#<- it's supposed to be a book but I'm glad someone noticed

[inlovewithquestionablecharacters]

Hannibal Lecter X Reader: Us lonely few

Warnings: talk of loneliness, smut, kissing, rough sex, unprotected sex, penetration (p in v), drinking, no use of y/n

Word count: 2,5K

The sound of Ave Maria floats out of Hannibal's office. It makes you hesitate, your hand freezing in mid air. You weren’t supposed to be here at such a late hour but you’d lost track of time. You started working as Hannibal's secretary a month ago. He’d never found himself in need of a secretary but you'd managed to impress him. He enjoyed the way your eyes lit up as he spoke about the mysteries of the mind so he decided to keep you around.

It was nice to have someone nearby. It didn’t matter that you usually remained outside of his office as you worked, just the thought of not being alone seemed to ease Hannibal. He liked your company. You were younger than him but you shared his taste for the finer things in life. Conversation came easy when he was with you. It was almost as if you’d been made for each other.

You knock on the door waiting for a response. When one doesn't come you lean your ear against the wood trying to listen for Hannibal's footsteps. The only sound that fills your ears is music. It’s likely he can’t hear you because of the song. You can barely hear yourself as you call out for him.

“Dr Lecter, I'm coming in.”

As always his door is unlocked. You push it open with ease, momentarily balancing the books you were holding on your hips. You close the door behind you before moving to scan the room, trying to find Hannibal. He has his back turned to you but somehow he still manages to sense your presence. 

“I thought you’d gone home.”

You walk over to his desk placing the books you were holding on it before going towards him. 

“I lost track of time. Your books are very fascinating.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed them but I can't have you staying after hours.”

“You stay after hours.”

Hannibal looks up from his drawing to look at you. You meet his gaze, waiting to see how he’ll react to your comment. He stays serious for a second before smiling at you. 

“I suppose you're right.”

“I usually am.”

You grin at him before turning your attention back to his sketches. You lean over Hannibal's shoulder trying to get a better view. He watches you as you observe his work. He inhales deeply trying to commit your scent to memory. You're oblivious to his actions, far too focused on the drawing before you. It's a nude portrait of a woman. You can’t help but notice the way Hannibal has drawn her. There is a sensuality to the portrait but there is also a loneliness to the woman's expression.

“She’s beautiful.”

“Yes she is.”

“Why’s she sad?”

“What makes you think she’s sad?”

“The way you drew her.”

You point to the image carefully so that you won't smudge the pencil.

“She's looking behind herself as if she’s searching for something but the way her arms are wrapped around herself shows she didn’t find what she wanted.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well she’s holding herself isn't she? I mean, she didn’t find someone to hold her so she had to hold onto herself. She’s lonely.”

“ I guess I didn't think about it that way.”

“Art has a way of bringing our feelings to the surface. Even if we ourselves don’t know what we're feeling.”

“Are you insinuating that I'm lonely?”

“Aren’t you?”

Hannibal eyes bore into yours as he thinks. Maybe he was lonely. Maybe that is why, after all these years, he found himself with a secretary even though he didn't particularly need one. 

“It’s okay to feel lonely. It doesn't make you any less strong.”

“Do you feel lonely?”

“I’ve felt alone my whole life. So yeah you could say loneliness is something I'm familiar with.”

Hannibal placed his hand over yours causing you to look at his face. His eyes softened as he took in your features. You were a pretty thing. He’d been so impressed with your mind he often forgot you also had a beauty he hadn't had the pleasure of being graced with in a long time. 

“Do you enjoy filet mignon?”

You let out a laugh at his question, eyes furring in curiosity.

“I do. Why?”

“I’m inviting you to dinner.”

“At your house?”

“Yes.”

“As long as I'm not intruding.”

“Not at all. I enjoy your company.”

Hannibal's house was very him. There were artworks scattered around the rooms and knowledge seemed to seep out of the walls. You removed your shoes and placed them by the door. Hannibal looked at you questioningly. “I don’t want to get your floors dirty.”

“If you feel more comfortable that way, be my guest.”

“You have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you. The kitchen is this way.”

You followed Hannibal, eyes moving over every inch of his home you could see. A small gasp left your lips as you walked into the kitchen. You always enjoyed the culinary arts but you’d never had the pleasure of owning a kitchen big enough to explore your talents properly. Hannibal watched you as you moved around the room, a small smile tugging at his lips at your unfiltered fascination.

“I take it you enjoy cooking.”

“I’ve always had a curiosity for it but I'm not very skilled. I won’t die of hunger but I've never made any adventurous recipes. Just the basics you know?”

“Would you like to sous chef?”

“I’d love to.”

“Wonderful. You can start chopping the onions.”

You moved over to him grabbing the knife he handed you before moving to get the onions and a cutting board. Hannibal unbuttoned his shirt sleeve and pushed it up his arms allowing you to see his muscles. Your gaze lingered for a moment before focusing on your task once more. Hannibal moved around the kitchen with ease as he searched for the ingredients he needed. It was almost like a dance. You couldn’t help but watch him as he moved. He seemed so peaceful like this his mind completely focused on the meal he was preparing.

Your eyes started to sting as you continued to chop the onions. You sniffed quietly which caused Hannibal to look up at you. He watched as a single tear fell from your eyes before falling onto the counter. He moved over to you on instinct. You felt a hand on your cheek, turning to face Hannibal at his touch. His thumb moved over your skin, collecting your tears. It was an innocent caress but you couldn’t help but lean into his touch. He pulled his hand away from you, moving his thumb to his lips. He licked at his thumb, removing your tears from his skin. Your heartbeat fastened at the action. 

“Let’s switch tasks dear. Can’t have you crying in my kitchen. You can cut the meat.”

He paused for a moment glancing at the piece of raw meat on the counter before looking back at you.

“Unless it’s too much for you.”

“I’m not afraid of getting my hands a little bloody Hannibal. I’ll be fine.”

He knew you didn’t mean anything but it but his mind couldn’t help but wonder what you were capable of. You seemed like the type of person who knew how to hold their own. Still he wondered how far you’d be willing to go.

Hannibal took over chopping onions as you worked on the main piece of the meal. One he’d finished he moved over to watch you. Your hands moved over the pieces of meat with an unusual softness. Despite that you seemed to be having a hard time figuring out how big the pieces should be. Hannibal sensed your struggle. He moved behind you, his chest brushing against your back as he reached to place his hand over yours. You twisted your head to the side to look at him.

“Am I doing something wrong?”

“Not at all dear. But you can cut the medallions a bit larger. Here let me help.”

You relaxed your arm so that Hannibal could maneuver your body in the way he wished. 

“There. That thickness is better.”

You turned to face him once more expecting him to be looking at the meat. Instead you found him staring at you. Your eyes dropped to his lips momentarily. You were so close to him that you could smell his aftershave. A breathy sigh left your mouth the air fanning over his lips. You wanted him to kiss you. His mouth opened but instead of kissing you he spoke.

“Could you set the table for us?”

“Oh. Yeah sure.”

“The silver ware is in the third drawer on the left.”

With that Hannibal unlatched himself from you allowing you to move over to where you needed. You walked over to the dining room. Your hands trembled as you placed the silver ware down. Hannibal's voice rang out from the kitchen.

“You can take a seat. It will be ready soon.” 

“Okay.”

A couple moments later Hannibal walked in with a platter in his hand and a bottle of wine in the other. 

“Do you drink?”

“Occasionally. But I'm not picky.”

“This wine was aged in a maple barrel. It has a sweet taste to it which will go perfectly with the meat.”

“Everything looks delicious.”

“I agree.”

You couldn’t help but notice Hannibal wasn’t looking at the food as he spoke, he was looking at you.

You ate until you couldn’t anymore. Hannibal filled up your cup as soon as you downed the last sip. After you finished dinner the two of you made your way to his living room. You were a little tipsy due to the wine causing you to become unfiltered. You padded against Hannibal's floor, moving to music that only you could hear. He enjoyed watching you like this. You were usually so formal around him it was nice to see you in a more relaxed manner. Hannibal observed you stumble over to his piano, hands toying with the keys before glancing in his direction. 

“Do you play?”

“I do.”

“Will you play for me?”

Hannibal could never deny an audience. He pushed off the wall he’d been leaning on, making his way over to where you stood. He sat down on the bench as you moved to rest your chin on the palm of your hand. Hannibal flexed his fingers, straightening his posture a bit before he began to play. The second his fingers began moving over the keys you became mesmerized. You walked over to the other side of the bench taking a seat beside him. You observed his fingers glide from one key to the other. He made it seem so easy. You closed your eyes, focusing on the sounds. As the song came to an end you slowly opened your eyes, a smile plastered against your face. You looked over at Hannibal only to find him already watching you. 

“That was beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

Your eyes softened at Hannibal's words. Your hand moved to cup his cheek. Slowly, you inched your face closer to his until your lips were inches apart. You placed a gentle kiss to his mouth waiting to see how he’d react. When he didn't pull away you kissed him again with a little more strength this time. Hannibal opened his mouth to you. Your tongues moved together as you deepened the kiss. Hannibal's hand wrapped around your hips lifting you up with ease. He placed you on his lap. Your back dug into the keys of the piano as you continued to make out. Hannibal's hands dug into the flesh of your ass causing you to whine. You bit his lip, tugging at it with your teeth as you broke the kiss. Your hands moved over Hannibal's shirt, fingers working on unbuttoning it. He could sense the desperation in your actions. He moved his hand over to your chest tugging at the buttons of your dress shirt. The buttons seemed to be toying with him. He lost his patience. Before you knew it Hannibal had ripped your shirt open. You gasped as he leaned down to kiss the valley of your breasts. 

“Hannibal…”

“What is it?”

“Take me to your bed.”

The soft sheets of Hannibal's bed rubbed against your face as your body moved with his thrusts. Your fingers dug into his pillow as you screamed out his name. There was no mercy in his movements. He was fucking you so hard you were sure you wouldn’t bae able to walk tomorrow. You thought he’d stop after the first round but you’d been wrong. Once you’d gotten tired of riding him he’d flipped you around shoving your face down onto the bed before lifting your ass and continuing to pistol into your.

The bed creaked as he moved, muffling the sounds of your moans. His hands moved against your ass, fingers leaving crescent moon shapes on your skin as he continued to manhandle you. You were squeezing him so much that he was having a hard time moving in and out of you. He reached his hand to your waist lifting you off the bed. Your bare back pressed against his chest. Hannibal licked at your earlobe before biting into it. You let out a yelp causing him to shush you.

“You’re gonna cum for me again.”

“Hannibal i can’t-”

“Yes you can. I know you can.”

He placed kisses against your shoulder blade as one of his hands found their way to your pussy. His thumb found your clit. He grunted as he circled the small bundle of nerves. You panted against him, hands grabbing at his hair to anchor yourself. Your jaw fell slack as your orgasm washed over you. Hannibal stopped supporting your body causing you to fall forward into the bed. His grunts became more constant as he continued to fuck into you. It took a couple thrusts but soon enough he was spilling his seed into you. You heard his groan as he pulled out. You remain unmoving, still trying to recover from your orgasm. Hannibal returned to bed, laying down beside you. He tugged you closer to him. You laid your head on his chest, fingers moving to play with the hairs on his chest. He listened to you breath, his hand moving to caress your hair as he did. 

“You were right.”

“Usually am. But what was I right about exactly?”

“She was lonely.”

You let out an understanding hum, comprehending what he was confessing to you.

“Is she still lonely?”

“No. Not anymore. She found someone to keep her company.”

“I’m glad. I’m sure they were just as lonely as she was.”

“It's a good thing they found each other then.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

The two of you had been crafted by different artists but in your own way you’d been made for each other. If you hadn't been sure of that before you were certain of it now.

[radioisntdead]

Hey! I really liked your headcanon about Alastor. It’s got my imagination running wild >_< What do you think about a romantic! Oneshot with Alastor where everyone can see the results of the biting game on both us and Alastor (assuming we both break skin and leave marks). I’m not sure how Alastor would be caught without his coat on, much less with with short sleeves… maybe a spilled drink on a hot day. But I keep imagining this scenario:

Angel: Asks Alastor if he had a rough night after seeing his arms covered in bites (assuming rough sexy time)

Alastor: Responds yes (remembering how he got cornered and couldn’t get away because using his shadows to escape is against the rules of the game)

Angel: :O

Good evening my dear! Thank you so much for requesting this I had so much fun writing it and I'm so glad you liked my Alastor biting headcanons!

And because I positively adore and I am mildly obsessed with deers I think that's why I like Alastor so much? The reader has deer attributes like Alastor Specifically whitetail deers because apparently they can jump eight feet in the air! And the reader jumps a bunch, reader is refered to as Prancer by Angel, I'm not gonna lie I had no idea how to end it so the ending is rushed! and everything is a tad bit messy, my apologies, Full italics is a mini flashback

Warnings!!

Biting, the drawing out of blood, the reader's blood is a vibrant pink for fun! Angel dust alluding to sexual acts, Still getting used to writing Alastor so once again leaning into fanon and possibly some OOC behaviors.

not proofread because I don't have a beta reader, Enjoy!

The two of you hadn't meant to get so carried away, it started out peacefully enough, you and Alastor were just laying on couch he had in his radio tower, it was later in the night, you suppose it was just past midnight,

He was looking over papers with whatever radio nonsense on them for tomorrow's broadcast, and you were peacefully reading a book with your head on his shoulder, with soft jazz playing in the background, your jackets were hung neatly on the coat rack, a warm cup of coffee and a nice soothing [Drink of your choice] sat on the desk.

It was treasured peaceful moment, until your beloved strawberry-flavored Bambi decided to ruin it by picking up your arm and biting into it like it was beef jerky and looking like someone had shot him with a tranquilizer dart,

You sat up quickly, your arm still in his grasp, eyes narrowed at him as he pulled away from your arm, licking away the escaping blood like the little cannibalistic freak he is

"Alastor, My darling dear, why are you like this?"

You ask with an exasperated tone as your dearly beloved just kept a smug grin on his face and patted the sides of his mouth with a handkerchief he had gotten from hell knows where,

Sitting up, you blink slowly before immediately pouncing at the Radio demon, your own sharp teeth bared and ready to bite only for your beloved deer to move out of the way and quickly moving behind you as you fall face first into where Alastor once sat,

"Ah, you have to be quicker then that my dear!"

He said with a laugh before turning around to grab his coat, clearly not expecting you to stand up on his couch like a uncivilized heathen and jump on him managing to knock him off his feet? Hooves? Whatever he has and sink your teeth into his exposed neck.

And so the game begun with the both of you biting each other.

Unfortunately this little game of yours comes with consequences and what are those consequences?

Well for starters Alastor's coat was now stained with noticable pink blood [From you of course who else!]

Bite marks littered his arms from your chompin' down, not to mention you had bitten his neck! scandalous behavior!

You weren't much better with bite marks though not only on both of your arms but shoulders, and hands, hell he almost bit your face and he would've if you didn't headbutt him!

You had grabbed his coat along with a few other articles of blood covered clothing you gently folded and placed them in a bag to take over to the drycleaners, honestly you could probably get the blood stains out with cold water but neither you nor Alastor had time for that and while you adored Niffty you did NOT trust her with washing some of the articles of clothing that you had, so the drycleaners it was!

Alastor was up in his radio tower doing a broadcast while Everyone else was scattered through the hotel, notably Angel dust and Husk were chatting about something at the bar as you walked by it you gave them a quick wave.

"Good afternoon you two! I'm heading to the drycleaners if anyone asks."

You said as you quickly made your way past the duo, making a swift plot convenient exit.

Angel dust raised an eyebrow as he briefly caught the sight of teeth marks on your wrist from the exposed hem of your sweater.

"Eh, didn't think they had it in em' to do anything beyond handholding"

"They don't, Probably they probably bit by that fucked up creature of theirs."

Husk said sliding a glass over to Angel who shrugged before downing whatever liquid was in the glass.

Alastor had entered the bar area, after a couple of minutes later, wearing a red button up and vest, the same colors as his normal attire, he had rolled up his sleeves during the broadcast and unfortunately forgot to unroll them to cover the bite marks on his arms,

He missed his usual attire but unfortunately it was gone with you for the foreseeable future.

"Oo, Rough night freaky face?''

Angel dust joked wiggling his eyebrows as he swirled whatever alcoholic drink Husk had provided him while Husk shook his head while wiping a glass.

"Yes, I suppose you could say that."

Alastor said his smile tightening as he recalled you cornering him in the Bayou in your shared room, Alastor wasn't the type to run away typically, even less the type to give up easily even to his beloved spouse,

unfortunately for him though,

The little game of yours had some rules, such as no leaving any marks on facial areas, No tearing off any chunks of flesh {Gonna love having a spouse with cannibalistic tendencies}, and No using any type of power the two of you had, which means good ol' Alastor couldn't use his funky lil' shadows

And that made him more vulnerable to his deranged spouse's tackling strategy.

"Alastor get out of the tree,"

"No."

You had no idea how you ended up chasing your spouse into a tree, you don't know how he even got INTO the tree, but he sat upon it kicking his legs back and forth like a gleeful child, staring down at you, for someone who's a deer he's oddly cat like,

You sighed turning around and walking away as your beloved laughed in taunting tone

"Running off so soon dearest? And here I thought you- aCK"

Alastor was cut off by you running back, hurling yourself off the ground and tackling him like a feral flying squirrel onto the ground.

Blinking away at the memory Alastor returned his focus to Angel dust's gobsmacked expression that turned into a grin as he laughed while Husk moved further into the bar shaking his head.

"I was jokin' around, but sounds like you and prancer actually got freaky!''

"Pardon me, we w̸̧̢͉̦̟̭̪͕̉͘ḩ̷̛̛̤̬͖̿͆̈́͘â̸͔͔̣̊̿ẗ̴̖̦̆̔͛̿̎̾̆̚͠?"

Thank you for tuning in folks! My apologies for the messy one shot, but I have a Vox x reader that's almost done that's more put together, and a more put together Alastor fic, Anyways I hope you all have a wonderful day!

[mxqdii]

nott into you - m.s

pairings: nott reader x mattheo riddle

summary: reader's brother is theodore nott and develops feelings for his best friend mattheo

warning(s): drinking, brief makeout drugs.

not proofread

FRIDAY:

my hands tangled in his hair, the smell of his cologne and cigarettes filling my senses, everything just feels right.

it's funny how a week can change everything.

okay! i know this looks really wrong, but i can explain.. let's go back to where this all started, monday.

-1 WEEK PRIOR.-

MONDAY:

i sit in potions, bored as ever at snapes lesson, feeling eyes on me.

i look over seeing mattheo riddle staring, which isn't totally weird, considering we've been friend's since first year, just abnormal.

this time it's different though, like some weird tension in the air, i feel as if red smoke is filling my lungs and calling out mattheo's name.

snapping out of it, i clear my throat and focus my attention onto the horribly boring, lesson

the class ends sooner than later and i take my time to collect my stuff, not noticing mattheo waiting for me.

i head to the door and meet eyes with him

"waiting for me, riddle?" i question and his lips curl upwards

"i might be, walk with me will you?" he asks and i nod, following wherever he's going.

"i noticed you staring" i mumble

"yeah and i noticed you drooling" he says and i scoff

"you think too highly of yourself riddle" i professed

"mmh i'm not so sure about that, have you met your brother?" he adds on and i realize

my brother, shit.

this flirty banter shouldn't even be happening right now, considering if theo saw he would absolutely loose his shit.

"yeah thats theo, uh- anyways i gotta go, nice talking to you riddle!-" i say in a rush, walking the other direction.

TUESDAY:

i hear the door open and look up seeing pansy, i'm currently in the slytherin common room working on some extra homework.

"hey" she says, plopping down next to me

"hey pans whats up?" i ask, putting my books down.

"okay so, i know this is a long shot.. buuuttt, there's a party tomorrow and before you say no just please please think about going!" she says the last part really fast and i laugh

"who's throwing it?" i question and she squints her eyes

"we are..?" she mumbles and my eyes widen

"pansy what!?!" i yell

"okay i know it seems bad, but some first years accidentally heard me saying how slytherin parties are the best and one thing led to another and all of a sudden i had to prove it was true and now everyones expecting a party tomorrow night and i need your help!" she rambles and i sigh

"fine."

later that day, i cross paths with mattheo again.

who cares what my brother thinks or wants for me, it's my life.

"hey mattheo, sorry about yesterday" i say with a smile and he nods

"don't worry about it sweetheart" the name makes my cheeks flush.

we kinda just stand there looking into eachothers eyes for a moment, i'm not sure how it was, but i definitely looked full of lust.

he moves closer to my ear, whispering

"you're drooling again"

i roll my eyes throwing in a, "you wish"

WEDNESDAY:

the party is all set up, and it took HOURS.

me and pansy had to rush right when classes ended to get everything ready

we're supposed to start the party in an hour but before doing that, me and my friendgroup decided to have a little fun

me, pansy, theo, mattheo, draco, enzo and blaise decided to play a friendly game of truth or dare before letting anyone else in.

"y/n" enzo says and i let out a shakey breath, not noticable enough for anybody to hear though.

"yes enzo?" i respond, eyeing him in anticipation

"what'a a dirty secret you've been hiding lately?" he asks and i smirk

maybe i could fuck with these people in a way that wouldn't expose me, but in a way... would?

"well enzo, so glad you asked. recently there has been someone catching my eye... someone who's off limits, someone i'm not allowed to touch, you could call it forbidden, but i prefer the term secrecy." i say with a smug smile, avoiding any and all eye contact with mattheo

before anyone has time to say anything, the clock chimes and the doors to the common room open, the room flooding with people from all different houses.

the rest of the night was kinda a blur, except for the end of it.

i'm too drunk to even function right now, feeling vulnerable and anxious.

god this is why i don't go to parties.

"hey beautiful" a random gryffindor says and i make a face of disgust

"jus' leave me alone" i say in hopes of peace, turning around to walk away, but instead he grabs my wrist.

i turn back to look at him seeing the no-good look on his face

"oh no" i mumble

"are you gonna like.. do bad thing's to me" i ask

i'm never drinking again i feel like an idiot.

"you just consented to it so i might as well huh baby?" he says and i groan.

"i actually have a-" without thinking i grab someones hand, anyone to get me out of this situation would be great

"mattheo?" i say looking up, seeing its him who i grabbed

well, i was going to say boyfriend but mattheo works too.

the gryffindor boy's expression quickly changes from being in control to being scared shitless.

i'm too hazy to even feel right, not paying attention to the bickering mattheo is doing, the way he's absolutely screaming at this boy.

my hand tugs mattheos arm, causing him to look down at me

"mattheo please- just get me out of here" i say, leaning onto his arm.

fuck i'm not supposed to feel like this

THURSDAY:

the last thing i remember, is mattheo dragging me out of that party.

i think he was carrying me? or was it theo? i don't really remember.

i turn over, opening my eyes seeing mattheo next to me

what the fuck.

"g'morning princess" he says and i wince, feeling the light hit my face.

"what time is it?" i ask and see him look over to his bedside table

"like 10" he says and my eyes widen as much as they can.

"it's thursday mattheo we have class!' i yell, attempting to get up

his arm lightly pushes me down

"you need to rest, do you remember what happened last night?" he asks and i shake my head

"you were drugged and you passed out." he mumbles and my eyes widen

"who the fuck drugged me??" i exclaim

"i don't know" he says and i sigh, thinking about last night trying to remember anything i can.

i don't even realize how close me and mattheo are, the way he's shirtless and the way the sun hits his eyes, his morning voice, his soft sheets.

i look down seeing me in his shirt and i quirk an eyebrow which he notices

"no don't worry uh- pansy changed you not me" he reassures and i smile.

the rest of the day we end up just talking and laughing in his dorm, only leaving for food and water.

i gotta admit, it is awfully suspicious me leaving with him last night and waking up in his dorm, now us ditching and spending the whole day together.

but like i said before, i don't care what my brother thinks.

FRIDAY:

i'm currently getting lectured by snape for missing class and i can't help but let my mind wander to mattheo

lately, thats been all my mind is full of.

the tension has been getting thicker and my desire for him has been getting needier.

i need to tell him.

i rush out of snapes lecture as soon as he's finished, rushing to the common room.

what am i even doing, i'm being way too impulsive right now, it's fine i only live once, i have to do this. i tell myself

i reach the common room and run upstairs, knocking on mattheos dorm frantically

he opens the door and i smile, suddenly feeling all of my words leave my mind, going completely blank

then i remembered, i dont need words to tell him what i need.

without thinking, i grab his cheek and kiss him, it definitely caught him by surprise, but it did for me too.

without breaking the kiss, he leads me inside and closes the door, pinning me against it.

my hands tangled in his hair, the smell of his cologne and cigarettes filling my senses, everything just feels right.

an abrupt knock interrupts us, mattheos hand covering my mouth

"dude come on, snape is pissed you missed class and his lecture, we gotta go" a voice comes from the other side of the door.

fuck, it's my brother.

a/n: let me know if u guys want a part 2<3

[aniesvision]

i love you too (bff! matt x f! reader)

warnings: reader in this one is bisexual!, suggestive, dry humping, make out, pet names (sweetheart, baby), oral (f! receiving), fingering, p in v, raw (don't do it), love confession!

a/n: hi!! this one's based on this request, i'm sorry it took me so long to post it but i hope you like it!! i decided to make it kinda fluff too, friendly reminder that english is not my first language, enjoy ✨

synopsis: You and Matt are best friends since middle school and both of you have feelings for each other without knowing, what happens when Matt comes back home to see you thinking of him?

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

It's not unusual for you to sleepover at the triplets house. You're all great friends since middle school and sometimes you travel all the way to Los Angeles just to see them and spend some time together. You're so close to them that you even know their parents, and you're also friends with Justin as well. When you're in Boston, you stick to Nate and some other mutual friends, it's funny how you share almost everything in your life with the triplets, even your friends.

You arrived in L.A a few days ago and according to your plans you're supposed to only go back to Boston next week. Between all three of them, you and Matt became the closest ones. You both have similar taste in almost everything, music, games, tv shows, girls... Yes, girls, he was the first one to know you also like girls, not just boys, and he was so supportive. He encouraged you to tell Nick and Chris too and they also supported you, which made you so glad to have them in your life.

Matt was just your best company to everything, every moment, your best friend. He's the first one you text when you're sad, the first one you call when you have good news. He was the first one to know when you finally kissed a girl, the first one to know you started dated someone new, the first one to know when you broke up, the first one to pop in your mind whenever you were touching yourself.

It took you years to realize that you didn't just like Matt as a friend. And when you did, it scared you so much that you forced yourself to get over it. You tried to go on dates, meet new people, but it was useless.

You'd talk to him everyday, always sharing the news, keeping him updated on whatever's going on with you. And he did the same thing, of course. Part of you knew you needed space if you wanted to truly get over him, but how could you ask for space to your best friend? How could you distance yourself from the best thing that's ever happened to you?

Matt called you two weeks ago to talk to you about all his plans, things he's been working on for so long and you were so proud of him, so proud of what he was achieving. He wanted to see you, and you couldn't say no, you immediately booked your trip to L.A.

And here you are. Matt picked you up at the airport, helped you unpack, asked you to stay in his room (you usually take turns between all three rooms, you don't mind sharing a bed with any of them), bought you your favorite chocolate and your favorite ice cream.

The last days were so great yet so confusing. It was the first time you were seeing Matt after realizing you like him, things were different and he also noticed that, but didn't push you into telling him what was wrong. You always tell him everything, he just waited patiently knowing you'd tell him eventually, whenever you were ready to talk.

Of course it wasn't on your plans to tell him you like him. You just made an extra effort to sound natural and act normally around him.

Matt, Nick and Chris needed to record a car video and you couldn't be more relieved that you were going to have some alone time. You needed to think, and to just simply be by yourself, you love all of them, but being around three guys all the time is exhausting, specially when your feelings are so messed up towards one of them.

You were lying down in Matt's bed, with a pillow in between your legs, mindlessly scrolling through social media.

It's funny to think you're so clueless about what's going on. It seems almost unfair how long Matt's been waiting for you to feel something back for him.

Matt never thought you'd see him as more than just your best friend. You guys know each other for so long and nothing's ever happened before so why would things magically change?

He tried to make you see him, truly see him, making an effort to treat you extra nicely, give you gifts, treat you the way you deserve. He's tried for the last two or three times you've flied to L.A, but it didn't seem to work, you'd still text him about all the people you'd go out with and none of them was him.

He was just about to give up and try to move on. The way you were acting different around him made him think if you were finally connecting the dots and pushing him away. He was wondering if you were mad at him, if you wanted to just ignore and pretend nothing was happening so you wouldn't hurt his feelings. He was wondering if you'd say no, if you'd reject him right away if he tried to make a move.

After recording the car video all he wanted to do was to see you and apologize. He didn't want things to change, he didn't want to lose you, if he couldn't have you as his girlfriend he wanted to at least have you as his best friend.

Nick and Chris walked back to their rooms and Matt waited a bit longer, scared to face you. He walked slowly and silently to his room, thinking about what to say.

You, in the meantime, eventually started to feel bored, since Matt was out with Nick and Chris to film. You searched for a movie and one of them got your attention. Whenever the three of them were out to film, they always took long to come back, so you and your frustrated mind decided on watching a movie with a good amount of sex scenes.

It wasn't your intention to do anything about it, just simply watch it, but you involuntarily grind on the pillow that was in between your legs, the friction making you huff silently. You had no control over your actions at the point and you bury your face onto the pillow to keep you silent. Unfortunately, that didn't just muffled your moans, but made you pass on the sounds of the door opening.

You hear someone clearing their throat and you immediately shut down the tv, looking breathlessly to the direction of the door just to be faced with Matt. You were breathing heavily, cheeks red, eyes widen in shock, hair messy and completely embarrassed.

-Were you just... –He starts to ask, but you interrupt him.

-No. –You quickly respond, making him tilt his hand in sarcasm, closing and locking the door behind him.

-So you weren't grinding on my pillow and I'm insane. –He mocks, with a teasing smirk on his lips. And god the smirk alone made you even wetter.

-I have no idea what you're talking about. –You whisper, watching as he gets closer to the bed.

-So you're definitely not wet, right? –Your eyes widen even more at his statement, but you're quick in denying it with a nod.

-Can I check? –He asks, throwing the pillow aside and hovering you, still with that stupid smirk on his lips.

You don't even know what to say, unsure if you're dreaming or if he was just making a sick joke out of your embarrassment. This kind of interaction never happened between you and Matt, and although your body was screaming to feel something –anything– from him, you were so confused.

His eyes were darker than normal, and although the smirk was still there, he looked serious. You furrow your eyebrows, confused, not wanting to make a wrong decision and ruin things. Seeing your hesitance, he slowly moves his hand to your thigh, caressing it lightly with his thumb.

-You're not gonna answer me? –He tilts his head, leaning closer and making you pull back until you were laying down on the bed again, with him on top of you.

His fingertips explore your skin, stopping by your hip and squeezing it. You bite your lips nervously, not making anything to stop him.

Matt's eyes drop to your lips, silently asking you permission to kiss you, and you knew right there that it was your chance, maybe your only one, so you take it. You wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him closer and brushing your lips against his.

He moans softly against your lips, immediately deepening it and stabilizing his weight on his free forearm, placing it next to your head.

Neither of you could believe it was happening, and the way your lips moved so perfectly together only reassured both of you that there was no such thing as getting over the other, you were both so fucking needy, waiting for something like this to happen for so long.

Matt slides his hand that was on your hip under your shorts, his middle finger tracing a line against your clothed wetness.

-God, you're so fucking wet. –He groans, and all you could do was gasp.

He takes the opportunity to slide his tongue in your mouth, the kiss becoming heated and making both of you wanting more.

You tangle your fingers in his hair as he moves his lips to your neck, his fingers rubbing your clit through your panties.

-Matt, please... –You plead under him, desperate to feel him, not even caring about how eager you looked.

-Patience, sweetheart.

His voice is hoarse and deeper than usual, sending shivers down your spine. Matt pulls away to take off his shirt, taking his hand off your shorts and lifting your t-shirt over your head as well.

He kisses you again, quickly directing his lips to your neck. Matt unclasps your bra in a heartbeat, not waisting any time to lick and nibble your nipples. You gasp at his actions, arching your back and pulling him closer to you by his hair.

He smiles against your nipples, looking up at you while he leaves red and purple marks all over the valley of your boobs. He keeps moving down, your breathing getting heavier each second.

Matt finally slips down your shorts and panties, discarding them on the floor, his face in between your legs as he admires the way you look.

-So beautiful. -He whispers, pressing sweet kisses on your inner thighs.

-Please... -You plead again, but this time he complies.

Matt eats you out slowly, savoring the taste of you. He's so absorbed by the moment, his tongue tasting the sweetest liquid of your wetness, he's absolutely loving to feel you, to have you like this, his only goal for the night is to make you feel the best. He wants to please you, to make you feel things you've never felt before, experience all the things he can provide you. He wants to eat you out not just to make you feel good, but to make you feel loved. He wants to show you through his actions how much he fucking loves you.

-Fuck, Matt. -You moan, just the sight of him driving you crazy.

He smiles, keeping up with his actions and teasing your entrance with his middle finger, pushing it in and thrusting fast and deep. Matt's fingers always caught your attention, and knowing that they could feel as good as they looked is such a precious information.

Matt tries his best to keep eye contact with you, but he was so focused that his eyes could barely stay open, he was pussy drunk already.

With the sensations of being touched by the one you've been craving for so long you reach your orgasm sooner than you wanted to. You cover your mouth when you hear yourself moaning loudly, releasing all over his face, his stupid little chuckle while he looked at you with his chin covered by your juices only served to make you wetter and needier.

Matt quickly discards his own clothes next to yours on the floor, your eyes widening with the sight of him fully naked. He didn't give you any chance to speak, kissing you eagerly and making you taste yourself.

You can feel him passing his tip between your folds, collecting the wetness and entering you without any warnings. You whine, feeling him stretching your walls.

-Fuck, baby, you're so tight. -Matt groans in your ear.

There was no way you'd last, you were sensitive already and he was so fucking hot, your feelings for him only increasing with this new connection, both of you knowing that things were definitely going to change between you two.

Your moans get louder with each thrust, his eyes giving you a warning look before he raised his hand to cover your mouth. You found it so hot that your eyes rolled back, your legs shaking uncontrollably against him. He moved his hips faster, nearing his own climax. Matt buries his face on your neck, bitting and kissing it to keep him quiet as he painted your walls white. He groans in your ear and you finally let yourself cum again.

Both of you stay silent, just catching your breaths without exchanging a word. He slides off of you slowly, throwing himself in the empty space on the bed and looking at you.

Matt was sweaty, his hair sticking on his forehead, cheeks pink and lips parted, just as you were. He couldn't help but admire you, even looking completely fucked up you still looked perfect in his eyes.

You had no idea what to say. The events replayed in your head and now you didn't have a clue on why it happened. Maybe you should clarify your feelings, it wasn't just a friendly fuck or random hook up to you, and you hoped it wasn't just that to him as well.

Matt clears his throat, getting your attention, and he places his hand on your cheek, cupping it gently.

-You good? Can we talk? -He asks softly, trying not to scared you away.

You only nod, incapable of saying anything, waiting for him to talk first.

Matt takes a deep breath before talking, deciding to be honest and just go for it.

-I love you. I'm so sorry for not telling you this before, but I didn't want to ruin things, I was so scared of losing you. I really, really like you, please tell me you feel the same.

You feel your heartbeats racing, it takes you a few seconds to understand that this is truly happening. Matt just confessed his feelings for you and he looked so adorable all shy and anxious like that, waiting for your response. You smile, leaning to kiss him delicately.

-I love you too. -You whisper, and he sighs in relief.

There's a moment of comfortable silence, both of you acknowledging the previous events, cuddling and enjoying each other's presence. There's no need to talk, no need to discuss anything, it was already settled, you love Matt and Matt loves you, and it's all okay.

tags 💕

@riowritesitall @sturniolosarethebest @hyacinthst @anabanana28 @flower-sturns @sturncakez @sssoniaswiftt @watercolorskyy @delooshunalhoe @sarosfilms @blahbel668 @sturniyolo69 @sturniolosl0t @sturnsxbitvh @nessii-sturniolo @colbsposts00 @fallingforfalll2 @stvrnmc @slxtformatt @lovingregulusblack @starnoirr @katie-tibo @mattsfavbigtitties @liviestuffx @user9298274001127482

[silent-stories]

𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐂𝐊 - 𝟐

Pairing: Eddie x F!Reader

Summary: After Eddie drives you home, he keeps his promise to get the books you recommended from the library and also visits you at work.

Part 1

Eddie didn't believe in fate, destiny or any of that shit but he was pretty sure it was something like that that had made him end up locked in the library with you, of all people at the school.

You were the only person who ever interested Eddie enough to make him look up when you entered the cafeteria, you were one of the few people who probably never gave him an offensive comment in the whole school and you even saved his poor chimera from the trash bin.

When Eddie had noticed that he was locked in the library, he had initially thought it was a stupid prank but when he realized that he was not only he supposed that Miss Cooper had just assumed that everyone had gone away and closed the library.

And of all the people who could have been there at that moment it was you. Eddie didn't know whether to laugh or smash his head against the wall.

Initially, he'd thought that you'd get mad at him, yell at him that it was his fault (for some reason he didn't even know) or you would have been scared to know you were locked in there with him.

Instead you were nice to him. And Eddie had found himself loving the sound of your laughter echoing through the library so much that he wished he could record it and listen to it whenever he wanted.

Eddie had thought that when you'd given him the drawing you had saved from the trash, he could kiss you instantly, but you'd probably find that weird.

He started the engine of his van while you sat next to him in the front seat, brushing a few strands of wet hair from your forehead.

Eddie could still almost feel the ghost of your hand on his back, even though it wasn't there anymore.

"I can't believe it." You said, your voice slightly louder than usual to make him hear what you were saying despite the incessant rain pounding on the van.

"Yeah, I mean... you pushed Jason and you-"

"I'm not talking about that, Eddie. We forgot the books!"

He chuckled. "You just yelled at your friends and you are worrying about some books?"

"We left Carrie there!"

Eddie really laughed this time, with his head thrown back and his eyes closed, not hiding his smile. "Tomorrow I'm going back to the library and I'll get all the books you recommended, okay?"

"Okay, be careful not to get locked in again."

"Oh wow, someone's being a little too sassy here. You know you've been stuck there too, right?" His gaze kept moving from the road in front of him to you, a smirk was on his lips.

"Oh, I bet you liked it!"

"Staying there with you all that time? Let's just say that of all the people who might have been there when the library closed, you're not one of the worst."

"Well, you, on the other hand, are very fun to hang out with." It was obvious you weren't lying or joking anymore and that made Eddie speechless for a moment.

Your tone was more serious but still kind as you kept talking, "I'm glad it was you."

The grip of his hands on the wheel suddenly tightened, he wasn't used to speaking openly about his feelings and it was so normal for him to be prepared for rejection and people looking down on him that he found himself unable to respond immediately.

"I'm glad it was you too." He didn't move his gaze from the road in front of him this time but he swore he felt you smile.

Maybe he had been completely gone for you for some time and didn't even realize it.

"Eddie?"

"Yeah?"

"I think you've been driving empty for about ten minutes."

"Shit, where- where do you live?"

"Why didn't you ask me before?" You laughed.

"Because you distracted me! You talk a lot, you know?"

You laughed again and shook your head slightly, Eddie realized he loved making you smile. "You know the new record store that opened like two weeks ago? I basically live in front of it, on the other side of the road."

Eddie nodded. "Have you already been there? They say it's pretty cool."

"Yeah but you know who's even cooler? The girl who works there almost every afternoon. I think she's the one who attracts all those customers."

Eddie turned his head in your direction, a curious expression in his eyes. "Do you...?"

"Yeah" You admitted with a laugh. "I work there. You should pass by sometime. I could use some company."

"Do you want my company or my money?" He joked.

"Mh... both?"

Eddie rolled his eyes.

"No but really, my days are filled with boredom and little girls buying Dolly Parton. You should come by and say hi sometime."

"Mh. Maybe."

"I don't like maybes. When I say maybe I usually mean no so-"

"I'll come say hi, Y/N. I swear on my honor. I'll come." He chuckled placing a hand on his chest, where his heart was.

"Okay, fine." You smiled as Eddie parked the van at the side of a long road illuminated by many street lamps that reflected their light on the puddles on the ground.

"I live right there." You tapped your finger on the window, poiting to your house. "Thank you for the ride."

"It's okay." He said as you got out of the van.

"Well, see you soon. Unless you'll pretend you don't know me when we go back to school." He rolled down the window, talking to you through it.

You stared at him for a moment, as if amazed by what he had just said. "How could I?"

Eddie couldn't help but smile as he watched you walk up to the front door.

He never thought that being locked in the school library with someone could change his life.

The next day, the sun returned to shine on Hawkings as if the rain of the day before had never existed and you came back to school with the hope to see Eddie again.

"You don't understand." You shook your head as you grabbed a book from your locker before meeting Jess's gaze again.

You had been at school for about ten minutes and Jess and Debby didn't waste a second to cover you with questions and reproaches about what had happened the day before. As if it was their right to know.

"No, the only one who doesn't understand here is you. You had been locked in the library with him and then he even gave you a ride home. The whole thing is jusy so fucking creepy."

"You don't even know him! He could have had bad intentions or hurt you." Debby added with a troubled expression painted on her face.

"Well, I certainly know him better than you two and I can assure you he's nothing like you ever thought of him."

"But he's-"

"Stop it, Jess. Eddie treated me better during the three hours ee spent together than Beck treated you in four months."

She opened her mouth as if to argue, but when she realized she had no idea what to say, she slowly closed her lips again.

"Trust me. He's kind and funny and-" You suddenly remembered something, "and he has to get some books from the library or I'll get very mad with him." You added with a little smile forming on your lips.

You didn't know if it was because the idea that Eddie absolutely had to read the books you'd recommended made you laugh or if it was simply the thought of Eddie that made you smile.

"I gotta go!" You yelled at the girls you left in the hallway behind you on your way to the library.

Classes had yet to start and the hallways were already full of students and you found yourself looking for a certain metalhead with your gaze without even realizing it. Most of the time he was late to class so it wouldn't be unusual for him to still be chatting with the Hellfire club in the parking lot or smoking the first joint of the day in the woods near the school.

"Good morning Miss Cooper!" You greeted the lady as you entered the library, "I would suggest you to clearly announce when you close or you risk locking someone inside."

"Oh dear, did something happen?"

"Nah, nothing to worry about." You smiled, looking across her desk for the stack of books you'd left there the day before. "Do you know by any chance what happened to the books that were up here?"

"I was about to put them back in their places, thinking someone had forgotten them or changed their mind, but that weird guy with crazy hair who always wears black came to get them."

Oh. So Eddie kept his promise.

"Okay. Well, thank you so much. Have a good day." You told the lady as she saw you leave with a slight confused expression on her face.

Eddie showed up three minutes late for class, nothing that could really get him in trouble or get him a detention, and he sat down at an empty desk just a few feet from yours.

"You took the books." You whispered and he lifted his head in your direction with a slight smile on his lips as soon as he heard your voice.

"You keep doubting my honesty. I promised." He whispered back as the teacher's voice just became more of a background to your conversation with Eddie.

"Okay, sorry. I didn't think you were actually going to do that." You laughed.

"Well, I-"

"Mr. Munson!" The teacher interrupted your chat, "it's the hundredth time I've told you not to disturb the-"

"It's my fault." You said before he could continue, "I'm sorry, it's my fault."

The teacher lingered for a moment, glancing from you to Eddie and back again as if it weren't possible that for once, Eddie Munson wasn't the one doing something he shouldn't be doing.

"Don't let that happen again." He said finally, before starting the explanation again.

Eddie looked at you for a moment like he wouldn't in a million years expect someone to defend him in front of a teacher without a second thought. Maybe because no one had ever done that and it had always been easy to blame him even when it wasn't his fault and the teachers had always believed it.

"What?" You whispered again, almost without even realizing you were breaking the rules again.

"Nothing." He smiled softly, his big brown eyes catching the light filtering through the classroom windows letting you notice the gold hues in them were still on you, "nothing, really."

You just smiled back.

Like every late afternoon you were at the record store. You liked working there even if you told Eddie it was boring (maybe you did it just to get him to come there).

You liked trying to guess what kind of music each customer would buy as soon as they set foot in the shop, you liked choosing the songs to play in the background and you liked giving advice when someone was undecided or had to make a gift.

You loved how such different people came in there every day.

"Have a good day!" You said to a lady who seemed to be in her 60s, who had just bought some music from the 20s and 30s, as she left the shop, making bell on the door tinkle.

You saw through the glass wall how her shining smile suddenly disappeared as she ran into the group of boys about to enter.

You chuckled at the way she avoided them like the plague, quickly heading the other way they were coming in an almost comical way.

"Hey, am I that ugly? I think I just made that old lady run away." Eddie's familiar voice commented when he finally entered the store.

"I can assure you you're not." You laughed as the group got in the shop.

You saw the guy with short curly hair nudging his darker-skinned friend, muttering something you couldn't hear, and then chuckled afterwards, maybe because of what you just said.

You weren't sure if what was going on between you and Eddie was flirting or something like that, but you sure were honest: you'd always found Eddie pretty.

He smiled at you as he rested his elbows on the counter, in front of you.

"Hey stranger." You greeted him.

"You see? I kept my promise, again."

"Well, thanks. You also brought more customers, it means more money."

"Oh, right." He seemed to suddenly remember his friends "These three kind gentlemen are Gareth, Jeff and Grant." he pointed to the guys behind him "and my dear friends, this is Y/N, the fair lady I had the pleasure of being locked in the library with a few days ago."

You looked at the three boys, you'd seen them all in school before, you even had a few classes with some of them, and you'd always seen them sitting at the Hellfire table with Eddie and their other friends. They wore leather jackets, ripped jeans and T-shirts with the names of bands you knew except one: Corroded Coffin.

You weren't sure if it was a band name since you'd never heard it before but then again, you'd been working at the record store for less than a month and you definitely didn't know all the bands that existed in the world.

"Dude, don't pretend you haven't talked about her 24/7 for the last couple of days." Grant commented with a tiny smirk on his lips.

Eddie scoffed. "That's not true, don't listen to them. We're honestly not even that close of friends, I hardly know them." Eddie hurried to reply, a tinge of red rising on his cheeks.

"Hey! That's not true!" Jeff hit his shoulder and Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Look, do you only have Cyndi Lauper here or…” Gareth started asking before you cut him off.

"Metal is on your left."

The three boys immediately headed towards the area you had indicated to them, you thought you heard a whispered "I like her" from one of them but you weren't sure.

"Your friends are cool." You said to Eddie, still leaning on the counter. There seemed to be something there that interested him more than music.

"Don't say it too loud or they'll get to their heads."

You chuckled.

"You don't buy anything?" You asked then, noting that he seemed to have no intention of joining his friends.

"Nah, not this time. They will surely find something. Maybe next time."

"There will be a next time?"

"Of course. You were absolutely right. The girl who works in this new record store is really pretty."

"Oh, I never said she's pretty, just cool."

"Then I say so. She is."

You laughed, shaking your head slightly. It was amazing how Eddie could say the silliest and most trivial things and it only made you like him more.

"Well... who's Corroded Coffin?"

Eddie frowned. "How do you...We're so famous and nobody ever even told me?"

You laughed again. "It's written on your friend's shirt, dumbass."

"Oh! Oh, right. It's my band. I mean, our band." He pointed at first himself and then his friends who were checking some Black Sabbath records. "We have a band."

"Well, Eddie Munson, I gotta say you get more interesting every time I talk to you."

Eddie chuckled. "I swear we don't suck. Even though a lot of people think we do. We play at the Hideout sometimes. You should come, I think... I think you'd have fun."

"Okaaay... you want us to go away and leave you two alone?" Gareth cut you off before you could say you would happily go to see them play, placing two records and twenty bucks on the counter with a slight smile on his lips and you rolled your eyes before handing him the change.

"Well, thanks for stopping by guys, hope to see you again soon."

"Wait" Jeff threw up his hands as if to make sure no one moved. "He didn't ask you out?"

"Sorry, what?"

"Dude!" Gareth poked Eddie on the shoulder, "that's what we came here for! You had one thing to do!"

Eddie snorted, closing his eyes for a brief moment. "I hate you guys."

"You know, you can try now." You smiled before Eddie's gaze met yours again, big brown eyes staring at you hesitantly.

"Try what?"

"Asking me out."

"Oh, right. Yeah. Would you..."

"More confidence! Look her in the eye!" His friends cheered him on from behind and you chuckled at their almost better reaction than the cheerleaders at school.

"Wo...would you like to go out with me?"

"Don't stammer!" Grant exclaimed.

Eddie propped his elbows on the counter again, hiding his face with his hands. "Please just say yes."

You reached out to slowly remove his hands with yours, meeting again two big eyes this time surprised and curious by your kind reaction. "Yes, I'd like to go out with you."

A chorus of "yes!" and "finally!" came from Eddie's friends and you immediately burst out laughing. Your hands were now resting on the counter but still holding Eddie's in yours.

"Sorry," Gareth said, "it doesn't happen often. I mean Eddie having a date."

"What about Saturday when you finish your shift?" Eddie asked.

"Sounds good to me."

"Other customers are coming." Jeff commented.

"We'll better take him away from you right now or he will never leave." Gareth added grabbing Eddie by the arm, starting to drag him away.

"It was nice to meet you!" Grant yelled.

"You too, guys!"

"See you soon!" Eddie smiled at you before the store door closed behind him.

You didn't know if they were aware of the fact that you could see them through the glass even if they couldn't see you, but you liked the way Eddie basically jumped as he reached his van, talking to his friends about what had just happened with a Cheshire Cat smile painted on his face.

God, you already loved that sweet, weird boy and you hadn't had your first date with him yet.

(This won't be a series!)

Tags: @jacklesbrainworms @morning-sky7 @pipsqueakkitten @navs-bhat @michaelfuckinglangdon @flawiette @needylilgal022 @bubsonnobx

Stuck tags: @sinna2sinna @saramelaniemoon @nix-rose @dulltraviolence @eggo-segual @princess-eddie @eddiemunsonlover35 @lightmelikeamatch @renaissan-vvitch @madaboutjoe @seventhlevelofhell

[skzhua]

Episode six.

MASTERLIST

pairing: XO, Kitty's Min Ho x Female Reader

genre: Fluff, angst, enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, coming-of-age.

word count: 3.1k

warnings: A lot is happening in such a short time, mentions of deceased parents, drinking, teenage behaviour, suggestive.

summary: Transferring to KISS was the last thing you had asked for and, yet, a certain tall boy made it seem both worse and better than you expected.

note: Bold - Korean, Italic - Over the phone

(let me know by filling the form in my bio if you want to be added to the taglist!)

Min Ho walked out of his room to see you sitting at the counter, enjoying your morning coffee alone. He went to go grab his mist that stood next to your mug, passing in front of you in the process which exposed you to his shirtless figure. You groaned out of disgust.

"Can't you put a shirt on?"

"Not my fault you can't handle this?" he pointed to his muscular torso with a smirk on his face.

Misting his face with his eyes closed, he didn't notice you got off your stool to step closer to him. You eyed him up and down, checking out how hot he was.

"You're right." Your hot breath made him open his eyes. "I can't handle it."

"I'm right?"

Up on your tiptoes, you leaned closer to his ear. Min Ho felt his heart get faster and faster.

"You're too bloody hot." you whispered sensually

Taking the mist from his hand, you put it aside and slid your arms around his neck. He gulped and his eyes flickered down to your lips. He carefully placed his hands on your waist.

"I hope you're not joking." he breathed out in a low voice.

"Why would I be joking?"

"Because you hate-"

You shushed him and leaned closer to his face. Min Ho felt the pace of his heart quickened more and held you tighter. As your lips were about to touch, Min Ho shook himself awake. Sitting up on his bed, he felt the sweat drip on his forehead. Never in his life had he had such an explicit dream of someone he despised so much.

The week consisted of two things: school and Kitty's venting. As much you liked the girl, she had nothing else to talk about but her supposed-discovery that your professor was her potential brother and that Dae hadn't thanked her for giving him back her necklace. So, reading a book in the comfort of your couch was enough for her to understand you had other things to do and she continued to rant to Q. You hadn't read far because your phone rang to notify you that someone texted you.

Yuri: Sleepover tonight?

Y/N: What's the occasion?

Yuri: Nothing, I just need to get my mind off things.

Y/N: Sure.

Yuri: Are you going to Min Ho's party? We could go together.

Min Ho. Again. And again. The two of you had not talked since the accident. Not that you minded. In fact, you were quite happy to not have him around as much. Though he did start to act weirdly around you the day after. You didn't question it as he was probably getting sick of seeing you just as much as you were.

You weren't going to go to the party. He did add you to the list of guests but it wasn't your thing. Adding the fact that it was against the rules and that your aunt was the vice-principal, you didn't want to get in trouble.

Y/N: I'll see. I'll be at your place in an hour.

You packed pyjamas and clothes for the next day in your bag and went to grab your toothbrush and other necessities in the bathroom. Opening the door, Min Ho was already there putting on his night cream. As soon as he saw you, he stopped moving. You gestured for him to move aside so you can grab your things but he didn't budge.

"Min Ho." you said in a warning voice.

He cleared his throat and finally left you space. You looked at him weirdly while shoving your hairbrush in your bag. You accidentally touched one of his products as it was in the way and he gasped in panic.

"Don't touch that!"

"You're getting weirder and weirder every day." you sighed.

"What are you even doing?"

"Be glad, I'm sleeping at Yuri's tonight. A small break away from you is going to do me some good."

He forced a smile. "That's so thoughtful of you."

You arrived at Yuri's soon enough and she invited you in kindly, offering you something to drink. Walking to her living room, you saw your aunt discussing in laughter with Principal Lim. She got up as soon as she saw you and came to engulf you in a tight hug.

"I haven't heard about you in days, I was wondering how you were doing."

"I'm great. I'm sorry I couldn't spend Chuseok with you."

She shook her head vigorously. "I'm just glad you spent time with your friends."

"Y/N is among our best rising students. Her grades are impressive." Jina added. "And I'm more than happy she and Yuri get to bond."

"Mom." Yuri rolled her eyes.

"What?" she said innocently.

"We'll be in my room."

She took your hand and dragged you behind her before shutting her door. With a heavy sigh, she let herself fall on her bed.

"I'm sorry if my invitation was so sudden. I felt lonely and I'm sick of only having Dae around."

You sat next to her. "I understand. I needed a break from my dorm anyway."

She frowned. "It's not going well?"

"I was misplaced in the boys dorm." you admitted.

"Oh."

"Right, oh." you chuckled. "Don't rat me out."

She zipped her mouth to confirm you that you could trust her. "Who are you rooming with?"

"Dae."

She gasped. "No way."

"And Q, and Min Ho." you failed to mention Kitty since you didn't want to cause a fuss over it.

"Y/N, the hell?"

You shrugged your shoulders. "We manage. The guys are not that bad, I swear."

"You could have asked to change."

"I tried already but the girls' is full. It's all good, don't worry."

She didn't seem fully convinced but she didn't push it. "Alright, if you say so."

"How about you? Have you heard from Juliana?"

Her head dropped down. "I've seen her on the first day but she left to whatever school, away from me. She promised we would find each other again but I'm starting to lose hope."

You rubbed her shoulder in a comforting way. "I'm sorry you have to go through this."

She exhaled loudly. "It's okay, it's only a rough pass, right?"

You acquiesced with her. To take her mind off everything, you prompted you do some face masks while watching the movie of her choice. You definitely didn't think you'd be doing anything of that sort when coming to KISS, even less with Yuri. For once, you felt like the two of you were more than forced friends and that you genuinely were bonding.

You left with Yuri to go to school and went separate ways so she could join Dae. As for you, Q texted you to join him and Kitty before class.

The three of you went to get ice americanos and sat at a table while Kitty went on with her necklace story. You almost wished you had stayed with Yuri.

"While I would love to talk about this whole thing again, I'd rather shove scissors in my ears, no offense." you said after she moved to talking about Dae again.

Q sighed in relief. "Yes, thank you. Seriously, this whole week, all we've been hearing is Dae, necklace, Yuri, Alex, necklace, Alex, Yuri, Dae, necklace... You're like a robot that's malfunctioning, stuck on a loop."

You nodded. "Yeah, and didn't you come here to have new experiences and love your life?"

"You know what Min Ho's Madness Party is?" Q asked which earned him a look from Kitty and you. "A new experience."

"Ugh, God. I can't believe I was about to stay in on a Friday night, pouting about a boy." she grunted. "Oh, no. I'm turning into LJ..."

"I'm out for this one. I'm not going." you announced before sipping on your coffee.

Q's eyes went wide. "What? No, both of you have to come. You're going to go out into the great big world and be a new kind of yourselves."

"A new kind of ourselves who..?" you trailed off in confusion.

"Who'll find someone to kiss?"

You exploded in laughter but Kitty seemed to be in agreement with his suggestion. "I always thought Dae would be my first kiss, and now he's the only boy in the world who can't be."

"Yeah, I know, I know. But think of all the possibilities. Seriously, use that matchmaker skill on yourself. Switch it up!" Q beamed at her.

"Okay... I could kiss somebody tonight. Yeah, I will kiss somebody tonight."

"Yes, girl." he shouted, satisfied.

"You guys have fun boy-chasing." you chuckled but Q shook his head

"Don't think you can get away from this, my friend."

You groaned. "Do I have to come?"

"Yes, please. You could help me with finding a boy." Kitty begged.

"I don't have your talent with that sort of things."

It was Q's turn to beg. "Y/N, I never see you go out much. It'll be fun. Consider it as a night out with us only."

You bit your lip in hesitation. "I guess I can stay for a bit. I might leave earlier, though."

Kitty helped you with choosing what you were going to wear. Since it was supposedly the event of the year, she insisted that you looked your very best. While she picked a tight black top with an equally tight black skirt, she spotted your red sheer top with a V neckline.

"Why is it that I have never seen you wear this?"

You took it from her. "It's something Yuri forced me to buy when we went shopping together once, nothing extravagant."

She scoffed. "Are you kidding? This will look amazing with your black skirt. Oh, and your chain necklace!"

You bickered over it until you gave up and changed. You helped her with the makeup and hair before doing yours. Satisfied with your looks, you went to the event together. The place was gigantic, a good way for Min Ho to show off his wealth as he was the one renting it.

"Do you see Q? He told me he was going to be with Florian." Kitty asked and you shook your head, clueless on where your friend was.

After assuring her that you'd be fine alone, you went separate ways to find the guys. The crowd was already dancing like there was no tomorrow, leaving you close to no space to pass through. You ended up getting out of the pack of people and opted to go look towards the bar. A wave of relief travelled your body when your eyes narrowed down to your friends as they were exchanging hugs and laughs. You wanted to join them but a voice calling you out interrupted you.

"Can I offer you something to drink? It's on me."

You stopped on your tracks as you held your breath, slowly turning around. Coming face to face with Min Ho, you smiled awkwardly as he gasped in horror.

"That's how you pick up on girls?" you let out a laugh as he cursed at himself for hitting on you.

"Ah, my eyes! It's like looking directly to the sun." Min Ho grumbled to himself.

You didn't bother staying with him as Q saw you from afar and invited you to join the lot.

"Hey, guys." you waved at them and Q could only laugh as he watched Min Ho behind you.

"You're so hot, you even got him to stare."

You brushed it off and hugged Kitty instead. However, she immediately broke away from it and pointed behind you.

"Dae is here." she said and Dae smiled at her from afar. "Nope. I am here to meet a new boy to kiss."

She stole Q's mocktail and expected for it to have alcohol in it. After discussing liquor, you picked up another drink that Q ordered for you and asked Florian to put his strong alcohol in it.

"Need to get tipsy?" Florian asked.

"Terribly."

Kitty laughed and raised her glass. "To new experiences. Let's do this."

Dae walked up to her and began to say something but the three others walked away. Clueless, you stood still and gave him a sad look.

"Good luck with that." you tapped his shoulder before catching up to the others.

You all soon went on the dance floor and started to enjoy the party fully. You bumped into someone by accident and apologized quickly. The girl squealed when she saw you.

"Y/N! I haven't seen you around much." Eunice exclaimed.

"I wasn't out much either."

"Good thing you are here. I talked about you to this boy the other day and he's so handsome. He's here, you should meet him."

You shook your hands in refusal. "Please, no."

"Come on, I'm sure you'll like him."

You stopped your protests as she pulled you out of the crowd. She walked around for a bit, looking for the man in particular, and then rushed you to him. He was sitting at the bar and exchanging with some other guy.

"Dongmin, this is Y/N."

One of the two guys excused himself and left you while the other smiled at you warmly. He was much taller than you and was definitely the type of guy who knew he was handsome. Well, like Min Ho.

"It's nice to meet you. Eunice has told me all about you."

"I'll leave you to it." the girl in question whispered before disappearing.

You were uncomfortable but at that point, you didn't care that much. Florian might have put too much liquor in your drink since you could already feel the effects. Dongmin ordered one for you and pulled out a flask out of his vest. Although it was a bad idea, you let him pour some in your glass.

"So, your parents were the heads of a restaurant company?"

"That's right."

"It must have been hard when they died. Going from a rich environment to living with the middle-class."

You almost spit out your sip. "Excuse me?"

"Well, it must be different now, no? I've heard you needed a scholarship to come here instead of being able to pay for your studies."

"I did get a scholarship, but-"

He cut you off. "I'm supposing your parents left nothing for you? Wow, that sucks."

"What? How-"

"Dongmin." someone said as they stopped behind you.

"Ah. The host of the event. How are you, Min Ho?"

"I'd be doing better if you weren't harassing my friend."

You stopped breathing for a bit. Min Ho was coming to your rescue and you couldn't be any more thankful for it. But you didn't understand why he was doing this.

"Harrassing? We were just talking."

Min Ho gave him a sour look. "About her parents, yeah? I don't think she appreciates it."

"We're good, man." Dongmin defended. "Right, Y/N?"

You simply shrugged your shoulders, earning a huff from Min Ho. "Are you feeling comfortable? Really?" he asked to be sure.

You looked back and forth between the two men and slowly shook your head. That told plenty for Min Ho to take you by the wrist and lead you away from the guy. There was a spot away from the dance floor that was quiet enough to feel more cozy. He invited you to sit and took a bottle of water from behind the bar to give it to you.

"I thought you were better than this to defend yourself."

"Thank you for your concern but I was doing just fine." you argued as you took a sip of water.

"Fine? Y/N, you were almost shaking there."

"Well, now I'm good." you shot at him. "I'll find Kitty and Q."

You left him behind and rushed back to the dancing floor. Little did you know that Min Ho followed you from a distance. Only to keep an eye on you in case you had to bump into Dongmin again.

The night went on, more drinks were consumed on your part, third-wheeling Q and Florian was a good way to summarize the whole thing. You had lost Kitty along the way as she went away after she threw a fit at Dae, evidently too drunk to be in her right mind.

The boys were making out furiously next to you and you were growing more and more disgusted. Not that you didn't root for them but they were far beyond keeping it innocent. Eventually, you left and found Eunice again in the crowd as Yuri started her set.

"I'm sorry about Dongmin. Min Ho told me what happened." she said as she gave you a hug.

She focused back on Yuri but your mind went off somewhere else. Maybe, just maybe, you liked the idea of Min Ho caring about you. After all, he hadn't been so bad in the past recent days.

"I'll be gone for a minute." you said to Eunice before starting to look for Min Ho.

You didn't know what you wanted to tell him but there was this thing between you that needed to be cleared up. With people jamming to the music, it made it hard for you to search for him properly.

As you were about to give up, you saw him from afar by recognizing his green suit that fitted him way too well for your own sake. You walked towards him but stopped when you were close enough to see what he was doing. Holding her closely by the waist, his lips were on Madison's. Your heart fell and it felt like everything around you disconnected. He pulled away from the girl and finally noticed you were standing only a few feet away from him.

"Y/N." he said and let go of Madison.

"I didn't want to interrupt." you managed to say. "I just wanted to-"

You couldn't finish your sentence. The music stopped abruptly and you saw Professor Lee with Principal Lim on the stage with stares of disapproval. Everyone began to run out of the place in a hurry which made you stumble only to crash on someone. You were lucky to find out that it was Yuri and she helped you get out with her and Dae. As soon as you stepped outside, camera flashes were blinding you. Yuri pushed you away violently and took off with Dae. You'd usually say it was a bitch move but considering the fact cameras were capturing her, she was probably only trying to protect you.

Min Ho ran to you after seeing her push you. He held your shoulders and scanned your body for any injury.

"Are you sure you are okay?" he asked again.

"Can you leave me be?" you exploded at him. "Go back to Madison or something."

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[crownmemes]

Detective Sentences, Vol. 21

(Sentences from various sources for detectives and/or muses that like to solve mysteries. Adjust phrasing where needed)

"Whatever got to him had some pretty nasty claws!"

"You think you're above the law."

"I heard you were looking for me?"

"If I find you anywhere near this case again, I'll arrest you for obstruction!"

"I didn't kill him, but I'm glad he's dead."

"You're obviously not doing this out of the goodness of your heart, so what is it that you want?"

"The reason I chose you is because you've got good instincts."

"There is supposed to be a measure of cooperation between our two departments - or have you forgotten that?"

"I don't trust any of them. Do you?"

"You know, they say the psych profiles of cops and criminals are pretty much identical. Ever considered a life of crime?"

"You've got to stop doing this, or I'm going to arrest you, okay?"

"There's going to be a third murder. We're dealing with a serial killer."

"Forgive me, I like to have an open mind, but I have a hard time accepting your theory."

"I expect more from you than the polite appearance of cooperation."

"I'm a suspect, aren't I?"

"What are you looking for now?"

"He looks like he's been dead for a hundred years."

"You can't run cons for long without consequences."

"We do this by the book, which means you stay out of the action, got it?"

"How come you only call me when someone's dead?"

"I don't have enough information to form a hypothesis yet."

"Don't touch anything until Forensics get here!"

"You're quite the con man!"

"Do you have any idea what kind of trouble you're in?"

"You've been around a lot of corpses. Is that one normal?"

"Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck in one of those bad buddy cop movies."

"I don't believe in bad luck."

"Nobody is untouchable."

"You tie - I think you have a little bit of brain on it."

"Do you think the FBI will ever give me a gun?"

"Oh, you're really not as smart as I thought you were. I guess I gave you too much credit."

"No one walks away from a situation with one less shoe. You'd notice."

[oliversrarebooks]

The amount I would like to see Jameson and Alex have a high society slap fight is more than a little lol

Masterlist

March 1920

tw: mind control, captivity, references to abuse

"Good evening, Lord Alexander!" said Miriam as she opened the door, beckoning him inside nervously.

"Good evening, Miriam. You seem agitated -- is everything all right?"

Miriam sighed with a smile. "Madam's overworking herself again, sir. It's not my place to overstep as her thrall, but I'm concerned about her health. I'm glad you came to call. She listens to you, sir."

"Do you really believe that? I don't," said Lex, chuckling. "Regardless, I don't think you're overstepping. I think it's very good for you to care for your madam. Lily needs people looking out for her."

Miriam beamed like she'd won the lottery. "Thank you, sir."

Lex allowed Miriam to lead him into the parlor. He was quite fond of Lily's latest thrall. She had remained sharp under the enthrallment so far -- no surprise, given how skilled Lily was at her craft. A good sign for her future, he thought.

"Oh, Lex, there you are," said Lily, who was lounging in an undignified manner on the couch, surrounded by magazines and bits of yarn and fabric. "I'm glad you were able to pull yourself out of your book-cave long enough to come calling. I've been drowning in work lately, and I need someone to socialize with who isn't a thrall I'm hypnotizing, or I might lose my own mind."

"Rough week, then," he said, settling down in a plush chair. Nearby, Miriam sat down in a chair in the corner, taking up an embroidery project.

"It's been one thing after another. I think the long winter has given everyone cabin fever, and they've all collectively decided that they're dissatisfied with their perfectly functional thralls. You won't believe what I've had to put up with." 

"Such as?" Lex leaned in.

"The most ridiculous complaints. 'He taps his foot while he reads.' 'She turns the radio on too loud.' As though they need me to solve that," she said with a frustrated groan. "The worst one was 'his human food smells bad.' I turned him away -- 'sorry, sir, I can't do anything about the fact that your human thrall requires human food.'"

Miriam made a strange noise of distress.

"What is it?" Lily asked.

"Does my human food smell bad?"

"Oh, no, of course not! You haven't done a thing wrong, Miriam. It's the vampires who are being unreasonable."

"It's awful that they treat their thralls like that," said Lex. "What ever happened to treating your thralls with dignity?"

"Exactly, you understand. Speaking of which -- " Whatever Lily was about to say was cut off by the doorbell ringing. "Oh, for crying out loud, who could that be? I cleared my schedule today."

Lex, having an uneasy feeling about this, followed Lily to the door, and was none too happy to see the perturbed visage of Jameson, a vampire he truly despised. He was gripping a smaller man by the shoulders, an unfortunate thrall who had clearly been crying.

"And what do you want?" said Lily bluntly.

"Is that any way to treat a customer?" he said.

"You're not a customer until you tell me what you want and I agree to it," she said. "And in case you didn't know, asking me to work on such short notice will cost you an extra 20%."

"I'm aware," he said. "I'm at my wit's end with this thrall. He's supposed to be fully mindwiped, but he keeps sniffling and making the most obnoxious whining noises."

"What on earth did you do to that poor man?" asked Lex. He'd never been able to stand the company of vampires who preferred their thralls to be little better than cattle, especially if the vampire in question abused their innocent humans. That dislike was mutual -- vampires like Jameson rarely mingled with those like Lex who believed they had an obligation to give their thralls a good life.

Jameson scowled at Lex. "It's none of your business, is it? I'm here to make a business transaction with Miss Lily and certainly not with you."

"Fine," she said with an annoyed huff. "Let me see your thrall. You can sit in the parlor until I'm done."

The thrall's eyes held a spark of recognition when he looked at Lily. Considering what a thorough job she did with the mindwipes -- preferring not to have to do it twice, and trying to minimize the thrall's suffering -- he must have been under a lot of stress to wake up enough to regain memories. Damn that Jameson.

No doubt, Jameson would rather not deal with Lily at all, but although he was in possession of a strong vampiric aura, his enthralling abilities were known to be below average. He had no choice but to hire an expert to work with his thralls, lest he destroy their minds utterly and leave himself responsible for a comatose bloodbag.

As Lily took the thrall into her workroom, Jameson sat down in the parlor with a sour look on his face. In her corner, Miriam was staring at him with a haunted expression. Lex wasn't sure if she actually knew Jameson, or if she saw how he treated his thrall and rightfully regarded him as a threat. He gave the poor girl a look as if she were lower than a bug, and she shrank further into her seat.

The humane and sympathetic thing to do would be to send Miriam out of the room until Jameson left. But Lex, annoyed at Jameson's rotten attitude and the interruption of his social call, couldn't help but do something a bit petty that he knew would annoy the other vampire.

He pulled up a chair next to Miriam. "This embroidery you're working on is very intricate. Can you show me your work?"

Miriam smiled. At least she seemed comforted by having Lex nearby, distracting her from the vampire glaring daggers at her. "Oh, yes, sir, of course," she said, showing him the pattern she'd carefully cut from a magazine. "It's a skirt with flowers and birds all up and down it. The original pattern has green leaves and blue birds, but I had this lovely rust-colored fabric to use, and I thought it would go very well with autumn leaves and red birds, like cardinals."

"You have a good eye for color, Miriam, and it's coming along splendidly," said Lex.

"Thank you, sir, I truly appreciate that!"

"Hmph." Jameson sniffed.

"Is there some problem?" said Lex.

"I just think it's a terrible shame that a vampire so gifted with conditioning chooses to keep her thrall in such disgraceful condition," he said, with a pointed glance to Miriam, who clutched Lex's arm fearfully. "She could easily erase her thralls and keep them in a far more agreeable state where they don't require entertainment or attention, and yet, she chooses this. You'd think her sire would have taught her better."

Miriam gripped Lex's arm hard enough to hurt, and Lex regretted that he'd provoked Jameson instead of sending her out. "Sir -- if I displease you --"

"You haven't displeased anyone, Miriam," Lex said, patting her hand in a comforting gesture. "You're an excellent thrall, and your madam also thinks so. She tells me all the time. You don't need to listen to what Lord Jameson says."

"Of course you'd think that," said Jameson. "That's about what I'd expect from a thrall-screwer."

Lex glared at Jameson with a simmering rage. "I'd suggest you be quiet, lest you say something you'll regret."

"Why would I regret speaking the truth?" said Jameson. "We all know you fell for that nasty little blond thing. A revolting thrall, and no better as a vampire, if you ask me."

Lex's temper flared. He was obviously baiting Lex for a confrontation, looking to stir shit for his own amusement. Lex really should ignore the meaningless squawking of an ignorant asshole just trying to get a rise out of him.

Instead, he stood from his chair, crossed the parlor in a flash, and slapped Jameson across the face as hard as he could. 

Jameson looked stunned for a moment, the bright red mark emblazoned across his cheek, then started to laugh. "And I thought you considered yourself civilized! Well, if that's how you like it..." There was a flash in his eyes as he flared his vampiric aura, and Lex could feel it, like rodents skittering along his limbs and gnawing at his flesh, like a thousand beady red eyes boring into him. The sensation made the hair on the back of Lex's neck stand up.

It was an aura that could easily subdue a lesser vampire, but Lex hadn't survived this long in this city by allowing any upstart vampire to best him, especially with his honor at stake. He took a deep breath, pushing his own aura outward in an inexorable wave. He was a storm on the ocean, waves and surf pounding, wooden ship cracking beneath your feet, the feeling of being pulled down into the dark and briny depths with no hope of escape.

Jameson furrowed his brow and intensified his efforts, but this was a battle he could not win, and it was so satisfying when his facade cracked and he showed his first sign of fear --

-- at least until both of them were swept off their feet by an even more powerful force of will.

"Hey!" Lily bellowed from the doorway. "What the devil do you two think you're doing?"

Lex looked at her sheepishly, not wanting to admit he'd been having a pointless tussle with with her customer. Jameson primarily looked annoyed that their fight had been interrupted.

"You two were laying it on so thick that I could feel your auras in my workroom. I don't know how you expect me to put a thrall under in those conditions." She went to comfort Miriam, who clung onto her skirt. "And you've upset my Miriam."

"Sorry, Lily," said Lex, and mostly meant it. At least, he did very much regret upsetting Miriam, who didn't deserve to be caught in this crossfire at all.

Lily sighed. "Lex, take Miriam to the kitchen and help her calm down," she said. "And as for you, Lord Jameson, you will sit quietly until my work is done, and I'm tacking on a surcharge for that little outburst."

"You can't be serious," he said, slamming his hands on the table. "It was Lord Alexander who --"

"Then you're free to take your thrall and leave."

Jameson settled back down onto the couch with a huff, like a petulant child. "Fine. Do what you will."

With that settled, Lex ushered a still-frightened Miriam into the kitchen as Lily returned to her work. "I'm sorry for being so sensitive, sir," she said.

"Don't be, not at all. I'm sorry for provoking that rat Jameson." He handed Miriam a handkerchief, which she used to wipe tears from her eyes. "You can relax here. He won't bother you any more. Now, is there any kind of snack you might like?"

"Sir, you don't need to --"

"It's my pleasure. The least I can do." He pulled out a chair and beckoned her to sit. "What would you like?"

"May I have strawberries with sugar, sir?"

"Certainly," he said, relieved that she asked for a dish he knew how to prepare, his knowledge of human cooking spotty at best. He found the fresh strawberries in the icebox, and made quick work of cutting them up and sprinkling them with sugar. 

Miriam's eyes lit up as she dug into the  sweet berries. "Thank you very much, sir!"

Lex settled down into the chair across from her as she ate. She was still a fairly bright thrall, but he knew that his sire would have her in his sights sooner rather than later. Lily would wipe her memories of the trauma, and her deterioration would begin. A slow moving tragedy, one he'd seen play out quite a few times by now.

Even so, she was certainly in a better position than that man in Lily's workshop. Her re-enthrallment of him would no doubt be a mercy compared to being lucid in Jameson's grasp.

What must it be like...?

He pushed the errant thought from his mind, not wanting to stir up dusty memories of his own enthrallment, so many years ago now.

Masterlist

@d-cs @latenightcupsofcoffee @thecyrulik @dismemberment-on-a-tuesday-night @wanderinggoblin @whumpyourdamnpears @only-shadows-dwell-where-we-are @pressedpenn @pigeonwhumps @amusedmuralist @xx-adam-xx @ivycloak @irregular-book @whumpsoda @mj-or-say10 @pokemaniacgemini @whumpshaped @whumpsday @morning-star-whump @shinyotachi @silly-scroimblo-skrunkl @steh-lar-uh-nuhs @pirefyrelight @theauthorintraining @whump-me-all-night-long @anonfromcanada @typewrittenfangs @tessellated-sunl1ght @cleverinsidejoke @abirbable @ichorousambrosia @a-formless-entity @gobbo-king @writinggremlin @the-agency-archives @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @enigmawriteswhump @foresttheblep @bottlecapreader @whump-on-a-string @whumpinthepot

[fl0weryannie]

His sunshine

grumpy!remus lupin x sunshine!reader

word count:1k

summary: Remus lupin was always grumpy especially before the full moon but what if there was a girl that was the human embodiment of sunshine, what if he was in love with her but what if she was the sister of his best friend

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

As the warm sun began to peek through the Hogwarts windows, Y/N Potter bounced into the Gryffindor common room, humming a tune that Remus Lupin had never heard before. He couldn't help but notice how she radiated positivity and happiness, even at such an early hour.

Remus had always been a bit grumpier than the rest of his friends. The full moon always took its toll on him, and he didn't always have the energy to put on a happy face. 

But somehow, Y/N's presence seemed to make all of that disappear. Whenever she was around, Remus found himself drawn to her infectious laughter and her endless optimism. He couldn't quite put his finger on why he liked her so much - after all, after all, she was his best friend's sister - but something about her made him feel happier than any prank he could pull with his friends, any piece of chocolate he could buy and any book on earth. 

As Y/n talked with her brother about the upcoming summer vacation, Remus couldn't help but notice how her eyes would brighten while they talked about their plans. But after he heard Sirius snicker he turned his attention back to his book trying to ignore him.

"I see our little moony has a little crush on sunshine," Sirius said into Remus' ear. "I have no idea what you're talking about," Remus said, looking at Sirius. "I don't have a cru-" "Don't lie. We can all tell you have feelings for her. Except for Prongs, you know him, he's weirdly overly protective, but I'm sure if you talk to him, he won't kill you, but if he gets angry, I found this really cool cave outside Hogsmead that's pretty cool; I bet you could live there for a while." Remus scowled at Sirius. "How the hell did you find a cave?"

Before he could respond he was interrupted by lily storming into the common room towards James, looking furious "YOU TWAT!! Lily yelled at James. Remus smiled to himself, glad that the attention was now off of him and his supposed crush on Y/N. He continued to read his book, glancing up every once in a while to see what was happening.  

Eventually, the argument died down and everyone went their separate ways. Remus couldn't help but catch Y/N's eye as she walked out of the common room, and he felt a flutter in his chest. Maybe Sirius was right - maybe he did have feelings for her. He decided to take a walk around Hogwarts, trying to clear his head and figure out what he was feeling.

As he walked through the castle, he couldn't shake the image of Y/N's smile from his mind. Maybe it was time for him to finally admit to himself that he had feelings for her. But how could anyone as happy and kind as her like someone like him, a cold grumpy monster. Remus continued to ponder as he wandered around the castle. 

He decided to head back to his dorm and collect his thoughts. As he walked back, he couldn't help but think about the conversation he needed to have with Y/N. Maybe he could tell her how he felt, or maybe he should keep it to himself - he wasn't sure. But one thing was for certain: he couldn't get her out of his head. 

When he walked into the common he saw Alice Prewett of y/n's roommates-  "hey Remus is everything alright, you seem distracted?" she asked with a kind smile on her face. Hearing her voice made him snap out of his daydream  "oh hi Alice yeah everything's fine do you happen to know where y/n is?" she looked at him with a knowing smile a nodded and went up to her dorm. 

Remus's heart skipped a beat as he waited for Alice to tell him where Y/N was. He couldn't stop thinking about her and how he had been feeling lately. Alice paused for a moment before speaking. "I think she's in the library. She said she had a lot of studying to do."

Remus nodded and thanked Alice before heading out to the library. As he walked through the halls, he couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness that was settling in his stomach. What if Y/N didn't feel the same way? What if he ruined their friendship? All these thoughts were swirling in his head as he approached the library.

When he saw Y/N, his heart skipped a beat. She looked beautiful, as always, with her hair pulled back and her nose buried in a book. Remus took a deep breath and approached her. "Hey, Y/N. Mind if I sit here for a bit?"

Y/N looked up from her book and smiled. "Of course not. What's up?"

Remus fidgeted with his sleeves before speaking. "I've been wanting to tell you something for a while now. But I've been too scared because I didn't know how James would react, but Sirius shockingly helped me see that it doesn't matter. I know we've been friends for a long time, but I've been having these feelings for you lately, and I just wanted to let you know."

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise before she looked down at her book, trying to hide the blush on her cheeks. "Remus, I had no idea. I've actually been feeling the same way." 

Remus felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he heard Y/N's words. He felt like he was walking on clouds, and he couldn't help but smile. "Really? You feel the same way?"

Y/N looked back at him with a smile. "Yes, really."

And with those words, Remus knew that everything was going to be okay. They had both been hiding their true feelings for years, and now they could finally be together. He leaned in and kissed Y/N, feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

[alwaysshallow]

— because of you

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick x gn!reader

Special "anniversary" with your best friend. (3,1 k)

AO3 version

Category and prompt: roommates/neighbors + "we're not just friends, and you know it"

A/N: Glad to participate in GazFest! To many more like this! @glitterypirateduck

"Got some sugar, neighbor?" you see him, all smiling with empty cup in his hand, when you open the door right after someone knocked.

That certain someone? Kyle motherfucking Garrick, your neighbor. God only know what encouraged him to move in here after two years you did. Your reason to move from UK to Italy? Promotion of work, you were supposed to take care of team – bigger than you had back in the UK, way, way bigger. It felt like a dream coming true, you always wanted something like this, to be… appreciated, that was the good word to that. It would be a dumb from you if you'd decline such a good offer.

It was a success, after all. You could tell after a month. What's more to it, you liked your new place. Not only because it was still Europe (God forbid moving to the USA), but the climate here was just idyllic. Yours, so to speak, even if it was your first visit in that country. People here, their attitude, just matched yours perfectly. It took a few months to adjust to siestas, sure, but overall, you couldn't imagine what other country in Europe would fit you so much.

It was a bit hard to be fluent in Italian, you weren't the best, but after two years you could definitely name yourself almost fluent. It helped that you had to deal with native speakers, not only in work (even if you mostly spoke English here) but around you. With a small smile, you always liked to visit your local store, where the old lady was chatting with you about gossips going around town.

Moving on to your best friend… and his reason. You don't know his reason. His life is mostly military, and being called to go back to work in sick hours, like two in the morning; so being in the UK made more sense than anything else, really. Yet, after two years, when he "visited" you, it was a visit with four big suitcases, and the biggest grin ever. What's more to it, he just happened to find an apartment literally next to you, which you thought was almost impossible.

Like, it was really clogged with people building, and he just found it? What's more to it, you always knew who is going to move in since you are best friends with the owner. You couldn't brush off the feeling that military really helped in things like that.

"Sugar? What, are you baking somethin'?" you raise your eyebrow, trying to tease him a bit. He chuckles, then walks in, so you can close the door after him.

"You know it" he winked. "I mean, gotta celebrate things, yeah?" he nudges you, as he searches for sugar in your kitchen cupboards, making your confusion even more evident right now. Kyle seems to notice that because he lets out a chuckle, and stops his moves for a moment. "'m making you confused, love?"

"I mean, what's to celebrate?" you ask. "Your birthday is in a few months, mine already was two months ago. So, you have some sneaky business here, Mr. Garrick" you muse, the corner of your lip twitching.

Your neighbor laughs, when he takes a cup of sugar, and hides the package swiftly, before turning to you with sneaky smirk.

"You really don't know?"

You roll your eyes, amused.

"Kyle, if I wouldn't know any better, I would think I'm a lousy husband that forgot our anniversary, or something." you joke, tilting your head to the side, when you try to scan his face, in order to find a clue, or an answer to your question.

Nothing here, but pure amusement. Damn his military for that, really – before, your best friend was like an open book to you. You could even make him confess to lying, and it was more than amusing, when he tried to avoid your eye contact.

After military, that high school boy was still here, but more confident, more… hell, was it possible to say more hot? You thought about Kyle like that, obviously, even if nothing official happened between you two, besides a few kisses when you were drunk, but he got even more hot. Standing his ground, giving judgy looks to anyone who seemed sketchy to him.

And, it was a lie about a few kisses. There was a lot of them, not only when you were drunk, but even the morning after that. It was a simple fact that you can't forget about Kyle Garrick's hands, nor lips. Everyone who experienced, just knew.

Nothing besides kisses happened between you two, though – the boundary was here, obviously because you were best friends, nothing else. At least, best friends in theory, practice was a bit… different, considering that best friends usually didn't kiss, or held each other gazes like you two.

"I'm gonna be here for two months straight. Consider this, special gift" he smiles, tugging a strand of your hair behind your ear. "And, you're kinda a lousy husband, though."

"Oh, I am?" you laugh, as you look straight into his sparkling eyes. "I'm pretending I didn't hear that. Two fucking months? You better not joke about things like that." you grin, hugging him tightly. "Venice is waiting for us, then. I promised that I'm gonna take you there for a whole ass week, and now I have an occasion to do that."

"Mm, of course. Just tell me when" he wraps his arms around you, looking down at you. "And, you are. Three years since we kissed, and you don't remember anniversaries like that?"

Your face flush in a second when he says that; before that, none of you mentioned things like that. It was easier to… forget those moments of weakness between you two than talk about them. In your mind, it would only complicate between you two, and you didn't want that, considering… basically everything about your lives.

You were best friends, but maybe you wouldn't get along as lovers? Things like that happened, and you would hate to lose him. He was with you since highschool, so now it was seventh year of your friendship, and it was long. Kyle Garrick was your rock, someone you could count on. So, naturally, you were scared to do things that would go beyond friendship. Next thing, him being in military, it would be… hard, to do things long distance, even if you were willing to try.

And, probably most important point of all – you were only kissing. It's not like he would suddenly have feelings for you, when he continued to do that without confessing, right?

"We kissed a lot. So, forgive me for that" you manage to mumble, looking away for a second, what makes him laugh.

"'Suppose you're right, but we haven't kissed in a while" he nods slowly, still looking into your eyes. "But, I remember that. Party in your parents' house, we were sitting right by the pool. Rings a bell?"

You open your mouth a little.

How, the fuck, he remembers that?

He was wasted. At least, you thought he was wasted, so he wouldn't remember anything. You both laughed about your mutual friend stupidity, where he mixed pure vodka, wine and beer; he vomited like a cat. The rest of your friends were taking care of him, and you two were completely out of people sight, chit-chatting about literally everything. It was fun, it was just pure back then, and somehow, you two got… closer.

Way closer than you ever imagined to be with him – his gaze was on your lips, and his responses got shorter, as he was into something else than a conversation. Before you could say anything, he grabbed your chin, and kissed you, hard, like he was a starved man.

And there was no way that you wouldn't respond to this; you returned the kiss, your hand grasping his thigh for support. This didn't last long though, as your kiss was interrupted by Kelly that asked for help in cleaning the house – so, naturally, you went to help her.

He acted like nothing happened the next day though, so you acted like this too, in order to not make this awkward.

Now, it seemed like he remembers everything.

"I thought…"

He scoffs.

"Just because I don't talk about it, doesn't mean I don't remember." he murmurs, tilting his head to the side. "In general we don't talk about those kisses, yeah? I noticed."

"It's hard to not notice that" you quip, and that makes him roll his pretty eyes with a smile. "What? I'm just sayin'!"

"Yeah. And I'm sometimes wondering why are we not talking about it."

"Well" you chuckle, looking away for a moment. "Mostly, we're friends, Kyle. So, if I'm the one that has to guess, it's probably because we don't want to… Ruin it. What we have" you explain, in the probably simplest words possible. "And sometimes, kissing just… happens. Mostly when we're drunk."

He raises his eyebrow though, looking at you with shocked expression, like he wants you to say it again because he can't quite believe it.

"We're not just friends, and you know it. We haven't been for a while" he shrugs, and he makes it sound like it's the most obvious thing in the whole world. "You don't want to admit it, but we're not just friends."

"So, friends with benefits, then? Or friends who occasionally kiss?" you raise your eyebrow too, mimicking him.

"What? No, I didn't-"

"-because the last time I checked, you haven't asked me out or anything. It's not like I don't want to admit it, you're not admitting it either."

Garrick takes a breath and he grips your waist tight. Even if it's uncomfortable, it had to be said; you don't want to call it anything, but friends, trying to grasp onto that last strings of pure friendship, before…

Before what?

So many possibilities what could grow out of it.

"Why do you think I moved here?" he asks, so suddenly that you blink a few times, as he catches you off-guard.

"What?"

"Answer me." his tone is firm, like he demands an answer.

"I don't know. Maybe you had enough of boring UK, so you've decided to copy your best friend?"

He gives you a polite look; he seems amused despite it, though.

"Because of you. I moved here, because of you."

You can't help but feel stupid right now, when he tells you that. It seems like the simplest reason why he is here in the first place; because of you. Yet, that vision seemed funny every time when you've thought about it, so it wasn't an option to you. More of a… wild imagination.

To this moment, at least. Kyle Garrick was nothing but proving you a point, that you were mistaken in so many parts of your life that you wonder what else you could be wrong.

"I wanted to do this for a while, but you know how military is. Constantly being sent to places, not having even time for yourself to think. Not even to mention finding somewhere to live near you in Italy." he shakes his head to himself, before he looks at you, once again.

His gaze is full of… emotions. Positive ones; hope, happiness, something that makes you feel at peace, and makes you feel excited in the same time. It's such an indescribable feeling, when you look at him, and he shows it all. Heart on his sleeve.

"My point is. Always wanted to do something with… this" he points at you and him. "Ask you out, whatever that would help us go through this, but the time wasn't right. Either you had a date with someone, or you just were busy, or I was deployed, it's…" he laughs, not quite believing how everything was against you two; you join him in that.

"I would cancel date for you, and you know it, Kyle" you whisper, smiling softly.

"Well, I didn't know that back then, pardon" he nudges you playfully, making you sit on the couch with him; specifically, on his lap. "Someone pretty like you ain't exactly my league, you know."

You let out a huff.

It is irritating to even hear that he could really think that way; does that man ever looks in the mirror? Kyle, in your eyes at least, is the equivalent of beauty, and maybe, just maybe you are a little biased, but everyone would tell him this. Little wrinkles around his adorable eyes that he had always when he smiled, or his perfectly shaped face, like a work of Michael Angelo. The smile that he was known for. Smile that you love. Smile that makes your heart melt every time, and every bad thought is brushed immediately. His delicate hands that despite his tough work in military, always brought you comfort.

For fuck's sake, you can even write a whole essay about his body and lips, but in a soft moment like you two have right now, it wouldn't be something appropriate.

"I would say otherwise." you shrug, your thumb caressing the side of his face. His facial hair grew a little since the last time that you saw him, so it stings a little, but you don't mind that.

"Well, you don't get to say things like that, pretty." he sticks out his tongue, and you automatically roll your eyes. "Boys were jealous, you know? Of those letters you sent to me. Every time we got to pick up our mail, I had something. They asked if I bribed you to do this or something." he chuckles.

It makes your heart flutter; you indeed were writing to him, every time that he was deployed and you knew where to write, with hope that's gonna be delivered to him. It was like a conversation over a phone that rarely happened, so letters became your friend, when you could write down every little thing you wanted to say to him. Old fashioned? Much so, but it's easier than trying to call him, no?

Sometimes you thought you could easier get to call the Pope than Kyle – and with letters, you had more certainty that he will get everything, sooner or later.

And, you wouldn't forget so many things if you would write them before waiting on call with your best friend.

"Well, proud to say I wasn't bribed. Only missed your annoying ass."

Kyle grins widely, nodding.

"That's what I told 'em. And, other thing."

You raise your eyebrow.

"Other thing?"

He, once again, nods.

"That I want to take you out on a date. Real one, when I'll have time. And, I have now." he added quickly, like you were about to interrupt him. "So, I'm asking you, love, do you want to go out with me? On a real deal thingy, without… acting, like we are only friends. We are not."

You can't help but laugh; this man had you in chokehold for a good time right now, and now, you are just finding out that he actually told his friends that he wants to… take you out? When the time is right? Hell, it felt like a Keeping Up With Kardashians episode, not your life. Mostly because you don't have so much luck with your love life, nor with friends becoming your lovers, yet…

Yet, Kyle was the exception to it all. Sweet one because when he was looking you with those innocent eyes, you were on the cloud nine. All smiling, like an idiot that won the lottery.

It was kinda this way.

"I want to, yeah."

And you can't even add anything else if you want to… because just like the first time, Kyle grabs your chin, and kisses you. Hungrily, like he was afraid that someone would take you from him, even if it's impossible.

Your heart almost jumps out of your chest, when he smiles against your lips because you're the happiest person alive. Kissing him feels like observing the fireworks on the night sky when you were a kid; mesmerizing, addicting, making you want more of that sweet poison. It's almost amusing how long you've waited for another kiss to happen – his lips belonged on yours, and that was a fact.

The only difference between that kiss and the others?

You know that you will go out on a date, you know that both of you are willing to try to make something out of this friendship, other than a "friendly" kisses.

It makes your heart go wild, honestly. Younger you wouldn't believe that, not in a million years; younger version would probably laugh at you, thinking you're making a joke. What is beautiful about this situation is the fact that Kyle Garrick, Gaz for his comrades, was more serious about this date than about anything in his life.

"So what you had in mind to bake? Before we got a little… carried away." you ask, when your forehead is against his after this little make-out session.

At first, Kyle looks at you like he doesn't know about you are talking about, at all. Before you could answer, his face lights up, and he lets out a little ooh.

"Well." he laughs. "I don't know. I lied."

"You lied?" you raise your eyebrow, holding back a laugh that lingers on your tongue. "Sugar was the main reason you came here in the first place, loverboy."

"Loverboy, huh?" he smirks, as he kisses your cheek a few times, lovingly. It's like he wants you addicted to him already, even if he doesn't say it out loud. You just know. "Yeah, I lied, love. Needed a reason to see you and have this conversation, honestly."

"You could just tell me that we needed to talk. I really thought that you're gonna bake something and you'd share, ya know?" you tease, kissing the tip of his nose.

"Mmm, it wouldn't have that dramatic effect, if I'm bein' honest with you." he shrugs, and that makes you grin, widely. "What do you want to eat, though? Cookies seems good to bake together, if you're hungry."

"Mmm… cookies. Chip chocolate ones?" you suggest, knowing that this man just loves them to the core.

"Yes. Abso-fucking-lutely." he points at you, and then, practically runs to the kitchen, with you in his arms, bridal style.

And when you observe how he prepares everything, you think how lucky you got to have a best friend like that. Best friend who gets excited on the thought of chocolate chip cookies, when you just made out five minutes earlier.

Best friend that was on the way to be your lover, now.

[dustofthedailylife]

Ok last roommates AU Idea I promise I know I won’t stop suggesting if I kept digging in the rabbit hole of this brainrot but I can’t help it.

one morning as usual both men having breakfast and us waking up late because we came home late last night because we worked late.

Anyway when we went to the men to have breakfast together and say good morning, at there surprise both synchronized spitting coffee because they saw us wearing one of there shirts.

We were too exhausted to look closely at our closet since its ours *duh*, someone must have missed up there chore when it was there turn and missed one of there clothes there and went with ours.

( now there will be rollercoaster!! Because one is hella jealous-angry as why we wear the others not there’s and one is happy to see how cute we are in there oversized shirt all sleepy, but both wonder how it got there ) and more lmao.

[-> Roommate AU brainrots]

Haha! I'm glad you're enjoying the AU! This is such a brilliant idea, I can just picture their facial expressions perfectly.

Imagine you're walking into the kitchen while both Alhaitham and Kaveh are sitting at the table. Alhaitham is drinking his coffee and reading something (as usual) and Kaveh is finalizing some sketches while gobbling down some breakfast.

The moment you greet both of them good morning you can hear choking followed by coughing from Kaveh. When you turn around both men are gawking at you, or more specifically at what you're wearing.

Alhaitham, who is hiding half his face behind his book (he's blushing cute) is the first to speak while Kaveh looks like his eyes are about to fall out of his head any second.

"Is that my shirt?" "Yes, I believe that is your shirt." "Oh... I was wondering why it felt a bit too big already." "Where did you get that?" "Uhhh... my closet?" "Wha- h-how?" "You were responsible for the laundry last week, Kaveh, were you not?" "Y-yes... I-I suppose I was."

Alhaitham is almost inclined to thank Kaveh for the mess up. He could get used to seeing you wear his shirts... and seeing Kaveh's priceless expression when you do.

Kaveh on the other hand is internally cursing himself for not noticing and is already formulating a secret plan in his head to slide one of his shirts into your closet whenever it was his turn with the laundry again.

[writer-in-theory]

Thinking about Secret Santa with the ST crew. It's the first time that Billy is included ever since he started dating Steve, and lowkey Nancy freaked out when she pulled his name because she has no idea what to get him. Because she thought she knew what Billy was like—they all did—until Steve started talking about his boyfriend.

At first, he'd avoided saying a name. He knew what they would all think, knew that they'd try to talk him out of the relationship simply from the way they'd known him in high school. But this was years later and they were all in their twenties, they'd all begun to heal from the traumas they'd suffered at such young ages. Nancy would have been silly to ignore the way her friend's face lit up when he talked about how Billy would cook dinner for him, or how sometimes he'd just bring home something silly because it reminded him of Steve, or how Billy gave the best hugs Steve had ever received.

So she wanted to do it right, get him the perfect gift to let him know that he was welcome in their group.

She gets him a disposable camera.

It's cheap for a camera, but it works and it's a way to preserve any memories that Billy deems important. She's expecting a smile, maybe a lighthearted crack of a joke about how he has to do all the work to get the reward of photos.

Nancy never expects Billy to set the camera down with a gentleness she'd never seen from him, only for him to bolt from the room. Steve's out the door in a second, leaving Nancy wondering if she'd fucked up. The couple returns two gifts later, and neither of them bring up the camera again.

It's not until later that night, when they're all drinking and trying (in vain) to keep the younger group away from the beer and champagne when Steve ends up outside with Nancy. He's smoking again, a habit he'd been trying to kick for years, ever since they'd tried dating what felt like a lifetime ago.

"He doesn't have any pictures," Steve spoke up, so suddenly that Nancy's head went reeling trying to place the context. He's not looking at her, instead bent over the balcony railing and peering out over the Indianapolis skyline. "Neil burned any his mom had taken, then never bothered to take any more. He's never had any pictures."

"I'm sorry," Nancy began, eyebrows drawing together and lips parting and unparting in an attempt to fish for the right words to string together. "If I'd known I wouldn't ha—"

"It's perfect," Steve answered, finally turning his head to look at her. Nancy had never noticed how much older he'd gotten—aged in a way that time alone could never manage, eyes softened by experience and the kind of love that was too deep for someone their age. She's happy for him, Nancy realized, Steve deserved to find someone that gave him that glow, that made him look so alive in a way Nancy realizes he'd never been before Billy.

"I didn't mean to bring up bad memories for him."

"Nance, it's perfect," Steve repeated as if that was supposed to help the guilt swirling in Nancy's stomach. "He never got to have that, proof of all the good that happens, all the memories. I'm trying to say thanks, for giving that to him. I wouldn't have come up with it."

"I..." Nancy began, expression finally breaking into a soft smile as she reached to hug him. "I'm glad he makes you happy, Steve. I hope he feels welcome enough here."

Nancy followed Steve's gaze back inside the apartment, where everyone is either standing around or sprawled in a heap of limbs on the various couches and chairs, laughing loudly over the obnoxious holiday music. She spots Billy, standing toward the edge of the fray but in deep conversation with Eddie, looking more at ease than he'd ever looked when they were in school.

"Do you want a picture with Billy?" Nancy asked, turning to look back at Steve who was watching the sight with a soft smile. "It would be a great first for the memory book."

"Yeah, I do," Steve answered, pulling open the door and waving for Nancy to step inside first. "I want a picture with our family too."

And as Steve rounded them all up for the picture, Nancy couldn't help but think pulling Billy's name for Secret Santa was the best thing that could have happened.

[iceprincessviviane]

Last will. - Heritage series prologue.

Paring: poly!BTS (Demons) x Female!Shy!Skinny!Chosen!Reader

Type: dark romance, horror au, soulmate au, poly relationship, slowburn, yandere.

Warnings: Horror themes, some religion themes (mostly demonic), gore, blood, manipulation, witchcraft, magic themes, death (side characters), mentionings of forced marriage, mentioning about past, loss, yandere, obsessive, possessive, swearing, low self-esteem,dealing with grief, sugestive content and silly jokes created by me. (If there is more to add let me know.)

Next chapter.

Summary: When old, lonely lady is dying, some mysteries are revealed, which none is expecting. Someone is going to take advantage of that for sure.

Author's note: It was around Halloween and I was getting inspired and decided to try something in good, old scary mood. I might be not good at it, so sorry! And it's based kinda of my strange dream. Action is supposed to be in northen Canada in make up city, this is how it was in my dream so I will let it stay. Sorry if that has no logic at all. Dream was really strange and first chapters are mostly based on that, rest it just written by me as continuation. Introduction is long and whole mansion is based on one from Tonb Raider series (Legend/Underworld). English isn't my first language so sorry for all mistakes.

Dedication for the @aris-ink meance (angel) which supporter me all the way along and mostly I'm posting because she gave me a wings 💖

MINORS DNI

In modern office was sitting very old and elegant lady. She had old-fashioned dress and her white hair were in tight bun. Fine jewllery was on her neck, same was for wrist and ears. The stones were shinging in light of the lamp. She sat opposite young notary, which was writing somethine with pen on his documents. Dame was visibly getting impatient, her assistant was making meaningful glances at worker, but he didn't even noticed. After few minutes she sighed and tapped her emaciated on light brown desk.

"I am sorry ma'am, it has to be perfect."

She rolled her eyes and looked around. Office was big and bright, outside was raining heavy, wall of water and sometimes the sky was pierced by thunder. There was computer on the other side of the desk and big bookshelf filled by documents and books about the law. On the wall was hanging put some awards and certificates which notary finished successfuly.

"My boy, I am sorry to interrupting you, but in fact I don't have much time. I am going to die very soon and I need to do a lot." Old lady said bitterly.

"I am sorry ma'am." He gave her sympathetic smile and put down pen. "I have ended your last will as you wished."

Notary handed her document. She read it with little frown. It was strange for her, but the time has come and she had to take care of last things in this world.

"I have concated the curator of museum you have mentioned. He is thrilled by your proposition and agreed to all your terms."

"I am glad then. I hope this will do good for next generations." Old lady smiled warmly.

"But there is one problem. Being specific about the mansion in Grand Hillsam." Man said looking at the name of the town.

Immediately old lady's glance became cold and suspicious. "What about it?"

"I have found that in fact it's part of Canadian heritage and it was just under your custody ma'am. It can't be given to any museum or anyone unless the government agree or the owner can't take care of it. I have tried to contact the office in Grand Hillsam and they have sent me to someone higher."

Old lady scoffed and waved her head with annoying expression. She tapped desk again, looked like wanting to light a cigarette.

"But they have stated that, after your death it will become clear what will happen to the mansion. It can't be made into museum if it's not proven that mansion would be left all alone."

"But I wanted to avoid passing it to anyone. That's why I wanted to make museum there and give all historical stuff away as gifts."

"They are very thankful, but your family last will is above that. You were not living there in fact, only someone who lives there can decide about mansion." Young man sighed taking out some documents. "I have searched it very carefuly, but can't do anything about that."

"That's bullshit." She cursed not like a lady. "I have paying all the bills and sending money to take some care of this mansion. I just didn't want to live there." She frowned.

"And as your family stated, only person who lives there can decided to such things as selling or giving up the mansion. After your death your family and far family will be informed about it. If they won't be able to take care of it, it will be made into museum." Notary said shrugging with helplessness.

"But I have no family. That's why I am giving away the money and things."

"Well... that's not true ma'am... the office searched through documents as did I. You have a very distant family, here in Europe."

"But they have been thrown out of my lineage almost three hundred years ago. The testement didn't include them in any case."

"Well... the office in Canada have stated that unless your famil won't care about mansion or simply can't because of money, then yes it will be made into museum."

Old lady sighed slowly, but then nodded. "If it's all, please let me sign it and let's end this farse."

Soon notary handed her all necessary documents. She signed them with diligence. They have left office and her assistant helped her by softly holding arm. He was middle age man, who served her long time. When they were in the car, driver almost immediately pulled into driveway.

"Damnit, it was so close to get rid of this stupid mansion and it's secrets. I am sure they have had their word in this." She said staring at the window and terrible weather.

"So what now? Your distant family will be called to Grand Hillsam that's for sure." Assistant said with worrying tone.

"I will make sure, that they won't want to stay there and will be protected. I need to be at home as fast as possible."

}*{

It was dark outside and was raining almost all time. Week has passed since old lady was in the office. Now she was lying at bed, weak and in fact annoyed. She lighted a cigarette and took a deep breath. Her assistant just left bedroom. It was quite big one, with canopy bed, balcony, big wardrobe and high bookshelf.

"You shouldn't be smoking." Happy voice said with concern.

"I am dying, I can do whatever I want." Old lady's words were horase. "I don't care how I am going to die, I am going to enjoy life till my last breath."

"You are still the same." Green eyes flashed in dim room, just on the bookshelf.

Small, dark as night cat hopped on the floor and made it's way to the bed.

"Thank's God, I was thinking that Harry was making you suspicious." Old lady said bitterly.

"It was hard to make my way here and this form." Cat said and stopped near the bed, that lady could see him.

"I need your owner'a help." She confessed.

"We know. That is why I am here, but don't know the details."

"I wanted to give up the mansion. To get rid of it, make family free. But of course they have stepped in." Old lady frowned with disgust.

"Well it was sure, that it won't be so easy."

"Officials said that until my last family won't be proven that don't want to take care of the mansion or simply can't take care, because of money, there is no way of making of it museum."

"So they even messed with office." Cat said perking it's ears.

"Yes. There is a threat, that all will start again. I have no time to meet my distant family and tell them about our messed up past. Pretty sure that they won't believe me anyway. So you will have to take care of that. They can't stay there and they have to give up this stupid building."

"Well it's not like when the building is gone, all the problems will disappear. The bond will be still there."

"Yes, but the ritual place will be no more, all the knowledge and items will be gone. Some spells will break. Even town might get free from dark influence. It will be hard for them go rebuild that somewhere else.

"I will go and tell my owner about everything." Cat promised and licked it paw. "But now let me keep your company."

Animal jumped on the bed and sit on old lady's lap demanding headpats. She gladly provided them till her hand stopped and last breath left her mouth. Cat purred softly making sure that her soul is safe.

}*{

Namjoon stepped out of the car and looked at building in front of him. He put his hands in the pockets. The gate was closed and strong walls were protecting land inside. It looked old and untreated. Through a gate you could see entrance to the garden and main entrance to the big manor. It was already late, moon poking from behind a clouds made a little light. He walked to the gate and put a hand in shadow place then

walk

through

the

darkness till he reached other side. He did the same with big doors and found himself inside. There was dust, unplesant smell and silence, but he remembered those halls too good. There was big, main space and staircase which were splitting up, leading up and to the left and right where were rooms. Entrance to the basement was also through this room, same as kitchen and second part of the manor. He wasn't alone.

Shadows shifted slighty and into his view came six characters. Wide smile appeard on his handsome face.

"Is thar true hyung? That's why we all are here?"Jimin asked coming closer.

"Better be that or I will throw hands." said Yoongi and leaned on pillar in opposite.

"Our man has confirmed that there is another descendant. They have rejected idea of the museum for now and have stated that it must to be prooven that descendant can't take care of mansion to make it museum." Namjoon has spoken quietly.

"So we have chance to take it all back?" Jungkook's wide and bunny smile appeard.

"Maybe, now they have to brought here this person."

"All right let's go back to the work guys." Jin stated and they all have disappeard in the blink of the eye.

[nevertheless-moving]

stormlight au number 27. Elhokar and Kaladin time travel from Oathbringer to Way of Kings.

IMPORTANT: kaladin and elhokar develop weird unhealthy codependent situationship.

(MAJOR Oathbringer spoilers below)

...

...

Kaladin isn't pulled away by Adolin when he has his meltdown over Elhokar's death, over not being able to Save Everyone, and instead clings to Elhokar's dying body as a symbol of his failures. When Kaladin is killed in the confusion, something - the universe/ sja anat/ tattered pieces of honor and odium / hey maybe even adolnesium themselves who knows is like - errr. What. nope. Not my special boy!  Go back, Try Again. 

Kaladin wakes up in Way Of Kings, maybe a highstorm or two before the Tower. Kaladin is just like ah i see eternal damnation. Eternal damnation for my failures. Takes a little time before even considering the idea of time travel. Fortunately his attitude and response to thinking he's been consigned to everlasting ironic torment is remarkably similar to his response to the events of the first book, so a few days go by before the bridgecrew notices he's more fucked up than usual. 

Elhokar wakes up and (i enjoy the idea of THE COSMERE ITSELF SAVING KALADIN STORMBLESSED! and also Elhokar is there!) has no idea what to do. Testy with both thadeus and dalinar. Figures out some lightweaving. Maybe passes an order that the bridgemen should all have shields, in case Kaladin doesn't remember the future either, as a little goodwill present. After a couple more days he sneaks out to thadeus's bridgemen barracks to ask the hero for help, since none of the other kholins are responding to his leading mention of things he saw in 'dreams'.

Obviously he's not going to show his actual face when the guy who murdered him is in the room.

Dark amorphous blob with glowing blue eyes entering the barracks: Greetings Stormbles - do you all just sleep on the floor? And what is that smell? Heralds, this is depressing. Bridge four: WHAT THE - VOIDBRINGER! VOID- Kaladin : calm down, men, that's not what a voidbringer looks like. I think...its an unmade? Are there unmades in damnation? Only - that voice...do i...know you... Dark amorphous blob with glowing blue eyes: well, looking around, i suppose i can see why you would think this is braize, but come on, we're not actually dead and the almighty sent us ...here... for a reason. I need you to do your hero thing, huphup. Kaladin: ...shallan? Dark amorphous blob with glowing blue eyes: I suppose I am glad for the memory confirmation, but do i look - ugh - okay for hopefully obvious reasons i'm not going to put my true face on, so don't be an idiot and blurt out my real name, but i can probably wear the, ah, outfit she picked for me in Kholinar [Amorphous dark blob turns into pretty light eyed woman]: tada! Bridgefour: uh Teft: storms...you're one of them too...i think... Skar: does anyone else feel like we're in more danger now? Like better we were found with a voidbringer in our quarters than a brightlady? Drehy: no, i agree Hobber: shh! We're finally getting the captain's mysterious backstory ! Bissig: i TOLD you guys he must have got involved with a brightlady Leyten: and i bet on voidbringers which we all agreed was 10 to 1 so i'm pretty sure i'm winning Kaladin: Kaladin: [starting to tear up] Brightlady: uh Kaladin: [grabbing brightlady and audibly sobbing] Brightlady: UH Teft: storms you really broke him  Brighlady: what! I have no idea whats happening! He doesn't even like me! You all must have done something to him! Kaladin:  i thought...i failed you...that I cohldnt save you...i saw you get stab ed Brightlady: oh...huh. you really take that 'protect everyone' thing seriously. Do you do this every time someone you're guarding gets hurt? Moash: yeah... he's pretty much always like this Bridge four: [general nods of agreement] Brightlady: [awkwardly patting kaladin on the back]: well. The good news is i'm much more stab resilient now! Aha. Still would prefer not to... Kaladin: [weeping] Brightlady: come on bridgeman, there's a desolation coming remember? Saving the world and all that? Rest of bridge four: 

Anyway Elhokar somewhat intentionally leads the non Kaladin members of bridge four to believe that the actual Elhokar is dead, and that he (she? No, he, i think. Maybe they? Just - just go by what face i'm wearing!) has taken the king's place through dark magics. He assumes that the bridgemen will like him better if they think he's some sort of unholy kingkilling blood sorcerer, as opposed to the actual elhokar kholin.

Depressingly, he's right.

Unhealthy situationship! They both see each other as a Symbol. Elokhar is the Chance to Save Everyone. Kaladin is the True Hero and Leader. Kaladin starts tutoring elohkar on how to be a good person and leader, blaming his death on not doing so earlier. 

Kaladin's ability to do so is somewhat hindered by his deep unwillingness to see elhokar in danger, and his extreme tendency to take control when he sees something wrong. He objectively recognizes that this was also dalinars problem, but still shakes like a chihuahua sometimes to avoid grabbing elhokhar by the scruff of the neck when he does something stupid. Definitely questionable how qualified kaladin is for teaching, but like. There is progress.

Elhokar uses kaladin ruthlessly as a glowing flying tool to instill fear in his highprinces, which makes kaladins skin crawl a little, but it is helping enforce a lot of social changes protecting darkeyes that he never dreamed could happen. 

Elhokar at somepoint offers to lightweave kaladin and make him king elokhar instead. 

Kaladin doesn't even know where to start unpacking that.

Intriguingly, the whole not seeing the man for the symbol thing, while being Not Great, is also the source of a bit of solid common ground for each other. A few dizzy moments in private where they connect uniquely on what it is to have no friends who are not followers. Of never being allowed to be just a man.

Also some incredibly specific trauma bonding of living through the actual apocalypse. Both have some serious issues regarding dying in the absolute shitshow that was that the unmade palace. Mutual extreme distress when elokhar accidentally lightweaves a flashback. Please imagine a servant walking in on King Elhokar and Lord Stormblessed clinging to one another and shaking on the ceiling while a nightmareish orgy of death takes place beneath them. Paid off extremely well to never discuss what she saw, not that she'd be able to explain it.

Hard to completely cover up because she ran away screaming. Couple people assume the two men were fucking, but honestly most assume by her genuine distress, i mean jokes aside, those are two very good looking men and she was, you know, screaming in terror, so almost definitely not that. Some sort of vision from the almighty? Maybe a voidbringer?? 

Bridgefour, under the impression that 'elhokars' 'true form' is closer to the shadowy nightmare blob they initially saw (do you know how hard it is to lightweave invisibility? It was a rough draft, alright?), are largely convinced that she walked in on that. And maybe them fucking, uncertain about that part. They are initially supportive of their captain's potential monsterfucking (the man deserves to relax) but grow increasingly concerned about some of the red flags in their relationship. 

Anyway, needless to say, dalinar and kaladins dynamic is weird in this one. Still a fair amount of instant mututal respect. But now elhokar is cribbing shamelessly from dalinars hero journey and calling him out  on his tendency to seize power, undermining elokhar. So dalinar feels a lot more wobbly about his place. 

Apparently not even the visions from god are special, elhokar and his secret radiant (a real radiant!) had been receiving some too? Better, more useful ones even? 

And the radiant is taking his place in elhokars trust, and calling him out even MORE for not teaching elhokhar how to be a leader when he was younger, stormfather,  did you want him to fail? how did it get this bad? Fortunately, Dalinar is willing to get humble and Grow. Honestly, dalinar and kaladin are probably in a better place. More mutual trust. Less constant exchange of unpayable debts. Kaladins rank is really confusing, but theyre closer to equals than they were in canon.

Teft: lad we need to talk about you and the Uh. Lightweaver. shapeshifter? Kaladin : what? I thought you guys were warming up to eachother Lopen: gancho they're the best unholy creature i've ever met. Proper respect for herdassian women. Skar: lopen does not agree with this intervention but the rest of us are...concerned. Rock: is how he looks at you that we are worried. Like starving man looks at beloved pet axehound. Kaladin: Kaldin: what? Moash: you know i'm fond of the guy, it's like Skar said, we're a little...concerned. That he wants to, you know, kill and eat you so he can take your place. Kaladin: he wouldn't - he definitely wouldn't eat me. Teft: see, the fact that you didn't immediately argue with the 'murder you to take your place' part of that is concerning. Kaladin: he's just going through a lot. Rock: yes, but way you circle one another...again, like axehound and man, only you change places Kaladin: hes my king! and im secretly tutoring him on how to be a leader! of course our dynamic is going to be odd!  Teft: look its - he's not a normal person. He doesn't know how to...be a human, i don't think.  Kaladin: yeah, sure, I'll give you that. but he's getting better! You saw how he said thank you to sigzil the other day! Moash: kal... Kaladin: i can fix him Moash: kal

Sure hope dalinar never overhears bridgefour and elhokar talking about how glad they are that his nephew is dead and that new elhokar took his place! He definitely wouldn't go into a murderous rage and do something regrettable if he believed that were true!

[vivianquill]

Etho couldn't have been more relieved and frustrated when the end of session was called.

At first, he'd thought that his task would be easy. Well. Not easy, but certainly doable, especially by him. If there was ever a good time to be an enderman hybrid, it was now. Etho would be able to feel the eyes on him, even if he wasn't able to see them.

The problem started when Tango and Skizz came by to ask to use his crafting table. At first he just thought it was the weight of their eyes on him-- the way his body felt heavier-- but as the session progressed, so did his affliction.

"Hi Etho." Gem's voice made him spin about, though it wasn't quite as fast as he normally would have, "Can I buy your door?"

Etho first noticed the tingling in his feet when he was helping Joel and Bdubs with their double zombie spawner. After it was all dug out, Etho found himself pinned between the gazes of the two men, unable to move, unable to leave the spawner box, the water gently lapping at his boots.

"Just keep doing what you're doing." Etho tried, attempting to difuse the situation so Joel would look away.

"I'm trying to Effo, but you're in the way--" Joel nudged him aside, placing the last few blocks.

Etho had to block Joel's line of sight, then Bdub's to make it so he could move again-- His feet had pins and needles after that whole ordeal, once he'd finally managed to dig into the wall and up and out. It was like-- the longer someone looked at him, instead of getting that anxious paranoid ender itch like he normally did, it felt like his feet had been too heavy to move. Like he'd been glued to the spot.

Maybe he should tell Grian about it. This was supposed to be a death game, but the lore wasn't supposed to go so awry. The secret keeper was just a silly little statue-- some set dressing for the drama, it was even hollow inside! Not-- surely it was just his imagination. The dumb statue didn't hold any power. He didn't need to worry Grian with this--

Etho resolved to just ignore it.

Surely it would go away the moment he handed in his task. It wasn't a problem that the longer someone was looking at him, the heavier his body seemed to get, and the more the numbness started to creep in.

It'd started with his feet, slowly turning them to stone in his boots, then it crept it's way up his legs. It was taking longer for the feeling to return, each time he was out of sight.

Nothing to be alarmed about. Just a little bit of casual petrification.

Every person on the server was his own personal Medusa, only able to turn Etho to stone.

It went faster the more people were looking at him, too.

After the incident with the heart foundation and rigging the vote, Etho found himself stuck on the bridge-- Grian and Tango and Skizz and Bdubs were all looking at him-- the stone had managed to get up to his waist, that time. It'd started on his fingertips too, clutched around the reigns of his skeleton horse.

It was terrifying, to look down at your own tingling fingers and realize the off-gray color slowly seeping away had been his own flesh.

He was glad the horse was already (un)dead, because with Etho's predicament, he surely would have crushed a flesh and blood one.

Pearl nabbing him with her book was the worst thing that could have happened. Thankfully he'd had that invisibility potion, but unfortunately, he'd only had one. Etho hated the taste of it-- sour and metallic, the bitter aftertaste tempting him to chase it down with some milk. But the freedom from the stone was worth the nastiness. Even if it had only been for a short while.

It had been like his own personal hell--- Everyone staring at him, the book burning a hole in his pocket, the dread about what might happen if the stone reached his heart--

The clumsy way he'd had to stumble up the ladder to Joel's tower, hands and legs shaking and weak. Thankfully he was able to get up and out of line of sight, and Grian had his task figured out, so he took a short breather up on the tower, shaking the feeling back into his limbs before downing a slow falling potion in one shot, the musty bubblegum flavor coating his mouth.

Whatever happened, it would only take two minutes. The session would be over and he could press the button and this would all be over.

He'd failed.

At least, he failed giving Pearl back her book. He'd succeeded his own task.

But-- those last few minutes before he pushed the button.

Etho didn't want to admit it, but he would probably have nightmares about those minutes. The stone had been so quick to take him, with all of the eyes on him--

As his arms locked up and the cold numb started to spread up his shoulders to his neck, no one noticed the growing discoloration until it was too late.

"Grian--" Etho managed to choke out, tipping his head back in an effort to keep his head above water-- but it wasn't water.

The last thing Etho saw before the stone overtook him was Tango's panicked face, and Grian turning around to see what the trouble was.

It was like dying.

He was suffocating, like he'd been buried alive in sand, but he couldn't move. It was freezing in powdered snow. It was choking on nothing in the void.

But the damage ticks never came. He couldn't feel the pain of it, even though he wanted nothing more than to gag on the stone filling him up solid like a statue. Like the weeping angel the task had turned him into.

Etho couldn't tell what was going on around him, other than the feeling of eyes on his stone skin, and the gentle brush of someone checking his code. That had to be Grian, surely.

Grian would be able to fix him.

Etho had no idea how long he was stuck as a statue, but the only thing he could see was the symbol of the secret keeper, burnt into his vision like looking at the sun too long.

The only sound was the whispers. Etho couldn't understand the words, but he knew the voices were laughing at him.

He couldn't breathe, and the only taste in his mouth was of the cold stone filling it completely.

But he could feel, and that was even more terrifying. Every touch, every warm hand on his stone skin felt like it was lava. He wanted to pull away, but he couldn't. Etho couldn't speak, he couldn't move, he was helpless. Logically he knew the others would keep him safe, would keep the mobs away if it turned to night-- but some part of him, or the voices hissing secrets and lies into his ears made him doubt.

What if he could never turn back?

What if-- even after everyone stopped looking-- the stone never receded? What if this was permanent? What if the glitch-- surely it had to be a glitch-- carried over to Hermitcraft? Or the vault hunters world?

What if they didn't figure out his task and have everyone look away? Grian knew, and Lizzie suspected, at least, but what if they didn't say anything?

What if he would be smothered by their sight, kept frozen forever by ignorance?

What if--

Etho retched, falling over as the stone finally let him go all at once. He found himself slumped against someone-- Bdubs? No, a glance told him it was Scott.

Another glance had Grian standing in front of him, eyes on his admin screens instead of Etho. Martyn was right next to Grian, eyes on the code scrolling by. It was his own code, Etho recognized it. The rest of the secret life crew was gathered in a little huddle by the secret keeper, none of them looking at him.

"Nobody look at Etho yet." Grian called over his shoulder, "Not until I'm sure I've got the glitch."

Etho just continued to retch, spitting out broken bits of stone. His whole body shuddered, his legs giving out for good as his stomach rebelled. It would have dropped him to the ground if Scott wasn't holding onto him. Etho was on his knees, throwing up bloody gravel and whatever was left of his last meal. He was trembling so hard it almost felt like someone was staring him right in the eyes, fine dust drifting down onto the grass, almost like snow. The dust was from him-- he was absolutely coated in the stuff, and so was Scott now.

Scott's touch still felt like lava, everything felt like it was burning, even the gentle breeze caressing his bare skin. It was too much. Even the pressure of the ground was too much, but at least it didn't burn--He shoved away from Scott, not bothering to try and stay upright.

"Off--" Etho rasped, his voice sounding like stones grinding against each other, "Don't-- no touch--"

Scott put his hands up, gaze still carefully averted as he stepped over to Grian and Martyn. Scott and Grian were experienced admins, but Martyn? Etho almost didn't care that they were combing through his code, he was too busy coughing up more dust and gravel, curled on his side. Everything hurt-- even the normally soft grass he was laying on felt like razors pressing against his cheek.

He could still see the secret keeper's symbol, every time he blinked.

"Etho, you know that anyone who finds a glitch needs to call pause so it can be dealt with." Grian huffed, relief and frustration coating his words. It was more relief, though, "Why didn't you say anything when you first noticed this?"

"It wasn't a big deal at first." Etho rasped, lying, "Just pins and needles in my feet. I thought it was from standing so long in one place. By the time I figured out what was going on-- It was too quick to try and call a pause--"

"Next time, at least mention something. I'd rather you fail your task than get glitched."

Etho let out a breath, still shaking from adrenaline and the cold of being locked in stone.

[yxlnst]

THE CLASS PRESIDENTS SECRET

🎀 Summary 🎀 : New student discovers dark secret about class president Joshua, who then threatens them.

🧸 Word count 🧸 : 514

Thrill?? Idk

🧸 - - - - - - - - - - - - 🎀- - - - - - - - - - - - - 🧸

Starting a new school wasn't something you were excited about. It was daunting, with new faces, new classes, and an entirely new social structure to navigate. You'd heard about Joshua Hong—the class president. He was known for his perfect grades, good looks, and charming personality. Everyone seemed to like him, from the teachers to the students. It was as if he was the glue that held everything together.

On your first day, Joshua was the first to greet you, offering to show you around. "Hey, welcome to our school!" he said with a bright smile. "I'm Joshua. If you need anything, just let me know." His friendliness was disarming, and you were glad to have someone to talk to in this unfamiliar environment.

As the days passed, you noticed how seamlessly Joshua moved through the school. He knew everyone and was involved in almost every activity. But something seemed off. It was the way he always knew exactly where to be and when, how he could influence people with just a few words. It felt orchestrated, as if he was always two steps ahead of everyone else.

One afternoon, you went to the library to study, hoping to find a quiet spot to catch up on your assignments. As you wandered through the rows of books, you stumbled upon a small door that seemed out of place. It was slightly ajar, and curiosity got the better of you. When you peeked inside, you found a small room filled with papers and documents. What caught your eye was a list of names, all students from the school, with notes beside them. It looked like Joshua had detailed information on each person—what they liked, their weaknesses, even rumors about them.

You felt a chill down your spine as you realized this wasn't just a coincidence. This was a calculated operation. You quickly left the room, trying to act normal, but your heart was racing. Why would the class president have a dossier on his classmates? And what did he plan to do with it?

Later that day, as you were heading to your locker, Joshua appeared beside you, his usual smile in place. "Hey, how's it going?" he asked, his tone cheerful.

You tried to act casual, but you could feel the tension in the air. "Good, just busy with schoolwork," you replied, avoiding eye contact.

Joshua's smile faltered for a moment. "I noticed you in the library earlier," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "It's not a place many people go to. What were you doing back there?"

Your stomach dropped. He knew. "Just looking for a book," you said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Got lost, that's all."

Joshua's eyes narrowed, but his smile returned. "Well, if you ever need help finding your way, just let me know," he said, his voice friendly but with an edge. "And, hey, about that little room in the library... it’s best not to talk about it, okay? We wouldn't want any misunderstandings."

You nodded, your throat dry. "Of course. I understand."

Joshua patted your shoulder, his grip a little too firm. "Good. I'm glad we had this talk. Remember, we're all friends here." He walked away, leaving you with a sense of unease.

You knew you'd stumbled upon something dark, something that wasn't supposed to be seen. But now you had a choice—either keep quiet and pretend you saw nothing, or risk everything by revealing the class president's secret. And you couldn't help but wonder just how far Joshua would go to protect his perfect image.