, I can take care of… him…” Duke eyed the child looking around at everything he could, taking in every sight with silent baby contemplation skills, thumb in his mouth.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell Izzy about us,” you thought for a moment as he ignored your comments, switching tactics. Eyeing him before patting him on the shoulder, you began heading after the two boys, “when you get back, tell Izzy you think she looks like a piece of candy.”

He had a confused look as he followed after you, catching up in a speed walk, “what’s that supposed to mean?”

Not only did his ears turn red, but his entire face and neck burned hot at the suggestive smile on your face, “Oh… wait, w-why out of nowhere though?!”

“You forget, I live with nothing but men. Harper’s not around often and Steph is the only female I see on a regular basis.”

“Get some friends,” he groaned.

“That’s what family is for.”

Ugh.

-

Shopping actually went a lot better than expected, and you were able to get a new car seat at the behest of Damian, “no way you’re using a hand-me-down,” he all but threatened. There were some smaller things you could easily fit into the car, a few boxes, one for a mobile, one for a few bed sets, a giant pregnancy pillow -- regardless that you weren’t pregnant, you wanted the giant horseshoe pillow. Jon was jealous of it, now wanting one of his own, as you picked up some non-essentials.

The bigger things would have to be shipped, a crib for a few months till he was big enough, small bed with side bars so he wouldn’t fall out when ready to swap out the crib. They even had a huge rocking chair! It was probably one of the most comfortable things you had ever sat in, its ability to “rock” you back and forth on its slides without losing much momentum was heaven.

And you could curl up in it.

Somewhere in all the chaos, just as expected, you’d gone and lost both the boys. Or, well, more like they lost you. Duke was still dutiful with Terrence, and he was also really amazing at looking at details and knowing what item was better than the next. Sure, you’d been taught the same skills, but you were preoccupied with Damian and Jon (until you weren’t).

“Hum… hey, I’m gonna go check out next door, okay?” Duke turned to you from the different curtains in his hand, having taken to looking at a few general things for the room; curtains, bookshelves, a desk or two.

Unlike your father and most of your family, you had far more free time to do these small things yourself, never needing to hire an assistant to do all the work. You only needed some help with moving things, of course. It was something you’d picked up from both Alfred and the Kents, the equally uneasy and comforting feeling of being humble.

“Sure, which one?”

“The clothing store, I think there’s a dedicated kid store a bit further down the mall strip, I’ll probably make my way towards that.” Duke pouted, “leaving me alone with the kids?”

“Just one.” To emphasis your point, Terrence decided to start pulling on the same curtain as Duke, though Duke swatted his hands away quickly. A one-sided glaring contest began as the kid kept his frown on Duke, not looking away.

Duke looked around ignoring him, “that’s… true…”

“Thanks Papa Duke!” you gave him a hug, burying your face in Terrence’s and pelting him with kisses, pulling back only when his laughter echoed around the three of you. Duke refused to look at you as you cooed at the child strapped to his chest, awkward, “I hate you.”

“You love me.”

He snorted and went back to picking out curtains, “and don’t you forget it.”

“You have my card still, right?” He nodded, not even bothering to ask if you needed it. He knew you didn’t carry paper notes around, having seen you use your phone to pay for things physically too often.

Taking that as your cue, you turned to leave, “text if you need anything, and keep an eye out for the boys, I’ll… look, too,” and a moment later you were outside the store, stretching in the sun with a big breath of fresh air. Dang you loved Gotham, but also? Dang you loved Metropolis, too.

-

[steph] hey, herd u like

[steph] have a baby now???!

[steph] ;)))))

The buzzing of your personal phone caught your attention,

[you] tim? also, switching over for a bit.

You switched recipients,

[you] ready.

Turning the phone off and flipping it closed, you began walking in the opposite direction that Duke had been told, popping the back of the case off and pulling out the battery.

You’d asked Tim to redirect a dummy signal for your phone, keeping it within a five-foot radius of Duke for the next forty minutes or so. He’d given you the thumbs up, your telling him everything when you got back being his payment for helping.

He was very curious as to why you were breaking in to the LexCorp building.

The rather fast-paced walk (almost a light jog) to the building wasn’t that long, you’d made certain the stores you chose were close on purpose. Taking out your business phone, you opened it to another text as you started up a rather… illegal app. Your phone’d been rooted from the moment you had it, and it was hooked up to a very specific closed network.

This outing was one of the only chances you’d get, having lucked out with the more lenient Duke, as your other siblings were far more vigilant. Damian meanwhile was distracted by Jon, the two acting more like brawling siblings than best friends. Though Damian preferred the term rivals, but Jon was just happy to have a close friend he could be himself with.

[splr] he couldn’t contain himself

[splr] was vibin’ like flash lol

There were very few people who had access to this phone, and unfortunately for Tim, it was a hazard for both of you to have any kind of connection to him on your work phone. Stephanie however was one of the very few people who got to have that privilege.

[you] remind me to thank him for stealing my thundr

The family had the Bat-computer, Batman had the League’s Womb mainframe, the Robins had their Nest, and you? You had access to something older, reborn too many times, and set up and now maintained by some genius mastermind you’d never heard of. 

It was a mostly defunct information network by this point.

You’d met some really interesting people when you used to tail your father, and through repeated encounters, you’d met even more interesting uh... “friends.” Eventually you weren’t stalking your dad, instead, you were learning to do what you did best: Spy-games and recon.

And you’d impressed the wrong people.

But you didn’t mind, you liked the constant link to “their” information hubs.

[splr] lol

[splr] coffee tmrrw?

The Society’s Networks.

You knew your dad suspected some of your activities, but he never approached you about them. Probably because Batman enjoyed your access to these networks often when they were online, having come to you on multiple occasions to see if you could help with his detective work. 

You were playing double agent, compiling what you could from the chatter picked up from specific phones hooked into the closed channels. Sure, they weren’t always active and so sometimes you had to go with information from recon, but you did what you could, your bias for your bats, and birds, too strong. For your family.

[you] the same-same

[splr] c u tmrw then ;)

[splr] don’t forget the kid lol

Not that you’d ever shown him, if Batman knew what kind of information the Society had in their databases, well… you were pretty certain the world would burn. 

He once said it was best he didn’t know, something about helping to keep a balance between the good and the bad, causing both sides to stay in check.

The database’s app held all kinds of information, and as you downloaded the LexCorp building plans (sans recent modifications), you stared at the towering complex in front of you. Before you went further, you made certain the matrix encryption program was running, after all, “no reason to let anyone know I’m here.”

“Done this tons of times, can totally do this again,” but LexCorp was terrifying, Lex Luthor was terrifying, almost as much as Wayne Enterprises. Here’s to hoping your dad’s technology and Tim’s brain were smarter than anything Lex could cook up.

Besides, wasn’t he under house arrest right now?

It did nothing to calm your nerves.

“Nerves of steel, totally.”

You had to be fast.

[scarofthewind]

Love Letters || V x Reader

A/N: I love this movie with all my being and decided to write for V from ‘V for Vendetta’. Hope you all enjoy.

Warnings: Hurt-comfort, mentions of abuse, foul language

word count: 1.6k Tip Jar (every bit helps)

The sound of your bare feet hitting the ground echoed through the dark street. It was far too late for anyone to be out, but here you were, running from yet another abusive lover who had taken a bad day out on you. For years you’d been receiving strange letters from a man you had no recollection of. He called himself, ‘V’, which he signed so neatly at the bottom of every letter. Sometimes he wrote to you multiple times a week, other times it was only a few in a month. In either cases, you always looked forward to that small envelope with a dried wax seal on the back. You always wrote back and watched as the mailman came to pick up the letter with no destination; yet V always managed to receive them. 

It’s like I’ve known you my whole life, V. Even though I don’t know what you look like or who you are, I know you. I wish there was a way I could be with you, but I’m afraid of what he’d do if he found out how I feel for you. He destroyed the wonderful roses you gave me, burnt them all but I managed to save some of the petals....

I hope to see you one day, maybe that day you can take me away from here to that beautiful place you were talking about the last time you wrote me....what I would give to simply hear your voice call out to me....

With all my heart, (Y/N)

The letters were always full of wonderful stories that made even your worst days, better; they were all locked in a wooden box you kept hidden until your newest lover found them and destroyed them all. You cried and tried your hardest to fight for even one, but that only ended with you getting stuck across the face and the urge to run coursing through your veins. Your heart ached for the desire to be held by the one man you knew would never lay a finger on you in such a way. There were many nights when you would lie in bed and dream about V, seeking comfort in the man you didn’t know.

My dear, I apologize for not writing to you sooner, my days grow crazier by the second but rest assured, when I think of you, everything is clear. 

I hate how much you get hurt by these men and I promise you, one day I’ll save you from their vile hands. I promise to only ever give you love and the passion you have never known. That day will be soon and I swear to you, (Y/N), I will take care of you.

V

 “Come back!” You heard your lover yell and you ducked into an alleyway, your heart hammering in your chest. You cupped your throbbing cheek, knowing very well it was wet with blood from the rings on his finger catching the skin there. You shivered from the cold night air and saw your breath in smoke around you when you exhaled, pressing against a wall and hoping he’d pass. “You can’t hide from me, I’ll find you sooner or later.” He growled, kicking a trash can and sending it flying around the corner opposite of you. You held your breath, hoping he would go away soon and wishing that you life had been better. 

Your eyes stayed trained on the night sky, wondering if V was looking at the same moon you were and feeling your heart break at a horrible thought. There would be no more letters, no more sweet words from the only man who’d ever said them to you; no more flowers, no more nights when you felt a little less lonely. Tears flooded down your face as you realized this was it; the sound of a gun cocking coming from your lover who was nothing but a monster. He would kill you and V would never know that the light of his life had been ripped from him. 

You ran down the end of the alley, turning another corner and sliding down the wall in submission. You couldn’t get out; there wasn’t an out for people like you. This was all you’ve ever known so of course just as you thought it would get better, everything goes to waste. “I’m so sorry, V.” You whispered, hearing him near you and feeling the barrel of the gun press against your head. 

“Fucking whore, I should’ve killed you when I had the chance,” He growled, kicking you to the side and enjoying the cries you gave. “That guy who wrote you those letters, you think he’d want someone like you?” You tried to block his foot as it came into contact with your stomach but you weren’t as strong as him. Your pleas did nothing but make him laugh as he kicked you again and again until you started coughing blood onto the stoned pavement. 

You gasped for air as the metallic taste filled your mouth, the tears in your eyes blurring your vision as you looked up at the man. “He loves me,” You sobbed and watched as he knelt before you, feigning pity. 

“I think I can speak for him and say that he most certainly doesn’t. I loved you, but you ruined everything.” He scoffed and pressed the gun against your head. 

“I speak for myself,” Another voice echoed in the alley and your head snapped up, eyes straining to see the figure who was standing a few feet away. Your lover stood up and faced him, keeping the gun pointed at you. “And you most certainly did not love her. You abused her to the point where she fell in love with another.” Coming into the light, you let out a gasp seeing the masked male; he titled his head to look down at you and tipped his hat. 

“Hello, my love, pardon me for my interruption but I do believe it’s time we go.” He said calmly, clicking his tongue in annoyance when your lover shoved the gun to your head. 

“V,” You let out a breathy sound of panic, locking eyes with the masked man and watching him pull out a knife. 

“To the right, please.” He said to you and you sent him a questioning look but understood when he threw the knife at your lover. You rolled to the side just in time as the bullet flew off the ground where you just had been, the sound deafening you. Pressing your hands against your ears, you cried out from the painful ringing in them, the pain in your body from being kicked ran through you like liquid fire, burning every part of your muscles alive. 

And then, as if everything became clear, a pair of gloved hands cupped your face, making you open your eyes. “I should’ve never let it amount to this, I hope you can forgive me-”

V had no time to respond before you tackled him in a tight hug, knocking his hat off and causing him to sit instead of kneel. He wasted no time in hugging you back, feeling your body tremble and shake in his grasp. “You didn’t do anything wrong, you know that, right?” He said to you gently and you cried harder, nodding your head in response. V could feel the movement against his shoulder and hummed, “I’m here now, my love, I’m sorry I took so long.”

Pulling back, he cupped your face again, wiping the tears away. “You saved me.” You sniffled, touching the mask gently. “You did what you said you’d do so there’s no need for you to apologize.” V stared at you deeply and you felt him start to get up, offering you a hand to which you grabbed. 

“I’m going to take you away from here, you will never know pain like this ever again, and I will make sure I spend every waking breath filling your life with all that you deserve.” He spoke to you as you stood, grimacing at the pain in your abdomen. “I’m taking you home, to the place you should’ve been all along.”

“As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we go.” You shivered against the cold air, letting V drape his coat over your shoulders. As you both started to walk, stepping over your ex-lover’s body, you stared at the masked man in wonder and need. It wasn’t until you made it out of the alleyways and into the moonlit street, that you paused. 

“V?” Your voice wavered a bit as your nerves grew and the man stopped, turning towards you in concern. 

“We must keep moving-”

“Kiss me.” Your breath sent a cloud up with how cold it was and V touched your cheek gently. “I’ve longed for you all these years,” You said, tracing the features on the mask and feeling his hand circle around your wrist. “Please.” Your eyes flickered to his and you could see the strain he was trying to put on himself slowly breaking off. 

And then it happened. He didn’t take the mask off fully, but he lifted it enough to press his warm lips against your cold ones and that was enough. He kept his lips against yours for a moment before pulling back and moving the mask back, grabbing your hand and placing it on his arm. “That should keep you satisfied until we reach home.” You blushed at his words but held onto his arm, your heart content with finally being with the man you loved. 

There would never be another letter, but there wasn’t a need for one; he was with you now and there was nothing in the world that could tear you away from him. 

[kandyrezi]

– red carnations;

⌜anonymous asked: Ok so I know there's been a fair bit of Sin stuff, but I feel the need to ask - how would Sin react to her darling hunting her down to confess to her, despite her being in a relationship? They just couldn't hold in the feelings anymore, despite knowing that it's foolish to expect someone as incredible as her to be into them, etc.⌟

pairing: yandere(?) sin x reader (funamusea)

(a/n: there can never too much naga wife love to go around~ u v u tbh i’m not sure how cute of a scenario you wanted it to be, but i hope this is to your liking!)

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ✯ ⋅.} ────── ⊰

The earthly scent of the flowers reaches your senses, in that moment it’s almost easy to become lost in a feeble, little fantasy where nothing in life can go astray.

You’re trying to wrap your head around what has possessed you to such notion involving you piecing together what was previously shattered to lost courage in order to get it off your chest. By how many times your heart beats above the norm whenever she’s near, you could almost mean it quite literally.

…she is married for Elux’s sake, how could you ever hope to think there being a chance of her returning your feelings?

What would that make you anyhow, a concubine of some kind to a harmonious marriage?

For the most part you are an observer from the sidelines; she is always busy, so you aren’t sure if there is a correct time you are supposed to approach her. Sin is nearly always in presence of her wife otherwise, so it would be difficult to get her alone. Unless you want to tell her you have feelings for her in front of Reficul or Mors, who would no doubt bury you alive.

You had no problem conversing and spending time as acquaintances before, but something quite clearly has changed if you’re behaving differently, leaving you to wonder if she would like an explanation for it – when she’d attempted to make small-talk at times when other demons were nearby, but you would more often than not, run away to avoid saying something you might come to regret in messy tumble of words. Now you were seriously re-considering and actually wondering whether admitting your deepest, inner thoughts out loud to the most powerful creature in Pentagram World would be an intelligent idea.

You find her near the edge of the precipice surrounded by pearly gates with rare sprouting orchids clinging to the metal poles, looking as the burgundy dusk settles and stars decorate in the sky behind the gate. It reminds you of a painting that would otherwise be dull were it not for the subject at the focus point to make it whole. You know exactly what – rather whom, makes it complete.

The weather is usually awful all-year around, but in this time of early night the stars had finally aligned for you. You had acquired the flowers from Alibe, who almost too politely allowed you to pluck them from his houseplant collection it almost seemed a little suspicious, but you barely cared about that then.

Minutes tick by in your head then – you go to approach her, but your footing fails you and you trip over a rock, falling off the hillside. You tumble downwards, painfully faceplanting against the soil-covered ground.

A familiar, concerned voice rings from afar a few seconds later.

“Oh! Oh dear, are you alright?”

Waiting for the vivid distortion to clear from your vision, you look up to see her leaning down, placing her palms on underneath your own to grasp your fingers carefully helping you back to mildly unstable feet.

“I’m alright, i-it didn’t even hurt…”

Not nearly as much as it hurt your dignity – or whatever scraps were left of it anyway. You wince, feeling a killer headache rapidly spreading through your scalp, no doubt a far cry from a developing bruise.

(stupid rock. stupid, stupid hillside. and most importantly – stupid, clumsy you.)

Before the mortifying ordeal of knowing you’d just embarrassed yourself in such manner can sink in, you quickly pick up the flowers, hastily try to wrap them together again to look decent, then extending your hand out.

Her gaze follows your mini-bouquet, observing it with curiosity now.

“Hm? Who are those fo—” the serpent doesn’t get a word in, before you blurt out a confession.

“I love you. I’m sorry.”

Covered in layers of dust and dirt from head to toe, you present her with spray made of red carnations. The low whistling of wind only continues to quietly breeze by. You mentally grimace at catching a glimpse of her blinking, being otherwise motionless.

Then she’s frowning.

You feel a pit forming in your stomach, clutching at your insides painfully—

“Dear, your nose is bleeding.”

You nearly gape, tongue stuck at the back of your throat. Sin slithers a bit closer until there’s almost no space left in between bodies.

“Allow me to fix that.” she says and wipes away the blood with a handkerchief kept in a pocket embroidered in her olive cape reaching down long as her hair. Folding the cloth together and putting it away, she places her palm against your temple. It fades away quickly as it merged; pain is no longer coursing through the area from where you hit your head.

(you nearly blush at being tended to like this.)

It’s still a morbid silence that becomes too much for you to bear. You were almost on the brink of wishing the Devil would emerge and slam you six– no, sixty feet deeper into the ground as far as the underworld goes for this foolish act… until Sin extends her arms to take the flowers from you, looking like she wants to say something about it, but an interruption cuts through when one of them begins to blossom and tilt upwards, petals extending, a mouth forming and opening, sinking its razor-like daggers into the serpent lady’s index finger, surprising both you and her.

‘Damn you, Alibe—!’ you curse that doctor in your head for ruining any and all zero point one chances you might have had at that point.

“Oh, what playful ones you are.” The serpent remarks to the plants, not looking deterred in the slightest as she hums a soothing tune to get the red crawlers to calm down, sharp teeth disappearing and eventually reverting to their original state of looking like regular pretty red carnations, petals stopping their shaking.

“Meat-eating plants are quite fascinating, aren’t they? Beautiful in appearance and quite curious in essence, but… they can cause a great deal of hurt if one isn’t aware of their actual, deadly nature.” she says – you swear you see something mischievous in the look she’s giving you, but you can’t decipher what it is.

“Y-Yes, they are certainly a source of interest…” you say, every neuron alert for any potential sign of displeasure, “I thought… you’d like them… maybe.”

“Now… would you like to tell me why have you been running from me as of late every time I try to talk to you?” she inquires, allowing the plants in her hands to now rest idly.

It seems there was no escape after all. You fumble with the hem of your shirt, not sure what to suddenly focus on. You suspect she probably knows your answer already by now, but as you wait a few minutes in silence, you realize she expects you to say it out loud.

“I… I was nervous because you’re the most extraordinary, elegant being in this world and I am just… nothing compared to you. Just one, ordinary blade of grass next to a grand tree that can reach even the far above skies and beyond. I wish I could offer more than what I am, but even that turned out to be a catastrophe in making…” you grumble, recalling that earlier mishap.

Your words cause her to go deep into thought for a minute and you’re anticipating her words.

She speaks again then, “How do you expect me to reciprocate your feelings if you have such a low opinion of yourself?”

You blink, confused at her answer, “I… h-how do you mean?”

“Do you not see yourself as worthy of being in my presence?” she asks, still cradling the gift close in her embrace, whilst her knuckles rest underneath her chin – you see the first sign of displeasure, but not from the actions you’d previously anticipated.

“Um, no, I… I want to feel worthy. I’ve been looking… just observing far too long from a distance, I think my own rotting heart would have turned to dust from inside out if I let this fire in me continue on burning, but now I’m not sure if I should have just let it happen,” you sigh, “I’m sorry for being a bother, but I hope you won’t hold any ill will against me for it… I just needed to get this off my chest.”

Before you allow your own inferiority complex to gnaw away your senses, Sin’s response back to you is almost immediate.

“You may have misunderstood me, it wasn’t my intention at all to dismiss your confession.” she says, with the same gentle voice you’ve become so used to.  She is even smiling with sincerity now.

“Your heart isn’t rotten in any way. In fact, you’re very cute with many things to admire. I know you always speak from the most inner of your soul, and… you should know I’ve reciprocate your feelings from the very beginning, perhaps with even more so the amount of passion you do, if you would allow me to show you more thoroughly, if my words alone are not convincing you.”

You feel foolish to the point you’re only able to quake slightly, swallowing the lump in your throat to clear your voice, “B-But… what about Refi— I mean, the Devil Queen?” you remember to address her with a respectful title for she is still technically your superior, especially in presence of her lawfully-wedded wife.

“I’m sure she won’t mind me having another beloved of my own. After all, love is meant to be shared, whether that’s between two unified persons or more.”

She gestures for you to place your hands towards her, as she hands you one of the very same red carnations you just gifted her.

“I… y-you knew all this time then…?” you accept the flower, holding it within your grasp, wanting to suddenly never let go of it.

“Darling dove, never shy from what your heart desires with this burning, ardent ache. I was wondering if I would have to wait for another eternity for you to approach me again to tell me about this.” she’s jokingly exaggerating her claim, but the words are not lost on you.

“I’m very perceptive of people’s emotions and it’d be sinful of me to lie and say I haven’t had this… desire to keep you all to myself alongside all my other possessions,” she tells you, offering you her hand to take, you swear her eyes are a deeper shade of red than you’ve seen before, “So, how would you like to accept my invitation to accompany me to my garden?”

You don’t need to think over your answer for too long this time.

- : - : -: - : -

(a/n: this is also partially dedicated to Piralos, i don’t know if this was her request but since as an avid Sin worshipper lover, i hope you like this!! 🍷)