#; oh hey look my first actual escaped!raven thread go me ;

[jenna-reads04]

I don't want you like a best friend (Emily Prentiss x reader)

Author's Note: Hi! I'm on spring break right now, so I decided to write my first Emily Prentiss x reader oneshot! This is based on the Taylor Swift song "Dress," where y/n is part of the BAU team and is best friends with Emily. In the flashback portion, I didn't really know how undercover agents wear wires, so I just made it up for the purposes of sexual tension. Sorry if it's inaccurate. This is also my first attempt at smut, so sorry if it's bad and constructive feedback is welcome. :)

Disclaimers: I do not own the lyrics to the song or the characters from Criminal Minds! (I also do not own the GIF above).

Word Count: 4.1k

Content Warnings: Soft!Emily, fem!reader, use of y/n, friends to lovers, soft smut (18+ only please), fluff, and bits of Penelope x Derek

****

You and the rest of the BAU team had just finished up a rough case in which you'd had to go undercover in order to seduce the potential unsub, much to your dismay. As much as you'd hated pretending to be attracted to that disgusting dick of a man, it had worked, and the case was thankfully over. Now, a small group of the team had decided to finish the night at a bar to decompress. Emily, JJ, and Penelope were on the dance floor, and you and Derek were sitting at the bar, sipping alcohol. Although your male friend usually took this time to hit on women, you sensed something had recently changed.

Even though the case was over, you'd been wearing a new dress you recently bought to aid in the "seduction." You couldn't help but notice the way Emily had been staring at you ever since you put it on, and her darkened gaze set off the butterflies in your stomach every time.

*Flashback to earlier that day*

"Hey, Em," you spoke through the office door. "Can you come in and help me with this wire real quick? I can't quite reach where it needs to go." You currently had the dress halfway on, your top half just covered with a black lace bra. It's possible you could've tried a little harder to get the wire on properly, but that's what best friends are for, right?

"Okay, I'm coming in," Emily replied before walking through the door. She attempted to avoid eye contact with you, immediately walking around to your backside to help get the wire in place. It needed to be threaded under your bra clasp, so it wouldn't just be hanging loosely and easy to see through your tight dress.

As Emily lifted your bra clasp and her fingers grazed the skin of your back, you had to prevent a gasp from leaving your mouth. Once she'd gotten the wire situated, she came back around to your front with the mic.

The brunette lifted the bottom of your bra strap, being not-so-careful about touching the skin at the top of your breast, and fastened the mic there. A gasp may have accidentally escaped your lips at her soft touch that time.

She finally met your eyes, and a faint blush was resting on her cheeks (or was it just your imagination?). "All set, y/n," she smiled as you pulled the thin straps of your dark blue dress over your shoulders.

"Thanks, Em," you said in a slightly squeaky voice, mentally cringing at the sound. She just grinned at you and began approaching the door when you realized you'd actually need help zipping the dress too. "Oh wait, can you zip me before you go?"

She nodded, moving to your back again. She gently moved your curled, y/h/c hair to the side, fingers ghosting the back of your neck as she slowly pulled the zipper up your back. Your skin erupted in gooseflesh at her touch.

Hopefully she just thinks I'm cold, you thought.

Emily once again walked around to your front, quickly glancing over your body, and you felt a warmth spread over your face at her heavy gaze.

"Look at you," she murmured. "You're absolutely stunning, it's a shame this dress is going to waste on an idiot unsub like this."

The raven-haired beauty started coming closer to you, and you knew your face was growing as red as her top.

You swallowed hard, not knowing what to say. "Well maybe -," and the two of you stepped apart as a knock sounded on the door.

"Y/n, are you ready? We need to get moving." At the familiar sound of Hotch's voice, you were both back in business mode, ready to catch the unsub.

You quickly moved to the door and opened it. "Ready," you spoke firmly and confidently, despite how your best friend's actions and words had shaken up your thoughts.

*End of Flashback*

You were pulled out of your reverie by Derek teasing, "Y/n, if you stare at Prentiss any harder, she might realize you're in love with her."

Your eyes widened at his observation. "What? I am not, I was just zoning out!" you exclaimed over the dance music that was playing.

Derek chuckled, "Sure, and it just so happened to be in the direction where your 'best friend' is dancing against another woman."

You frowned at that, having not realized that Emily was dancing, or rather grinding on another woman. Maybe you read too much into your interaction from earlier that afternoon.

Derek grinned at your reaction, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. "Don't worry, y/n. She loves you too - I can tell when Prentiss is trying to drown out her feelings."

You sighed at his words, feeling a bit relieved, but still worried. What if he was wrong?

Then, you noticed someone going onstage at the front of the bar. "Oh God, I forgot Fridays are karaoke nights," you groaned.

Penelope and JJ approached the two of you, having just left the dance floor, the technical analyst bubbly as ever. "Y/N, why the sad face?" She and Derek shared a knowing look before she gasped, "Oh my God, you should totally sing a Taylor Swift song! I've heard you sing, so I know you can!" she exclaimed over the current singer's drunken rendition of Lady Gaga's "Born this Way."

You groaned once again, "I don't know, Pen, I'm not feeling very confident tonight."

"What?" Penelope gasped. "But you look so hot in that dress, and you arrested an unsub in it!"

JJ nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and plus, blue is definitely your color!" she encouraged.

You had to smile at your friends' compliments, they really knew how to hype a girl up. Their words about your dress made you think of Taylor's song "Dress" and the implications it had. Maybe that's how you could confess your feelings to Emily, but would she understand it's about her?

"Do you think I could pull of 'Dress?'" you asked the blondes hesitantly, already feeling the butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

"Oh for sure!" Penelope reassured excitedly. "You'd sound so hot singing that one!" Derek looked at her questioningly at that comment, and it suddenly became clear why he hadn't been trying to pick up girls that night.

"What?" she smirked at the handsome man. "Don't you worry, my chocolate thunder, you know I only have eyes for you." Penelope kissed him on the cheek, and you shared a smile with JJ at your friends' affection.

"Okay, I'm definitely gonna need some liquid courage if I'm gonna do this," and you went to go get some tequila shots, leaving your friends alone.

"You know she's in love with Emily, right?" Derek asked Penelope, as JJ approached a brunette woman a few feet away.

"Oh, definitely. I may not be a profiler, but I'm not blind either," she laughed, sitting on Derek's lap and placing her arms around his neck. "Wait until you hear the song she's going to sing," she smirked.

****

After taking some shots along with a few deep breaths, you went to tell the DJ what song you were going to sing. You realized there wasn't a wait list when she told you to go ahead onto the stage. I guess at least I won't have time to be nervous then.

Once you were up there, the DJ announced, "Next, we have Y/N singing 'Dress' by the one and only Taylor Swift!" she sent an encouraging smile your way and left the stage.

At the sound of your name, you saw Emily freeze on the dance floor and walk over to Penelope and Derek at the bar.

As the music started, she made eye contact with you and gave an encouraging smile. Your heart fluttered at the kind gesture, and you began to sing.

Our secret moments, in your crowded room,

They've got no idea about me and you.

You couldn't help but make eye contact with Emily as you sang the chorus:

All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation

My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah)

All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting

My hands are shaking from holding back from all this (ha, ha, ha, ha)

Say my name and everything just stops

I don't want you like a best friend

Only bought this dress so you could take it off,

Take it off (ha, ha, ha)

You knew it was becoming blatantly obvious how you felt about your best friend, but you found that you didn't care, as Emily had been blushing since the moment you started the chorus and looked at her. You finished the song with a shocking amount of confidence, and made your way off the stage towards your friends, who were shamelessly and very loudly cheering for you.

"Well, well, well," Derek grinned smugly. "Who knew Agent y/l/n had such pipes!"

Penelope was also grinning widely. "I did!" she exclaimed happily. "I told you you'd do great!"

"Thank you, Pen! I actually ended up not feeling so nervous," you conceded. You glanced over at Emily, who was being uncharacteristically silent, seemingly in her own world. Her eyes were on the bottom hem of your dress, and you smirked at her not-so-innocent gaze.

You then looked back over to the other couple, who were both nodding at you as if to say, "Go on!"

"Hey, Em, do you want to go outside with me for a few minutes?" you asked, smiling at her reassuringly.

She nodded at you, smiling back. "Sure, I could use some fresh air."

****

Once the two of you made your way outside the bar, the light scent of cigarette smoke and someone's rose perfume washed over you. That's when you realized that was Emily's scent, which made sense with the way it felt like home.

After a tension-filled minute of silence, Emily finally spoke softly, "I didn't know you could sing like that, y/n...." she looked down at her shoes. "or that you felt like that." She suddenly looked into your eyes boldly, and a bright shade of pink creeped up the back of your neck at her heavy gaze and the sincerity with which she looked at you.

You suddenly noticed the lack of distance between you, and your body seemed to hum at the closeness. You inhaled slowly, summoning all the courage you had, as it had left your body. "I don't want you like a best friend, Em," you murmured, reaching out to caress her cheek, slowly moving your finger to trace her lips.

She closed her eyes in response, inhaling a light gasp. You moved your hand to the back of her neck, drawing her closer so you could finally place your lips on hers. You'd imagined this moment a thousand times, but you never thought you'd be the one to initiate a kiss. Your best friend usually had a dominant personality, which you didn't mind at all, but she seemed oddly reserved in the moment, as if she'd never expected this to happen and didn't know how to react. You decided to take charge and let her know exactly how you felt right then.

It was tentative at first, her soft lips caressing yours as if she were afraid it would end too soon. She soon parted her lips to invite you in to deepen the kiss, and you sighed into her mouth at the relief you felt from knowing she reciprocated your feelings. You gently traced her dark red lips with your tongue before entering her mouth and tangling your tongues together. She tasted of vodka and the subtle pomegranate of her lipstick, and you thought you'd never tire of her flavor.

When you finally drew apart, you rested your foreheads against each other, wishing the moment would never end. Emily intertwined your fingers together, not wanting to lose contact. She would never admit it to anyone else, but your touch made her feel comforted and safe like no one else ever had.

"My place?" she whispered into your ear, her breath ghosting the side of your neck. A shiver went through your body, and you nodded, having never agreed with a statement more in your entire life.

****

The moment the two of you walked through Emily's apartment door, all of her reservations had disappeared, and she had you pinned to it, holding your arms above your head. Oh, this is going to be fun, you thought as a warmth went straight to your core.

Her lips were on yours, and nothing about this kiss was tentative like the previous one. It was your tongues twisting around each other, teeth almost clashing together with the passion of it all.

The beautiful woman in front of you pulled away to look at your flushed face and body. "You only bought this dress so I could take it off, huh?" And then she was suddenly ripping it off your body with her bare hands. "Good, because I don't like the idea of you seducing that scumbag in it." She flung the tattered pieces of fabric across her living room. "And even though you look gorgeous in it, I'd much rather see it on my floor."

The next thing you knew, she was attacking your neck and collarbone with her lips, no doubt leaving marks you'd have to cover the next day. You let out a low moan as she took a piece of flesh between her teeth, and you could feel her smirk into your neck at the sound. Her hands were all over your body, moving from your back where she unclasped your bra, to your sides, to finally cup your breasts.

You tangled your fingers in her dark hair, unable to keep them away any longer. "Em, I want-" you sighed as she trailed her lips onto the top of your breast, nipping at the skin there softly.

"Yes, sweet girl, tell me what you want."

"Please, can I take these off?" you gestured toward her clothes that you thought had been on for way too long. "I want to see you."

She grinned at your hesitance to ask. "Since you asked so nicely." She grabbed your hand and led you to her bedroom, where you began to lift her shirt over her head to find a deep red lace bra underneath. Red had always been Emily's best color, and you hummed at the sight.

You moved on to unclasp her bra, wanting to see all of her. You traced your hands from her shoulders, over her breasts, to rest on her sides. "You're so beautiful, Em," you murmured, attaching your lips onto her neck as she had done to you.

A sigh escaped her mouth at your actions, but she quickly guided your face to look her in the eyes as she spoke softly, "Oh, my beautiful girl, so are you. You're more gorgeous than I ever could have imagined- and trust me, I have imagined plenty."

A blush crept onto your cheeks at the thought of this stunning woman picturing you naked, as you'd done to her so many times before. You loved how she called you her beautiful girl because your heart had belonged to her for so long now.

She began to take her slacks off so you were in an equal state of undress, and she guided you to lay down on the bed as she climbed on top of you and brought her lips to meet yours once again.

Emily hooked one of her fingers in the waistband of your black lace underwear and parted from your lips to look into your eyes questioningly. You couldn't nod in confirmation fast enough, and she was suddenly pulling your panties down your legs.

She kissed your lips once again, before moving downwards and taking a breast into her mouth, circling your nipple with her tongue. You arched your back off the bed in response, moaning softly as she continued her ministrations.

You ran your fingers through her hair, trying to urge her to move lower to the wetness between your thighs.

"Someone's eager," Emily grinned at you. "Don't worry, baby, I'll take care of you soon enough. I want to make sure your body gets all the attention it deserves." She was moving back to run her tongue along your breasts, and she suddenly placed a leg between your thighs.

You gasped loudly and bucked your hips downwards in response, as she smirked against your breast. Emily then grasped your hips and applied pressure to keep you still, as she trailed her lips down your stomach, getting closer and closer to where you wanted her most.

Once she had reached your lower stomach, right above your core, she passed it over to kiss along your inner thighs. You let out a quiet whimper, letting her know how badly you needed her lips on you. "Emily, please," you whined.

"Please what?" she asked innocently as she bit into your inner thigh, then soothing the spot with her tongue, making a rush of heat go through your core once again.

"Please, Em, I need your mouth- " and before you could finish your request, the brunette had licked a stripe through your glistening folds. "Fuck! Emily," you moaned her name shamelessly as she lifted a finger to follow the same path she'd licked moments ago.

"You're so wet, baby," she moaned. "Is this all for me?"

You nodded vigorously, tangling your fingers in her hair and tugging on the dark strands. "All for you," you confirmed. "Only you make me this wet, Emily."

She hummed, "Maybe I should reward you for your loyalty, then. What do you think, sweet girl?"

"Please, I need you now," and she placed her lips around your clit, sucking hard on the bundle of nerves. "Fuck me!" you shouted, no longer attempting to hold back.

Emily trailed two fingers through your wetness, teasing you for a moment before entering your core. She began thrusting at a steady, but agonizingly slow pace, while flicking your clit with her tongue.

You let out a high-pitched moan, "Oh Emily, please, faster!"

She conceded to your plea, slamming her fingers in and out, managing to hit all the right spots, while suctioning her lips around your clit again. You felt a build-up of the tightening in your stomach as she moved faster and faster.

Soon enough, you could feel the dam inside of you beginning to crack. "Shit, Emily, I'm gonna cum!"

"Cum for me now, baby," Emily encouraged as she began rubbing your bundle of nerves in fast circles with her free hand.

And suddenly, the dam had burst open, you released a high-pitched scream, and your cum was spilling onto Emily's fingers as she continued thrusting them inside of you slowly to ease you through your climax.

Once you had came off of your high and Emily pulled her fingers out of you, she brought them to her mouth and licked your juices off of them. You moaned at the sight, and she rolled over to lay by your side.

In that moment of newfound bliss, you wanted to please this woman more than anything, so you turned onto your side and brushed your lips against hers, tasting yourself on her lips. You moved so that you were hovering above her body, your arms resting on either side of her head.

She pulled away for a moment, looking concerned. "Y/n, you don't have to, I know you must be tired now."

You brought your hand to cup her face, and she leaned into the gentle touch. "Emily, I have never felt more energized, and there is nothing I'd rather do more," you reassured. "Unless you don't want me to, of course."

She smiled at you widely, having never had a partner so willing to please her before. She finally nodded, giving you consent to do whatever you wanted.

You brought one hand down to guide her now soaked panties down her legs, and she kicked them off the rest of the way. You could see her arousal running down the top of her inner thigh, and moaned at the sight of her being this wet for you.

"Oh honey, you were gonna let me leave you like this?" you asked softly.

She nodded in response. "I just wanted to please you, I wasn't thinking about me," she confessed.

"I want you to know that I am always willing to help you feel good, Emily. You deserve just as much pleasure as you give."

And with that, you lowered your head to clean up the liquid that had spilled down her inner thigh, suddenly wanting to taste more of her. Without any warning, you licked through Emily's heat and she shouted, "Fuck, y/n!"

Encouraged by her moans, you thrusted your tongue inside of her as her arousal began to coat your chin and nose. You trailed a finger slowly up her thigh to rub against her bundle of nerves, having no trouble finding the right spot.

Emily was growing embarrassingly close to her release already, the coil tightening in her core. "Faster, baby, I'm so close!" she exclaimed.

You willingly obliged, thrusting your tongue faster in time with the hard circles your finger was making on her clit. Her hips were bucking against your face and her legs trembling as you brought her closer and closer to bliss.

A surprisingly high-pitched whine escaped her lips as the coil inside of her finally unraveled and she no longer had control over her body.

You slowed your ministrations on her clit as she came down from her high and her body lost all previous tension it had. You finally cleaned up the juices between her thighs and she whimpered at the overstimulation.

When you were finished, you laid down beside her, pressing a tender kiss to her lips and resting your head on her chest.

"You are amazing, y/n," she sighed blissfully and you grinned. "No one has ever made me feel so good in my life."

Your brows furrowed at her comment. "You deserve someone who is willing to make you feel as good as you do for them. Anyone who has told you otherwise never deserved your love and attention in the first place," you explained soothingly, wrapping your arms tightly around her waist.

She contemplated this for a moment before speaking, "I guess I'm always worried that I'm not good enough for others, so I overcompensate by giving them too much attention. But with you, y/n, I find myself feeling good enough."

You both laid cuddling in comfortable silence for a little while, Emily gently combing her fingers through your hair. You sighed blissfully, realizing you'd never been as content as you were in that moment.

You looked up at her from where your head was resting against her beating heart. "Em, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, pretty girl. Anything."

"I'm not upset, I was just wondering," you reassured, tracing your finger in lazy figure 8s on her side. "Why were you dancing with those women at the bar?"

She exhaled slowly, moving the hand that was in your hair to rest on the side of your face. "I think I was afraid I'd harmed our friendship when I was helping you with your dress earlier, and I was attempting to drown out my emotions instead of talking to you about it," she sighed. "I guess I just couldn't see your feelings for me."

You nodded in understanding, knowing how it felt to be unsure about others' feelings, especially hers. Deciding to lighten the conversation a little, you added, "You mean the great FBI profiler Emily Prentiss couldn't see my feelings?" you giggled.

She just grinned, continuing to trail her fingers over your cheekbone and jawline. "When it comes to you, my love, all of my BAU training and education fades away in the presence of your beauty, talent, and kindness."

Your cheeks were flushed once again, and your heart felt so full at her kind words that you couldn't help but confess, "I love you, Emily Prentiss."

She smiled and met your lips with hers tenderly before responding, "I love you too, my sweet girl." And Emily's heart finally felt full too.

[raveniings-blog]

@howperfectlyproper has met with a terrible fate.

    Raven had felt him coming from a mile away.

    To be fair, she supposed, most people didn’t have the obvious advantage of being able to pick up on the emotions of everyone around them, and if she was also being fair, she was supposed to be learning to stifle her powers - it had been one of the deals in exchange for sanctuary within the city, that she disguise herself as a normal human and learn how to use her powers properly.  But, well, she knew that isolating an entire sense she had was dangerous, at least, when it came to dealing with Amanda Waller.  The woman wasn’t about to just let one of her greatest assets slip away from A.R.G.U.S.  Not without a fight.

    “I know you’re there,” she called out into the hallway, crossing her arms.  “I’ve been feeling you for the last three days while you’ve been skulking around the building.  So you can either tell me what it is you want or you can leave before I have to fight you.”

[awesomelyanxiouspanda]

Merry Christmas, Brahms!

Repost from my deleted Tumblr. 

Just a quick little drabble for one of the boys who need it most! I just wanna give this boy everything in the world.

Warnings: Tooth-rotting fluff!

How long had it even been since he’d had an actual Christmas? Twenty years? Longer?

You didn’t dare ask Brahms, not wanting to dredge up such horrible memories, but the thought alone tugged at your heart something painful. In a cruel twisted sort of way, you were glad his parents had decided to leave. Sure, it wasn’t in the best way possible and you felt for Brahms losing them, but he was finally allowed to be free- well, as free as a murderer thought to be dead could be.

He now had full roam of his house and grounds whenever he wanted. You’d convinced him to finally allow you to install internet and cable and now he was also able to use your Amazon account- with some guidance- to buy things online from himself when he needed. By all rights, he was just like any other agoraphobic shut-in rather than a prisoner stuck in the walls of a broken home. He was able to just… be.

While you were still irritated at his parents’ deceit in the very beginning, some of the anger had been washed away when their lawyer had come to the home and informed you of their passing. In their will, they had left the home to you in the conditions that you stay there and continue taking care of their baby- the doll. The grocery bill, electric, and allowance for yourself were deducted from the funds they had left behind automatically, just as it had been before they had passed, so you didn’t even have to leave Brahms to work The only hitch was that if you were to ever move away, it would be forfeit and you’d lose it all. It didn’t fix what they had put him through, nor even touch all of the sins they had wracked up over the years, but it was something.

You took a moment to say a well-wish to them, wherever they might have been in the afterlife, then continued on with wrapping the last gift.

“Y/N!” Brahms called from the hall, “I’m done! Can we do presents now?”

The excitement in his voice was catching and you felt yourself grinning in response. Snagging up all the gifts you could fit into your arms, you called for his help.

“Can you carry the last of these down to the tree?” you asked as the door squeaked open.

“Whoa…”

Shifting to look past the boxes, you couldn’t help the giggle that escaped at the look of awe on his face. It was a pleasant surprise to see him without his mask, something that he struggled with parting with, and even more so with the delight that danced in his expression.

“Are these all for me?” he asked.

You nodded and he instantly grabbed the remaining boxes, turning and marching out as if it were a race. Maybe to him, it was. He still had a lot of his loveable child-like quirks and you’d never want to take those away, but he also knew that you saw him as the man he truly was at the end of the day; no more using the child’s voice or hiding behind the doll. Though he did still like to stick to his schedule and preferred to have you fill that nurturing role, he was much more independent.

“Y/N, hurry up!”

Realizing you had fallen quite a bit behind, you shook your head and quickened your pace.

“Sorry Brahms, I got lost in thought,” you admitted, “It looks like-”

Your sentence trailed off as you saw a small pile of gifts next to the ones you’d sent down with him. They were crudely wrapped with newspaper but identifiable as Christmas presents nonetheless.

“Brahms, where did- How did you get these?” you asked.

He shrugged, hands clasped behind his back in an obvious nervous gesture, and said softly, “I used your Amazon. You said I could order whatever I wanted.”

Slowly, you nodded and added the gifts in your arms to the pile. The moment you stood up he snagged your wrist and pulled you into a tight hug.

“Please don’t be mad. I wanted to get you something too since you were getting me stuff,” he whispered.

“Why would I be mad? Most of the money in my account is technically your inheritance, babe. I’m just shocked you managed to order those without me noticing,” you giggled.

His shoulders went limp in relief and then he hugged you even harder. Wet, sloppy, noisy kisses rained down all over your face and neck until you were squealing and trying to pull away. His powerful arms kept you trapped easily against him in a way that made you sigh in appreciation. Ever so slowly the playful kisses turned more sincere until he slotted his mouth hungrily against yours.

With a shiver, you reached up and threaded your fingers into his soft curls, tugging gently just like you knew he liked. Passion, lust, admiration, love; he put forth all into the kiss and left you gasping for breath when he finally pulled away.

“Okay, okay, don’t you want to open presents?” you urged softly.

Those gorgeous hazle eyes you’d come to adore so much looked down on you eagerly, lighting up before crinkling at the edges with his brilliant smile.

“Yes! Lets!”

You let him pull you to the couch and sat next to him, feeling the butterflies start. Hopefully, he’d like everything you picked out for him. It was surprisingly hard to decide on things for a man that technically had an abundance of riches, not to mention leagues of pricey items already in his home.

With the excitement of a young child, he ripped off the colorful paper from the first gift in a hurry. The second his eyes landed on the new paint set, he grinned. There was a quick thank you shouted out and then he was moving on to the next. He appeared to get more and more excited with each one, tearing them open and taking note of his prize before ravenously repeating the actions. By the time he got through his pile, he was bouncing in place on the couch.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Before you could fully comprehend what he was doing, he launched himself across the couch and tackled you onto your back. His mouth found yours frantically as his fingers dug into your hips. There was so much raw emotion to unpack in that one kiss that you found yourself getting dizzy with it. It wasn’t until you felt wetness on your face though that you realized he was crying.

“Oh Brahms,” you murmured soothingly.

Pulling him into a warm hug, you let his face rest against yours and gently ran your hands along his shoulders. Neither of you said anything for a while. It was a comfortable silence, filled only by the wind outside and the sounds of your breathing.

After a while, you let your hands travel from his shoulders to his neck, thumbs rubbing softly along his bearded jaw.

“You need to open your gifts,” he said as if suddenly realizing they were still on the floor.

He tried to scramble away but you quickly pulled him into another gentle kiss, not ready to let him go yet.

“Hey, I love you, Brahms. Being here with you is all the gift I need,” you murmured.

You held his gaze until he finally looked away bashfully, a flush of pink rising on his cheeks. How he managed to be so damn adorable despite being so damn hot and more than a foot taller was beyond you.

“Love you too, Y/N,” he replied, then added, “Does that mean you don’t want your presents?”

With a snicker, you gently slapped his arm and said, “I didn’t say that you brat!”

[strawberry-metal]

Thought I’d upload some more rp stuff since it’d probably be important for Giorno’s relation to everyone in our au for you guys to know, particularly the three sisters and Dio.

This is when Joseph and Avdol talk to the twins about Dio, the rest of the group already knows, takes place shortly after Shanna apologized to everyone for kinda being a...bitch. Writing is from an rp between @kazekothestrange and I for our au. No pictures to accompany it this time, I’m tired and hungry. :c

Dio in our au is a little different from canon. We wanted to have some JoJo antagonists to have a chance at redemption. Those two ended up being Dio and Pucci. We really wanted Mudad to actually be a thing in our story, see what would of happened if Dio was actually able to find someone to love instead of lust after, (look we all know Dio is a horny bisexual vampire lmao) and basically, see how that could affect his character, if he had something more to care about than trying to become essentially the ruler of the world. We also made him a little smarter and had him be a frequent traveler who would only settle down in a country for maybe a year before going to another one. So hes not in fricken Egypt the whole time.

Hopefully that summary will give you guys an idea! If you’re not a fan of it, that’s ok! Your opinion is valid! You don’t have to read the rp excerpt! For those who are, enjoy~

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

Kazeko: JoJo, please. *she gently scolds him, having taken note of their insistence that their hand holding was nothing*

Joseph: Whaaaat?

Kakyoin: *he laughs, covering his mouth. what a weird, lively group*

Avdol: *he blinks in surprise* Jotaro....has a girlfriend?

Shanna: I'm his girlfriend!?

Rose: Pfu!

Jotaro: ... *his face turns red and all he can do is cover it with his hand to hide it, mumbling a few curse words*

Joseph: Ok, fine, fine, she's NOT your girlfriend!

Shanna: I'm not? :c

Holly: I think WE'RE confusing them now! Teehee~!

Jotaro: *he grumbles louder, tightening his grip around her shoulders*

Avdol: Ahh hahaha, s-sorry.

Kazeko: A-anyway! Mr. Avdol, what did you find out? Anything at all?

Jotaro: ... *letting out an exhale and thanking her mentally, he lowers his hand*

Shanna: *ahem* ....A-Anyway....Kakyoin, you better come hear me play, got it? If we're gonna be friends, you gotta hear me play at least once~!

Holly: *she smiles, glad the kids seem to be getting along just fine now*

Avdol: I will admit, I did get quite distracted, the Kujo library actually had some old folklore studies that I couldn't put down! As for the photo, even with the aid of my flames, it was still too dark to see anything.

Shanna: Hm? A photo? *she looks over, abruptly distracted from her conversation with Kakyoin and the other teens for now* Maybe I can take a look? I got hawk eyes!

Rose: I thought you had musician ears?

Kakyoin: *he perks up again* Video games-??

Shanna: Hai! Every little secret, collectable, route, ending, none of them escape me!

Avdol: Well...I suppose it can't hurt. *he hands the photo over to her*

Shanna: *she takes the photo and stares intensely at it* Hmm....

Rose: So...?

Shanna: *Suddenly, she lets out a gasp*

Avdol: My word! What do you see!?

Shanna: NOT A DAMN THING!

Kazeko: Ahaha... *she laughs good naturedly, sweatdropping*

Joseph: Oh well. *he sighs, shrugging* Maybe we'll need a microscope or something.

Jotaro: Microscopes aren't the same thing as magnifying glasses, old man.

Joseph: Well it's worth a try anyway!

Shanna: Mm, but there is one thing I must say....

Avdol: Oh? So there was something you noticed??

Shanna: This guy, he... looks REALLY familiar to me... why do you have tasteful nudes of him?

*Suddenly, everyone else but Rose and Shanna gain a look of shock that is quickly replaced by a serious look, Shanna recognizes Dio!?*

Joseph: You do?! *he puts a hand down heavily on the table, shaking the tea set* Where from?! Was he somewhere around here?

Kazeko: *raising from her seat slightly, she puts her hands on Joseph's shoulder* C-calm down JoJo, you don't need to pressure her!

Jotaro: *amidst the commotion, he looks down at the petite brunette in surprise. how could she know Dio? Even he didn't know the guy existed until yesterday*

Shanna: *she blinks multiple times in surprise* Ah- I can try to rack my brain around for some answers, its been some time since I've seen him.

Avdol: Please, anything at all will be of help!

Holly: Shanna-chan....*her eyebrows upturn* How do you know this man?

Shanna: G-Guys, you're kinda pressuring me, give me a moment to think, ok?

Rose: Shanna let me see. *she takes the photo and her eyes widen as well* He....Shanna, this is no mistaking it. This is HIM.

Shanna: Right!? There was no way it couldn't be! Is he some kind of a model now?

Rose: Shanna and I were acquainted with him when we were in our early teens.

Shanna: Hahaha! Yeah! Didn't he think we were orphaned or something and tried to take us in? Something about our teeth!

Avdol: Wh-What...? Do....Do you two have any idea just who this man is...?

Shanna: Sure I do! Hes a rich guy with a redhead spouse and has a son!

Rose: What was his name again....Dio?

Shanna: Yeah that's it!

Joseph: ... *he can feel his blood run cold. he feels simultaneously sick and like putting a hole through the wall behind him. this guy... Dio... so he's just been living carefree like that? He even has a family? Did he manipulate them?! How many peoples lives has he entered without them having a clue who they were dealing with?*

Kazeko: Wh... no... really? Wh-When? Where?? *she clasps a fistful of her cardigan, suppressing her nerves as best as she can*

Kakyoin: *his eyes widen. they really knew him so casually...? The man who brainwashed and sent him out to commit murder?*

Jotaro: *the raven haired male is equally speechless. he knows very little about him, but from what he's heard... these two are lucky to be alive*

Avdol: Wh-Why were you in contact with him in the first place?!

Shanna: Oi oi, calm down guys! I don't know what is suddenly up with all of you! Again, this was back when we were in our early teens! We were still living in Germany then! We've moved since and he probably has too!

Rose: You see, our parents wanted us to learn more about responsibility, so we ended up taking up baby sitting. We took care of his child for him while his wife and he went out at night.

Shanna: Yeah, we did it for him many times too! For some reason it was only ever at night though?

Avdol: *he looks worriedly at Joseph and Kazeko. Should they tell these girls the truth about him? Should they even get them involved in the first place?*

Holly: *she glances around at everyone in the room. She too, is unsure about letting these girls know the truth...*

Joseph: ... *he unclenches his fist* ... Girls... that man. Dio Brando... he's not what you think.

Kazeko: JoJo... *honestly, she's not surprised. even if he's calmed down over the years, he's still the straightforward one*

Shanna: *she raises an eyebrow* What do you mean by that?

Rose: Hes just a night owl with a family though?

Avdol: That’s... rather, he’s more like-

Joseph: He's a vampire. *halfway through Avdol's statement, he says it anyway*

Shanna: ....PAH! HAHAHA! Good one old man! You had me there for a moment~! *she grins and closes her eyes in a smile* Honestly, don't do that, you scared me for a second there~!

*none of their expressions are any less serious. it doesn't look like he's kidding*

Kakyoin: *he looks down and starts fidgeting with his hair. he knows all too well how true this is*

Rose: ...Err...you guys can drop the facade now...

Shanna: Eh? You guys are still at it? *she reopens her eyes* Come on, we're 17. We know vampires aren't real.

Holly: Papa-

Kazeko: ... we wish they weren't-

Joseph: I know it sounds like fairytales and nonsense, but I'm not trying to scare you. It's true.

Shanna: ....This joke has gone on for quite long enough, don't you think? *annoyance is becoming present on her face. Looks like the twins won't just believe words*

Avdol: Mr. Joestar... we can later. Ok?

Joseph: They deserve to know, Avdol.

Avdol: I'm not saying they don't. *he closes his eyes, threading his fingers together* I'm saying that another time is better. When we have proof to give them. Jotaro didn't believe us either, at first.

Shanna: *she leans in to Rose, mumbling* Oi...I feel kind of disrespected here, they're still at it-

Kakyoin: I- ... if I may...

Rose: *she responds in an equally quiet voice*  I understand. Let's just let them have their fun for now.

Kakyoin: I... Rose-sama. Shanna-san...?

Shanna: Oi oi Kakyoin, you better not be joining in on this. Seriously, if we're going to talk something scary and more realistic...what about Aka Manto~? *she smirks*

Rose: Hey let's not, you scare me everytime you talk about it.

Kakyoin: I am serious. ... that thing you pulled out of me, Jotaro? ... He put it there.

Shanna: Really Kak...? *she looks disappointed, but by the looks on everyone's faces...* Wait.... you're... actually serious?

Rose: Did....Shanna and I miss something important while we were getting Holly?

Kakyoin: ... Hai. *he nods, running his fingers over his bandaged forehead*

Joseph: Dio is out there somewhere, brainwashing people and sending them after our family. He's been trying to wipe us out since my grandfather was alive.

Shanna: Ok whoa whoa whoa wait....you are...gonna have to slow down ok? Explain it slowly in detail one at a time, because Rose and I haven't had a single bad encounter with this guy...

Rose: I apologize Mr. Joestar, but we're going to need something a little less...blunt maybe?

Avdol: Mr. Joestar, maybe the way we explained it to Jotaro will be best for them too?

Shanna: Jotaro, you knew about this as well??

Holly: *she fidgets, she doesn't like this topic coming back up, but maybe it... could keep these girls safe*

Jotaro: They told me about this as soon as they pulled me out of jail.

Shanna: Damn-

Joseph: Right... *he taps the photo on the table* See that star there? Does it look familiar?

Shanna: *she picks it back up to take a look at it* Now that you mention it...that looks like your birthmark, Jotaro...

Rose: Jotaro has a birthmark?

Jotaro: Mom and JiJi have it too.

Joseph: Everyone in the Joestar family has one.

Shanna: *she lowers the picture* If you...don't mind....

Holly: *she moves her hair out of the way so the twins can see the birthmark*

Joseph: *he pulls down the collar of his shirt as well*

Rose: So it really is true....then, does this mean Dio is related to you?

Kazeko: ...Not exactly...

Shanna: Thank you Joseph, Seiko. I know that was a bit rude.

Avdol: His body below his neck, doesn't belong to him.

Shanna: You have officially lost me.

Rose: What do you mean... doesn't belong to him???

Joseph: From the neck down, his body is my grandfather's. He cut off his head and used his body as a means to survive!

Shanna: What the fuck, I'm STILL lost!

Rose: Wait wait....there’s no way that is possible.

Joseph: I'm sorry girls, you're gonna have to suspend your disbelief.  ... look at that scar on his neck.

Rose: Pardon me, Mr. Joestar. But his hair is covering alot of it...I see a bit but tattoos are starting to become popular these days.

Shanna: Yeah...don't you think this is a little far fetched-?

Joseph: No, I don't. My grandmother saw him killed right in front of her.

Shanna: What...?

Avdol: *he threads his fingers together* Ah, but our spirits, otherwise known as stands, are pretty far fetched too, wouldn't you say? To the wider world, our gifts are seen as psychic powers.

Rose: Stands...?

Avdol: The spirits that follow you and fight for you? They are always by your side, and are the very manifestation of your fighting spirit, otherwise known as stands. I was born with mine.

Joseph: I know it's hard to believe, but everyone here is wrapped up in 'far fetched'. Hell... I don't doubt a whole lot these days.

Jotaro: ...You're right. Life's been fucking us over for a couple months.

Kakyoin: *he averts his eyes guiltily, having been a part of that*

Shanna: Oi, Jotaro...can you vouch for all he’s saying? *shes looking at him out of the corner of her eyes. This is all very hard to believe, but if Jotaro can vouch for it, then...*

Jotaro: ... *he sighs, taking her hand under the table and threading his fingers between hers* ... I believe them.

Shanna: *she sighs* I guess I got no choice then. I mean...we have been witnessing some pretty weird ass shit ourselves lately.

Rose: Avdol...you said you were born with your, um, 'stand'. Jotaro, Shanna and I didn't get ours until a few months ago.

Joseph: For Jotaro, it's because of Dio's awakening. But he's been out for a few years, so your stand was kind of delayed... Anyway, I don't know why you two got stands.

Kazeko: It could be your relation to him, somehow... or maybe an impactful life event?

Avdol: Or maybe even you both were born with them, but were late bloomers. I'm sorry, but we can't say for sure.

Shanna: I see... *she looks a little down about them not knowing the answer to this*

Holly: Ah...I..wouldn't worry about it too much! You both happened to get stands for reasons we may not fully know, Avdol-san said it's a gift, so be thankful for being granted psychic abilities!

Shanna: Y-Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I let things bug me too much.

Jotaro: *he gives her hair a pet* It's ok. You've got Earth, no matter how it happened.

Shanna: ...*a slight smile appears across her lips. She remembers how Earth even tested her when she first fully appeared, to deem her worthy enough to wield her. Maybe because of how destructive Mother Earth could truly be if commanded to be*

Rose: If I may touch on a rather...recent topic...*she glances at Kakyoin, worried that this will make him uncomfortable* You called that thing a...flesh bud. A mind controlling device?

Avdol: *he nods* It was implanted on him by Dio himself, as you know, it was attached to his very brain and mind controlling him to attack Jotaro. I don't know the details of how it happened, but Kakyoin is....VERY lucky. He shouldn't of been able to survive the removal. Not even the world's most skilled surgeon could remove it. Attempting to remove one will cause the flesh bud to go in you and try to take control of your brain as well. One wrong move during the removal could result in an instant death as well. Kakyoin had a year left to live at most if we left it in him. ....But Jotaro was the one who removed it, despite all odds and danger.

Rose: *she looks shocked at all this new information suddenly thrown at her. It wasn't just mind controlling, it was also a matter of life or death with Kakyoin*

Kakyoin: ... *he quietly takes a sip of tea. he's grateful.... really, incredibly grateful. but he's still processing Jotaro's decision.. he could have easily left him to die to preserve his own life*

Jotaro: ... *he gives Shanna's hand a squeeze* /... sorry I didn't think it over. I... panicked./ *he tells her telepathically, not wanting to admit it to anyone else* I just did it before I knew I would.

Joseph: Either way, I'm proud of you. *he smiles confidently at his grandson*

Shanna: /That's... just like you. You really are such a kind person, Jotaro./ *she tightens her own grip around his hand*

Rose: Avdol...if it's ok to ask...how do you know so much about the flesh bud?

Avdol: I've witnessed other people with the flesh bud before and could not help them...and I almost became a victim myself.

Shanna: What!?

Kazeko: *gently, she places a hand on his back. she knows it was a while ago, but still, it can't be easy for him to think about*

Joseph: It happened four months ago.

Avdol: *exhaling, he places his elbows on the table* It happened back in Egypt, I was returning back to my house, where I did my fortune telling. It was nighttime. And at the top of the stairs stood him, Dio. I was...terrified, but somehow, also calm? His charisma, beauty, and power was overwhelming...he said he heard that I had special powers, and wanted me to show him. It was then and there that the flesh buds appeared. Immediately, I knew I was in danger and ducked out the window. I ran away, I didn't dare stop. I knew the labyrinth like the back of my hand, and was able to make my escape. I was lucky, incredibly lucky.

Rose: I...I'm sorry. That must not of been easy to talk about... thank you for telling us.

Shanna: Avdol....

Avdol: *he shakes his head* Joseph, Kazeko and I together have been trying to locate Dio's location. You kids need not worry about this.

Shanna: O-Oi oi, we're not kids.

Avdol: *he chuckles* Apologies. Teenagers.

Shanna: Hmph-

Kakyoin: ... Avdol-san... I'm glad you escaped. ... /I never want anyone else to go through what I did-/

Jotaro: And you've been at this the last four months?

Joseph: Right. Well, Kaz only joined us this month.

Kazeko: I couldn't let them face this problem, just the two of them, having known Joseph so long. ... Not that I'm the most useful ally. Hehe... at least I can heal.

Rose: You don’t have a stand?

Kazeko: No... I'm afraid I don't.

Rose: A medic then? *she smiles solemnly* We’re in the same boat. I have a stand but...shes not really meant for combat.

Kazeko: *she smiles, feeling a bit encouraged* That's right. I don't exactly use conventional medicine, though.

Rose: Oh...? What do you use?

Kazeko: Um, while you're suspending your disbelief... it's called hamon. A breathing technique that generates energy comparable to the sun. At base, it can be used for combat or for healing. I... never really got the hang of the former.

Shanna: Ham? You use ham?

Kazeko: Ah-

Joseph: *SNORT*

Rose: I see...*she rests her head on the table* I can’t even do that. I have to use medical supplies...

Shanna: .../I’m still upset with her but I’m starting to kinda feel bad;;;/

Kazeko: No, hamon. ... ah, but I can't do everything with it. medical supplies are still very useful.

Rose: Uuuuuuu.....

Shanna: Ah-

Rose: * her head shoots up* Ah! Knives! I’m good at cutting! I’m not TOTALLY useless!

Shanna: Oi oi! Why are you getting competitive! You were just depressed!!

Kakyoin: You fight with knives? *he tilts his head, intrigued*

Rose: I, ah...actually took out a stand user with one.

Shanna: SHE FUCKIN CHUCKED IT INTO HIS THROAT

Joseph: *he whistles, impressed*

Rose: Ehehe...

Kazeko: *her eyes widen*

Kakyoin: That's... very impressive. *he blinks, covering his mouth. that's kind of scary, but also kind of hot-*

Rose: I am also very knowledgeable of the human body. I know where all your weak points are, and the best places to torture someone. I know how to keep you alive while also putting you through immeasurable pain. You know, you want to avoid places like the head and stomach, but places like the arms and some of the back...legs....fingers and nails are especially perfect for-

Shanna: She wants to be a nurse, please don't think shes a psychopath oh gosh PLEASE don't.

Jotaro: She's not crazy. She just knows creepy shit.

Kazeko: O-of course not! *although, she does look a little intimidated*

Joseph: Damn... sounds like you'd be good in a fight even without stand combat.

Kakyoin: *ok VERY scary. but still hot-*

Rose: I also know Judo...but my sister is much better at that sort of stuff.

Shanna: Hehe! I took kendo and I'm a black belt in karate, and as I've already said, I used to be a street fighter!

Rose: Please stop bragging about being a street fighter, you're a noble-

Avdol: *ahem* Back to the topic at hand....is there anything else you wish to know?

Shanna: *she shakes her head* ...Well...actually...Joseph, I have two last questions for you. How do you know hes a, uh- vampire? Also....are you certain that his name is 'Dio Brando'?

Joseph: I know from what Granny told me, and from records I got from the Speedwagon Foundation. I don't know what you might call a creature that sucks blood, dies in the sunlight and can walk up walls, but I call that a vampire. And, yes. I'm positive his name is Dio Brando.

Shanna: I see....thank you.

Avdol: Were you...close?

Shanna: He was... kind of like a second father figure to Rose and I.

Rose: *she nods slowly* Gomen, we'll try not to let our personal feelings get in the way of anything...

Kazeko: ... I'm sorry, you two... it's better this way than if he'd actually hurt you, though.

Joseph: *he sighs* This was... really unexpected. But if it helps, you don't have to get involved with us. We just made a stop to help out Jotaro.

Kakyoin: You... said he had a family, too? ... I'm sorry, having met him, it's.. hard to imagine.

Rose: Yes...a wife and son.

Shanna: His son's name was pretty uncommon so I never forgot it. It was Giorno Giovanna.

Joseph: Not Brando?

Shanna: No- maybe he took his mother's last name? I'm sorry, I don't really know anything else.

Joseph: I see... ... I understand if you don't want to tell us. But do you remember his wife's name? It might help.

Shanna: D...Deli....I only remember the first part. It's silly, but I remember uncommon names better than common names.

Rose: She was a redhead though, and their son looked almost exactly like Dio. Except for the eye color.

Kazeko: I see... so... Delilah Brando? Or maybe Delia?

Shanna: I just remember it was D-E-L-I. Her hair was a little short, only about shoulder length since I last saw her. I believe she’s Italian.

Avdol: Thank you. Even if it's hard to remember, every little bit of information helps.

Joseph: I'll let the Speedwagon Foundation know. Don't worry. They won't raid them or anything. Just ask them some questions.

Shanna: *she nods*

Avdol: One more thing, you said he thought you were orphans because of your...teeth??

Shanna: Ah, I didn't understand back then, but it makes sense now that we know hes a vampire....

Avdol: What?

Rose: Shanna and I have really pointed canines, they look like fangs.

Jotaro: *he nods, able to vouch for this*

Kakyoin: I think I noticed that earlier...

Avdol: If...you don't mind?

Shanna: *she shrugs at Rose and opens her mouth, lifting a finger to pull her mouth to the side so they can see better*

Rose: *she does the same but just opens her mouth. ....Wow, she and Shanna have small mouths*

Joseph: *he raises  an eyebrow. so it's true* Huh, I get it. ... maybe those teeth kept you safe.

Kakyoin: ... *he feels a slight rush of blood to his face. he doesn't get why, but he's blushing a little*

Avdol: *he nods* He may of saw you girls as one of his own kind, and thus, your teeth protected you.

Shanna: *she lets go of her mouth* I guess it...all makes sense now. Not gonna lie it... kind of hurts...

Rose: *she closes her mouth* Yeah... it hurts me too... but we can't deny the truth.

Kazeko: ... If it helps... I'm sure he knew by the end you weren't like him. But he still cared enough about you to let you keep caring for his son.

Joseph: She's right. If you knew him as long as you said, that's probably how it went. Dio Brando isn't stupid.

Shanna: *she looks up* So you're saying... he actually did care?

Avdol: It's hard to imagine for a man like Dio but... he very well may of cared for you both in the end.

Joseph: If he didn't, you would have known it.

Shanna: I-I see...

Rose: Thank you, all three of you, for telling us this. I hope that you'll be able to find him...

Holly: *she remains silent, so even these girls may of been in danger?*

Joseph: Thanks, Rose. ... when we find him, we'll let you know.

Kazeko: ... Holly, I'm sorry. Are you alright? ... it's a lot to process, I know...

Holly: *she nods* It's just...I had no idea that even these girls were once in danger too...

Shanna: ....*she holds her tongue on them being in danger for months now*

Jotaro: *he pulls her close to his side*

Kazeko: It must be hard to hear... your life's been fairly normal up until now.

Holly: *she nods* But...hopefully...these four can be safe now. Papa, Avdol-san, Kazeko-chan...please be careful?

Shanna: *she leans against Jotaro, feeling a little better from his comfort*

Rose: ...Kakyoin-san, your face has been quite red for awhile now. Are you ok?

Kakyoin: Uhm- ah! *he blinks, his eyes darting away and to her a couple of times* I-I... I'm alright, really. ... /I-it's that obvious...? I hope I haven't caught a fever.../

Kazeko: Of course Holly. Mr. Avdol and I are here to make sure your papa stays safe. *she smiles at her softly, placing her hand on hers* You can trust us.

Joseph: Oi, Kaz, don't talk about me like I'm still 19! *he looks miffed* I don't run in recklessly half as much as I used to!

[fluffy-marshmallow-heart]

Ride or Die ch.15 -Dead End

Colt's POV of chapter 15, when MC crashed her car

Colt x MC (Ellie)

Words: 3557

Warnings: NSFW

This was requested by @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction 

Colt had spent all day looking for Toby and Ximena, finally finding them and filling them in on what’s been happening. He told them about the plan Ellie came up with, capturing the Brotherhood on video.

“I’m hoping they’ll be too distracted by my attempting to catch them on camera that they won’t even notice there are others. “I bought a burner phone specifically for this, so it really doesn’t matter if anything happens to it.”

“Wow, that…could actually work.” Toby told him

A flash of pride rippled through Colt. That’s because my girl is smart.

  After telling them what they need to do, where they need to be, and at what time, they parted ways. I hope Ellie’s right and they pull through.

Colt rode his bike to a random small house in South Central, roaring into the quiet neighborhood, parking behind Ellie’s pink car.

Pink. She had to have pink. So noticeable, so girly girl, so…Ellie.

He gets off his bike and saunters over to where Ellie is standing with Logan. Fucking Logan.

“Is it done?” She asked

Cold nodded. “Green light. We’re just waiting for a call sometime tonight.”

“You’re sure?” Logan had his eyes narrowed, looking at Colt accusingly.

Anger bubbled up inside him. “Yes, I’m sure, you…”

“Guys, we’re on the same side, remember?” Ellie cut in, glaring at the both.

Colt sighed, running a hand through his hair. Fine.

Logan looked at her apologetically. “Let’s just get inside.”

Colt takes Ellie’s hand and holds her back as Logan walks ahead. “Hey, look…I stopped by the old garage earlier, to try to find some things. Anything, really, to remind me of my family’s legacy. And I found this. I guess my pop kept it from my first car. He had it in his desk. And now, well, no place for it on my bike, so…I figure you might as well have it, if you want.”

He hesitantly holds out a little cactus bobble head, complete with a mustache and sombrero. Please don’t laugh. I know it’s lame. I was a kid when I got it and thought it was cool. Something prickly just like me.

“Colt…thank you.” She smiled warmly at him, and butterflies erupted in his stomach.

He shrugged casually. “It’s nothing. Just a trinket, but…maybe it’ll bring you some luck.”

Taking her hand again, they follow Logan up to the door. He knocked, and a moment later the door swings open to reveal some food truck guy Colt had seen around every now and then.

“Logan! It’s been a minute, cuz.” He steps forward to give Logan a hug but stops short when he sees his expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Can we lay low out here for the day?” Logan asked.

“Course. Come in.”

The guy leads them inside. He takes in Ellie’s prom dress. “You wanna tell me what’s goin on?”

Mother fucker better not be checking her out ever again. I’ll forgive the dress, because it’s odd she’s still in it, but next time…

“The less you know, the better.” Logan informed.

“You at least gonna tell me who this dude is?” He points to Colt, and he fists his hands, agitated. Seriously?

“That’s Kaneko’s kid. And you remember Ellie.”

Kaneko’s kid?? I have a name!!!

“Colt.” He said flatly.

“Hey, Vaughn. Sorry for intruding.” Ellie shot him a Look, and he shrugged slightly. Whatever, it’s my name.

“Nah, it’s cool. Get comfy, change outta those threads…”

“Thanks. We’ve got some planning to do.”

“Well, hang on just one second. You can stay here, but I need something in return.”

Naturally

Logan’s face fell. “You do?”

Vaughn turns away, walking to the kitchen counter. “You might be my cousin, but nothing in life is free. You gotta do me a favor.”

“What?” Logan asked hesitantly.

“You gotta taste test my new dishes for my truck.” He turns back around with a tray of fresh, eclectic street food.

Logan grinned. “I think we can manage that just fine…”

Colt’s mouth immediately started watering, and as they discussed their plan, they scarfed down amazing food.

Hours later, the sun sets outside, and the showdown with the Brotherhood draws nearer. After planning every last detail of the night, the four of them are passing time half-watching TV in Vaughn’s living room.

Ellie keeps looking at the clock. Logan nudges her. “There’s nothing we can do but wait.”

Colt slid his eyes over to her. She looks just as nervous as I feel. I need an outlet. We both do.

Ellie gave a half smile. “I know, I just…I feel like I need to do something now. Get all this anxious energy out so it doesn’t distract me later.”

“I know how you feel.” Colt clenches and unclenches his fist, over and over and over again.

“You can lie down in my spare room for a bit, Ellie.” Vaughn offered.

Right. Mr. Nice Guy. No wonder Logan brought us here.

“Thanks, Vaughn. I think that’ll help.”

“We’ll get you when it’s time.” Logan assured.

She nods, the heads toward the hall, she pauses in the doorway, looking back at them. Colt catches her eye from across the room.

Come on, Ellie, bring me with you, I know exactly how to get out all our frustrations.

“Colt, could I talk to you for a minute?” She asked.

Yesssss. Shove it, Logan. She wants to fuck me, not you. I win.

Colt shrugs, not showing his excitement, and follows her down the hall to the bedroom. He closes the door behind them, then leans against it casually. “Did you actually want to talk, or…?”

“No.” Ellie wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him into a passionate kiss. He pulls back to smirk. “Not even dirty talk?”

“Colt!” She slaps his shoulder playfully, but then he captures her mouth with his. Their embrace is heated, insistent. He walks her back toward the bed, his hands running all over her body, under her clothes…

“Colt…”

He can feel his kisses make her dizzy, his touch alone sets her on fire. Something tells him they’re both barely on the edge of control.

This feeling…what is this feeling….it feels like…I can’t control myself around this woman, I need to consume her. She’s mine and I’m hers and this is forever.

“Ellie, what’re you doing to me?”

“Hopefully making you feel really, really good.”

He groans into her mouth, pulling her flush against his hard body. “Yes…Can you feel how good you make me feel?”

He thrusts his hips into her, letting her feel how hard he is. He wants to plunge his cock inside her. His lips travel down her neck, nipping and licking at her exposed skin. His hands slide under her sweatshirt, and she arches into him.

“Colt…take it off” She says breathlessly.

As you wish. He doesn’t need to be asked twice. He quickly pulls her sweatshirt over her head, then unbuttons her jeans and pushes them down her hips, and she quickly shakes them off. He pulls her back into his arms, her bare skin rubbing against his still-clothed body.

“Not…fair…” She moans as he caresses every inch of her exposed skin.

He licked his lips, unable to stop the smile appearing on his lips. “If you want me outta my clothes, all you gotta do is ask.”

She tugs on his leather jacket, pulling it off one shoulder. “Off. Now.”

Colt pulls back to take off his clothes, throwing them haphazardly across the room. “Better?”

“Much.”

The two of them settle back on the bed together. He pulls her in for another searing kiss, his body flush against hers. He squeezes her ass and knows exactly how he wants her.

“Don’t stop” She begged.

“Wasn’t planning to. Come here.” He nudges her onto all fours, facing away from him. He kisses her spine, making her shiver

“Colt stop teasing…”

“But I love when you moan my name.”  And now you’re gonna fucking scream it.

He glides his hands down to her hips with a featherlight touch, a whimper escaping her mouth, then guides himself into her tight, wet slit. He grunted as he began to thrust in and out of her, his need for her consuming them both as she puts a hand on the headboard to steady herself as he moves faster and faster.

“Colt..oh, god…”

So fucking tight. So fucking perfect, This body…I love this body, she feels so good wrapped around my dick. Where the fuck has she been my whole life?

He can no longer contain himself. He swivels his hips just so, pulling on her hair so she leans more backwards and together they fall apart. He shot his hot sperm into her as her sweet pussy drank it up, milking him completely. The two of them collapse on the bed together, a tangle of sweaty limbs.

She snuggled into his arms and he kissed the top of her head gently. After a few minutes, they caught their breaths.

“We’re gonna have to do this soon, aren’t we?” She whispered into his chest.

Colt runs his hands up and down her arm in a soothing pattern. “Whatever the Brotherhood throws at us, we’re ready.”

She flips over to face him. “Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.”

He runs his thumb over her cheek, gazing deep into her eyes. “Only if you promise me the same thing.”

I know you. You’re just like me. Both of us do what needs to be done.

She sighed. “…This whole plan is kinda stupid, isn’t it?”

He kisses her forehead. “Maybe, but it’s the best we’ve got.”

Logan knocks. “We got the call. We’re in. It’s go time.”

Colt kisses her one last time before getting up and pulling on his clothes. “I’ll let you get ready.” She just nods, and he leaves the room.

Joining Logan and Vaughn in the living room, both men were giving him death stares. Alright. Guess Logan told Vaughn I stole her away from him. Which I did, so…fuck off losers.

Steps sound in the hallway and they all look up to see her.

“Oh, damn.” Vaughn’s eyes were wide.

“I’m ready.” She announced.

“You sure look like it. Logan’s jaw was practically on the floor.

Colt eyes her ravenously, soaking in her appearance. He really likes the red leather coat. “I already feel better about our chances.” You look bangin’.

Logan tosses her her keys and she catches them out of the air. “Let’s go.” She pulls out her phone, powering it on for the first time in a while…and dial a number. She presses speakerphone, so they can all hear.

“9-1-1 emergency, what is your location?”

“My name is Ellie Wheeler. I want to turn myself in.” There’s silence on the other end for a moment.

“Alright, what is your location Miss Wheeler? We’ll send someone to come pick you up.”

“There’s only one person I’ll speak to. Detective Wheeler. Have him meet me at the Pacific Division station. I’ll be there soon.”

“Miss, if there’s…”

She hangs up the phone. “Clock’s running.”

They all walk outside to where her car is parked at the curb.

Logan grabs her hands. “You’re sure I can’t convince you to let me go in your place?”

She shook her head. “No. It has to be me.”

Logan’s shoulders slump a little. “I know…but a guy can hope. Just…if anything goes wrong, Ellie, look out for yourself. Run.”

Colt watches from a short distance, arms tensely folded. He just gives her a nod when she looks his way. Yes. Run, and I’ll find you to live out our lives. I promise, Ellie.

“Well. See you on the other side.” She gets into her car, shutting the door. Colt sees her put his old cactus on her dash and his heart feels like it’s going to explode of happiness…until she turns the engine on and drives out into the moonless night up the 405 toward Mar Vista.

His heart sinks as he climbs on his bike and heads for his location. Hardly any time passed when his earpiece went off, Ellie’s voice coming through.

“Logan? Colt? We’ve hooked them. They’re coming up fast in the cars we stole for them off the hauler truck.”

Logan’s voice sounds through next. “Already? Damn, they’re quicker than we thought.”

Colt narrows his eyes in frustration. “It’s too early! They’re gonna catch you before you get to the target! Step on it!”

“They’re almost on me!”

“You’re still a ways out. Hang on. I’ll be there as soon as I can!” Logan shouts into his Bluetooth.

Right. Knight in shining fucking armor. Ugh.

“Hurry up, Logan.” He spat out. “You better not let anything happen to her.”

“I got it, Colt.”

As Colt reaches his destination, he sees her rocket forward, the two cars that were at her side crashing into each other and sending debris flying.

Oh my god…my pop…he trusted her with a NOS system?? He taught her how to use it?? His heart ached at the realization of exactly how much his father cared for her and looked out for her…all because his son did.

Thanks pop. I had no idea. Thank you for keeping her safe.

She dodges another car back and forth across the lanes, barely staying out of reach.

“You’re almost there, Ellie!” He shouts into his speaker.

Come on, come on, you’re gonna make it! Just a couple more miles!

Colt whips out his burner phone and sets it up to record. He hears bare metal and looks back up, gasping. He felt like he was watching everything unfold in slow motion.

Ellie’s car stalls as her tire blows out, sending sparks flying against the pavement. Another car slams into her, sending her spinning.

“Ellie! Can you hear me? I’ll be there in a few seconds! One last go for old times’ sake?” Logan pleaded.

“One last go” It was barely a whisper, but Colt still heard it.

Ellie dodges hard to the side as Logan turns on his high beams directly in front of the Brotherhood cars.

“Ellie, go! I’ll catch up!”

“Hurry! You’re at the off-ramp!” Colt added.

She steps on the gas. “I’m almost there! I can make it…”

One of the cars in pursuit flies ahead of her and skids to a stop, blocking the exit ramp.

His heart began pounding erratically. This is looking…familiar.

Flashes of his father speeding towards the barricade and crashing his car to save the crew, to save him, swam through his head. He felt sick. She’s doing the same thing. Oh my god, please no.  

“Dammit! Okay, just stay on the freeway, Ellie!” He could hear his voice but it didn’t sound like his own. It sounded a bit higher, panicked…fearful.

“Colt, I have to get there! If I don’t, all of this was for nothing…” She argued

Colt shook his head violently, his breaths coming faster and his head starting to spin.  “There’s gotta be another way.”

“No. This is where I get off.” She said, fury and determination evident in her tone

She floors it straight towards the stopped car, while Colt fell to his knees, bile rising in his throat, shock overtaking him. No, no, no…NO!!!!! NOT AGAIN!!!! THIS CAN’T HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN!!!!

He screamed, yet there was no sound. He didn’t feel attached to his body anymore. He was with his father, whom he didn’t even think loved him and yet gave his life to keep him safe. He was with Ellie, whom he had found love himself and loved him back…and was about to give her life to keep him safe. And he was completely helpless to stop either one of them. For the very first time in his life, he was terrified of losing someone he loves. He never had to think about it before his father died.

Like a missile, she crashes into the car, knocking it aside.

“Ellie!” Logan cried.

Her airbag deploys as gravity abandons her. She goes airborne off the ramp, spinning like a top. She slams down on the pavement of a wide, empty lot fifteen feet down. Colt could practically feel the metal crumpling and denting, unable to handle the impact. Her momentum sends her rolling several times until finally coming to a rest on the car’s roof.

Colt gaped at the heavily damaged car, the glass broken and scattered in all directions.

Oh my god, Ellie, what did you do?? You can’t…I don’t believe…you have to be okay. You’re all I’ve got left

Slowly he realized he was shaking uncontrollably, the phone in his hands had already dropped to the ground, his face the only thing on the screen. He became vaguely aware of Logan’s voice in his ear.

“Ellie! Ellie, can you hear me?”

A weak cough responded. “yeah…I made it to the target”

Oh my god, she’s alive. She made it. She FUCKING MADE IT!!!! MY GIRL MADE IT!!!!

“That was absolutely insane!” He finally found his voice. SHE FUCKING MADE IT!!! SHE’S ALIVE!!!

“Colt, are you in position?”

Taking several deep breaths to slow his still racing heart, he answered. “Ready and waiting by the transformer box. They’re coming up on you now.”

“Okay…*cough*…make sure to get their faces on camera.”

But she sounds so weak. She must be hurt. No has that kind of accident without getting hurt. Not even someone as crazy as her.

Headlights approach and the cars stop, doors opening, masked figures approaching the destroyed car. One of them offers her a hand helps her crawl through the shattered glass.

Jason.

Jason’s helping her to her feet when Logan approaches. Jason draws a gun, putting the muzzle to Ellie’s temple just as Logan comes around the bend. He slams on the brakes, skidding to a stop ten feet away, bathing them in his headlights. Jason’s form casts a long shadow across the lot.

She survived the crash just to take a bullet to the head? I don’t think so. We’ve come too far. Time to end this. Without thinking, Colt started marching forward, ready to kill the Brotherhood. He’s blind with rage, not seeing the woman deftly approaching him.

“Nice phone.” She snarled, snatching it away and wrenching his arms behind his back in a hold.

“Thanks. It’s insured.” He snapped back. FUCK!!!

A walkie-talkie crackled at the woman’s side.

“Hester, it’s Shaw. You find Kaneko’s kid?”

“Bringing him in now.” The lady spoke back.

“I have a fucking name, and it’s not ‘Kaneko’s kid’.” Everyone calling me Kaneko’s kid. I’m not my father, and I never will be.

Crossing the lot, Hester pushes Colt along at gunpoint. “I really don’t care.” She replied, sounding bored. She calls out to Jason. “Caught him over there trying to film us on this.” She tosses Colt’s phone onto the ground and shoots it. It shatters and sparks.

“Trying to get us on tape, huh? Get us locked up? Oh, so close.” Jason teased menacingly.

 “Good thing we wore masks. You would’ve had nothing, anyway.” The Brotherhood then peel off their masks.

“But how…did you know?” Ellie asked, her voice feigning disbelief.

Jason smirked, shaking his head. “Ellie…come on…we tapped your phone. Duh. We’re the goddamn police. I thought you would’ve figured that out by now.” He laughed.

“We heard you call 911…we heard you tell Kaneko’s kid what to do, where to be.”

“Colt!” He couldn’t stop himself, the words just slipped out angrily.

Jason rolls his eyes and steps closer to Ellie, the barrel of his gun just inches away from her head. “It’s actually kind of tragic. I thought you would’ve made a good cop, Ellie…but I was wrong. A cop always needs to think one step ahead. And now…now your dad will never know what happened to you.” He aims the gun at her, his face neutral.

“You said you didn’t want to hurt her.”

Mona. Traitor. Never trusted her.

Jason frowned. “I didn’t. But she didn’t learn her lesson. You should know, Ellie, I take no pleasure in this. We really were never that different.”

A slow smile spread on Ellie’s face. “Oh, really? I think we are.”

“How’s that?”

“The difference between you and me? Well, for one, I’m not the dumbass who just walked right into a trap.”

She really is going to be okay. There’s that snarky tone I love so much. Colt let out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding.

“What is she talking about?” Wallace asks nervously.

Jason looks around, anxiousness spreading on his face. He looks far across the lot…to the façade of Mar Vista High, and the dozens of CCTV cameras on the streetlamps.

“Say cheese, asshole.” Logan grinned.

Jason’s eyes went wide. “No…”

Gotcha   “Go ahead. Wave to Toby and Ximena.”

Inside the school’s AV club, Ximena grins, her voice ringing loud and clear in the parking lot. “We got ‘em”

“In crystal clear high definition.” Toby agreed.

“Shaw…what just happened?” Hester’s voice raised a few octaves.

“I…”

“Always gotta stay one step ahead, isn’t that right, Jason?” Ellie asked sweetly, winking at Colt. He smiled at her before directing his gaze back at Jason and the other two members of the brotherhood.

That’s right asshole. No one messes with my crew.

  @annekebbphotography @gardeningourmet @zigortega4life @eileendannie @thequeenofcronuts @drakewalkerfantasy @friedherringclodthing @coffeebeandragon @drakewalker04 @alesana45 @mfackenthal

@i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction

@rhymesmenagerie

[lokishornns]

Sedated

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masterlist

mcu masterlist

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pairing: loki x reader

type: @lokissoul 1k Writing Challenge – sedated, Hozier

rating: pg13

summary: You two were addicted to each other and sober for far too long.

word count: 3,358

warnings: alcohol, not necessarily depression but some sharing symptoms, a lot of angst, curse words, implications of smut

notes: I have been trying to write this for ages because I feel like nothing will really be justice to this song, but I finally decided to finish it. I’m actually pretty happy with this, sorry for getting to it pretty late!

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Just a little rush, babe

To feel dizzy, to derail the mind of me

“Fuck,” Loki groaned as he rolled away from you, his breaths heavy. Your chest heaved as you stared at the ceiling, your previous actions clouding your mind. Loki falls onto his back next to you. You both knew that this night would either go forgotten or ignored based on the heavy stench of alcohol and sex in the room. The music from the party still pounded on the walls and dizzied your mind, but you two had long left the loud get together, both drunk and in need of a stress reliever.

You pushed up from the bed, your legs shaking from the fall from the edge of pleasure. You sit on the bed for a few moments, your eyes trained on the bare wall. You stand up after a few seconds, stumbling over to the pile of clothes on the ground that had been torn off in a frenzy. You slip into the small dress that you had come in, threading your fingers into your heels in the process.

“Where are you going?” his voice comes tiredly from the bed and you close your eyes, your back still facing him.

“It’s a lot easier leaving drunk than hungover,” you say, biting your tongue at the end. Tears prick at the back of your eyes, all too familiar with the feeling of leaving this room in this state. Both of you fall silent, breaths still louder than thoughts for now. You hook your arm into the strap of your clutch, shoving it onto your shoulder.

“Stay,” his voice comes strained and soft, prompting you to freeze, your hand resting on the handle of the door. Your breathing softens as a tear rolls down your cheek. God, you were so stupid.

“You know I can’t do that. This is the last time,” you promise, knowing that it’ll fall through eventually. Soon enough, one of you is going to be pissed off and come running to the other, needing some way to rid their frustration. Or maybe another party will happen, the alcohol feeding into the hormones and the clothes ridiculously attractive, leading to your demise. You leave quickly, escaping through the door and into the dark hallways.

Just a little hush, babe

Our veins are busy but my heart’s in atrophy

You grab the glass tightly, throwing your head back, the liquid running down your throat, leaving a trail of burning nerves. You slam the glass onto the counter grimacing at the taste of the liquor. You groan, resting your head in your hands.

“You alright, doll?” you hear a deep voice next to you, smiling lightly when your eyes meet Bucky’s. His eyes are filled with concern as they look at your hunched figure at the bar. You turn your attention back to the bar, dropping your head down to the counter. Bucky looks to Natasha, the acting bartender, who only motions to a crowd of people all engaged in a conversation.

Bucky looks over to the group, almost freezing when he notices the god, his arm wrapped tightly around his new plaything. His stomach rolls as his eyes travel up and down the young blond who’s practically melting into the raven-haired man’s embrace. Loki had found himself a new girlfriend, spending most of his free time away from the tower at her place. When you had first found out, you didn’t respond very well, locking yourself in your room and diving into new missions that were long and far away, hoping to escape reality.

You lift your head up from the counter, tears trailing down your face. You look to the assassins, your mascara leaving dark lines behind them. You choke back a sob, your hand hurriedly going to wipe away the makeup, only smudging it more. Both assassins were frozen in shock, watching you carefully. They knew you cared about the god, but they had never seen you cry. You had the reputation of being the opposite of soft. You prided yourself in your tough shell. To make you cry took a hell lot of effort.

That’s when they both realized, you loved the god.

“Hell, doll,” Bucky’s voice is as soft as a cushion on Stark’s couches, filled to the brim with pity and frustration. Natasha hands Bucky a napkin, who soon uses it to brush away some of your tears and makeup. He bends to your eye level, his fingers trailing gently on your cheek. Your eyes look at him, sadness and exhaustion prominent. “Come on, let’s get you to bed,” he sighs, straightening up.

Any way to distract and sedate

Adding shadows to the walls of the cave

You swirled the ice in the glass, closing your eyes as the frozen liquid bounces against the solid. You wash the remaining liquid down, not even daring to flinch from the burning sensation it provides. You set the glass down gently, your hands shaking slightly. The bags under your eyes tell more than enough of the sleep that you’ve been getting recently.

“Hey, lady, we’re closing soon. Do you want me to call a cab or do you have anyone you could call?” the man behind the bar asks, his voice almost irritated. You look up, your eyes freezing on the phone behind the bar.

“Can I just use the phone?” you ask and the man seems almost surprised by how sober you appear. He nods hesitantly, just then taking in your distressed state. You stand up, walking around the bar slowly, reaching your hand up to the phone. You press in the numbers to the tower’s phone, praying somebody picks up. A voice registers through the phone, your brain hazy and unable to place it.

“Hello?” you sigh in relief.

“Hi, is this Thor? Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I need a ride back to the tower because I’m just a little drunk. I had a lot of margaritas, they’re pretty good. But yeah, can you get like Bucky to grab me? Don’t tell Steve, he’ll kill me. I’m already in trouble,” you mumble through the speaker, your head resting on the wall.

“Yeah, sure,” it responds and you hum in satisfaction.

You don’t really remember waiting. Or hanging up the phone. All you really remember is the amount of anger and frustration that ripped into your body at the sight of the person at the door. You knew you had let out a sob of what you could only assume as shock once you spotted his dark hair and rough jaw. You remembered the look of despair in his eyes once he saw you, hunched over the bar.

“Oh, Odin,” he had sighed once shooting a thankful look to the bartender, receiving only a concerned nod. “Love, what have I done to you?” he asks, a hand dragging over his face. He bends down, his hands grasping at your frame. You don’t resist, letting him pull your body into his embrace.

You and I nursing on a poison that never stung

Our teeth and lungs are lined with the scum of it

Loki’s hands carefully set you down, unbuckling and pulling off your heels gently, attempting to not wake you as he throws them somewhere near the door. You only grumble and turn into the comfort of your mattress in your unconscious shake. Loki tugs on the comforter, pulling it over your body, tucking it underneath your chin. He sighs at your state, pushing his hair back.

He pulls away from the bed, turning back to the door. He freezes once meeting face to face with two very concerned and very angry looking assassins. He looks between the two, before attempting to pass by, only to be blocked.

“Loki, we need to talk,” the red head spoke, her voice soft as to not disturb you, but an underlying threat was held in the air, all three sensing it. Loki nodded stiffly, glancing back at your sleeping form. The two figures start walking, not waiting for Loki to close the door to your room before moving. They enter the kitchen, the lights remaining off. They sit silently at the table. None of them want the lights on.

“What do you want with her?” Bucky sighs, his flesh hand threading through his hair, pushing it out of his face. He looks as the god stays silent, barely moving. The only sign he receives of Loki hearing his question is a clenched fist. “Please, Loki. This isn’t something that we would usually get involved in, but,” Bucky trails off, his voice hanging as if tied onto a thread. All three know why they have become involved.

“We’re just really worried about her. When she’s not working, she’s drinking, and when she’s not drinking, she’s working. I haven’t seen her smile in weeks,” Natasha spoke delicately, but with precision. She knows how to use words to her advantage and she’s damn good at it. She watches as Loki’s facial expression tightens in the slightest at her words, a sense of satisfaction washing over her. She knows how to torture in all ways possible.

They don’t speak for a while, all three sitting in the darkness of the kitchen with only city lights to illuminate them. But they know an answer is coming. They know Loki needs to talk and they especially know he won’t leave without the last word.

“I,” Loki’s voice falls, the silver tongue no more. He stumbles, his mouth opening and closing, stuck in time as if unable to speak. “I don’t know,” he says, honestly. All three are shocked at his response, questioning when the last time he said that phrase was. The assassins exchange uneasy looks before continuing.

“Do you want to hurt her?” Natasha now asks, taking note of Loki’s jaw ticking as he looks away, his attention focused on the glass. When he looks back, his eyes have a sheen over them, one that tells too much of pain.

“I don’t know,” he says more assuredly this time, his voice cracking.

“What do you want with her?” Bucky repeats, his voice still soft and careful, knowing he should tread lightly on this topic.

“I don’t know,” Loki bursts out, his hand coming to pound once on the wood. His breaths are loud as all in the room stills. “Ever since I met her,” he swallows thickly, his throat suddenly feelings like sawdust. “Ever since I met her, I don’t know anything. I don’t know why I feel like this all the time or why the fuck anything she does or I do matters. It never did before, so why the hell should it now? I thought, you know, maybe it’s just the fact that she’s really fucking good at sex. But it’s not. I don’t know what it is, I don’t know where it came from. The only thing I know right now is that I want her. Oh, gods, you have no clue how bad I want her,” he grits his teeth, his voice breaking and his eyes slamming shut at the last phrase. “I want her more than anything I’ve ever desired, and it’s even worse that I can’t have her. That I can’t tell her anything I want to say or I can’t do any of the things for her that she deserves.” The pair don’t respond for a while, just surveying the situation silently. They watch how Loki’s figure has gone from stoic and collected to a trembling and uneasy mess. This was not the Loki Odinson they knew. He had been brought down by a woman with no more than words.

Somewhere for this, death and guns

We are deaf, we are numb

Free and young and we can feel none of it

“Why can’t you have her?” Natasha finally asks, her voice breaking the tension. Loki laughs, the sound hollow and humorless. He looks back between the two.

“Isn’t it obvious? One of us is going to die one day. This job isn’t over and it won’t ever be over. No matter if I go and build a farm out in the middle of nowhere and start a family. The end of this all hasn’t happened yet, but it will. And it’s a hell lot easier leaving with no strings. If she ever comes to find out that I’m anything more than the man I seem, and if she ever somehow decides I’m worth anything, that’ll hurt her more than anything else and I can’t hurt her anymore,” Loki looks between the two, either ignoring or not noticing the tears that have escaped his eyes.

“You’re such an idiot,” Bucky grits out, his metal hand now clenching as the plates on it whir. His eyes are dark and narrowed, only rage evident. “She’s already decided you’re worth more than anything she’ll ever know. She’s wrecking herself right now because you’re making it impossible for her to ever be in your life. You may be right that leaving is a hell lot easier with no strings attached. But what you don’t realize is that it’s worth it. That she’s worth it. She would kill herself before she let anything even touch you, but I don’t know if you would do the same,” Bucky finally chokes out, the silence following filling up the space like a wall.

“If I ever am the reason she gets hurt,” the god starts. “If anything ever happens to her out there, and if it’s ever my fault, oh fuck,” he stops, his eyes going back to find the skyline.

“When will you get it through your thick skull that something already has happened? Loki, she’s killing herself. She’s drinking and working herself to death. The last mission she was on nearly killed her and had her in the medical ward for a week. Don’t pretend you didn’t know about that,” Natasha spits, a dangerous mixture of venom and worry lacing together.

“What do I do?” Loki asks, burying his head in his hands, his elbows digging into the table.

“We’re not going to walk you through this. This is your doing and you’re smart and capable. But, for starters, be there for her. You owe her that at the very least,” Bucky says, his eyebrows furrowed together, his metal hand now relaxed.

Something isn’t right, babe

I keep catching little words but the meaning’s thin

You groan, your eyes squeezing tighter as a wave of pain greets you. You try to roll over, only grunting once met with more pain. You pry your eyes open, expecting to meet an eyeful of sunshine, surprised to see your curtains closed. You glance around the room, ignoring the waves of dizziness that run at you. Your eyes land on the chair in your corner, a much too large figure propped uncomfortably in the chair, his eyes closed and breathing deep.

“Loki?” you ask, your voice scratchy and burning. Your voice isn’t loud, but its enough to wake the sleeping figure. He stirs, his eyes slowly opening, trained on you. “What are you doing here?” you ask, grumbling as you flop back down on the bed, regretting your actions as a fresh wave of pain rushes to your head.

“I,” he stops himself, eyes glancing around the room yet avoiding you. He sighs, his head drooping and his eyes succumbing to your figure. “I was worried about you,” he whispers and your breath hitches slightly, not expecting the honesty. Maybe a tired Loki is an open book.

“What happened last night? I don’t really remember much,” you mumble, closing your eyes tightly. You rub your eyes with your fists, regretting that quickly as the crustiness of your mascara makes you shiver in disgust.

“You drank. A lot. You called and I picked you up. We had sex,” he says and you roll your eyes, grabbing a pillow and chucking it the best you could at his figure.

“That’s the one thing you can’t lie about. I know how big your dick is and what that means afterwards,” you laugh softly, your heart clenching once hearing an equally soft chuckle emit from the god’s throat. The corners of your lips tug upwards a bit. This was nice. As much as you hated to admit it and as much as you probably should be complaining about your head, you couldn’t help the thought. You loved this moment. Laughing quietly in your room, nothing to disturb you. No lust in the air; just content.

I’m somewhere outside my life, babe

I keep scratching but somehow I can’t get in

“She wasn’t you,” he says after a while of silence and you furrow your brows, knowing exactly what he was talking about.

“Please, don’t,” you almost whimper and you want to slap yourself for seeming so pathetic. “I don’t think I can handle it.”

“I tried to find you. I tried so badly. I thought maybe you would be in her somewhere, but you weren’t. You were so far away,” his voice is barely audible, and you hate the familiar prickling of tears that now fills up behind your eyes.

“Loki, stop, please,” you begged, your voice cracking. You missed the content. You missed the past.

“I miss you, dear gods, I miss you. You have no clue how much I want to be yours and how much I want you to be mine,” he says and your eyes open, staring at the ceiling, salty tears trailing down your temples. You want to sob, but it won’t come. You’re out of sobbing.

“You don’t,” you say, your voice trembling.

“Yes, I do-”

“Loki, you don’t want me,” you hiss, sitting up abruptly, ignoring the overbearing amount of pain that washes over your consciousness. “If you wanted me, if you even cared about me, you wouldn’t have done this. You wouldn’t have. I don’t blame you, I really don’t. Please don’t make me hate myself anymore,” your voice is pleading and breaking at every chance it gets. Loki’s eyes are no longer those of a god. They’re sad, overwhelmingly sad. They’re more mortal and penetrable than anything else you’ve ever seen.

You both stay silent, watching each other, tears mixing with tension that flies between you two. You look away first, somehow feeling like you’re losing this game. Like you already handed the competition over to him.

“I am not what you deserve, nor what you believe me to be. I’m not a god and I’m not a man. I’m not a Jotun. I’m much weaker than those. If I wasn’t so weak, I would take this away in a split second. But to be honest, I don’t know how. I don’t know anything anymore. I just know you,” a sob tears its way out of your chest. “I know what you look like when you’re exhausted. When you’re angry or happy. You’re smile makes my stomach hurt and I don’t know anything else. I know exactly how you like your tea, or your coffee. I know when you’re feeling down by just a look. I know what socks you wear whenever you start your cycle. I know how long you could go on and on about life, and how wondrous you find the little things. I know exactly what song you play whenever it’s far too late in the night and you’re just feeling off. I know you. And I don’t know anything else. Every single time I see you, I swear, nothing else exists. It’s only you. And I’m sorry I can’t be the same for you,” his voice is cut off by your lips attaching onto his, a salty but warm taste filling your mouths.

You’ve kissed before. So many times, most lost in passion and alcohol late at night. And to be fully honest, this wasn’t all too different from the others, but something felt a little more matured. A little more welcoming.

Something a little less sedated and a lot more like home.

So we’re slaves to any semblance of touch

Lord we should quit but we love it too much

[autumn-maple13]

Lost to Time - Chapter 28

Chapter 28: The Thick of Things

It had started raining before they made it back to the hotel they had dropped Iris at, and with as late as it had become they were happy to find some rooms had been rented for them. Surprisingly though, Gladio volunteered to bunk with Iris for the night – though no one was about to question it – dumping Amara in the room with Ignis and her former schoolmates, both of who had decided to give her some devious grins.

She soon found herself glaring at the two younger men while Ignis showered, waiting anxiously for him to finish so she could have a temporary escape herself. However, once Prompto plopped down beside her on the little couch that had been haphazardly stuffed into the room and flung an arm over her shoulder, she knew she was screwed.

“So Ams,” the blond smirked, looking at her from the corner of his eye as he pretended to give the round of King’s Knight he was playing attention. “Are you and Ignis… Y’know.”

“I don’t and I don’t think I want to,” she grabbed his hand and twisted his arm up and off of her.

“Amara, are you hooking up with my advisor? Yes or no.” Noctis crossed his arms, looking at her intensely. “Just be honest.”

“What the actual hell has gotten into you two?”

“You two have spent every night together since we met up at Hammerhead, he’s always the one you head for first, and vice versa for the most part - which is actually getting a little annoying – and I think you and I both know he’s not the type to pay attention to random little things we mention in passing, but he remembers everything you even begin to mention.” The king leaned over to stare the glaive in the eye as he poked the necklace she had yet to remove for bed. “So? Are you hooking up with Iggy or not?”

“What are we not allowed to be close to each other or something?” the redhead grimaced. “Guys, he’s just worried because of how all this with the Arms is fucking with me.”

“I don’t think it’s only the Arms that are fucking with you, Amara.” Prompto whistled innocently when her glare turned on him. “Just saying. He was unusually worried about you during the whole kidnapped by the Empire incident. Yeah sure he wanted the Regalia back too, but he was ready to kill someone to get you back.”

“Guys-”

“We’re not going to say anything if you are, we just want to know ‘cause ya’ll keep looking at each other like you want to run off at any second.”

“Oh, for the love of – I’m not dealing with this tonight. First, I have to fight that fucking Niff bitch, now I have to deal with this from my own friends?” Amara stood and stalked over to the bathroom door, banging on it until they heard something shift inside. “Ignis I’m being interrogated out here! Hurry up or else!”

They couldn’t hear what he said back to her, but it made her glare at the door for a moment before she produced an odd little bag from her pocket. Pulling out a few little tools she surprised them by making quick work of the lock – soon pushing the door open.

“Get the fuck out, my turn.”

“Tell that to the shampoo.”

“I will drag you out if it means getting away from these idiots right now.”

“You can try.”

“Ignis Scientia don’t challenge me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, pretty girl.”

“Oh, you son of a-!” The guys watched her face start to burn before she could finish her sentence and couldn’t hold back their laughter when she squeaked. Ignis soon stepped out of the bathroom, still dripping water that left trails on the fabric of his sleep pants and turned a sharp glare on the giggling boys.

“She does have a point you know. So, would you two mind not being pains for tonight? Perhaps you could even attempt to hold off until we reach the Cape?”

“No promises Specs.”

She wasn’t sure when she finally managed to fall asleep that night, but it wasn’t long before now the now-familiar scent of sylleblossoms were flooding her senses. She found herself walking through a field of them, looking over their various colors as she tried to make sense of why she was there once again. Amara was almost happy to finally see someone else there and began to step carefully through the flowers, hem of her sage green dress held carefully above her knees, to make her way over. Somnus was the one she found waiting for her, and he held a hand out to her as she neared him.

“Amara has the pain of the plague returned any since my last visit?”

“No, it hasn’t.”

“As good as that is to hear, don’t expect it to stay that way. The next arm may very well return the pain to you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”

The man gave her a gentle smile, holding her hand gently when she accepted the one he had offered and leading her through the field until a tall white tower appeared before them. Though he didn’t take her near it, the sight of it alone was enough to make both a sense of familiarity and foreboding, wash over her.

“Amara, even though it may be asking the impossible, do you remember anything of the time you spent in our time? Before Ardyn and Aera cast you through it to where you landed.”

“No, but things seem to be coming back a little bit each day. I don’t know if I’ll ever remember it properly, but then again…”

“As adjusted as you are to this time, it may be for the best.” Somnus seemed to understand what she had wanted to say, but a knowing smile on his face made her suddenly remember her conversation with the man’s grandson before she had gone to bed. “So, the King’s advisor, huh? How do you think he’ll take it when he finds out you’re a Lucis Caelum yourself?”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, don’t you have some answers for me?”

“Of course, but I think someone else would like to speak to you first.” Her uncle motioned ahead of them, where she was surprised to see another person coming to join them.

“Amara.”

“Mom?”

“Yes, darling,” the woman smiled gently, sending a pang of recognition through her. It had been Aera she had received visions of after all! “Oh, how you’ve grown. You look so much like your father.”

“Are you sure that’s a good thing?” Somnus was teasing, and gently ruffled his niece’s hair, but Aera shook her head with a frown.

“Our time with her is limited Somnus, let us not squander it all.”

“Of course.”

Amara awoke with heavy eyes to the sound of her friends chatting away near her, Ignis’s hand resting on her arm as he sat beside her on the bed, sipping his coffee. Shifting her arm slightly to let him know she was awake, she waited until he stood before she sat up, running her fingers through the tangled mess of her hair as she glared half-heartedly at the guys.

“Morning Ams!”

“You look like hell.”

“I made coffee.”

“Morning guys…” she rubbed her face as she stifled a yawn. Ignis was quick to pass her a cup of coffee after she threw her legs over the side of the bed, earning a quick mutter of thanks before she all but chugged the drink. But when she finally sat the cup down, she was surprised to see her usually sleeping king staring her down like she had grown a second head. “What?”

He shook his head but glanced quickly behind her, making her attention turn that way. It was hard to be sure, but for a split second, she swore she saw her mother standing there, looking like a ghost. It only lasted a moment though, and when Amara looked back to the raven-haired man, he only gave her a nod.

“Uh, about that.”

“I don’t think I want to know.”

“What’s going on?” Prompto and Ignis were looking as confused as ever, glancing between their friends while they tried to figure out what happened. “What? What?”

The Glaive shook her head, standing to walk over to the coffee pot. “Just a ghost, nothing to worry about.”

“A ghost?!”

“Someone we know?”

“Someone she knows.”

“Yeah, yeah, I seem to attract ghosts since way back when, but don’t you do the same highness?”

“I don’t think messengers count as ghosts.”

“I’m talking about the fox.”

“Pip’s not a ghost, she’s a messenger. Just not the same way as the others.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Prompto whined, rubbing his neck as he tried to keep up.

“I daresay it’s best we don’t know.” Ignis brought the redhead her cup to refill. “Gladio and Iris went for a quick run. We’re going to head out once they return.”

“Alright.”

“Oh, and Iris wants you to give her your Glaive uniform for her to stitch up. I’d suggest you allow it since she had the better threads to take care of it.”

“Yeah, and you don’t want to wear such a messy uniform once we hit Altissia, do you?”

“Not going to worry about that for long!” the Amicitia siblings gave the group a pair of smiles as they walked into the room. Gladiolus was quick to look to Amara though and nodded to her. “Monica gave me a call. She’s got a Crownsguard uniform and fatigues for you, Sergeant.”

“Lovely,” the redhead muttered, dumping an absurd amount of sugar and creamer into the remaining coffee of the coffee pot, mixing it up and drinking it from the pot, earning a scoff from the Advisor who was still trying to give her back her cup. “Hey Iggy, can you go ahead and get my uniform for Iris so I don’t forget?”

“Of course.” He almost sounded defeated but left her to chug the remainder of the coffee so he could retrieve the Kingsglaive’s uniform. The Glaive joined him to retrieve some clothes for the day as soon as she finished her stolen drink, disappearing into the bathroom to change as the others began discussing what the plan would be. As it turned out, their random little runs through Lucis had left them missing quite a few out of the way royal tombs, which would need to be visited before they took off for Altissia. When Amara rejoined them, she found the guys looking over the map of the tombs, trying to figure out some sort of circuit for them to run once they had dropped off Iris.

“Sorry sis, as much fun as it is to have you around-”

“You guys need to worry about this more than me, I got it.” Iris smiled brightly, not at all offended. “Besides, I’ve got a uniform to patch, I’ll be plenty busy.”

The redhead couldn’t miss the look of relief on the Shield’s face if she wanted to, so she cleared her throat to try and get some of the tension out of the air. “Have we marked off the ones we already have?”

“Well there’s only four of the ten marked on this map, so yes.”

“Alright, ready when ya’ll are.”

And just like that, they were loading up and setting off. With their little caravan driving over the bridge to pass the fort they had knocked out of commission only the night before, it wasn’t long before the concrete ramparts halted to let them slip into more open terrain. Passing by the drop-off that signaled the river was nearby, it was only a few more moments before the vehicles turned off the paved road and started down a tree-lined old one, and Ignis was left to hold onto Amara a bit more tightly as she weaved speedily down the winding trail – Noctis not even trying to keep up anymore, only to pull over at an old parking spot with some lumber piled up off to its side. Letting the advisor hop off as she cut the engine, the redhead quickly had her bike parked off to the side and straightened up her clothes as the Regalia pulled in to join them.

“What the hell Amara? What happened to traveling together?” Noctis was trying to fuss at her, but he almost sounded like he was pouting.

“You’re here aren’t you? Ergo, together. Let’s go.”

“Do you even know where we’re going?” Gladiolus didn’t sound pleased as he walked over, leaving her to produce the map of tombs and unfold it.

“Right now, we’re going to head south a little way to get to the entrance to the thicket, which should be around here. Then, we just cut through it, try not to die, and get to the tomb that should be at its deepest point.”

“Alright, lead the way Captain! Uh, Sergeant!” Prompto grinned awkwardly, but Amara dismissed him with a shrug before she began to walk down the ill-kept road to where the path to the thicket should start. It was only a few minutes past the parking area, and with the guys chatting away about Caem and His Majesty’s ship, it wasn’t too long before the older woman was leading them down an old gravel path to a large metal bridge.

“Looks like there’s gonna be a fight on the other side.” She broke into their conversation, pointing out the less than friendly looking creatures that they were undoubtedly going to have to take care off. “Seadevils.”

On edge once more, the others followed her across the bridge, not at all surprised when the creatures began to act hostile as they neared the other end. Pulling Prompto up to her side before they stepped off, she pointed out a spot on the creature’s skulls. “Seadevils are capable of shooting high-pressure blasts of water, and we’re just out of their range. Can you make the shot?”

“Well, there’s only two of them.”

“If you miss-”

“I never miss!” True to his word, as soon as he was sure of what he was aiming at, the monsters were dispatched, and the group was left to clamor down the rocks to start up the uphill path into the thicket. It was a steeper slope than they had expected, so it wasn’t long before Ignis and Gladio were falling back to stay with Noctis, who every so often found himself stumbling on the gravel – and reminding Amara about his bad leg. Hadn’t it been an injury when he was a kid or something? She couldn’t remember how or when, not that she would have been told anyway.

Turning her focus to keeping an eye out for whatever creatures she could hear crying out in the woods, she was actually kind of relieved when Iris and Prompto came to join her in the lead. Despite their teasing, she knew Prompto was one hell of a marksman, and Iris was the daughter of the Crownsguard Captain/King’s Shield, so also a good fighter in her own right, at least from what she had seen of the girl during training sessions.

As they approached a curve towards the top of the slope, Amara realized she’d have to hope training would be enough. A small group of Spiracorn were staring at them, digging their hooves into the dirt and shaking their heads. They weren’t going to let the group pass quietly.

“Keep Noct back!” Amara shouted before losing a kukri, warping into the monsters before allowing herself to summon a sword from the armiger – Noct’s old sword Masamune, she realized when it was a bit heavier than she had expected. The massive katana made quick work of a few of the closer Spiracorn, but also left the redhead with a new issue that left her returning it quickly to the armiger and warping the hell out of the brush she had found herself in.

“Killer bees!” she warned, though Prompto’s squeal of alarm when one of the massive insects decided to charge them was a bit more effective in getting everyone’s attention. Summoning now one of his spare pistols, she jumped in front of Iris and began firing shots off at the nuisances, not wanting to get stung or worse – hit with their venom, which was known to cause confusion on top of poisoning you. Leaving Prompto to take care of the other Spiracorn while she (and moments later, Ignis) got rid of the bugs, their path was soon clear once again for them to continue.

“That must’ve been why they were already so riled up,” Amara muttered to herself, kicking one of the insects’ bodies out of their way with her disgust clear. Allowing herself a shudder before she continued, she decided to keep a kukri in hand for the moment, happy to find the slope they were now climbing was much gentler – and hopefully less of a pain to get up. From a break in the trees, she could see the sun was already high in the sky – it was around noon now, she guessed, and her stomach agreed.

However, she didn’t have time to worry about hunger, she could hear the sounds of another group of Spiracorn nearby as they neared the next curve in the path. Motioning for the others to follow, she climbed over the old wooden rail and began to cut through the brush, being careful to look out for any more bees as the guys followed her – hopefully around another fight. It ended up being a bit father to get around than expected though, as yet another group was spotted not far away when she had led them back onto the path.

Finally though, after another climb up the steepening path, they found themselves walking onto a stone-lined path, covered in moss with trees and shrubbery climbing the rocks that now shielded them from the woods.

“Welcome to the thicket guys.”

[flightofaqrow]

adult conversation

qrow x Libra Stirling ( @hvithale​ ) [fade to black]

“Oh I bet I have better stories than you, though how appropriate they are-” Libra glances around with a small chuckle and a wide grin, “for this setting remains to be seen.” A wink, “come by my place some time for those stories if you’re interested, I’d be happy to make you blush.”

“hey, i’ve got the time, if you do.”

Libra is tattoos and feathers, heavy mistral forests and starry skies, hunting and foraging, family and fire, and so many things familiar - so many things that have always made it easier to be around her, to not push away, because they are already part of him too. she has seen and handled much of the world and its troubles, and qrow’s just buzzed enough to let himself believe that maybe, maybe, she can handle him too. that maybe, in the way she so focuses on him first, she might even want to, “i’d like to see you try.”

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all the other hims are flirting with their crushes and here he is just stuck tryna manage at least 3 new kids. universe why.

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“I can flirt if you’re feeling left out”

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“sweetheart, i’d take any type of normal adult conversation right about now. these kids are a real buncha greenhorns this year, i’m about at wits end.”

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“Normal adult conversation it is then.”

“…”

“It occurs to me- I don’t think I know what passes for normal anymore.”

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“heh. ain’t that the truth.”

he finally takes a sweet, sweet sip from his flask. it ain’t fresh, nor does it go down smooth, but it does the trick.

“how ‘bout you just keep talkin’”

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“You like my voice that much do you?”

There’s a chuckle, and her shoulders lean back against the wall, hands casually resting in her pockets.

“Well, maybe I’ll just indulge you then.”

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“i like words that make sense,” he grins with a tilt of his head, “so yeah, i’d say your voice counts.”

a few beats pass, but she doesn’t seem to own up to the indulging part yet. his eyes sharpen in something between a plea and a taunt, “c’mon you’re always full of good stories. almost as good as mine.”

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“Oh I bet I have better stories than you, though how appropriate they are-” she glances around with a small chuckle and a wide grin, “for this setting remains to be seen.”

“Ah but the chaos my students have gotten up to in the past- Do you know i have to bail at least one student out of jail a semester? well, not have to- but i’d rather have students in class than a holding cell.”

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lips, brows, his whole face makes challenging angles enough that he doesn’t even have to make the argument nor the question with words. he wants to say setting doesn’t even matter - his luck would still likely have someone stumbling in or knocking on a door at the most inopportune time - but he keeps that to himself too.

“jail? heh, i’d actually find that harder to believe if i wasn’t that kid back in my day. although, every semester sounds like a pretty elevated stat. what are you teachin’ those kids? …or not teachin’ em. if Leo’s smart, maybe he’ll introduce an elective in gettin’ away with stuff.”

honestly, how did they ever let him become a teacher.

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A wink, “come by my place some time for those stories if you’re interested, I’d be happy to make you blush,” cheeky bird even sticks her tongue out to tease him.

“It’s different kids each time, a lot of them are kids from the streets, or kids from outside the kingdom, trying to prove something of themselves or show off, I cause plenty of problems for Atlas in my time so I get it. I remember one time though there was some sort of street festival going on and one whole teams worth of students, I shit you not, stole the dragon costume and danced it away. Turns out they took it to go visit an orphanage most of them grew up at.”

It’s clear that she wasn’t demeaning the students like one probably should in a situation, “they were great kids, I get letters from a few of them still. One has a daughter of his own now, promised to send her my way for school if she wanted to hunt.”

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“hey, i’ve got the time, if you do.”

words answer with confidence, but dilated eyes with surprise-softened corners stare at her mouth and betray him. something about the audacity of an esteemed colleague, a forty-something woman, sticking her tongue out at him like some child hits him deep in the gut, even beyond the implications which don’t fly over his head. the shell of prior conceptions begin to crack. he caps his flask and drops it back in his shirt pocket.

he asked for stories to distract him, but they’re suddenly very difficult to pay attention to.

“that’s… cute.” the orphanage gift and the promise of legacy students, he means. mostly.

“getting into a little trouble’s worth it every now and then, huh?” he winks back.

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“You only know how to get out of trouble when you’ve been in it to your ears my mom used to tell me.” The shape of her smile changes just so, still fond, still soft, but tender for something that was, not for something that could be. “And looking at me- that’s been quite a pile of trouble.”

Was she just talking about how tall she was? Or was it the scars visible and peeking from her clothes? Perhaps it was whatever she’d so carefully covered on her neck with the band of her garment. Where will he look, what is his first inclination she wonders, what does he think of her? Teal eyes scan his face to find her answers, but she feels she doesn’t have to search long.

He’s softer looking behind closed doors isn’t he? Scar-notched lips pull into a lopsided little smirk, “Something on you mind, Qrow?”

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that may or may not be an invitation, but qrow takes it as one - to look at her. his gaze openly falls and rises again, taking her in from head to toe as he draws a few steps closer. red eyes never linger too long in one place along their travels, yet burn bright with intention the entire way, framed by the raise of his brows.

Libra is tattoos and feathers, heavy mistral forests and starry skies, hunting and foraging, family and fire, and so many things familiar - so many things that have always made it easier to be around her, to not push away, because they are already part of him too. she is raven, but pure and white, covered in scars which speak of a true survivor’s heart rather than the cowardice of retreat. she is beautiful, if you ask him anyway, and in her entirety.

like she had said, she has seen and handled much of the world and its troubles, and he’s just buzzed enough to let himself believe that maybe, maybe, she can handle him too. that maybe, in the way she so focuses on him first, she might even want to.

conviction recovers his confidence. one shoulder leans against the wall with her, next to her, pressing just beyond the bounds of appropriate personal space.

“mind isn’t the exact word i’d use at this point, sweetheart. you keep promising to make me blush. i’d like to see you try.”

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Well as long as he’s comfortable making the first move.

“Sweetheart huh?” Her arms cross over her chest, one finger tapping her chin in what’s a blatant move to direct his eyes to her lips still quirked in a smirk, “Keep calling me that and I might start to get ideas you know.” And just like that, with a little shift of her shoulders, she’s slid and closed the gap between them, shoulder to shoulder.

“And I don’t think I promised you anything, Stretch.” Libra leans her head over, falling just short of his cheek but the fine length of her hair spilled in part over his shoulder and down his chest. “I suggested that my stories could make you blush, a challenge as it were.”

She smells faintly of something sweet, apple or honey perhaps? Some sort of floral in her shampoo even. Delicate strands of hair float almost like a spider’s web on the faint breath of air stirred by the schools air conditioning, ghostly threads whispering past his neck. And all at once she’s righting herself and standing up, taking her warmth and soft hair away with her-

Only to surround him the next moment when her palms flatten against the wall behind him, one just beside his cheek and the other near his elbow. She left him a window to escape through, and beyond the sudden shift in her proximity to him she wasn’t coming off as threatening to the best of her ability. Her tail swishes quietly, one side to the other as lips draw up to his enough that a wayward motion could bring them together.

“Lets see if that sweetheart tastes as good on your lips as it sounds, hmm?”

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qrow follows her lead, takes what is offered. eyes follow movement, arms and chest and finger before they land right where Libra wants. gentle touches, gentle weight on his body kicks up the rate of his breathing, making it even easier to inhale saccharine scent so perfectly suited to such a sweet woman.

no, she hadn’t promised anything, that’s true. but turn of phrase still made his point. actions contradict any of her complaints.

hairs on his neck rise at the brush of hers, sending goosebumps all the way down his arms until the flush of his skin overpowers the flush in his head. or so he thought… she sends it spinning with her own turn; in an instant, makes him forget everything but his body hitting the wall and her body coming closer with her face right in front of his, and the desire to have that hair draped again over the rest of him, to close the distance between their mouths, to drown in a body instead of bottle for just one night. his heart doesn’t leap - it doesn’t really ever do that - but he can feel it pounding in place against his sternum.

he’s pinned well in place whether she uses both arms or not. eyes which snapped wide at the sheer suddenness of it stay that way from growing excitement. he doesn’t usually need to lift his gaze to meet a woman’s but doing so brings quite a thrill, especially with the delectable phrase which follows.

it has been so damn long, there’s part of him that doubts this is actually happening. his hands remain against the wall; tense as they are with the drive to touch, he resists. some doubt of she’s just teasing aches in the back of his skull. but her breath against his cheeks and the gentle rustle of her tail grounds him, and liquid courage helps him press on.

“promise. challenge. whatever,” his head tilts not quite enough to kiss her, but his lips slide against hers with his words. for the moment, he gives what she asks, no more and no less, in gruff, breathy timbre, “i accept. sweetheart.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

She lets him get the last ‘sweet’ part out before catching his lips on her own. She was no starved beast, sinking her teeth in with hungry abandon, but the touch is anything but chaste. There’s a small split in her lower lip, and part of her soft lips are uneven from where a sunburn had left parts of it peeled and patchy, but they are no less supple against his.

Intent lies in her mouth, this wasn’t going to be something quick and breezy, but drawn out and delicious if she was going to have her way about it. Teal eyes have closed with the connection of their lips, she wants to drink him in blind first, to let other senses indulge in what her eyes have been treated to, besides all she cared to see right now she could feel through their kisses.

Eventually lips have to part, sucking in colder air for breath as a dawdling tongue slips over his lip as a tease of more to come. “Who knew second-hand whiskey could taste that nice?”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

she imparts the kind of kiss that means business; their business and no one else’s. Libra may not be starved, but years have passed since qrow last felt the warmth of willing lips against his own, and any moisture tastes like an oasis amid such an arid spell.

he’d have her no other way. some cracks around the edges means the ones he leaves won’t devastate something more pristine. it scrapes pleasantly along his mouth all the way down to his insides, and the tips of short nails scratch harder into the wall with self-control. he knows her kind of body language, too - a woman who wants to be in charge. reigning in impulses too often rewarded growing up never came easy for him, but he believes he makes the right decision and continues to. he really doesn’t want to mess this up.

he doesn’t want to hurt his already skewed chances. he doesn’t want to lose another friend.

if Libra feels anything in her search of qrow, it is how his mouth moves with hers and not against - lets her guide, lead, take what she wants; for all his voice sasses and argues, his body stays silent until aroused by her will and touch. his eyes close by only half; unwilling yet to give up even one sense to experience this woman with.

the tease of her tongue draws out a sharp exhale which almost reaches a whine pitch, and one tiny step of selfishness has his chin leaning after her retreat in futile chase.

qrow eases the ache left on his bottom lip by dragging it under his teeth as his lungs race desperately to keep up with his heart. usually, his drinking didn’t exactly earn him compliments. her words buzz over his skin like that whiskey does beneath. he breathes relief in something akin to a laugh, “…heh.”

he straightens his spine and finally dares to bring one hand to rest featherlight on Libra’s hip. no matter how big haven might be, walls confine them with too many other people. “…we could share some more at your place.”

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“We could,” comes an agreement, punctuated by a languid kiss, “We will,” follows after with another kiss to chase it and still she hasn’t moved out of his space, though the exits she left him are still open and present. She notably doesn’t refute his touch either.

Stray strands of hair brush past his skin again as she leans closer now, past his lips and to his ear, one hand reaching between them to carefully pinch the cross at his throat, tapping his sternum with her knuckle. “Don’t be scared now, you can touch me.” The cord goes more taught for only a moment before she releases his necklace and returns her hand to the wall just over his hip.

Warm breath bathes his jaw as lips and teeth briefly catch his earlobe while a low, throaty chuckle rumbles beside him. “Wouldn’t have to wait that long, my office is upstairs. Could be fun like that, who knows.”

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warmth. qrow feels warm and hot in all the right places; flushed from alcohol dilation, from Libra’s body, her hair, her breath, her touch, her kisses, and her words. all of it like qrow perches comfortably without a care in the world in a sun-bathed orchard, and yet the cold shiver throughout his body makes sense. what a delightful place to be tonight.

light-headed, he leans back against the wall, bracing against the rapturous rush of it all. pulls her with him by the lips and the backward tug of his necklace as lovely raven toys with something shiny.

grip tightens as she teases him, until - at her permission - fingers dip under hems and push aside belts to find flesh and dig in, grab her and draw her closer against his body.

qrow is not afraid, he is cautious. knows what a mess this kind of thing can get him in, but Libra is not fragile, nor ignorant, nor innocent. every move she makes and every wicked way she riles him up suggests pure passion without expectation. no intention to trap him. they’re having fun.

his chest heaves, and an excited hiss sucks through teeth when she nibbles at him next; he nips a trail down the skin of her neck in return.

my office is upstairs. Could be fun like that, who knows.

“it could,” with less blood in his brain as all her attention makes qrow swell in several places, he can only find words enough to parrot, “we should.” the tilt of his hips into hers punctuates sudden impatience before he loosens his hold so she can lead on...

[bluboothalassophile]

34C and Red Lace

Here’s what had happened.

He was walking home from a bar, nothing unusual about that, bars were good places to gather information; depending on the bar. And it wasn’t like he could get drunk; the dunk in the Lazarus Pit wouldn’t allow his body to get drunk. Poisons, drugs, alcohol, hell even cigarettes couldn’t really do much damage to him. And he knew that cigarettes were bad for his lungs but he’d had MRIs and CAT scans kind of showing that even as a smoker, he was not affected by this, and his lungs were beyond healthy.

Anyways, he’d been walking home from a bar this August night. He had stopped for a smoke when he sensed her, and his phone buzzed; no doubt Raven.

There was a battle cry, a flurry of silver as he caught her wrist, his cigarette fell from his lips and she stabbed him hard as he kicked her lower back to send her stumbling into the wall. He hissed at the knife in his lower abdomen but knew she hadn’t hit vitals.

“Been a while,” she snapped, spinning her sword.

“Not long enough flower,” he spat out. she came at him again he caught her wrist, knocked the sword out of her hand as he shoved her into the wall. She slammed her knee into the knife, which had him staggering back in searing pain. He slugged her midsection though thoroughly winding her. Yanking out the knife he ignored the pain and the blood as it skittered on the ground, she was up again, and slammed into him. He spun her into another wall using his body to pin her and keeping her hands over her head.

“What do you want Rose?” he hissed.

“Shouldn’t that be obvious?” She purred as she kissed him hard which had every bad idea and hormones he ignored coming to life as he kissed her back.

Which brought him to where he was this morning as he snarled at the blood and struggled with the new locks his fuck buddy had left him with. Twisting a bit as he finally got his phone in hand as he dialed the first number on it.

Oh, this was fucking humiliating.

But leave it to Rose to actually make it so he couldn’t escape.

“Hello?” she panted.

“Hey, you busy?” he asked as he struggled a bit with the restraints.

“Training,” she gasped.

“Huh…” he nodded as he lifted his hips a bit and squirmed up. Fuck him, and fuck Rose, next time he saw her he was kicking her ass and throwing her off a cliff.

“What’s up?” she huffed, her voice was breathless and smoky.

“I could use some help,” he admitted.

“Now?”

“Preferably,” he hissed in discomfort at the restraint tightening. Oh, she was so going to suffer when he got out of this.

“Can I get a shower?” she asked, her voice was leveling out.

“I’d say yes, but little bird, I’m stuck,” he admitted.

“Stuck?”

“Yeah, stuck, bring your clothes, you can shower here, just… help!” he hissed.

“I’ll be there in two minutes,” she sighed.

“Thank you Queen,” he said, and she hung up.

Alright, as far as his training went he could escape almost anything. Rose though was the best trapper in the business, and he had fallen for her trap; again. Fuck him!

Raven materialized from the shadows. The bland look she gave him as she walked in was something he’d have rather not seen but still, he smiled.

“Hey little bird,” he greeted her with a smile.

“Mmm, if this is an attempt to seduce me, it’s not going to work, besides you have blood on you,” she informed him.

“Rats, and here I thought you’d fall for my physique,” he mused.

“Seriously Jason, what the hell?” Raven sighed as she dropped her bag.

“Would you believe me if I told you if this is not the first time I’ve been stuck in this situation?” he asked with as much charm as he could muster up. Which was kind of hard to do as he was left with only a sheet between Raven and his dignity. Not that he had anything to be ashamed of but he’d rather not have the little bird eye balling him.

“Sadly, no,” she sighed. Climbing up beside him on the bed her hands touched the bindings, her eyes glowed white as the shadows slipped from her fingers, slipping through the metal. It took a moment but there was a click which had him sighing in relief as he sat up and started picking the other lock.

“Thanks,” Jason shouted as she walked into his bathroom.

“Uh-huh, now, not judging, but, I didn’t think you were the type,” Raven said appearing in the doorframe, dangling that acurrsed red, lacy bra, 34C, that Rose had worn last night.

“Well, you know me, a sucker for red,” he snickered.

“Uh-huh,” Raven tossed it at him.

“Hey!”

“I’m taking a shower,” she called out. Jason was finally free, tugging on some sweats he noticed that his jacket was missing. He finally inspected his stab wound when Raven walked out.

“Azar Jason, what happened!?” Raven turned him a bit.

“Ow,” he managed when she touched his wound. “And I ran into an old acquaintance? Last night.”

“You don’t sound too sure of what, Miss Red Lacy 34C is,” Raven said as she shoved him on the bed. Jason fell back without complaint.

“Complicated, can we just go with complicated?” he asked.

“Definitely seems that way,” Raven agreed. “Empathy or stitches?” she asked.

“Stitches, definitely stitches,” he said.

“Lay still,” Raven ordered.

“So bossy, if I didn’t know better I’d think you were jealous,” he mused.

“Good thing you know better,” Raven said blandly as she had picked up the needle and thread.

“Ow,” he hissed.

“Did that hurt?” she asked blandly. “I haven’t even touched you yet.”

“Practice.” He grinned.

“Uh-huh,” Raven sat there and started inspecting his side.

“Thanks,” he said as she started sewing him up.

“No problem,” she hummed. “Do I even want to know how often I’ll be walking in on this… these situations?”

“I’d tell you but, honestly I don’t know,” he admitted. His and Rose’s trysts were, unexpected and landed them in a bed or the hospital; it entirely depended on how they reacted to one another.

“Uh-huh,” she nodded.

“Since you’re here how about a movie?” he offered.

“Lunch and a movie, I’m starved,” she negotiated.

“Fine by me,” he agreed.

“Good, you’re buying,” Raven was up as she finished the stitches. “And take a shower, you’re covered in blood.”

“Yes, my Queen,” he decided. Thank God for Raven or he’d still be working out his escape which was not a good thing. Looking at the bindings, he frowned. He’d study those later, because she probably custom made them.

“I’ll be a minute,” he said as he walked to his shower.

“Take your time, I’m reading,” Raven announced as she flopped into a chair with his book. He rolled his eyes at her familiarity at sitting in his safe house. He noticed his favorite jacket was missing.

“That Bitch!”

“You better not be talking about me!” Raven shouted.

“No, not you, little bird, different bitch,” he said as he turned on the shower. Opening his medicine cabinet he frowned at Rose’s message, and the red lip print.

Thanks for the info! Until next time Fuck Boy!

She’d pay for this next time, he thought with a scowl as he slammed the cabinet shut and knew exactly what she had taken. Now he’d have to start from scratch. Fucking Hormones! He was better than Dickhead, sighing he reminded himself he was better than that as he walked to the shower.