#✦ — • VERSE • Where the Dead Never Sleep •

[wherethedeadneversleep]

Miracles and Targets

Buffy zipped up the last duffel bag and surveyed the now-empty apartment. A month of silence from Dean had made her decision clear. She couldn't wait any longer, couldn't risk staying exposed. Her hand drifted to her still-flat stomach. The child growing inside her was a miracle — and a target. Michael's offspring would be hunted by every demon, angel, and monster out there. She had to protect her baby at all costs.

With a deep breath, Buffy shouldered her bags and took one last look around. So many memories here, good and bad. But it was time to go. She'd left no forwarding address, no hints of her destination. As far as the world was concerned, Buffy Summers had vanished without a trace.

She pulled the door closed behind her with a soft click. There was no turning back now. The stairs creaked under her feet as Buffy descended, each step taking her further from the life she'd known. Outside, the night air was crisp, carrying the scent of fallen leaves. She paused on the sidewalk, scanning the quiet street. No sign of Dean's Impala, no familiar rumble of its engine.

Buffy's fingers tightened on her bag straps as she strode towards the battered pickup truck she'd bought with cash three days ago. It wasn't much to look at, but it would get her where she needed to go — wherever that was. As she tossed her bags into the truck bed, Buffy's mind raced with possibilities. Where could she go that was safe ? Where could she possibly communicate with an archangel trapped between realms ?

She climbed into the driver's seat, the old springs creaking beneath her weight. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as she took a deep breath. She had to think clearly, strategically. This wasn't just about her anymore.

The engine sputtered to life, and Buffy pulled away from the curb. As she drove through the quiet streets of the town she'd called home, her resolve strengthened. She'd faced apocalypses, hell gods, and the First Evil. She could handle this. The highway stretched out before her, a ribbon of asphalt disappearing into the darkness. Buffy's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, watching the town's lights fade into the distance. No one following her. Yet.

As she drove, a plan began to form in her mind. There was a place, a sanctuary she'd heard whispers of during her years as a Slayer. A hidden monastery in the mountains, where the veil between worlds was thin. If anywhere on Earth could provide protection and a connection to Michael, it would be there. Buffy pressed down on the accelerator, her mind made up. The miles flew by as she drove through the night, stopping only for gas and to grab a few hours of restless sleep at out-of-the-way motels. She paid cash, used fake names, and kept her head down. Old habits die hard, and right now those habits might just save her life — and her child's.

Three days later, Buffy found herself winding up a narrow mountain road. The air grew thinner, the vegetation sparser. Her truck groaned with the effort of the climb, but she urged it onward. According to the cryptic directions she'd pieced together, the monastery should be just ahead.

As she rounded a sharp bend, Buffy gasped. There, nestled against the mountainside, stood an ancient stone structure. Its weathered walls seemed to blend into the rocky terrain, making it nearly invisible from a distance. This had to be it. Buffy parked the truck and approached on foot, her Slayer senses on high alert. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the whisper of the wind. As she neared the monastery's weathered wooden gates, a prickle ran down her spine. Something was off.

The gates stood slightly ajar, creaking softly in the mountain breeze. Buffy's hand instinctively went to the stake concealed in her jacket. Slowly, she pushed the gate open wider, wincing at the groan of rusted hinges. The courtyard beyond was empty, save for a few scraggly weeds pushing through cracks in the stone. No monks tending gardens or going about their daily routines. No sounds of chanting or prayer. Just eerie silence.

Buffy's unease grew as she cautiously made her way across the courtyard. The windows of the monastery were dark, some with shattered panes. This place had been abandoned - and not recently. As she reached the main entrance, Buffy noticed claw marks gouged into the heavy wooden door. Whatever had happened here, it hadn't been peaceful. She pushed the door open, stake at the ready.

The musty smell of decay and abandonment hit Buffy as she entered the monastery. Dust motes danced in the dim light filtering through the broken windows. Her footsteps echoed in the cavernous entry hall, disturbing years of silence. Buffy's eyes adjusted to the gloom, taking in overturned furniture and scattered debris. Signs of a violent struggle were evident everywhere she looked. Deep gouges marred the stone walls, and dark stains - old blood, she realized with a shudder - marked the floor in places.

" Hello ? " She called out hesitantly, her voice sounding small in the vast space. No answer came, save for the whisper of the wind through broken windows. Stake still gripped tightly, Buffy made her way deeper into the monastery. Each room she explored told the same story — a brutal attack, a desperate fight, and then... nothing. No bodies, no survivors. Just emptiness and decay.

As she climbed a winding staircase to the upper levels, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Buffy froze, every muscle tensed for action. But it was just a tattered curtain stirring in the breeze. She let out a shaky breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The silence and emptiness of this place were getting to her. At the top of the stairs, Buffy found herself in a long corridor lined with small, cell-like rooms. Monk's quarters, she guessed. Most of the doors hung open, revealing sparse furnishings coated in dust. But one door at the far end of the hall was closed.

Buffy approached cautiously, her footsteps muffled by the threadbare carpet runner. As she neared the door, a faint humming sound reached her ears. It wasn't mechanical — more like the resonance of a tuning fork, barely on the edge of hearing. Her hand hesitated on the door handle. Whatever was on the other side of this door, it was the first sign of... something... she'd encountered in this dead place. Taking a deep breath, Buffy turned the handle and pushed the door open.

The room beyond was small and circular, with a domed ceiling. Pale light filtered through a round window high above, illuminating swirling dust motes. But what drew Buffy's attention was the object in the center of the room. It was a mirror, standing about seven feet tall and framed in intricately carved wood. The glass was cloudy and warped with age, reflecting distorted images of the room around it. But as Buffy stepped closer, she realized it wasn't just reflecting — there was movement within the glass itself.

The humming grew louder as she approached, vibrating through her bones. Buffy's skin prickled with goosebumps. This was no ordinary mirror. She could sense the power radiating from it, ancient and otherworldly. As she stood before it, the swirling patterns in the glass began to coalesce. Buffy gasped as a familiar face took shape — Dean. He looked haggard, unshaven, with dark circles under his eyes. His lips were moving, but she couldn't hear what he was saying.

" Dean ? " Buffy whispered, reaching out to touch the glass. Her fingers met cold resistance, unable to pass through.

The image shifted, fragmenting into a kaleidoscope of colors before reforming. Now she saw flashes of other scenes — a dark cavern lit by hellfire, a pristine white room that could only be Heaven, a familiar suburban street that looked eerily like Revello Drive in Sunnydale. The images flickered and changed rapidly, as if the mirror was cycling through different realms or dimensions.

Buffy's heart raced as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. Was this how the monks had communicated with other planes of existence ? Could this be her link to Michael ? As if in response to her thoughts, the swirling images in the mirror suddenly stilled. The glass cleared, revealing a familiar figure bathed in soft golden light. Buffy's breath caught in her throat.

" Michael, " She whispered.

The archangel's form was hazy, like looking at him through frosted glass, but his piercing blue eyes were unmistakable. He seemed to be looking right at her, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. " You promised to be my guardian angel. I’m in danger and so is our child. Where are you ? You’re the only thing I have left ! " She pleaded for answers but the archangel’s form remained still and unmoving.

[wickedanddeadly]

From Lucifer!

[thewiickedones]

《✧》   ━━    Sam   cursed   under   his   breath   as   he   watched   the   car   speed   away.   He'd   been   too   slow,   too   cautious   in   his   approach.   Now   Emma   was   gone,   whisked   away   by   this   mysterious   man   with   unknown   intentions.   The   pit   in   his   stomach   grew   deeper   as   he   realized   the   gravity   of   the   situation.

He   pulled   out   his   phone,   quickly   dialing   Dean's   number.   It   rang   once,   twice,   before   voicemail   kicking   in.   ❛   Emma's   gone,   ❜   Sam   said,   his   words   tumbling   out   in   a   rush.   ❛   She   left   with   some   guy.   I   tried   to   follow,   but   they   drove   off   before   I   could   catch   up.   But   Dean,   the   way   they   were   talking...   I   think   Emma's   in   trouble.   Or   maybe   she's   the   trouble.   Either   way,   I   need   you   to   be   careful,   okay   ?   ❜   Sam   closed   his   phone   knowing   there   wasn’t   much   more   he   could   do   tonight   other   than   head   home   himself.

Emma   turned   to   Marcel,   her   eyes   flashing   with   a   mix   of   anger   and   determination.   ❛   Tell   me   more   about   these   weapons,   ❜   she   said,   her   voice   steady   despite   the   turmoil   inside   her.   ❛   And   what   exactly   do   you   mean   by   reminding   my   father   of   consequences   ?   ❜   Not   that   she   really   needed   clarification   on   that.   It   was   no   secret   that   her   father   had   a   history   of   leaving   destruction   in   his   wake.   People   he   claims   to   care   about   end   up   hurt   or   dead.

Emma's   breath   caught   in   her   throat.   She   knew   Dean   had   a   complicated   past,   but   hearing   Marcel   speak   so   coldly   about   it   sent   a   chill   down   her   spine.   Still,   she   couldn't   deny   the   anger   that   burned   within   her,   the   feeling   of   betrayal   that   threatened   to   consume   her.   ❛   And   how   exactly   do   you   propose   we   do   that   ?   ❜   She   asked,   her   voice   barely   above   a   whisper.   Emma's   heart   raced,   torn   between   her   desire   for   revenge   and   the   lingering   affection   she   still   felt   for   the   father   she   never   got   a   chance   to   know.   But   this   was   it   -   the   point   of   no   return.   She   thought   of   Dean's   face,   the   warmth   in   his   eyes   when   he   looked   at   her.   But   then   she   remembered   the   pain,   the   rejection,   the   constant   feeling   of   not   belonging.   Her   jaw   clenched.

❛   Okay,   ❜   she   said,   her   voice   stronger   now.   ❛   Where   do   we   start   ?   ❜

"Time for payback," Marcel stated as they went further into the alleyway. Taking out his cellphone, he showed a photo to Emma that Sam Winchester couldn't see from his vantage point, before putting it back into his jacket. In a hush toned, Marcel leaned close to her ear and said, "You will remind your father of consequences. Of what he lost once, and what he can lose again if he's not careful."

A twisted smile crossed Marcel's features as he moved ahead of Emma, leading the way, until they reached the other side of the alley. They emerged to find themselves in a municipal parking, where some cars were parked. Across from the lot were some buildings, a liquor store, a bus stop, and otherwise quiet streets. Marcel led Emma to one particular car adjacent to them, a basic Toyota Corolla, and opened the driver's side door. Despite his upbringing, he was taught some necessities, such as driving.

Once both Amazons got into the car, Marcel turned to Emma and said, "We'll talk more along the way. My adopted mother's got a treasure trove of weapons at our disposal we can use. Your family is going to wish they treated you the way you deserved to be treated."

Marcel priorities were simple: so long as Emma was happy, he was happy. But cross Emma, then all bets were off. Marcel would do whatever it took to make her happy. Call it his downfall, but his mind fixated on Emma like a drug. She was his world.

The ignition sputtered to life, and seconds later, the car sped out of the parking lot.

[zepskies]

Lesson Learned

Pairing: Soldier Boy (Ben) x F. Reader

Summary: There’s only so much teasing Ben is willing to take. He has no choice but to punish you.

AN: Here we go! lol. This is the highly requested Part 2 to This One’s For You, over in the BMD-verse!

Word Count: 2.2K

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Smut, edging, teasing, fluff, and feels.

💚 Break Me Down Masterlist

You gasped, your nails raking through his hair. Your grip threatened to rip out a few strands as you panted into his neck.

“Ben, please…for God’s sake…”

“Please what?” he said. There was grit in his voice when he spoke into your ear, but he was all too controlled. Taunting.

Asshole.

He was relentless, dragging his fingers inside your quivering pussy, rubbing his thumb around your clit, but almost never where you wanted him. Your thighs were shaking on either side of his frame as he had you naked on your back, writhing in the middle of your shared bed. You’d sucked him off until his spine rattled and his eyes nearly crossed, swallowing up as much as you could of what he had to give.

Still, he wasn’t satisfied.

“I’m sorry!” you burst in frustration, but you also had to stifle your laughter. Your husband narrowed his eyes at you, spying the hint of your smile.

“How come I don’t fucking believe you?” said Ben. With his elbow digging into the bed beside your shoulder, his occupied fingers curled inside you, finally brushing against the sensitive ridge of your inner walls. It drew a faltering moan from your lips. 

“What exactly are you sorry for?” he demanded. He bowed his head and laid a biting kiss along your throat. “Use your fucking words.”

You exhaled roughly, gripping his hair tight again. Now that he couldn’t see your face, you could allow yourself to grin in amusement.

Three Days Ago…

Ben was tired and more irritable than usual when he stepped into the Flatiron Building. The night before had been a battle of wills between him and his infant daughter, who’d been finnicky, having a hard time going back to sleep. He’d done his best to help her get back to sleep, since you had been dead to the world and unable to leave the bed (or so you’d seemed).

Now, he took the elevator up to the right floor and used his key to get into the office suite, where Butcher and the rest of your delinquent friends were already dicking around.

Some horrible French rap was playing on the Bluetooth speaker. Kimiko was flicking tiny pieces of paper across the dining table, into a “goal” made by Hughie’s hands. Frenchie wore a “Kiss the Cook” apron as he pulled a fresh batch of croissants out of the oven in the kitchenette, while M.M. swept the excess flour stains off the counter. 

Annie was trying to get Butcher to smoke his cigarette out on the balcony.

“Really, you had fucking cancer. You’d think you’d try a little harder to take care of yourself,” she said. Butcher gave her a wan smile, and blew a coil of smoke upward between them.

“Nice,” she said flatly.

But all that stopped when Ben strode into the room. They stared at him, each starting to smile, no matter how much some of them tried to hide it (like Kimiko, with a hand over her mouth).

“What the fuck’re you staring at?” Ben snapped. “We got a job, right?”

Butcher cleared his throat and recovered first. He dabbed his cigarette on an ashtray on the dining table and grabbed an iPad to give to the supe.

“Yeah, got us an escapee. Our little slumlord, Sapphire,” he said.

Ben frowned. Sapphire was the supe who nearly vaporized you a couple of years ago, after they broke up her drug ring. While he read the file documenting detailing her escape and what the CIA knew of her whereabouts so far, Hughie shared a look with Kimiko and Annie before he spoke.

“So, uh, how’s Lila doing?”

 Ben shot him a look through furrowed brows.

“Fine. She’s with her mother,” he replied. Hughie predictably asked about you, and again, Ben said you were fine at home with the baby.

“Lila’s almost a year old, right?” Hughie asked. “Aw man, that’s gotta be a fun age, right? I mean, fun, but challenging. All the crying, the diaper changing. Getting her to sleep through the night must be tough.”

Ben’s attention piqued at that, and not in a good way. His dark suspicion grew when his gaze flicked up to Hughie’s dumb fucking face, and then the rest of them, with their dumbass smiles. Biting her lip to stop herself from smiling, Annie pressed a button on her phone.

All of a sudden, Ben heard his own voice playing from the speaker.

“H-Hey there, Delilah, what’s it like in New York City?”

“Now ain’t that a lovely warble,” Butcher remarked. Ben shot him a warning glare, but the Brit raised his hands in amused surrender. He crossed his arms and continued to smoke as he watched the scene unfold.

Ben tossed the iPad onto the kitchen counter and strode over to Annie with menacing steps, intending to put an end to this bullshit. She grinned and tossed her phone over to Kimiko, and Ben glowered, changing directions.

“I'm a thousand miles away, but girl, tonight you look so pretty. Yes, you do. Time Square can’t shine as bright as you…I swear it’s true.”

Kimiko’s eyes widened at the angry supe heading toward her. She tossed the phone to Frenchie next. The phone bounced between his flour-stained hands as he yelped in surprise.

“Oh, shit,” he uttered, when Ben began stomping his way.

“Hey there, Delilah, don't you worry about the distance. I'm right there if you get lonely. Give this song another listen…”

“A voice like warm butter,” Frenchie praised. He quickly tried to move from side to side to evade his attacker. “You should be proud, Monsiuer Grincheux! A man soothing his baby is a beautiful thing.”

“Shut your fucking cockhole,” Ben gritted out, but he still reached out when the phone sailed under his arm—only to land in M.M.’s hands. He froze with widened eyes, not wanting to be in the game. But it was too late, for him and Ben.

“Hey there, Delilah, here’s to you,” his voice sang, more quietly, more tender, deep and baritone. “This one’s for you…”

A brief pause. And then—

“What the fuck’re you doing?”

M.M. managed to pause the video. A beat of utter silence, and then...

Everyone burst out into laughter. Hughie started it; he was damn near folded in half, leaning heavily on his girlfriend as he wiped a tear out of his eye. M.M. tossed the phone back to Frenchie, whose entire frame was shaking with restrained glee.

Ben’s jaw worked as he contemplated how exactly he was going to kill every one of these cocksucking morons.

And then you. Because how else had they gotten that video? You had to have sent it somehow before he got ahold of you last night.

“All right, enough!” he bellowed.

The entire room fell silent.

“First of all, erase that shit right now, or it’s coming out your ass,” he barked, pointing at Frenchie. The other man jolted and did as he was told.

“As for the rest of you, I better not hear another fucking word about this, or so help me Christ, I’m gonna do some barbecuing.” 

About three days later, Sapphire had been caught and re-imprisoned, and Ben returned home. He found you in the living room. He was taciturn to your happy smile when you welcomed him with a hug around his waist, though your smile fell after he didn’t respond to your kiss.

He slowly lowered his gaze down to you, and you knew.

Biting your lip, you soothed a hand along his cheek. “So, how’d it go?”

“Fine,” he said, but little else.

In fact, Ben didn’t speak to you for most of the evening. You tried cooking him a good hot meal, but he barely said two words to you. The only thing he did, before he was even showered and changed, was venture into the nursery to lay a gentle hand on his daughter’s head as she slept, over her downy brown hair. He bent down to press a kiss to her forehead.

After that, he strode past you in the doorway and slammed the door shut in the bathroom.

Aw shit. Despite yourself, you couldn’t help chortling with laughter. You should’ve known he’d be a great big man child about this.

So you decided to call your mom and see if she could take Lila for the night.

You had some damage control to do.

Now…

He'd brought you to the edge of your pleasure three times before he withdrew his mouth or his hand from your body, not letting you touch yourself, not letting you come—driving you to the point of frustrated tears.

You grabbed his head with both hands and guided him to look you in the eyes.

“Baby, please. Stop torturing me,” you pleaded. You used every tool in your arsenal to make him break, giving him soft, tearful eyes. You leaned up and pressed gentle kisses to his cheek, his chin, the corner of his mouth, and finally his lips.

“I need you,” you whispered, drawing him into deeper, messier kisses. Part of him started to falter. He briefly closed his eyes and breathed into your kiss.

But then, he stubbornly broke from you with a frown.

“Nice try. You’re not getting off that easy,” he said. “Now say it. Why the fuck are you sorry?”

You huffed in aggravation, but you twined your arms around his neck and brushed slightly sweaty strands of his hair away from his forehead.

“I’m sorry for embarrassing you,” you said, even though your mouth began to curve upward. “It was a sweet thing you did, and I’m glad I captured it. But I am sorry that sharing that moment with our friends bothers you so much.”

“First of all, they’re your idiot friends,” he said. You wanted to interject on that one, but you knew he wasn’t in the mood, and you didn’t want to fight with him for real.

“Second of all,” he began…but he didn’t have any more words after that. They were caught between his irritation, and his unwillingness to even voice what it was he felt. Eventually, he found them.

“There’s some shit that needs to stay between us,” he said.  

You smiled, but you mercifully drew him down for another slow kiss.

“Okay, okay. I hear you. It’s not that big a deal though. You love your family, and look! Your macho-ness is still very much intact,” you said, gesturing at his very much hard cock pressing against your thigh. “Now are you gonna fuck me like a man, or do I need to find a vibrator that will?”

At that Ben looked down at you with a raise of his brows. His lips twitched, mostly at your audacity. Shaking his head, he slid a hand behind your neck and drew you in for a kiss, fueled by passion and frustration in equal measure.

You wrapped your thighs around his hips, urging him closer. His straining length pressed against your center, the wet tip slipping against your glistening folds. He groaned at the sensation.

“Please,” you repeated, licking into his mouth for a sensuous kiss.

The once-iron grip on his restraint finally broke. Ben slid a hand between you to hold himself to your entrance. With one smooth thrust, his cock buried deep inside you. Your moan of relief echoed his own. If nothing else good came out of this situation, you two hadn’t had the time or the energy to go at it like this in a long time.

He grabbed your thigh and angled you higher, so he could sink in at an even better angle as he began to rut into you.

With all of his earlier edging and teasing, you were already so close. Your inner walls fluttered around him, welcoming him home and gripping him tight. All it took was a few well-placed swipes of his thumb over your clit to have you tumbling over the edge—a delicious cresting of pleasure that made you arch off the bed, biting your nails into his shoulders, a cry caught in your throat.

Ben fucked you through your release, all while chasing his own. His grip on your hip tightened as his thrusts grew ragged, his own breathing shallow and rough, until his balls tightened and his body locked up on him. He spent himself inside you, coating your inner walls until he had nothing left.

He just barely managed to keep himself from smothering you as his body relaxed. You still welcomed his weight on you, soothing your hands up and down his back while you both caught your breath. Your thighs slipped from his hips, your feet meeting bed and sliding out a little.

Ben brushed your sweaty hair away from your face. Looking down on you now, his face gentled from its hardened angles and furrowed brows. You smiled lazily.

“Still mad at me?” you teased.

Ben resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he let out a rough exhale through his nose.

“Something tells me you didn’t learn your lesson,” he said, somewhat incredulous, and yet, amused.

Your smile was undoubtedly cheeky, even as you leaned up to give him a sweeter kiss.

“Sure did, baby,” you said against his lips. And another kiss. “Lesson learned, I promise.”

He really did roll his eyes this time.

AN: 😂 Ben just can't win, can he?

Translation: Monsiuer Grincheux - "Mr. Grumpy" in French

Keep Reading in the BMD-verse:

Coming up next, Ben has his Adventures in Babysitting moment in Green:

Summary: Ben spends the day alone with his daughter, to varying degrees of success. When you get home, it prompts a serious conversation.

▶️ Keep Reading: Green

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[etherealrin]

ཐི♡ཋྀ TOKYO'S DARK KNIGHT?

tw: death + violence // fem reader, somewhat follows canon // wc: 1.1k

batman!rin is tokyo city’s very own tortured and brooding crime-fighting vigilante. he lives a double life: a wealthy international football superstar by day, hero operating in the shadows by night.

batman!rin was never too fond of his parents but was close to his brother sae. they’d spend hours in the backyard which sae had convinced their parents to turn into a soccer field, playing around. they were both on school teams together. rin is ten when he’s suddenly orphaned—his entire family murdered—so he’s left alone with no one but his eccentric uncle, a certain ego jinpachi, to look after him. oh, and he inherits the entire itoshi fortune, as well as the family mansion.

batman!rin who only starts liking horror movies and video games after the tragedy. he oddly finds solace in the gore-filled scenes, it fills him with a sense of peace. the weeks directly after the death of his family, rin would find himself battling insomnia; exhausted but unable to sleep. he'd put up some random horror flick and eventually doze off to the sounds of manical laughs and shrill screeches. if the midnight noises had ever bothered his uncle, ego never mentioned it.

batman!rin who, for years after the loss of his brother, wishes he too died that night. the world was too empty without sae, and he couldn’t bring himself to pick up a soccer ball again. why couldn’t it be me and not him? he’d sob to himself—sae had always been the better one; more likeable, and he’d actually had a goal to live by.

it’s uncle ego who convinces batman!rin to take up football again, saying that sae wouldn’t want for his younger brother to end up lukewarm. so rin does, vowing to become the world’s best striker in honor of his elder brother.

batman!rin who isn’t yet batman until he’s fifteen. it’s a dark and foggy night, rin’s just ready to leave football practice and head home. but then he hears the screams and an all too familiar scene flashes through his mind. no, he couldn’t just ignore the fact that somebody was in danger—he wouldn’t let another kid suffer what he had. and so he pulls his hood over his head and rushes to the scene, where an elegantly dressed woman is obviously being assaulted. the assailant is armed with a knife, but rin has a soccer ball. the crook’s head is no match for a dead-on collision with the sturdy ball going at an insane speed, and thus he’s knocked out. rin, face concealed in the ill-lighting, makes sure the lady arrives to her home safely before calling the police to the scene and returning to his own residence.

batman!rin who, on the walk back, spots a lone bat in the sky. as if a sign from the heavens. batman, he thinks. suitable; he’d like to remain alone and anonymous if he were to keep this business up. after all, it would complicate his football career if he were to be found out.

so batman!rin turns to the only person he can—his uncle. and ego doesn't bat an eye, even offering to help him, he was apparently well versed in becoming a “superhero,” not that rin really regarded himself as one. in his eyes, this was just a small form of vengeance and justice for his family. he designs a simple mask covering all but his mouth, and that night, batman is born.

batman!rin who technically drives illegally. a sixteen-year old probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a vehicle such as the batmobile, but he refuses to be chauffered around by his uncle, plus it was fun. it’d been over a year since the first evening he saved someone, and batman was now known across tokyo: a masked individual who was shrouded in mystery but undoubtedly good.

rin meets you as batman for the first time after realizing that the joker had planted a bomb in his high school. that maniac was putting hundreds of lives in danger, and curse him for deciding to provoke batman in broad daylight! so maybe rin had disappeared from math class, and everyone assumes he's just cutting. which isn't inaccurate, he's quite literally deciding which wire to cut from the bomb planted on the roof. and he’s almost there, sweet taste of victory on his lips, until the joker himself shows up. all hell breaks loose—everybody is running in different directions, there’s more than one fire across the buildings—and batman!rin is at the center of it all, facing off against the green-haired psychopath.

batman!rin has his nemesis right there, in his grasp, but then he hears you scream. the joker smirks, it’s the obviously meant to be a diversion. of course he’d have some kind of secondary trap planted where a student might’ve tried to escape. its a moral challenge and rin has to make a decision right there; save someone he doesn’t know and let the joker escape, or…?

batman!rin is gone in a flash, leaving the joker to his own devices. the moment you scream again, rin hurriedly follows your voice. he finds you, all but surrounded by a wall of flaming rubble. your hair is dangerously close to being burnt.

“don’t worry. i’ve got you,” he tries to soothe you as he saves you from the ring of fire, carrying you in his arms while shielding you with his own body. his suit was fireproof, after all. he realizes later that he forgot to pitch his voice deeper.

all the while, your stomach is bursting into butterflies because what the hell—batman was holding you! and you can’t help but think that batman’s voice sounds pretty young. somewhat like a teenager’s. in fact, it bears some semblance to the moody boy with dark black bangs, who sits next to you in math. who coincidentally disappeared right when the joker showed up.

if his suit weren’t so thick, batman!rin might’ve been worried that you’d hear his erratic heartbeat. no, he wasn’t flustered by the physical contact, he was just nervous���huge difference! he asks if you’re alright. you reply shakily that you are, but he insists on taking you straight to a hospital in case you went into shock. rin’s staring at you for a bit longer than necessary as he drops you off from the batmobile, he swears he’s just making sure you’re really fine! he doesn't catch how your eyes linger on a soccer ball he'd left somewhere in the backseats of the car, along with miscaellaneous horror comics.

when he drives away, batman!rin realizes that you’re the pretty girl who sits next to him in mathematics, and remembers how you always offer him gum or snacks; a small gesture of care even though you and rin weren’t really friends. you’re a good person, he decides.

somehow, you both have the feeling that this isn’t your last meeting, but rather, it’s the beginning of many more to come. perhaps the gears of fate had selected you to unravel the secrets of tokyo's dark knight.

a/n: @lizbix @ohagiyo @wonubby...enjoy!! thx for the motivation LOL i had a bit too much fun here! lmk if anyone wants a part 2…

ılılılılılılı now playing: consume by chase atlantic, die for me by chase atlantic, too many nights by metro boomin

masterlist!

[deadsetobsessions]

This is based off of that one tiktok from @sorruna where it’s the audio from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse.

——

Dick Grayson was a sneaky, intelligent little shit.

He was also dumb. These things are not mutually exclusive.

To this day, one of his best kept secrets- one of the many, many that he had now- was something he’d take to his grave.

Or to Jason’s grave, at least.

Dick sat down and began telling the story to ears that would never truly hear it.

——

Batman’s voice rumbled behind him as Dick, in his Robin suit, stood blankly on top of a roof.

“I know you snuck out last night, Robin.”

Dick froze, train of thought about his dinner derailed. Holy busted, Batman! Quick! Play dumb!

“Who’s Robin?” He asked, the years of performing in front of a large crowd coming to save his ass.

Not that dumb!

Batman sent him a dry look, reprimand already poised on his lips. Dick, however, was nothing but a good performer. Nay, a dedicated performer.

Quick! Do something out of character! He shouted at himself, panicking visibly. He stepped backwards, an idea appearing in his head. In his defense, it sounded like an amazing idea at the time. He had no idea it would blow up into a Justice League issue. If he had known… Dick would have lied better, probably. There was no way he was going to let B bench him for weeks!

“Who the fuck are you?!” He yelped. Dick apologized mentally to Alfred and his parents. Batman paused, stunned.

“That’s my question. Who are you?!” Bruce asked, immediately hostile. His son doesn’t curse. Well, not in any normal way anyways. Dick quickly backpedaled by yelling at him with a heavy Vlax dialect, missing his parents terribly as he screamed stranger danger in rudimentary Romany. After this, he was going to have to convince Bruce to get him a language tutor. He refused to forget one of the only ties he had left to his parents.

“Wait, wait- you’re my son.” Bruce replied back, in perfect Romany. He looked more convinced but still skeptical.

“My dad is a circus performer! Not a flying rat!” Dick screeched back. He couldn’t help but feel touched about Bruce seeing him like a son.

“Oy! Keep it down out there, you assholes! Some of us like our sleep, damn!” A random Gothamite screamed out of their window.

“Yo, shut the fuck up! The vigilantes are helping to keep the rent low, motherfucker!” Another Gothamite shouted back.

….

Needless to say, Bruce quickly brought Dick back to the cave- with precautions to make sure he didn’t figure out where the Cave was if Dick was actually someone else.

——

“You would have loved it, Little Wing. B was running around like a headless chicken. The memory loss protocol was actually made because of me, you know.” Dick chuckled, sniffling as he talked to the carved gravestone.

It did not reply.

——

The blood tests came back. Yeppers, Dick sarcastically thought, who woulda thought I’m me?

Reinforcements were called in.

Meaning, Batgirl.

“Watch him while I contact Justice League Dark.”

“You think it’s magic?” Barbara asked.

“Yes. There was no one else near our vicinity that could affect Dick like this. He has no head wounds.”

“Eesh. Okay, go. I’ll watch him.”

Bruce disappeared in his zeta tube, looking harried. So, to everyone that’s not a Bat, he looked absolutely terrifying.

“What did you get yourself into now, Boy Wonder?” Barbara sighed. Dick was careful to keep any signs of recognition out of his face.

“Stop calling me that! Where are my parents?!” He asked back. Barbara coughed and looked uncomfortably away.

That’s right, Babs. I’m pulling out the orphan card. Feel bad. Dick hid his feral grin.

“They’re… uh, busy.” Busy being dead, Barbara thought, immediately wincing at her own thoughts. Apparently, Dick thought the excuse was lame too, and he sent her an incredulous look.

“Would you like refreshments, Master Dick?”

“What?”

Alfred held out some cookies on a platter, giving Babs a quelling look as she tried to reach for his share.

“Oh, wow, these are really good!” Dick said as he shoveled cookies into his mouth. He tried to replicate the reaction he had when he tried these for the first time, and from Alfred’s satisfied look, Dick nailed it.

——

“Robin doesn’t remember who he is.” Batman rumbled as he all but dragged Zatanna and Constantine by the scuff of their jackets towards the zeta tubes.

“Hey, wait-”

“We have no time.” Batman snarled, tossing the two magic users into the zeta. He punched in the destination.

When they got there, he glared at the two magic users until they got into the cave.

“Damn, Bats. Really living up to your name, huh?”

“Not bad,” Zatanna said as she looked around.

“Robin,” Batman- Bruce- reminded them. He did a quick glance over to check on his kids, and found them satisfactorily uninjured. Though, Barbara was looking worse for wear. Bruce quickly found out why as she stalked to him.

“You deal with him.” She muttered. “I’m going home.”

Bruce blinked and nodded. “Get home safe.”

Zatanna and Constantine followed Batman as he walked towards Robin. It was odd to see the normally laughing child frown.

“It’s you! The kidnapper! Where are my parents?!”

Bruce winced which, for him, was akin to a full body flinch and recoil. No wonder Barbara was so tired.

“Fix it.”

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Batsy.” Constantine grumbled.

“Well help, Batman. Though… I’m not sure if he should be doing that.”

Bruce sharply turned his head back to where Dick was. Emphasis on was. Because now, he’s halfway up the giant dinosaur the Robin had insisted they keep.

“Robin, get down from there!”

“Stranger Danger!” Dick hollered back.

Batman- Bruce Wayne- sighed.

“That’s high level magic,” Zatanna hummed. “I can’t feel anything, but I know for sure that he won’t die. Magic like that either dissipates naturally or…”

“Lasts forever,” Constantine finished.

Bruce groaned, shooting off a grappling line and swooping upwards to catch Dick as he fell from the giant dinosaur.

——

“I pretended to get my memories back later,” Dick chuckled. “And pretended to forget the whole thing. Bruce was so relieved that I stopped knocking things over and trying to do cartwheels in high places that he totally forgot I snuck out.”

Dick patted the headstone.

“But between you and me? I’m pretty sure Alfred knew. I think B pissed him off that week.”

[valentine-cafe]

im drooling for some haoyu 9948v ANGST

maybe haoyu getting bored of reader and decides to just. (kill) get rid of them. he's like 'ok whatever not my problem' then sometime after it just SNAP! clicks.

he killed you and now hes not gonna find anyone like you again

˖⁺. ﹙ bloodthirsty phantom  x gn reader. ﹚ .𖹭 ݁

. . . dull eyes !! 🍒 :  phantom ˖ yandere ˖ vngeful spirit character﹙ verse 9948v hàoyǔ. ﹚

you always knew that someone like him would eventually be your demise. what happens when a being such as him gets bored of you ? | cw: reader death 

It had all been nice at first. Well, that’s how you remembered it.

The inafmous phantom of your world, hauntingly beautiful, yet dangerous, murderous. With all the intent to snap anyone’s neck that came in his way. Bathe in their blood.

You remember the first time his eyes landed upon you, the obssessive gazes and the suddeness of when he stole you away. Kept you in his abode for none to see or visit. His beautiful prize. Your soul most addictive to him.

He huffed you like you were a drug to get high on after every murdering spree.

It got to your head that he never once hurt you. No, he protected, kept you safe and sound. Sure, he was and is manipulative but. . . You could manage, you had him, right?

Why should you miss your old family and friends— You are his, and he is yours. He wouldn’t get bored of you.

Alas. As malicious and godlike as he is. His animalistic hunger convinced him otherwise. You weren’t much more than a toy. You weren’t his cerise, nor were you that interesting to begin with.

A past-time soul to take away the boredom.

And when you suddenly no longer took that boredom away — that’s when you noticed the signs, his nonchalance around you. The sudden threats to snap you in half, the agitation he suddenly displayed to you like it. The same he shows to everyone.

What was it you had done wrong? You never really figured it out. An impossible task to do so nontheless.

It was incomprehensible for your mortal brain to understand his.

You lay in bed now, sleeping soundly. Yet to know the fate coming for you.

Oh how the angels weep for it, whichever poor guardian that wards you, begs for you to awake. It is not possible to hear. Not with the barriers of the realms.

And your intuition has been shattered long ago.

The door creaks open. Heavy footsteps moving towards the side of the bed, alongside the strong smell of iron that reeks off of your beloved.

Blood covered fingers trail down your spine, while a freezing pair of lips press against the lobe of your ear. Breath sighed onto your warm skin.

“How unfortunate you cause me such boredom.” He whispers. Might as well take you out in your sleep. The screams may have been delightful. But why not let you dream instead. They say the dead can still hear a bit before their soul has gone away.

Doubtless he will have any use of that either way as well. Perhaps he should simply suffocate it when it floats aimlessly above you. Awaiting reaping.

No reaper comes into this household.

“Hàoyu.” You groggily call, as you rouse from your sleep. Eyes groggy and full of heavy sleep still.

Poor you, barely able to process the teeth that rip out your throat and the long talons that rip through your skin and bones like they are nothing.

What quick and painful death, the blood spraying everywhere. You don’t get to see it, as he so violently tears you apart. Like a feral animal. Laughing as though it is some funny joke to him.

And when it is all over, and he is holding your corpse in his arms. He strokes a thumb across your face and tuts. “Its nothing personal, hm?” A little chuckle rumbles through his chest as he drags you out to the yard, where the rest of his past loves lay beneath the earth.

Yet. As day by day pass by. And he returns from the long sprees with his cultists. He settles down in the lounge of his manor, and awaits your presence each and every time.

A strange feel arises in his chest. Is it sorrow?

No, surely not. . . He was bored, why would he suddenly begin missing? What had been that different about you in contrast to all of his other lovers?

And as a month, perhaps two? What does perception of time matter to him - passes by, it dawns upon him. He was missing you. He was grieving the loss of you of which he bore on his hands. The murder of you.

Waiting, you had been waiting for him to come join you that night. After all of the ruthless threats, ignoring and snapping he had been taking out on you.

Was it boredom? Or had it been the part of him that just thirsted for blood instead?

He no longer knew.

One thing was for sure, you weren’t coming back. Your soul left without a trace after your death. The violent and malicious magic that tore through you suffocated it completely. There is no afterlife for you. There is no you anymore—

And he can try as much as he wants to, to find you again. In every cultist, person he may randomly stumble into. Someone with your eyes, your smile, your laugh, your kindness. But he can’t. Because it isn’t you.

He wants you.

[kechiwrites]

mirror image

toxic baby daddy!ghost x reader

part 7/8

synopsis: two weeks into your uneasy truce, simon gets introspective.

wc: 811

cw: afab!reader, angst, banter that becomes arguing, hurt and the tiniest bit of comfort, language, trust issues, simon's pov, no gendered language. no use of y/n ever.

author’s note: well, we back at it, the second last installment of this verse. i'll still take requests/thots for it of course, but soon we'll get closure for these two. for now, simon's thoughts on their situation.

new to baby blue? start here.

It’s disarming. 

And Simon Riley doesn’t like being disarmed. He doesn’t like being caught off guard, off kilter, unstable. 

It’s been happening more and more often though.

When you and Tommy look at him in perfect unison, he is struck stupid by your eyes, like you copy and pasted them onto your son. His son. His kid. His perfect, funny kid. Unmuddied by everything bad in the world. His life is pancakes and dinosaurs and that horrible fucking tv show that he’s sure rots his little mind. His life is you. Your smiles, your laugh, your cooking, your hugs. Things Simon cheated himself of when he walked out on you, choked with fear and bleeding misery.

Simon is disarmed, totally fucking helpless, a veritable babe in the woods when you let him hold you. When for the first time, in a long ass time, he gets to watch your lids flutter closed and slip into unconsciousness, in that quick, carefree way he’s always envied. 

He barely sleeps, even less so lately. 

After all, no sleeping meant no nightmares. No cloying, choking smoke-like fears reaching for the frayed edges of his subconscious. No sleeping meant he couldn’t play on your kindness, your goodness, and guilt you into holding him back when he woke up screaming, sweating, no matter how bad he wanted it.

It’s two weeks later. Two weeks after sleeping together but not sleeping together. After breakfast and an uneasy truce. Two weeks after kissing you and touching you and holding you like you both had all the time in the world. 

You’re not in a good mood. And he knows that. But he pushes you anyway, pokes and prods you even as you slam through your kitchen, noisily pulling out a pot and a huge bag of pasta shells.

“Let’s talk.” He approaches, arms crossed, full kit traded in for a skull emblazoned cloth mask, jeans and a threadbare black t-shirt, one he’d found in your bedroom days ago, stashed in the back your drawer, crumpled in a wrinkled ball, like you didn’t want to see it, but you didn’t want to trash it either. He’s been doing that lately, staying over for days and rifling through your shit, finding old relics and artifacts from a time neither of you can let go of. An old mask, a hat, t-shirts.

So many goddamn t-shirts.

“Talk?” you snort derisively, filling the pot with water. He watches you test the water with your fingertips and curse under your breath, mumbling something about shit pipes. When the pot is full, you turn to face him, lips curled, sneering. “I wasn’t aware you were capable of that. Thought you just communicated in grunts.”

“You’re funny. That's new.” He jabs, advancing in the conversation much faster than he should have, comforted in familiar territory, finding solace in what used to be commonplace for you, banter, barbs, teasing. The tense set of your shoulders should’ve warned him off it, should’ve told him you’d take it as well as a bullet in the back. But God help him, he’ll take whatever you give.

“Mm.” Your tone is casual but your answering nod is jerky, too fast, “Yeah, I developed a sense of humour when I realized our relationship had been a joke.” You slam the pot onto a burner, giving him your back. 

The air is suddenly devoid of mirth, utterly obliterated where it had been floating between you before. Now the living room and kitchen are a smoking crater, an oil rig on fire, a disaster site. 

He’s never been more grateful for his son’s propensity to nap like he’s dead.

Neither of you say anything. Simon is waiting for you to say something, to dress him down, but when you lower your head and sigh, heavy and deep with pain and exhaustion he planted within you, Simon withers. He slinks back to the living room and drops himself onto your couch. 

You wait, he’s not sure what for. He used to be so good at preempting your actions, your thoughts, your words, now he handles you like you’re a venomous reptile, looking for exposed, vulnerable flesh to strike, to bite.

You set down the glass you’d been drinking from hard. And he’s surprised you didn’t crack it.

“What do you want, Simon?” Question of the goddamn century, it is. And you’ve asked it of him plenty of times. But he never has an answer, can never really deduce just what the fuck he’s doing here, with you. With Tommy. Playing a game? Playing a role? Punishing you? Himself? All of it could be true, but none of it seems right. 

“I want to try.”

All he knows is that before this, four years seemed like a short time, nothing really. But now?

It’s an eternity. Reflected back to him in broken glass, in half full drawers, in his son’s eyes. 

In yours.

comments + tags + reblogs are so appreciated

oh simon...what do you want?

series masterlist here

[goneatlas]

while i'm here (feeling some type of way over TAD lyrics again) i might as well finally write down things i've thought of whenever i listen to Not Yet/Love Run (Reprise)

none of these are by all means very coherent but well here goes:

part 1 - looking at the lyrics itself (not for the whole song just the first couple of verses)

in the chorus of the Not Yet part of the song, when joey sings "sing me awake with a song about pirates", he's referring to verse 1 and verse 2 where madeleine was singing about pirates, whereas he was singing "it seems to me that you can't sleep"

verse 1 of the song: in its entirety it seems as though madeleine is singing about being pirates, pillaging lands and sailing the seas, but i think it could also be read as a bid for a lover's attention, the reason why she's waking him up in the dead of night probably. "by hook or by crooked look give me land" the crooked look play on words here makes me think that she's saying that even though he might disapprove of being woken up, she'll still make that bid for his time (give me land).

the line "one fist holds a lighter, the other your hand" is fascinating to me. mainly because it reminds me of this line from a fic that said "i stand at the precipice of peace, in one hand i hold a knife, the other, a gift." so it makes me wonder whether it was meant as something like that (connection in one hand vs antagonism in the other) OR if it might be just be threat (i have your hand. and also a lighter) but the image of threat is mostly because of the witcher (rience burning jaskier's hand) and because of the next line "the ohs of your screams still echo in your dreams". BUT it's also most likely that what that lines means is that madeleine's character woke joey's in the middle of the night, so the lighter provides them the light as she leads him by the hand to "go on adventures" (play as pirates)

when the song goes, once again, "it seems to me that you can't sleep" the song softens once more, and to me it really brings forth the image that joey's persona is still sleepy from being woken up, as opposed to madeleine's almost manic energy of someone who hasn't gone to sleep at all

verse 2 continues with the song about pirates. "grab the stroud and we'll roar come and get us" the stroud, if we're going by the pirate imagery, would be the sailcloth, but in reality, that stroud must be their blanket. she woke him up to make pillow forts, "but instead we'll build a den out of pillows"

"the wind picks up up up and i'll never let you down // it's time to fight don't be yellow-bellied // hold the bar at hurley's hurly-burly's, give em hell, give em hell" sounds to me as though these were "the things we'll do today" i.e. facing their fears and their pronlems but they don't end up doing that, they've just. made forts

part 2 - stuff i noticed in the song that's real neat to me

when madeleine sang "if my old mum could see me now oh how she'd howl she'd howl" she's howling in the background

during the Love Run part of the song, when the lyrics go "let the world come at you, love, like distant toms a-drumming" the drum beat starts and it's rhythmic right, but then when the lyrics go "let the world a-tumble love" the toms also go a-tumbling, because the toms represent the world. idk it's fun to me

yeah i did say none of these were going to be coherent it's 3am. anyways think about Not Yet being about them not facing their fears, holding each other's hands in the pillow fort (having fucknasty unemployed sex? 😭 what did joey mean by that 😭) and Love Run's about how the world is catching up to them

[riewritten]

Johan Liebert, who doesn't want you to love him, started to do everything he knew you'd hate as soon as he got to know you head to toe. His acquaintanceship with you was specifically designed just for that.

Any being Johan has loved—if he's indeed capable of such an act—always ends up hating his very core, and it is all in accordance with his will. After all, hatred has been proven to be much stronger than love in the grander scheme of things in humanity—or so Johan believes.

When he was a kid, he was more well-versed in navigating hatred than love (not that he had more people to love back then aside from his sister). Love was tiring; he always had to worry about his other half being caught by the monster that chased them. Love was temperamental; his other half erased his existence for good as soon as she knew of his ways (not that he'd ever take it against her, for that was the right call—he doesn't exist). And when he met you, his viewpoint of love was reaffirmed even further. Your previous relationships, romantic or platonic, had all taken a toll on you. Johan has heard plenty of stories about you being disappointed with the people you’ve tried to love. When they weren't able to do this or that. When you sleep at six in the morning, exhausted, because trying to understand their actions in the name of love had kept you up all night. How interesting; oh, how genuinely interesting, Johan had thought.

And it even becomes more interesting that despite all that, you're still someone who seeks love, who seeks to love and be loved. “Why?” he asks. How strange. “I just have a lot of love to give, is that too wrong?” you reply, smiling. And when Johan doesn’t answer, you add, “I’m just waiting for the right people who'd be willing to receive them." “Even if they have demanded a lot of your time? Even if they used you—repeatedly so—only to change their mind on you at the last minute?” he prompts, which then makes you gaze down for a bit. However, Johan doesn’t expect you to lift your head just as quick, with a nod and smile so bright, so contrary of him. “Yeah, even so, I choose to love and be loved.”

And so, amid the very clear stance, Johan still wants you to understand. Your thirst to love and be loved has gained his interest for quite some time now. He saw very well how genuine you were when you told him one night that he's your closest friend now, and you treasure him so much. But the morning after, he's suddenly not the approachable-mister-congeniality type of friend anymore. After showering you with friendly affection and being the best company you've ever had in your life, he now doesn’t acknowledge your presence when you try to make it known. Johan, much as he had never felt emotions so extreme, never thought he'd take pleasure in the way you looked at him, full of yearning and confusion. How pretty you are with glassy eyes, doing everything in your power to not let the tears fall, as people started avoiding you as well not long after he did. 

Don't you worry; he liked being near you, too. But you need to understand where he's coming from. Johan doesn't want you to love him, for love is weaker than hatred. As people say, 'hatred is something you can use, sculpt, or wield.’ Oh, hatred. You've been full of love despite how many times it humiliated you, but hatred will cradle you. It will make you understand his point. The contrasting characters you two have that ultimately keep your distance can finally be mended if you come to understand him.

Months later, your glassy eyes and yearning gaze developed into something more sinister, and Johan couldn't help himself but smile wider. Maybe you finally figured it out. How come all the exes you had told of him started disappearing one by one? How come the friends you'd grown distant to have started contacting you again—begging for their lives and apologizing for wasting your precious and benevolent love—only to be found dead the morning after? How come that with all these incidents, they never fail to mention a certain blonde man whom they call the devil? How come they all cried to you the same begging, "Please tell him to leave me alone," "I will be next!" "Oh god, oh god, he's here. Please, forgive me. I will love you better this time. Just please don't let him kill me!"

And the worst thing of all, because most if not all the victims contacted you before their presumed death, an inspector came knocking at your door one day, asking you to cooperate to avoid consequences.

You poor thing. Johan's sweet mourning lamb. There's nothing you can do. It's already been done. Don't worry. Once you get to understand his point, he will come back to see you again. And by then he'd be able to see how strong you feel for him.

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inspo:

[wherethedeadneversleep]

And So We Meet & Revelations

Featured couple: Buffy & Archangel Michael

Michael's power grew stronger every day, but he was also biding his time. It was all about finding Dean and securing his place. His true vessel had nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. He could fight and deny all he wanted, but in the end, he would simply give in, and say "yes" to him. Michael always won in the end, because fate was always inevitable.

But what was a surprise to the archangel was Dean's choice of company: a bewitching vampire slayer known as Buffy Summers. From the moment he seeped into Dean's consciousness, and peered through his eyes, he saw the little blonde human for himself. She was a petite thing with a smart mouth, but a fiery, passionate personality that easily kept up with Dean's temperament.

She was a fighter like Dean. Like him, she was destined to protect humanity, and she sacrificed so much if only to gain so little in return. Yet she continued - or rather, continues - to do so, even if it meant being left alone to fight her battles.

Michael found himself drawn to her. Though she was human, he couldn't help but be fascinated with her, and not just because she was with his vessel (though, the idea of taking what belonged to him highly amused him to no end). The blood of the demon flowed through her, but even that fact didn't disgust him... for once. She was an anomaly he wanted to explore with his own hands.

This time around, he chose not to pester Dean. Rather, he would give Buffy a visit. Through the vastness of space-time, he traveled, until he arrived at his destination. Dark clouds sifted, and stars faded in the process. No matter what, his vessel couldn't interfere with his one-on-one with Buffy in her dreams.

"And so we meet," Michael spoke to the blonde as he appeared from behind. It mattered not what scenario was going on in Buffy's dream. He shattered through the environment effortlessly, and as calm as one could be: a tall, dark-haired individual with bright, glowing eyes, and smoldering good looks that could land him on the cover of a magazine.

"Dean's had a lot to say about me, I'm sure."

As Buffy drifted off into a deep sleep, she found herself walking in a graveyard. The moon cast an eerie glow over the tombstones, creating long shadows that danced in the night. The air was heavy with an otherworldly stillness as if the spirits of the departed were holding their breath.

Buffy's senses heightened as she cautiously made her way through the maze of graves. She could feel a subtle chill in the air, sending shivers down her spine. Her Slayer instincts told her that something was amiss, that danger lurked in every corner of this haunting place. Every creaking branch and rustling leaf seemed to echo in her ears, amplifying her unease. The darkness seemed to consume everything around her, making it difficult to distinguish much of anything. Every step she took felt like a leap into the unknown, her senses on high alert, ready to react at the slightest sign of danger. 

She couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes were following her every move. Despite her years of training as a vampire slayer, this particular night felt different. As she walked down the dimly lit alley behind the graveyard, she tightened her grip on her trusted stake, ready to face whatever awaited her in the darkness. The eerie silence only heightened her senses, making her acutely aware of every sound and movement around her. 

Just then the sky above her head was engulfed by rolling dark clouds, causing the stars to vanish. The only source of light she had was the faint glow of the moon peeking through the clouds.

Buffy was rarely taken off guard but the voice that came from behind her does just that. It's not one she recognizes, it's deep and mysterious. Buffy's instincts kick in immediately, her body tensing as she swiftly turns around to face the source of the voice. As her gaze settles on a figure, a stranger stands tall and imposing, cloaked in an air of enigma. His deep voice resonates with an otherworldly quality. A flicker of curiosity replaces her initial surprise at the words he speaks. " So you're the one that's been following me all night. What was your plan to just walk behind me to death? " Admittedly he was he was strikingly good-looking, tall with dark hair, sharp cheekbones, and piercing eyes. Was it just a thing for all the good looking guys to be stalkery psychos?

Buffy's eyes narrowed as the next words he uttered were Dean's name. After uttering those words, there was no doubt in her mind that this could only be one person ─ The Archangel Michael. " Oh God " For a moment she felt her heart sink inside her chest. Buffy's mind raced as she tried to process the implications of Michael's presence. She couldn't believe that Michael was standing right in front of her. The weight of his presence was overwhelming, and Buffy's mind was filled with a mix of awe and fear. She had heard stories of his immense power and divine purpose, but never did she imagine that she would come face to face with him. As her thoughts raced, she couldn't help but wonder why he had chosen to reveal himself to her. No matter what she couldn't let him shake her.

" So this is your grand plan to make Dean say yes to you, going after someone he cares about? That plan is overrated and has been used way too many times. I thought someone like yourself could have come up with something more original. "

Michael couldn’t help but smile condescendingly at Buffy’s remarks.

“No matter how many times the Bible’s been written, re-written, and RE-WRITTEN,” he said, “I’ll give them this matter-of-fact statement about originality from Ecclesiastes 1:9 - ‘What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.’ Or, I like the quicker version: ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’”

He eyed the graveyard that consisted of Buffy’s dreamscape. It was a constant reminder of her destiny. Dean had the same reminders – nightmares – when he slept. No wonder these two were bonded. The horrors they faced when they were awake followed their every waking and sleeping moment.

Michael took one step forward and vanished – only to appear right behind Buffy, and was practically against her backside.

“Turn around to do anything, and I promise you that I will obliterate the place you and Dean are staying in, along with the occupants that are inside of it,” the archangel warned. The child that stayed with them would never have her chance at revenge if the beautiful slayer made one false move against him.

Michael stepped to the side of Buffy, where his lips brushed alongside her ear. In a hush voice, and with his hand upon her shoulder, he said, “I do see why Dean likes you, though. You have a spark about you. Smart mouth. Spirit. Even against the likes of me. You want to fight me. I can see it in your eyes. Even in your thoughts. I know what you’re thinking. You’re going to keep challenging me, even if you’re scared. That’s why I like you. I shouldn’t, though. The thing of it is, I don’t care for humans. My brother, Lucifer? He hates them. He really, truly hates them. Which is why we’re in this predicament right now. That monster needs to be punished for defying our father, and as his older brother, it is my duty to do so.”

Being this close to this human, Dean’s human, Michael couldn’t resist using his finger to stroke the side of her cheek. Her skin was soft as silk. He couldn’t remember the last time he allowed himself to be indulged like this. Attachments weren't his "thing," yet he was slowly but surely becoming fond of this woman.

Michael stepped away from the blonde slayer and informed her, “Don’t worry, when the population of humans declines sharply, I’ll make sure you are spared.”

As Buffy stood there, her eyes widened in disbelief. Was Michael actually reciting scripture to her?

Michael disappeared before she had the opportunity to utter a word, only to reemerge positioned directly behind her. Her chest hitched as she felt his body pressed tightly against hers. She could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. The sudden proximity made her heart race, and she struggled to find her voice. His presence was both exhilarating and unnerving, leaving her unsure of what to expect next. But that was soon answered when he gave his bone chilling warning. She knew she had to stay vigilant, prepared for whatever might come next. As much as she wanted to turn around and face him she remained where she stood. 

The Slayer's eyes closed feeling Michael's lips against her ear. How was he making her feel this way? She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards him, even though her instincts screamed at her that this was wrong on so many levels. Buffy's heart raced as Michael's words sank in. She had always prided herself on her strength and resilience, but this unexpected connection with him was stirring emotions she hadn't anticipated. 

She knows that if he succeeds in his malevolent mission, countless innocent lives will be lost forever. No matter what threat the indiscriminate destruction of countless innocent lives is never an acceptable solution. That's when the gears inside her head begin turning. Her eyes narrow as he steps away from her and states how he'll have her spared.

Buffy's hands clench tightly by her hips, and in that moment, she comprehends the error he committed. Michael had issued a menacing promise to annihilate not only her but also Dean. Michael had an unfathomable way of tormenting Dean, but he had no intention of ending his life. To have the ultimate confrontation with his brother, he required Dean's vessel to remain alive. The second mistake he made was declaring his intention to do it in their shared location. If she was present with Michael, she couldn't simultaneously be with Dean ─ unless she was dreaming.

She made her move, her fists still tightly clenched. Advancing towards him, she pulled back and landed a powerful punch directly on Michael's face not even realizing she had most likely broken a few fingers on that hand.

" Bet you didn't see that coming. You want to recite scripture to me? You and Lucifer both need to get over your Daddy issues. You want to do what God tells you to do by fighting your brother and killing thousands of innocent people in the process. Don't you find that rather odd when he also told you to love humans more than you love him? News flash Michael, you can't do both at the same time. Neither of you care about humans so straight out of the races you're both already defying your father. Have you ever once stopped to think maybe for his own twisted amusement he's testing the two of you? " She was beyond angry and she wouldn't hold back.

" Your second mistake is threatening the people I care about. You say you'll make sure I'm spared but know this, it's my ' duty ' to protect these people and I'll go down doing just that ─ Vampires, Demons, Werewolves, Angels, it doesn't matter to me. If you're a threat to humanity you're gonna have me standing in your way. So stop trying to seduce me with your Angelic charms. "

Michael’s nose broke, and his head snapped back, but he made an instant recovery, due to his healing abilities. Nasal cartilage and bones were instantly repaired, and Michael faced forward once more. He had to commend Buffy on her reaction. Even with his threats, she still took a chance to attack. What would Dean say in this situation? “She had balls of steel.”

“I ‘tolerate’ humans, but don’t forget my father sacrificed humans many times over the centuries,” Michael reminded her. “It was out of necessity, and yet they still loved and devoted their lives to him. I still remain faithful and duty-bound to him. I can do away with as many humans as I see fit because more will be born. It’s Lucifer who is rather gung-ho about killing them like sheep in a slaughterhouse. But don’t misunderstand me, Miss Summers. I do love my brother, but he needs to be punished for misbehaving. He’s been a bad, bad boy.”

The archangel disappeared once more, only to appear a few feet away. This time, he was crouched on top of a headstone that read “Buffy Anne Summers.” It had her birth year and death date, along with an epithet that read, “SHE SAVED THE WORLD A LOT.”

He didn’t appreciate her playing armchair therapist about his family. With anyone else who spoke to him so openly, he would have destroyed them without a second thought. Yet, she still remained alive and still dreaming. Why? Was he simply amusing himself by allowing her to win this confrontation on her own turf?

“You like it when I seduce you, don’t you?” he asked, putting on a charming face for her, even as the dark thoughts continued to swim in his head. “You wouldn’t mind if I brushed up against you again? I bet Dean would have a problem with it. He hates the fact that we’d have shared custody of you when I take over. He’s the jealous type, and he hates sharing.”

It was his destiny to fight Lucifer. Nothing and nobody would put a stop to that. Yet after sifting through Buffy’s memories, it surprised him to learn how often she too had been betrayed and abandoned. All he wanted to do was be a loyal son to God. All Buffy wanted to do was be a fighter for humanity, and to be a good friend.

Michael’s eyes softened just a bit. Huh. Well, interesting. Maybe they had a few things in common after all.

Buffy's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation. She clenched her hand, feeling the throbbing ache intensify with each passing moment. The sharp sting of pain was too vivid, too tangible to be a mere figment of her imagination. She desperately searched for any signs that would confirm this was all just an illusion. Pinching herself, she hoped for that familiar jolt of disbelief that would wake her from this dream. But there was no waking up.

" Why can't you and your brother deal with this on your own without hurting innocent people? There are still good people out there who deserve a chance to live their lives. I don't know where you've been for the past decade or so but Lucifer doesn't want to destroy this planet. He might still have a distaste for humans but he's not out there killing them. " She wished there was something she could say or do to change his mind, to talk him out of this upcoming apocalypse. " If you really loved your brother you would want to help him not punish him and cause him pain. If god wants him punished why have you do it instead of him being a parent and doing it himself? " Why couldn't she make him understand this? It honestly hurts her knowing any parent would pit their children against each other.

Suddenly Michael disappeared once more, causing her to search the graveyard with her eyes and ears. Eventually, she found him perched atop the very same headstone that had emitted an uncommon energy just before he materialized. Buffy's heart sank in her chest as she approached. It was her grave from Sunnydale, a haunting reminder of the trauma she had endured. The mere sight of it brought back the night she was torn from heaven and forced to claw her way out of that very burial site. Was this his way of trying to scare her? He should know she had no fear of death if it meant she was able to save the people she cared for. Was this his attempt at instilling fear in her? He ought to know she had no fear of death when it came to protecting the ones she loved.

Her eyes narrowed as she observed Michael's charming facade. " Michael... " Buffy said firmly, her voice laced with both caution and defiance. " You seem to misunderstand the situation entirely. Dean and I have a partnership built on trust and respect. There is no 'shared custody' when it comes to me. " She took a step back, creating some distance between them, her body language reflecting her growing discomfort. She purposefully disregarded his questions, for the reality was that she did enjoy it and it was unjust that he had the ability to delve into her thoughts and perceive that. Why her body reacted to him the way it did she was unsure of but she refused to succumb to it or him. Despite her determination to resist, his presence continued to affect her in ways she couldn't fully comprehend. It was as if he held power over her, effortlessly unraveling the layers of her emotions. The more she tried to push him away, the stronger her desire for him grew, creating an internal conflict she couldn't escape. Yet, she remained steadfast in her decision not to let him break down her defenses, determined to protect herself from the vulnerability he seemed to effortlessly expose.  

Unexpectedly, a transformation occurred in his eyes, a softening that diminished his previous anger and condescension. While that grave still caused her great discomfort she moved forward until she was standing before Michael again. " You keep saying all these things about you and I. What exactly do you want from me, Michael? "

Michael ducked his head when Buffy questioned his father’s motives. How ironic she didn’t understand how fate worked: no matter how many choices were played out, how many alternate choices could have been made, the results would have wound up the same in the end. It was like how destiny would’ve worked out for Buffy. Her fate in becoming a slayer would have been the same in the end, regardless of what other choices she would have made, had she not moved to Sunnydale right away.

Him being on her grave stirred a surge of mixed emotions within her. She tried to defy him, but at the same time, she wasn’t completely discouraged by him, either. Truth be told, this was new territory for him. Never before had he been tempted by any human, as he saw himself too busy doing his best to be a loyal soldier and son for God to be stirred by any creature. Buffy undoubtedly fascinated and captivated him like no other being had before.

Just like the first time he’d felt her presence.

Tapping his finger on her headstone, Michael spoke once again.

“You don’t remember me,” he said to her, his eyes all-knowing, “but I clearly remember you. The day you died, and your soul went to heaven? That was when we first met. You fought the brave fight by sacrificing yourself in place of your little sister. Such a doting, responsible sibling you are. You didn’t stay long, though, did you? You were ripped away from us before you had a chance to settle down. But I never forgot about you.”

The archangel smirked, as he climbed down from the tombstone, and was now standing in front of Buffy once more. He could still recall the day her soul breached heaven. She was a pure source of energy, unlike anything he’d ever felt before.

“Now, for what I want from you?” he asked, finally getting around to answering her question. He could still feel that radiant energy that sung to him the moment she arrived in heaven. It was untapped energy he wanted to embrace and become one with. Even within the human body Buffy possessed, her very aura shined brighter than the sun itself. The more he stayed in her dream, the more prevalent her presence rapidly became for him. She challenged him in ways that didn’t annoy him, but rather, made him question himself inward.

Michael held his head high, as he brought his hand up, and cupped the side of her face.

“I’ll make it simple,” he said at long last. “What I want, is you.”

Before she could say anything else, he reached in and planted a kiss on her lips.

Buffy didn't exactly believe in fate and that there was no such thing as free will. However, recent events had started to make her question her long-held beliefs. The constant battles against supernatural forces, the unexplainable coincidences that seemed to guide her path, and the eerie way everything always seemed to fall into place had started to chip away at her skepticism.

As she delved deeper into her own introspection, Buffy began noticing patterns in her own choices and actions. She realized that even though she believed she had free will, there were moments when it felt like an invisible hand guided her decisions. Whether it was an instinctual urge or a gut feeling leading her down a particular path. But she couldn't let herself believe this to be true. Wasn't Lucifer a clear-cut example that free will exists? The war between Michael and Lucifer was meant to happen and if that was his destiny why did he fight it so hard? Why was humanity not at stake all this time he walked the earth? He simply wanted to live his life on earth alongside his family.

As Michael started talking, her eyes welled up with tears. Her insides twisted and the world around her seemed to spin. How could this not be the first time she had met Michael? She tried to compose herself, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill over. She could recall the immense confusion and agony she experienced when her friends forcefully ripped her out of Heaven. She had finally found tranquility, completion, and joy, but they had cruelly snatched it away from her. She had been consumed by the feeling that she was trapped in a living hell. The way Michael talked about not forgetting her was as if they had experienced something more than just a casual encounter in Heaven. Was he lying to her? Was he trying to play some game to twist her mind up? How could she know for sure? Everything around her started spinning more.

" You're lying. "

As Michael descended from the top of her tombstone, a chilling sensation enveloped her, rendering her immobile despite her desire to move. She could feel the coldness seeping into her bones, causing a shiver to run down her spine. The air around her seemed to grow heavy. Buffy's heart raced, her instincts urging her to flee, but an inexplicable force held her in place. The more time she spent in his presence, the more difficult it grew for her to fight against him – even more so after what he had just revealed to her.

She wanted to pull away from his touch but she felt her head melting against his palm. Her eyes closed as she heard him speak the answer to her initial question.  Michael's touch was tender yet filled with an undeniable passion. The weight of his words lingered in the air, leaving her breathless and unsure of how to respond. But before she could even think of doing so his lips were upon hers. As their lips met, a surge of electricity coursed through her veins. The memories of her and him started flashing back to her, gradually seeping back in one by one. As their kiss deepened, her arms wrapped around his shoulder, finger grasping in the back of his hair. She could feel the passion building, threatening to consume her completely.

The desires that spread throughout his body surprised him in the best way possible. It was unlike anything he could have possibly imagined. More than ever, he didn’t want to let her go. Just like when her soul reached heaven, he wanted to keep her there. He refused to release her. They were here now. For the first time, he wanted to be selfish and to keep something for himself for once.

His hands fell to her waist as they continued kissing. The air grew warm – in fact, he felt feverish. Impossible, seeing as how the body he inhabited shouldn’t be capable of being ill, especially in a dream landscape. But part of him was losing his senses as he allowed himself to sink more into Buffy’s kisses. He, a top tier archangel, was allowing himself to show weakness to a vampire slayer. This would’ve spelled doom for anyone else, yet he was letting his guard down for one person.

Fingers lifted from her waist and wove themselves through her silky blonde hair. Lips momentarily left her mouth, only to leave trails of kisses along her jawline and neck. His thoughts became silent, as his bodily instincts took over. Again, new territory for the likes of him, who’d never allowed himself to indulge in such selfish acts. Everything he’d done before, was for God, and God only. Never before did he comprehend even thinking of doing anything to appease himself… until now.

Once again, his lips reached her ear, where he admitted in a hushed tone, “Lucifer might be onto something.”

Free will. What a concept. But would he admit that so readily to his little brother? After all, this was Buffy’s dream. Perhaps by the time the slayer woke up, she would forget all about this. Michael, too, might move on from this by the time he arrived at Earth. He couldn’t possibly believe such a relationship would work out between them. But denial now? While he was so in over his head with how far he’d gotten already?

Michael hummed as he inhaled Buffy’s scent, giving her one more kiss on the lips, before standing tall before her. His fingertips danced through her hairline and trailed across her cheeks, and down her neckline until he left her body entirely. He didn’t want to leave her, but he knew dreams only lasted for so long for humans.

“Dean’s going to throw a fit once he finds out how fond I am of you,” Michael jested, his lips curling into a slight grin. “But don’t worry, you’ll hear from me again real soon, much to the ‘delight’ of my vessel. You can pass along my visit to him if you wish. Or if you keep our get-together hush-hush, I won’t blame you. Either way, he’ll find out once I take over.”

Buffy quickly found herself caught up in the intensity of the moment. The way Michael's hands held her waist made her heart race, and she couldn't help but reciprocate his passion. As their lips moved together, a surge of desire coursed through her veins, making her forget everything else. The dream landscape around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own world. The air crackled with electricity, and she could feel the heat radiating from Michael's body. It was as if their connection had ignited a fire within him that burned hotter than any fever.

The kisses along her jawline and neck made her eyes flutter. She could sense the conflict within Michael ─ the battle between his devotion to God and the overwhelming pull of his own desires. Yet, she couldn't help but be drawn to him, captivated by the intensity in his eyes and the vulnerability he displayed at this moment. She knew that pursuing this connection with Michael would come with its own set of challenges and complications. The clash between their contrasting beliefs and desires seemed inevitable, like two opposing forces destined to collide. Yet, in the midst of this internal struggle, there was an undeniable chemistry between them that defied all logic and reason.

It was as if time stood still, allowing them to forget about the complexities that awaited them. Yet reality would soon come crashing back down upon them. That moment came sooner than later, at least for her when Michael stepped back from her and mentioned Dean's name. As she listened to him she couldn't figure out if she was more hurt or just pissed off.

Briefly, her eyes closed as she struggled to pull her words together. " Is that what this was all about? Just another way to hurt Dean? " Just that quickly her fists were balling together at her sides again. " I'm not some toy to be used between the two of you. " The mere idea of that had her turning her back to him.

Maybe Michael was right all along. Was every event that occurred in Heaven merely a prearrangement for this precise moment? Could it be possible that every single event, every twist and turn of fate, was leading up to this very moment? The idea that her entire existence, filled with hardships and challenges, might have solely served to appease someone's ego, surpassing even their god complex, was unbearable to her. Was there any meaning to her journey, or was it all just a cruel game? No, she would not accept that as truth.

Whipping back around to look Michael in the eyes she demanded. " I refuse to believe that. Tell me something, Michael. You talk as if all of this is some great destiny and you can't even see how much free will you actually have. We both know you could have gone after Dean directly, you didn't need me for that. The obedient son deviated from his mission for something he wanted for once in his lifetime. Unless I'm just some damn bargaining chip to you, prove it to me here and now. Because if you don't and you do somehow manage to get Dean to say yes to you I'll be the first person to tell you to go get bent. "

Had any other human spoke so boldly and defiantly to and about Michael, they would’ve been eradicated on the spot, and without hesitation. Yet Buffy’s words struck a multitude of nerves within him. Yes, he wanted something for himself. He’d done everything ever asked of him. Everything he’d ever done for God, he did so without question. Yet where was his reward? Aside from being worshiped for eons, and having great power, in retrospect, it felt like he was still missing something.

When he first went after Lucifer, he took his little she-wolf of a wife to lure him out of hiding. Never could he have fathomed that a lover would have been a weakness for his brother. She, not even a human, prevented Lucifer from destroying mankind. Lucifer settled down with this werewolf, even took in her child, and raised it as his own. He allowed himself to grow soft… Yet it was what Lucifer wanted freely, and without shame.

Michael fixed Buffy with a hard stare. Was he no different from his brother? Having such feelings for another creature, only such was that of an actual human being? And of his own free will? She wasn’t a maggot like the rest. He’d care if something did happen to her. Oh, he’d more than care. No, he’d truly be bothered if anyone dared to lay a finger on her. He would absolutely lay waste to an entire landscape if his human were to be harmed.

“You’re quite the challenge I hadn’t expected,” Michael admitted, as he closed his eyes and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “But you know something? I won’t mind this extended stay at all.”

He snapped his fingers once. Gone was the cemetery and its gloomy atmosphere. Now Buffy found herself in a beautiful garden under a moonlit sky. As far as the eye could see, there were all sorts of fruit bearing trees, along with rivers that stretched far and wide. Michael opened his eyes and he stood gloriously before Buffy… without a single stitch of clothing on.

Being in control was one of Michael’s strongest characteristics… yet, it quickly failed, as he couldn’t help but admire how lovely Buffy looked, as she too was without any clothing on. He willed it, after all, when he teleported them within Buffy’s dream to the Garden of Eden. She was a warrior who still looked like a maiden, with how slender and delicate she appeared. As he advanced toward her, his eyes remained steadfast on hers, his breathing steady, and his vessel’s heart racing.

This was madness. It was unlike anything he’d ever done before. That was the excitement that drove him to this moment, this point of no return. He stood over her, their nude bodies now mere inches apart, and even knowing what she was capable of, she somehow looked so vulnerable. It was so wrong, but he couldn’t wait to taste her again. He never wanted anything more in his life.

His second kiss was filled with more urgency, as he wrapped his arms around her. The feeling of their bodies pressed together went straight to his manhood. He immediately wanted more of her, and he pulled her body flush against his. Even going as far as to bring one of her legs up and hook it around his waist.

Buffy was never one to hold her tongue not even after being constantly reminded of the tales, and repeatedly told, of Michael's cruelty and ruthlessness, and how his temper aligned with both. However, as she stood there bravely revealing her truth in a way that no one else seemed willing to do, she remained oblivious to that aspect of his character. She believed that beneath his rough exterior, there was a flicker of goodness waiting to be ignited. As she observed his inner turmoil, she saw a chance for redemption, a chance to bring out the best in him. 

If a wrathful Archangel was capable of love, then he was capable of change. Love had the power to transform even the most hardened hearts, melting away anger and replacing it with compassion. Michael's realization of his free will, which he had always possessed but lacked the confidence to acknowledge could come to light by that same love. Perhaps, it could potentially empower him to step off the playing field and express to his father that enough was enough. 

The way Michael looked at her made her swallow roughly. Her attention was then caught by a quick change in his gaze. It transformed from disbelief to a more intense possessive stare, causing the tiny hairs on her arms to stand up. The intensity in his eyes made her heart race, and she couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were swirling in his mind. She couldn't deny the magnetic pull between them, but she also couldn't ignore the warning bells ringing in the back of her mind.

" I'm not like most humans nor anyone you've had to deal with. " Buffy replied, exuding her signature blend of fiery spirit and sass. It was the little details that truly defined her character. His mention of an extended stay caused a raised eyebrow, piquing curiosity.

In the blink of an eye, she was transported to a completely different place. The sight of magnificent trees adorned with blossoms and endless rivers captivated her. A sense of familiarity washed over her as she realized she hadn't laid eyes on this place in years. As she stood there, taking in the breathtaking scenery, memories flooded back to her. The nostalgia brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for this unexpected journey down memory lane. Then, as her gaze ceased to wander, her sight landed on Michael. Another gulp came as she beheld him standing there completely naked before her. As she realizes she is fully undressed also she can't help but feel a hinge of embarrassment as she attempts to cover hers with her arms. Yet another small detail that defined who she was.

As he drew nearer, she sensed a suffocating sensation. This wasn't quite what she had envisioned when she challenged him to prove himself, but in this instant, she couldn't ignore the escalating intensity and her overwhelming desire to experience his touch once more. Even if she had desired to, she couldn't divert her gaze from his. Her heart thumped so loudly that its pounding echoed in her ears. The air crackled with anticipation, and every nerve in her body tingled with excitement. She yearned to feel his fingertips tracing delicate patterns on her skin, igniting a fire within her that only he could quench.

She was fully aware of the wrongdoing, acknowledging the need to jolt herself awake by pinching or any means necessary. The primary cause of her unease was the presence of the man slumbering beside her, and the overwhelming guilt that would consume her upon awakening and having to look into his eyes. Perhaps she was being greedy and selfish by loving them both, but the heart desires what it desires. She could deceive anyone else, but betraying her heart was an impossibility.

Their lips collided with an uncontrollable longing. Her arms intertwined around his shoulders, with her fingers firmly gripping the back of his hair. Her body ignited with a blazing fire as he pressed against her. Unable to restrain herself, she continued to entwine her legs around him, swiftly utilizing her power to secure both limbs tightly around his waist instead of one. Her back arched pressing her breast against his firm muscular chest. Soft moans escaped her lips each time she found herself needing to surface for air. " Make love to me, Michael. "  Uttered words filled with an intoxicating desire.

Rational thoughts flew out the window for Michael the moment he heard Buffy’s request to make love. His body moved automatically, and he had no issues with this whatsoever. The strength she demonstrated when she tightened herself around him was arousing. Hands soothed themselves through her hair while their tongues danced in their mouths. Without having to rely on his angel strength, Michael carried Buffy over to the nearest tree and carefully lowered her beneath the branches. He treated her as if she were made of glass, all the while still tasting her, and exploring the womanly, feminine curves of her body.

These desires within him screamed to just take her and ravish her, but those rational thoughts he assumed vanished returned and urged him to remain calm. Buffy wanted him to make love to her, and he’d do just that. He wouldn’t rush this. Even as he covered her soft body with his masculine one, he would take his time with her. Peppering her neck with kisses, he reached between her thighs and ran a finger along her sopping, wet slit.

His cock stiffened, and it pulsed with aching need. He’d never been one to indulge in such pleasures of the flesh as other angels may have done before him. It went against his duties, and it was the reason why he was the most powerful archangel. He kept himself focused, yet here he was, at the sheer mercy of a slayer who had him humbled and weak at the sight of the most beautiful body his father could have gifted among mankind.

Taking his moist finger out, he slid her honey along her inner thigh and cupped the underside of her breast. He thumbed her hardened nipple, fascinated with the sounds she made in response to his touch. Curiosity got the better of him, and he brought the finger he’d used to touch her folds to his tongue. He licked it, and he closed his eyes in delight.

“Never tasted anything so good,” he murmured as he stared lustfully at her through half-hooded eyes. His body grew increasingly warm. With a hum, he added, “I want more.”

Scaling himself back, Michael kept Buffy’s legs apart and focused. Though his cock was still solid, and he was more than ready to take her, he was steadfast in pleasing his lovely little human. Leaning down, the intensity of his eyes met hers briefly, before he proceeded to lap her pussy, eagerly tasting her sweet nectar. Long, lingering strokes, even going as far as to thrust his tongue in and out of her core.

Pulling his tongue out, he planted a kiss on her inner thigh, and asked, “Do you wish to reach paradise now before I properly claim you? Or I can stop right now, and take you in the more traditional sense? Either way, I have no complaints. You taste divine, my little human.”

Michael couldn’t resist giving Buffy’s slit another long, lingering lick before she could even give him a response. He could already feel a bit of semen leak from the tip of his cock. His restraint failed him, but it was difficult to keep himself in check when the slayer was the very definition of perfection in his eyes.

Buffy had a specific motive for her request. She believed that engaging in heated passionate sex without a deeper emotional connection was merely a fleeting moment of pleasure. She yearned for a love that transcended the physical realm, where every touch and caress held a deeper meaning. To her, making love was an intimate dance of souls, a sacred union that brought two individuals closer together in mind, body, and spirit. She wanted to be connected to Michael in every way possible. 

Michael, the eldest and mightiest among all the Angels, displayed an extraordinary tenderness with how he touched her. As their bodies intertwined, she could feel the power and grace emanating from Michael. His touch was gentle yet commanding as if he held the universe's secrets within his fingertips. She eagerly explored every inch of his physique, her hands gliding across his well-built form. He was perfect in every sense. It wasn't until his hand dipped between her thighs that her eyes fluttered closed. Her back arched away from the ground as she released a breathy moan. 

As the flames of passion engulfed her, she could feel an exhilarating surge of energy coursing through her veins. It was as if every dormant dream, every suppressed desire, had suddenly burst into life. The intensity of this newfound fire consumed her thoughts, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she felt reborn. In that very instant, she realized that there was still a glimmer of hope remaining. The fact that Michael could expose his vulnerability and establish such a profound connection with her indicated that there was still a chance for this world.

If his intense focus on her nipples didn't already make her squirm, it definitely did when she witnessed him savoring the taste of her. " Oh God... " Her desire surged within, causing her inner walls to tighten with an intensity surpassing the fiercest flames she had ever encountered. As her desire grew stronger, she could feel her heart racing in sync with the wild rhythm of her thoughts. Every breath she took seemed to fuel the fire burning inside her, spreading warmth to every inch of her being. The anticipation of what lay ahead made her tremble with a mix of excitement and nervousness, like a tightrope walker teetering on the edge of a thrilling abyss.  

" Michael... " Buffy let out a cry as his head vanished into the space between her thighs. Her heart raced as she felt such intense pleasure coursing through her body. The intensity of the moment overwhelmed her, and she instinctively tangled her fingers into the top of his hair. Her mind was consumed by a whirlwind of sensations, each one more electrifying than the last. As his tongue explored her she couldn't help but rock her hips ever so lightly. God, it was too much, and yet still not enough.

A whimper of discontent drew from her lips as soon as she no longer felt the sensation of his tongue. She found herself in a whirlwind, her heart racing as she struggled to catch her breath amidst the overwhelming shower of euphoric praises being shouted at him. She couldn't handle it any longer she needed to have him inside her, to feel him stretching her so perfectly. Another fluttering roll of her eyes came when he went in for seconds. He was going to be the death of her and she knew it, but what a glorious death it would be.

She was so wet already and the need she felt for him surpassed anything she's ever known. As heavenly as his tongue had felt she needed more. " Please, Michael... " She practically begged, her head lifting enough to catch his gaze. " Now, I want you now. " With her hands, she effortlessly brought him back above her. Their mouths met, their tongues intertwining with a fiery passion.

He enjoyed teasing her and listening to the sounds she made was music to his ears. It churned his own burning desires for her and stirred the aching within. Never had he imagined such joy in being intimate with another like this before. When she begged for him, and their mouths met once more, who was he to deny her? For once, he was at a human’s mercy – HIS human’s.

Cupping her cheeks with both of his hands, they continued to share a deep, passionate kiss. He savored the way her tongue danced with his, the touch of her soft lips against his, and the sweet, breathy pants against his mouth. Already, her legs were wrapped around his hips, and the tip of his manhood rubbed against her slick entrance. He made sure her hips were arched just at the right angle, as he temporarily broke their kiss. His gaze was intense when he spoke.

“You have no idea what you’ve done to me.”

The tone was both accusatory and at the same time, an admission of feelings he’d been denying himself. Nevertheless, Michael knew there was no turning back. Buffy was his human, and he’d do whatever it took to protect her. While he still had questions about his duties to God and his conflicts with Lucifer, there was no doubt his feelings for Buffy were strong and positive. Having her writhing and naked before him, completely open to him, assured Michael that the universe was on his side when it came to benevolent fortune.

Again, he kissed her, and at the same time, he pushed his long cock inside her. Michael closed his eyes and relished over how warm and tight she felt. He never felt anything so pleasing in all of his life. This was a type of paradise that he hadn’t imagined possible. Instincts urged him to thrust his hips against hers, and he moaned into her mouth.

His hands ran down to Buffy’s side until he grabbed her hip. He held her down to the grass so that he could thrust his cock deep, faster, and harder into her. Panting heavily, he groaned as the wet, slapping sound of flesh on flesh was heard in the night air. Pleasure was swiftly building within him, that it was nearly overwhelming.

He knew what would happen if he didn’t stop this. The consequences of an archangel and a human mating would be dire, but during this moment of bliss, Michael didn’t care. For once, he allowed himself to be selfish. Wrapped in the arms and legs of his own angel, it was impossible to want to stop. He wanted to own her body, much as she would own his. Lust and desire would conquer all tonight.

The incredible sensation she experienced solely from his touch and kisses was indescribable! Never before had she encountered such bliss. All she desired was for it to continue endlessly. Her body was trembling with the force of her desire for him, her body withering beneath him. She wanted to etch this moment into eternity, to savor the taste of his lips and the feel of his skin against hers. In this moment she knew that this connection between them was destined to be an everlasting flame, burning fiercely amidst the chaos of the world.

Buffy's heart raced as she locked eyes with Michael, his words echoing in her mind. The man she was looking at now was not the same as he had been earlier that night. The hard edges that had once defined his features seemed to melt away, revealing a vulnerability she had never seen before. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders ─ as if he had shed his armor and allowed himself to be seen for who he truly was. He wasn't the only one who with those feelings because she knew after this night she would never be the same again. From the revelation he revealed to her earlier that night up until this very moment, something inside the Slayer had crossed over and never wanted to go back.

" I'm saving you... " She whispered back to him.

She was sure her face had never had such a look of pure unadulterated lust upon it as it did right now. His tongue searched every corner of her mouth sending sparks of desire throughout her taut trembling body. Michael was the missing piece of herself that she had longed for since her return from heaven. Warmth spread through her body as she embraced him. She kissed him back, feeling as if her soul was merging with his. She felt consumed with passion, her skin burning with need. But her wait was short-lived as she felt him penetrating her at long last.

Her body stiffened with pleasure causing her lips to break away from his as a heavenly moan broke past her lips. Every single nerve ending of her body came to life in ways she didn't even know existed. She barely had a chance to catch her breath before he was thrusting in and out of her aching channel. The harder he pounded into her, the louder she got. She moaned his name repeatedly as she wrapped her legs tighter around his waist. Simultaneously she begged him with words and with her actions to go deeper, harder, and faster. His movements were perfect, and she could feel her body trembling with pleasure.

His shoulder felt solid beneath her touch, a reassuring anchor amidst the swirling emotions within her. The arching of her back allowed her to press closer against him, their connection growing stronger with every passing second. It was as if their souls were dancing in perfect harmony. The grip on his hip tightened, conveying both desire and possessiveness. Her knuckles whitened under the strain, mirroring the fire that blazed within her eyes and heart. Their bodies moved as one, guided by an invisible force that defied logic and reason. Each thrust of his hips brought her closer to paradise. " Promise to never leave me again... " Breathing heavily again his ear.

Michael’s own body was overpowered with warmth and intoxication. His fingers kept busy weaving through her golden tresses, and occasionally cradling her head in the palm of his hands. He continued to revel in the taste of her mouth, and the way their tongues intertwined in a sensual dance. Yes, she was indeed saving him. He truly accepted it as fact.

The powerful emotions he had for her continued to surge through him. Listening to the sounds she made while his body moved with hers caused electricity to spark through him and jolt his nerves. Nothing about what they were doing or where they were doing it was wrong. Nobody could tell them otherwise.

Lust pummeled through his entire being. Buffy was the sweetest sin he’d ever known. When she begged him to fuck her harder, he happily obliged. He shifted their positions just slightly, making sure they couldn’t let go of one another, yet her glorious pussy would take on the pounding.

It was then he heard her plea whispered into his ear. There was no doubt in his mind – he was never going to leave her. Especially now, as they shared this moment of heated passion between them. If anyone dared to interrupt them now or even thought about taking her away from him, he’d destroy them in the blink of an eye. But thoughts of destruction swiftly banished, as ever-mounting rapture neared its peak.

Hoisting himself just high enough so that he could peer deep into her eyes, Michael grunted, “I promise… I will never leave you.”

That was a vow. In this body, or in Dean’s, Michael would not break his promise to Buffy Anne Summers. He sealed that declaration with a kiss, right as he surged into her once more, with wild, uncontrolled thrusts. The hard grip he had over her created bruising on her body, and even drew blood. She could take the pain, as she was stronger than she looked. Too many people underestimated her. She desired this, and he wasn’t going to hold back. They both wanted this.

The archangel was lightheaded. He was close, and it was hard to think. As much as he wanted to savor this frenzied state of pleasure, he could no longer keep himself in check. Michael groaned, continued to move as one with her, and within mere moments, spiraled to the highest peak. It was no gentle release, but a raging inferno. It consumed him, and it left him barely able to breathe, as he emptied himself completely inside her.

Even though Buffy knew she was dreaming, she couldn't recall a better dream. It was one she didn't want to wake up from. Her grip on him could not be tighter than it was already. Buffy knew Michael could handle her strength so there was no fear or restraint on her part. She felt safe and secure in his arms as if she belonged there and nowhere else. It was here that she felt content with where she was and with who she was with. How could this be wrong when it felt so damn right?

It was known that Slayers who didn't become rogue always reached the pearly gates of heaven when their ticket was punched. She had no doubt that this act alone would be enough to condemn her to the fiery pits of hell. It wasn't solely because she was in love with two different men, but the fact that God's most loyal and obedient son no longer seemed on track with his father's plan.

When his hips picked up the rhythm and she heard his answer to her question her eyes fluttered. She felt her body temperature rise and she could feel her heart pounding. At this point, she was sure her body was all over the bed she slept on. Buffy could feel her body shaking from the intensity of the pleasure she was feeling. She felt herself getting closer and closer to the edge of ecstasy. Her body tensed up and then released in waves of pure pleasure.

She could no longer contain herself when she felt his strong, powerful body tensing above her. Her own body felt like a volcano ready to erupt. Every touch, every caress had ignited a fire within her that now burned with an intensity she couldn't ignore. As his muscles flexed against her skin, she could feel the raw strength emanating from him. The weight of his body pressing against hers created a delicious friction that made her heart race and her breath hitch.

Their bodies were entwined in a dance of desire, their connection electric and undeniable. She surrendered herself completely to the sensations coursing through her veins, losing herself in the depths of passion that consumed them both. Her body tensed and she flew straight over the edge, her climax so strong that she shouted his name so loudly that she was sure god himself had heard her. The entire time she refused to close her eyes, instead she kept her eyes locked on his. She wanted... needed... to see every single expression that touched his features.  It was as if his face was a canvas, displaying the intricate tapestry of his innermost thoughts and feelings. 

Both her hands raised to press palms to both sides of his face as she attempted to steady her breathing. As she pressed her palms against his face, she could feel the warmth of his skin against her fingertips. The touch brought a sense of calmness, grounding her racing thoughts. With each breath, she could feel herself slowly regaining control over herself. Both her thumbs lightly brushed against his lips.  " What are you doing every night for the foreseeable future? " She just had to ask to see if his answer had changed from earlier that night.

He wouldn’t dare look away from her. There was nowhere else he wanted to look. His fascination with the slayer was beyond obsession. Nobody would dare take her away from him. He’d marked her and planted his seed in her. Dream or not, they were now united as one.

His hand caressed the side of her face as her own hand explored his. He couldn’t stop touching her. It was like a renewed sense of wonder every time. She fascinated him in numerous ways. She was like no other human he ever encountered. Michal was mesmerized. He would dare say that his father’s greatest human creation was this woman beneath him.

Though their lovemaking had ceased, he refused to pull out. Instead, they remained entangled in each other’s arms, as they continued to touch and admire one another. Sweat on sweat, skin to skin, neither ever wanted to part. They were truly one and the same in the Garden of Eden.

Michael slowly blinked at Buffy’s question, as if their wondrous act of sex tired him out. He didn’t need to sleep, but the thought of having her rest in his arms beneath the branches of this tree did bring joy to this archangel’s heart. It was one of the first selfless joys he experienced in eons.

“I’ll be visiting you in your dreams every night as I prepare to make my return back to the mortal realm,” he declared, as his fingers trailed lazily through her silken blonde hair. He gently pushed her hands away from his face, only so he could dip down and pepper her neck with kisses. While in the crook of her neck, he declared, “Consider me your personal guardian angel.”

As Buffy continued to gaze at Michael, she couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Every time their eyes met, it was as if the world around them faded into oblivion. She couldn't deny the magnetic pull between her and Michael. It was a connection that defied logic and reason. The intensity of their gaze held a promise of a love that could transcend time and space, a love that could conquer any obstacle in their path. At that moment, Buffy knew that Michael had become the missing piece in her life, he was the one who had made her feel complete.

She found it difficult to fathom that throughout this entire time, she had been led to believe that he was a heartless, uncaring monster. How could someone capable of having such passion and beauty be labeled as heartless and uncaring? It was almost heartbreaking to think this encounter between them would soon end. 

As she lay there, her body tingled with a mix of pleasure and longing. The lingering sensations from their passionate encounter left her craving more. Each movement of his hips, though tantalizing, only scratched the surface of her desires. She felt like she was on a high that her body refused to come down from. If she ever had an addiction he was surely it. 

Her eyes fluttered again feeling his lips trailing across her neck. It had always been one of the most sensitive spots on her body. Knowing she was going to see him every night from here on out until she got to finally touch him in person had her heart pounding inside her chest. Chills rolled down her spine and without thought she found herself flipping the tables. Within an instant she had Michael lying on the grassy ground with her straddled on top of him. 

" I hope you can get used to me being insatiable. " Both her hands rested at his shoulders, not that she thought she could even attempt to overpower him, but so that she could slowly and teasingly rotate her hips. Her eyes remained locked on his because no matter how long they were together it was never enough. " I hope my guardian angel can keep up. "

A second wind? The thought drew a smile upon his lips. He didn't object in the slightest. It amused him to find himself beneath her, and he didn't fight it. His vessel certain didn't mind, as a surge of pleasure swelled in his lower regions, as she rocked her hips against his.

"No hope needed, because I will keep up," he promised, as his hands slid up her arms, and stroked her skin. He drank in the sight of her breasts as they jiggled with every movement she made. Every inch of her was flawless.

Now, Michael's desires surpassed anything he could've dreamed of. Gone were his needs to please anybody, other than this mortal seated upon him, whimpering, and moaning his name. He had a new love that extended besides his father and brothers, one that he'd kill for, and protect with his own life. This love was one he'd ensure would be one that would be crying out once more with pleasure and ecstasy. His hands cupped her breasts as she continued to ride him, rocking his hips against hers. Oh, how he wanted to lick the sweat off her stomach, as he drove his shaft deep into her tight sex.

Buffy gasped at the intensity of the sensations coursing through her as their bodies fused together. Michael's hands roamed over her skin, sending shivers down her spine. She felt alive in a way she never had before, like nothing could ever touch her again. Buffy's breaths grew more ragged with each thrust, her hands clutching Michael's shoulders as she ground herself against him. She felt as though she could never get enough, never spend enough time wrapped up in his embrace. Her heart pounded in sync with his, each beat a testament to the undeniable connection between them.

 As they continued to move in sync, Buffy felt as though she was floating on air, carried away by the intensity of their connection. Their bodies melded together perfectly, creating a sense of completeness that she had only ever felt once before. Michael's hands sliding across her skin, his lips trailing kisses along her neck, sent shivers down her spine. She knew she wanted more, needed more, and she would do whatever it took to have him — and not in just some out of body dream world. Their lovemaking was not just about physical pleasure, but emotional and spiritual as well. It was a connection that transcended time and space, and she knew that she would never be the same after this.

 She arched her back, pressing herself closer to him, her hips moving in a steady rhythm. " Michael… " Buffy whimpered as her body trembled, the pleasurable sensations coursing through her reaching a fever pitch. She could feel her heartbeat pounding in sync with the rhythm of her body. She clung to Michael, her nails digging into his shoulders, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. But suddenly she heard in the distance a familiar voice calling out her name. She tried to shake it off but as she looked down at Michael his figure began to blur. Something or someone was trying to pull her back. Her fingers gripped tighter to Michael’s shoulders … " Not yet…please… " She pleaded.

Michael was still riding high from his climax, savoring his own intense rush, when he also heard that overly chummy voice calling out to his human. The waking world summoned her at the worst time. They were two souls reunited at long last--better later than never. Their time together was brief, but at least it was sensual and meaningful. Most importantly, it was impactful. What he left within Buffy would allow his return to Earth to be much sooner than anticipated.

The fear in Buffy's eyes, and the way she gripped him with iron tight intensity, caused him to carefully sit them up off the ground. If it'd been anyone or anything making her so distressed, he would've destroyed them in the blink of an eye. Nobody would've stood in his way, because none would've lasted a second if they hurt what was precious to him. But because it was his vessel, and because of circumstances, he couldn't do anything, but allow her to be awakened.

"It won't be too long before we'll truly be together," Michael promised, as he carefully shifted their bodies, so that their foreheads tenderly rested against one another's. This gesture was a stark contrast to how he acted when they first encountered one another. The thought of her leaving him displeased him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. "I promise you that you'll have a reminder of me in the waking world."

Michael glanced at the morning skies, noticing the light colors breaking through the darkness. It was the first time in his billions of years of existence that he noticed that none of his father's creations could match Buffy's natural beauty. He shifted his gaze back to her, and used his fingers to stroke the side of her face and lips, allowing himself to enjoy their velvet softness one last time.

After doing so, he gave her a chaste kiss on the lips, then whispered, "Wake up."

------- One Month Later

"… Buffy?" Dean's voice called out to her from the distance. "Want some breakfast?"

Buffy slowly blinked, her eyes unfocused as she opened them to the world around her. She reluctantly let go of Michael, feeling the void left behind as he vanished from her grasp. She was disoriented and felt the remnants of the dream world still lingering within her. She was lying on her bed, her clothes disheveled and messy. It was the sight of her torn blouse and the dampness between her legs that reminded her of the intense dreams she still had. They felt so real. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had truly been with Michael, that they'd shared an intimate connection, and that it was something she desperately wanted to experience again and again.

Hearing Dean’s voice brought instant guilt within her. She had to get up, to act normal, to pretend like nothing had happened. She was still in shock, and she knew that Dean would notice something was off if she didn't get a grip on herself. She sat up, smoothing out her clothes as best she could. " Be right there, Dean ! " She called out, her voice weak but steady.

As she walked out of her room, she could feel the aftermath of her dream still coursing through her veins. Her heart pounded, her face flushed, and her mind couldn't shake the memory of Michael's touch. It was as if he had left an indelible mark on her soul, one that she was afraid could never be erased.

Darting past the kitchen and straight into the bathroom she took a moment to splash her face with some cold water. As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but run her fingers through her tousled hair, trying to make sense of what had just happened. She had to do something to try and clear her head. She needed to focus on the here and now. But she couldn’t shake Michael’s last few words " I promise you that you'll have a reminder of me in the waking world ". Was he talking about Dean ? Because if so that was kind of cruel, but Michael wasn’t the cruel monster everyone lead him out to be so that couldn’t be it.

Buffy knew that she had to keep her feelings for Michael a secret, at least for now. She couldn't let anyone, especially Dean, know about the dream she had or the strange connection she felt with this mysterious figure. She had to maintain her normal facade, and try to push the dream to the back of her mind.

Stepping out of the bathroom, she took a deep breath and forced a smile onto her face. " Hey, Dean. What's for breakfast ? " She asked, trying to sound casual and carefree. She knew that if she let on that something was off, Dean would immediately sense it and she wouldn't be able to shake the feeling that she was holding a secret from him.

Dressed in comfortable sweatpants and a well-worn shirt, Dean was already working the skillet over a heated oven when he heard Buffy call out to him. He almost didn't hear her over the sizzling bacon and oil. Buffy must've had a hell of a dream to have slept that long. He almost regretted waking her up. She deserved rest. God knew he needed to sleep in, but his internal clock wouldn't allow him. He felt guilt more than half the time doing so. It was like he didn't deserve it, even after all of his personal achievements over the years.

After cooking the bacon and sausages and setting them aside, Dean prepped the hash browns and onions. Growing up, he made meals like these for Sam during the rare times they had enough money to buy real ingredients, and not junk food from the gas stations. Good old-fashioned hobo meals, or "Mulligan stews." All he needed to add left were the eggs, cheese, and milk, and boom! Breakfast was served.

Even as he moved about the kitchen, Dean's mind shifted to Buffy. When he woke up earlier, he remembered how gorgeous Buffy was in bed. Even with her clothes on, he couldn't remember seeing anyone at peace like her. When he tried to wake her the first time, he wished he hadn't done so. He internally kicked himself, and retreated to the kitchen, where he decided to make breakfast for the two of them. It was only after he warmed up the oven, and busted out the ingredients, did he consider calling out to her again. They were both destined to fight and protect others, but she deserved to rest more than he did.

"Hey!" he greeted when he finally heard Buffy's voice. "Just in time! 'Bout finished here. Have a seat at the table, and I'll serve you a mix of eggs, bacon, sausage, and onions. You up for coffee or juice?"

 Buffy hesitated for a moment, her mind still foggy from the intense dream. She forced herself to focus on Dean and the present moment. " Um, coffee please. I definitely need the caffeine this morning. " She replied, managing a small smile.

 As she sat down at the table, she couldn't help but notice how attentive and caring Dean was being. It made her feel even guiltier about the vivid dream she'd just had about Michael. She watched Dean move around the kitchen with practiced ease, plating up the hearty breakfast he'd prepared.

 " This looks amazing, Dean. " Buffy said, genuinely touched by his thoughtfulness. Dean was so good to her, so attentive and caring. And here she was, her mind still reeling from the intense dream about another man. She took a long sip of coffee, hoping it would help clear her head.

Maybe everything would be okay as long as he didn’t ask to many questions. As hard as she tried she couldn't stop thinking about Michael's touch, his words, the intensity of their connection. But she knew she had to push those thoughts aside and concentrate on Dean, but it was so hard to focus right now.

 " You didn't have to go to all this trouble. " She said, watching as Dean set a steaming plate in front of her. Her stomach growled and churned but she didn’t think it was because she was hungry. The smell of the food was causing her some discomfort. She picked up her fork, poking at the eggs, willing herself to take a bite despite her churning stomach. " How long have you been awake ? " She asked to make some conversation to distract herself, but she could bring herself to look him in the eyes because of the guilt eating her up inside.

"'Bout two hours or so," Dean replied after he turned off the stove. Once he made sure everything was secure, he served himself a plate of food, along with a cup of coffee. After grabbing the morning paper, he took a seat next to Buffy, where he scanned the headlines for any potential leads for new cases. Dean wanted to make sure he was on top of anything that might lead them to their next mission. Failure could never be an option for him.

Under normal circumstances, Dean was laser focused on his next hunt. It was his job, after all. There was no quitting when it came to being a hunter. But ever since Emma mentioned Buffy's situation, he couldn't stop thinking about it. He allowed his emotions for his daughter to blindside him over what was closest to him, what was right in front of him. He couldn't focus when two women he cared for battled for his attention in ways that tied him up and spun him around at the same time.

Dean was a soldier, and he was also a simple man. There was no beating around the bush. Buffy was puking in the bathroom as of late. Picking at the food. Avoiding eye contact. Making small talk. Wasn't acting like her cheery self.

Was she...? Maybe...?

The paper fell to the table. Dean didn't even touch his food nor coffee. Hazel eyes studied the blonde next to him.

"How late are you?" he asked her.

Buffy froze, her fork hovering midair. Her heart started racing as Dean's words sank in. She slowly lowered the utensil, her appetite completely gone now. She knew exactly what he was implying, and the possibility terrified her.

 " I... I'm not sure, " she stammered, her mind whirling. She hadn't even considered that as a possibility, but now that Dean mentioned it, the signs were there. The nausea, the fatigue, the VIVID dreams... " You’ll have something in the waking world to remind you of me. " She swears she just heard his voice clear as day - it caused the fork in her hand to fall clanking against the plate.

 Buffy trailed off, her thoughts in turmoil. If she was pregnant, whose baby was it ? Dean's ? Or... She couldn't even bring herself to finish that thought. The possibility was too overwhelming. " Dean, I... " she started, then faltered. How could she possibly explain the dreams, the connection she felt with Michael ? How could she tell Dean about any of this without hurting him ?

 She stood up abruptly, nearly knocking over her chair. " I need some air, " she muttered fighting back her tears as she headed for the door unable to find the words to express the storm of emotions inside her. The guilt, the fear, the confusion - it was all threatening to overwhelm her.

Dean rose and pushed his seat back. He drew in a sharp breath as he started to leave the table, and yet he could only take a few steps forward, before he stopped all together. Something felt off. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was in the back of his mind.

"Buffy?!" he called out to her. "Wait!"

'Go to her!' he screamed at himself. His hand gripped the side of the table until veins were visible. There had to be something more to this than just a baby on the way. The way Buffy acted, it was as if she was extremely upset. Like she did the unthinkable. But what could it be? He didn't want to waste his time racking his brain over the many possibilities while her hormones were making her upset.

With a grunt, Dean pushed himself away from the table and hurried out the kitchen door. Busting outside under the early morning skies, he found the blonde not too far away, but slowed his pace down, so he didn't come off too intimidating. Her back was facing him, so he adjusted his posture, and remained behind her, where he made enough noise so she knew he was present.

"What's up, babe?" Dean prodded gently. "I'm here for you, y'know?"

Buffy hugged herself tightly, her shoulders shaking as she tried to hold back sobs. She could sense Dean behind her, his presence both comforting and distressing. How could she face him ? How could she explain what was happening when she barely understood it herself ?

" I don't know what's real anymore, Dean, " she whispered, her voice trembling. " These dreams I’ve been having... they feel so vivid, so tangible. It's like I'm living another life when I close my eyes. "

She turned to face him, tears streaming down her cheeks, eyes wide with guilt and anguish. " And now, if I'm really... if there's a baby... " She couldn't bring herself to say the word 'pregnant' out loud. " I… " She suddenly feels like her stomach is going to turn upside down.

There is literally no way out of this now. " I'm not sure you'd understand, " she whispered. " I'm not sure I understand it myself. " Buffy looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. The love and concern in Dean's gaze made her heart ache with more guilt because she knew exactly what it meant.

" The dreams I’ve been having, " she began hesitantly knowing she just had to spit it out no matter the outcome. " They're with... Michael. " As soon as his name left her lips she dropped to the ground on her knees. She couldn’t even face him as her eyes focused through the tears on the sandy ground beneath her.

Buffy took a shaky breath. " I didn't know how to tell you, Dean. I was scared. I thought maybe I was going crazy, or that it was just stress but he said he was giving me something in the waking world to remind me of him… and now… " She trailed off, unable to voice that somehow, impossibly, the child might be Michael's.

Dean's breath caught in his throat. Muscles went rigid. The word "baby," mixed with Buffy and Michael, left him in a stupor. Dean's relationship with the archangel was complicated enough. He hated him, and Lucifer, for what they put him and his brother through. Now with the possibility, or rather, the reality, of what was to come, hit fast and hard.

Despite his soldier mentality filing through the facts of what this meant, the dire consequences that would come out of this, the sight of Buffy in tears and in utter defeat, tore at his heart. At the same time, Dean was beside himself. Michael, an archangel who didn't seem to care one way or another for humans, had slept with Buffy in her dreams. Without a physical body, he was able to impregnate her with his child - a child that would be born a Nephilim. That proved how much power Michael still had.

Wordlessly, Dean shuffled toward Buffy's fallen form, until he was able to kneel before her. The day had just begun, but Dean was already exhausted. Michael left him emotionally drained with the fact that within a few months, a hybrid would be among them, and the end of the world was around the corner. Michael and Buffy were in trouble. Dean couldn't drop that news on Buffy, not yet. He had to figure out something out fast.

Before Buffy could lift her eyes to look at him, Dean gently put his arms around her, and gathered her against his chest. Burying his face into her hair, he murmured, "Hey, let's get you back inside so you can rest, okay?"

Buffy tensed as Dean's arms encircled her, half-expecting him to push her away in disgust. But his embrace was gentle, comforting. She melted against him, clinging to his shirt as sobs wracked her body. But this was far from over. There was still one confession she had to face up to. This was already so much for Dean to take in and what if telling him how she felt about Michael was enough to break that fragile line he was already on ? " No, no you don’t understand. " She couldn't keep hiding the truth from him because it was tearing her up inside. He deserved the truth.

 She shook her head because deep down she felt like once she manages to get it out that everything’s going to change. Buffy pulled back slightly, her tear-stained face looking up at Dean. " There's... there's more. It wasn’t the dreams alone that I was scared to tell you about. " She whispered, her voice barely audible. Her fingers clutched Dean's shirt tighter, as if afraid he might disappear once the words left her mouth.

 " I have feelings for him. For Michael. I didn't mean for it to happen, I swear. But in those dreams, it's like I'm a different person. And that person... she loves him. " The words hung heavy in the air between them. Buffy couldn't bring herself to look at Dean's face, terrified of what she might see there. Anger ? Betrayal ? Disgust ? She trembled in his arms, waiting for the inevitable explosion.

 " I'm so sorry, " she whispered, her voice breaking. " I never wanted to hurt you. I love you, Dean. I do. But these feelings for Michael... they're real too. And I don't know what to do because I love you both. " She finally gathered the courage to meet Dean's gaze, her eyes pleading for understanding, for forgiveness. " Please say something. " She begged because she needed to hear something, even if it was him exploding at her.

Dean's arms remained around her, but they no longer had the strength they once did. They simply hung there, limp. His eyes were void of the warmth and concern they once held for the blonde. As of now, they were filled with confusion and hurt.

Well, shit. It was far from the first time he was ever deceived by someone he loved. He lost count on both hands and toes the number of times he'd been stabbed in the back. Why did this hurt worse than having his heart literally ripped out from a hellhound? Buffy looked and sounded so damned sincere about her actions, that Dean almost believed it. He should've known he wasn't meant for love. The two women in his life ultimately proved it to him: his daughter, and now Buffy.

Dean's hazel eyes hardened, but he still said nothing. There was no way she could possibly love him and Michael both. That was the swan song for him right there. Michael didn't love humans. He didn't hate them, either. How could he love Buffy? Who was he trying to kid? He forced Buffy to have his child. There was a sick plan involved. He must've brainwashed her somehow. Buffy must have been tricked into thinking she was in love with Michael. That was what Dean believed.

He took his arms back and stood to his feet, carefully stepping away from the slayer. As he turned away, a tear unknowingly slid down his face and onto the ground. A harsh sigh escaped his lips. It was difficult to think, let alone breathe. After everything Michael put him through, Buffy claimed to be in love with him? No, no, it was a trap. It was a deception. Over and over again, his mind rapidly told himself she was under his spell. The archangel harmed her, and now she was forced to carry his baby. That was it, end of story.

So why couldn't Dean believe it?

Dean made a tight fist at his side. If Michael was present here and now, he would've loved to hit him square in the jaw, over and over again, even if he broke his fist. There would've been plenty of words exchanged. Instead, Dean slowly relaxed his hand, and used it to wipe the rest of the tears that threatened to spill from his face.

"Wish I could believe you, Buff," he said, his voice utterly defeated. His back remained facing her, but his shoulders sagged, as he struggled to understand why this had to happen. "After all we went through together, after all I went through to accept you for who you are, this is what you do to me? Seriously?!"

Dean's words hit Buffy like a physical blow, causing her to flinch. She reached out towards him instinctively, but stopped herself, her hand hovering in the air between them. " Dean, please, " She whispered, her voice thick with emotion. " I know how this sounds, but you have to believe me. I never meant for any of this to happen. I fought against these feelings for so long, tried to deny them, but I can't anymore. "

 She took a shaky breath, trying to find the right words to make him understand. " What I feel for Michael... it's different from what I feel for you. It's not better or worse, just... different. I’m telling you this because it’s the truth. "

Buffy picked herself up from the ground and stepped closer to Dean, her heart breaking at the sight of his slumped shoulders. She longed to comfort him, to take away his pain, but she knew she was the cause of it. " I understand if you can't forgive me, " She said softly. " But please, don't think for a second that what we have isn't real. My love for you is as true and deep as it's ever been. That hasn't changed. "

Buffy's heart was pounding so hard she thought it might burst from her chest. She watched Dean's back, willing him to turn around, to look at her, to give her some sign that all wasn't lost between them.

Buffy felt like she was drowning, desperately searching for a lifeline. " Dean, I— " The words hung between them like a physical barrier. Buffy wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling cold and alone. " This is what I do to you ? " Buffy choked on those words. Dean's words echoed in Buffy's mind, each syllable piercing her heart like a dagger. Like she had planned for this to happen. That she went above and beyond to betray his trust. She took a trembling step towards him, her voice barely above a whisper.

" Dean, please... I know I've hurt you, and I hate myself for it. But you have to understand, this isn't something I chose. These feelings... they're confusing and terrifying, and I wish I could make them go away. " She paused, fighting back a fresh wave of tears. " But I can't. And I won't lie to you anymore. You deserve better than that. " Buffy longed to reach out, to touch him, to make him understand. But she knew she had lost that right.

Finally she managed to steady herself, a new train of thought about the situation storming into her head. " Like it or not, Michael is a part of you. Is it so hard to believe I’d fall so damn hard for you both ? " There was a flutter in her stomach almost as if her baby knew she was upset and was fighting inside her. " It happened to your brother and sister-in-law, didn’t it ? I love you, Dean, but if that’s not enough and you honestly think I planned all this out just to hurt you that I could be that cruel… then I don’t know what's left to say. "

Buffy was crying--he could hear it in her voice. It killed him to know she shed tears for him. He hated having her upset, but it went both ways. He was hurting big time, too. Yeah, Michael was a part of him, but it didn't mean he liked it. His destiny was intertwined with God and the archangel. It shouldn't have to involve his love life as well.

The more he listened to Buffy's pleading, the more he was tempted to turn around. Every word sounded heartfelt. Maybe she was telling the truth. He never heard her sound so desperate before. But the mention of Sam and Marie, and their relationship, only irritated him more. He couldn't understand that complexity to this day, and the thought of sharing Buffy with Michael, was a concept he refused to accept. He didn't even realize it was going to be the same like them until Buffy pointed it out. The same, but "different." Unlike Sam and Marie, Michael and Buffy were going to create an offspring that would cause death for both parents, and cause doom for the planet. Dean couldn't let that happen.

He raked his fingers using both hands. The anger would only bubble and fester until it exploded. He needed to get away and think. Let some aggression out. If he was going to do anything destructive, he'd do it away from Buffy and the baby. He'd refuse to call it Michael's child. The very thought of her carrying his baby made him sick to his stomach.

"I still love you, Buffy," Dean said, as he offered her a sideways glance. He revealed her one teary hazel eye before he quickly turned away, determined to focus on his next phase of action. "There's no mistaking that. I'm going to do what I can to protect you and the baby. But for right now, I need you to let me have some space. I just gotta process this whole… everything you told me, okay? I'm gonna come home. I won't be gone for long, and I have my phone on me."

Buffy's heart clenched at Dean's words. She wanted to reach out and stop him from leaving, to beg him to stay and work through this together. But she knew he needed space, and she owed him that much after everything she'd just dumped on him.

 " Okay, " She whispered, her voice small and fragile. " I understand. Just... please be careful out there. " She watched as Dean began to leave, his shoulders still tense, his movements stiff. Just as he was about to leave, Buffy found herself calling out to him one last time. " Dean, " She said, causing him to pause. " I know you need time, and I respect that. But please know that no matter what happens, no matter how you feel about me after this, I will always love you. And I will always fight for you. "

 As Dean's footsteps faded away, Buffy felt the full weight of her confession crash down upon her. Her legs gave out and she sank back to the ground, wrapping her arms around her knees. The sobs she'd been holding back broke free. The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by her muffled sobs. She rocked back and forth, her arms wrapped tightly around her midsection, as if trying to protect the life growing inside her from the emotional turmoil surrounding it.

 Minutes passed, or perhaps hours – Buffy couldn't tell. Time seemed to stand still in the wake of Dean's departure. Eventually, her sobs subsided, replaced by a hollow emptiness that threatened to consume her. She slowly uncurled herself, wincing at the stiffness in her muscles. Buffy's hand drifted to her stomach, gently caressing the slight swell there. " I'm sorry, little one, " She whispered. " I'm so sorry you have to go through all of this. " The one thing she could never be sorry about was the life growing inside her. Never had she thought the possibility of her being a mother would ever become a reality.

 With a deep breath, Buffy pulled herself to her feet. She made her way back inside but only went to the window, staring out at the darkening sky. The sun was setting, painting the horizon in shades of orange and pink. It was beautiful, but Buffy couldn't appreciate it. Her mind was racing, replaying every moment over in her mind. Each word, each look, each painful silence – it all haunted her.

 She placed her hand on the cool glass, seeking some kind of anchor to reality. The weight of her choices, her feelings, her very existence seemed to press down on her shoulders. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a different life – one where she wasn't the Slayer, where Dean wasn't a hunter, where Michael…

 Buffy shook her head, banishing the thought. There was no use in imagining 'what ifs'. This was her reality, complicated and messy as it was. A soft kick from within her womb brought Buffy's attention back to the present. She looked down at her slightly swollen belly, a mix of love and fear washing over her. " I know, little one, " She whispered. " Everything's a mess right now. But I promise you, we'll figure this out."

 As night fell, Buffy found herself pacing the room, alternating between checking her phone and glancing out the window. Every passing car made her heart leap, hoping it was Dean returning. But each time, disappointment settled heavily in her chest as the vehicle drove past.

[wickedanddeadly]

From Sam!

[thewiickedones]

《✧》   ━━    The   intensity   of   her   devotion   both   thrilled   and   terrified   him.   He   leaned   into   her   touch,   closing   his   eyes   for   a   moment   to   savor   the   warmth   of   her   hand   against   his   cheek.   ❛   You   don't   know   what   you're   saying,   ❜   he   whispered,   his   voice   rough   with   emotion.   ❛   The   things   I've   done,   the   darkness   inside   me...   it's   not   something   you   can   simply   wish   away.   ❜   Old   habits   die   hard,   and   he   found   himself   searching   for   a   rebuttal,   a   reason   to   push   her   away   and   keep   her   safe   from   the   storm   that   always   seemed   to   follow   him.

But   even   as   he   spoke,   Drake   felt   something   shift   within   him.   The   iron   walls   he'd   built   around   his   heart   were   crumbling,   unable   to   withstand   the   sheer   force   of   Valeria's   love   and   unwavering   faith.   He   opened   his   eyes,   meeting   her   gaze   once   more.   The   forest   around   them   seemed   to   fade   away,   leaving   only   the   two   of   them   in   this   moment   of   raw   vulnerability.

❛   I've   lived   for   centuries,   Valeria,   ❜   Drake   continued,   his   voice   gaining   strength.   ❛   I've   seen   empires   rise   and   fall,   witnessed   the   best   and   worst   of   humanity.   And   in   all   that   time,   I've   never   met   anyone   quite   like   you.   ❜   His   free   hand   rose   to   mirror   her   gesture,   cupping   her   face   gently.   ❛   You   make   me   want   to   be   better,   to   be   worthy   of   the   love   you   offer   so   freely.   But   I'm   afraid...   afraid   that   I'll   fail   you,   that   I'll   become   the   monster   I've   always   feared   I   am   or   that   your   life   will   be   snuffed   away   from.   ❜   It   was   to   late   for   pushing   her   away.   They   were   bonded   now   and   he   way   completely   in   love   and   in   awe   with   the   brunette   beauty   before   him.

The one power that Valeria wished she had, was the ability to take her beloved's fears. She desperately wanted to tell him, to prove to him, that he was wrong. He shouldn't worry about his darkness. No matter what, he was a man of integrity and compassion to her.

"If you go down, I'll either fight to bring you back, or I'll go down with you," Valeria quietly said. Her grip in his hand never loosened. She squeezed his hand right back while she offered him a comforting smile. Her free hand was lifted in order to rest upon the side of his face.

"A world without you, is a world I would not want to live in."

The telekinetic witch shivered at the thought of being alone again. For thousands of years, she went through with it. It was maddening and punishing; ever since she became part of Drake's family, she didn't want to go through it a second time. Yet, she believed in Drake, she loved him, and had absolute faith in him. Even with the struggle whirling within him, she trusted him with all of her heart.

[eliza-and-her-monsters]

begging anyone for Vi x reader x Ellie

ANYTHING.

PUH LUH EASE

WUH LUH WUH

i’ve got you bestie you just might wanna have that therapist on speed dial, okay? soz… 🫣

death doesn’t discriminate

Vi x reader x Ellie

Summary: you were never jackson’s best fighter, you never had to be. you were of course taught the basics of self defense, and if you ever were being attacked and it was between you or them it had to be you… every single time. you just never expected to ever have to put those skills to use… unfortunately though whenever patrol goes awry and you encountered a group of bandits you had to, making your very first kill. obviously after the event you’re left traumatized, and its up to your girlfriends to pull you from the aftermath.

Contains/TW: takes place in the tlou-verse with arcane crossover characters because obviously, innocent and super sheltered reader, i’ve seen the discourse but i AM making it to where ellie CAN pick the reader up (because fuck you that’s why! 💜), told in 1st person, polyamory, set in jackson post-joel death HOWEVER obviously ellie didn’t decide to hunt down ms. girl again. mentions of murder, blood, and just gore in general and HEAVY implications of suicidal ideation. ((this is not meant to romanticize suicide in any way, i’m writing from my own personal experiences. if you or someone you know is struggling please get help. you are loved 💜)) Heavily based off of the song listed below including its lyrics that are obviously not my own creation but def wish they were 💔

WC: 2.2k

You think at some point you would grow used to death, it was always leering. Either a subtle shadow hanging by the back door or growing to overtake the whole compound. In some cases it was merciful, swiftly ending your pain through broken pleas or just pure exhaustion. But in other cases, and the ones I found to be most common, it was known to be rather violent.

I was surprised I even remembered what to do whenever the time came. A dreaded audition it felt like as I slowly trailed Ellie’s gaze to the switchblade in my back pocket, the cold press of a gun against my temple. I don’t think I even processed what had happened until I was backing away, staring at the dead body before me and the still warm blood now coating my hands. My breathing came out in startled gasps, shrieking in traumatized fear the moment I felt her arms wrapping around me from behind.

“It’s me, baby, it’s just me.” She whispered, taking me into her soothing arms even though I tried like hell to fight her off at first leaving streaks of blood in the shape of my hands against her shirt. She only held my trembling body to her chest as I tried to hold back the sobs.

‘You made one kill. Everyone here has at least made one kill. It shouldn’t affect you this much. You’ve lived your whole life letting other people do the dirty work for you, you should be able to make one kill. One measly little kill of a man who would’ve killed you had you not acted so fast.’ I guess I was the only one left who didn’t think the world was that black and white though.

~

I felt catatonic as we made our way back to Jackson, Ellie’s arms holding most of my weight. I half wanted her to leave me there, leave me there to bleed and be ravaged by whatever found me first. She never would though, even if it did mean she’d have less deadweight.

Vi never was a fan of the two of us going out on patrol without her. She always considered herself our guard dog, even over Ellie who could no doubt hold her own at this point. Many nights we still spent dozing off against her while she whispered to us that we were ‘her girls.’

“Vi, emergency.” I heard Ellie speak, my head a dull weight against her chest as she carried me through the front door.

“This is the last time the two of you go on patrol without me, I mean it this time, Els.” I heard her seething as her heavy boots nearly shook the whole house. “Is she hurt? Are you hurt? What the hell happened?”

“I’m fine but she… she had to-” Ellie held the words back, not wanting to speak them in front of me as I felt my body being placed on one of the old ratty recliners. Dead eyes staring forward, like every ounce of light had been winked out a long time ago.

Vi’s own soft blue eyes drifted downwards to the dry blood coating my still shaking hands, the quickest moment of understanding filling her expression. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry.” She murmured, the sentiment enough to bring forth a cascade of tears that I had been holding back until we were safely concealed in the walls again. “You did good though, doll, I need you to know that. You did amazing. Remember what we said, if it’s them or you it has to be you every single damn time.”

I sniffled through the ugly sobs with a shake of my head, I disagreed though I suppose I would always disagree. “She should’ve left me out there.” I finally spoke again after I had what felt like the inability to.

Quickly and without hesitation I could feel Ellie’s hand wrapping around my chin, gentle but firm as she turned my head to face her. “No, you aren’t allowed to say things like that.”

“Why not?” I shook my hand, eyes stinging and burning with tears as I watched her kneel in front of me with what looked like a wet washcloth.

“Let me get you cleaned up.” She didn’t answer me, carefully dabbing at my bloodied hands to wash all of the evidence away. Even though part of me wanted it to stay, tattoo the remnants of blood on my hands until I remembered who I was.

“Tell me why you shouldn’t have left me.” My voice shook as I repeated the question. Push until they finally said the truth. Push until they finally agreed to throw me to the wolves. Push and push and push… “I’ve been nothing but deadweight since I got here.”

“No.” Vi almost growled next, wrapping her own larger hand around my chin this time while I only stared back in defiance. “You are not deadweight, you are valuable and needed and- and we need you alive! I need you alive!”

“Darling, you don’t have to be a fighter to be important.” Ellie spoke next, much gentler than Vi had but still stern nonetheless.

It was hard to find a purpose to live in the apocalypse, I wasn’t sure where everyone found one. I knew Ellie had always had some terrible sense of self importance with the immunity. I guess over the years she had tried her hardest to transfer that to me. Some days it worked. Some days were good, amazing even. Gentle and soft days where I could dream about a world before the infection. A world I’m not sure I or Ellie ever remembered. Some days though, days like today, being reminded of that thought really changed things.

Vi had always been an ‘alive out of spite’ kind of person. Then one day Ellie and I rolled up into Jackson and turned her world upside down and shifted things for the better… that’s how she would tell it at least. She was slightly older, tougher, rough around the edges, but deep down I think she was secretly just lonely. She took us underneath her wing just as quickly as we arrived, all too happy to open her doors for us and things grew and built from there. But no amount of love or care I was given from the two was enough to cover up the fact, if I went outside of the walls something disastrous always managed to happen.

I was just simply deadweight. A bad luck charm if you will. These things never ended well.

“Baby, you’ve just had a bad day.” Vi shook her head as she took my own into her calloused hands. “That’s all it is, my love. We’re in the times of survival now, it’s kill or be killed and… I’m not losing either of you.”

I choked on another pathetic sob, hating myself more and more for every single one. Nevertheless though Vi pulled me into her, muffling the sounds of my cries into her shirt. Traumatized and shaking cries that I rarely actually allowed myself the luxury of, so whenever they came, they came all at once.

~

I fell asleep early that night. Vi running Ellie and I a bath to wash all of the dirt and grime from the disasterous patrol from our bodies. At some point I lost the strength to cry, but I felt like I had lost the strength to do most things. At some point over my sleeping body I had heard Ellie whispering to Vi though, to hide all of the guns, knives, switchblades, anything that could ever be used as a weapon. A mental patient in the middle of the apocalypse. Oh the irony.

“You think she would actually do something to herself?” Vi whispered in her hushed tone while Ellie gnawed anxiously at her already chipped nails.

“Yeah, I do.” She answered with a shuddering breath. “This is worse than Seattle and I- I already thought I was gonna lose her then- Vi, I’m not taking anymore chances.”

“Hey, listen, we’ll take care of her, okay? We’ve got her. We always do.”

“I hope so.” I could hear the rustling of clothes, no doubt an embrace she probably needed. An embrace they probably both needed. And I hated that I was the one who brought them there.

A moment passed and I had nearly managed to doze off again somehow in in the midst of it all just before I could feel the bed slightly dipping behind me. “Just me, you’re safe.” Ellie warned, waiting on my already exhausted muscles to relax before she slid her arms around me from behind. “I need to talk to you, okay?” She whispered against the back of my neck, my heavy eyelids fluttering open for a brief moment. “It’s okay, you can close your eyes. And you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to just… just listen, okay?”

Her fingers gently stroked soothing lines along with arms, the sensation only making my eyelids want to droop even further. “I’ve always had a- a really strong urge to protect you, Vi and I both have. A-And I think you know that. So if you wouldn’t have killed that man I wouldn’t have hesitated. He doomed himself. The moment he laid a goddamn finger on you he doomed himself. And Vi would’ve done the same thing and I think you know that too. Hell, he wouldn’t have even gotten the chance to if Vi was there.” Her fingers slid through my own, a soft yet possessive grasp.

“I know you think I gave up looking for Abby because you were reckless a-and you got hurt and you ruined things. And you were reckless, and you did get hurt but… you didn’t ruin things. You- You just changed things, for the better.” Her lips brushed against my neck, an innocent gesture though had me tilting my head to grant her more access all the same. “You saved me, baby.” She muttered, burrowing her face right into the crook of my neck as she pulled my back in closer to her chest. “I- I could’ve spent my whole life hunting that girl down, because- T-Tommy did ask me to, you know?” Her voice cracked, the feeling of small tears dripping onto my skin, a very simple way to get them to spring up into my own eyes all over again. Just whenever I thought I had been all cried out.

“You- You actually told him no?” My bottom lip quivered as I slowly twisted around to face her, just to feel her own calloused hand against my face. “But I thought you- you promised-“

“It’s not going to bring him back, love.” She shook her head, glancing downwards as if in mild shame. “But whenever you went after me in Seattle and- you got hurt…” she brushed her fingers along the jagged scar slashed into my arm that she was more or less cradling. “I know you were knocked out and you don’t remember a lot of it but… i-it really scared the fuck out of me, y-you know? Like I could lose you. I-I could really honestly lose you and… nothing is worth that, baby. Not a single thing is worth that.”

Tears swam in my eyes as she pressed her lips to the wet streaks that stained them. “You’re an angel, my love. An angel on this absolute fucked up planet and I-I pity every single person that doesn’t get to know you like Vi and I do, you know?” She briefly disconnected her hand from my face to brush away her own tears only to let it snake through my hair as she tugged me back into her chest. “You’re innocent, and you’re kind and you didn’t let any of this take it away and- I hope you never do, honestly.” I felt her chest sinking as she took in a heavy breath and held me to her almost for dear life. Like she was afraid I’d slip away the moment I let go. “No amount of self-sought fury will bring that back… I’ve tried. S-So please, I know it’s hard to find a purpose in this life but… please baby, please stay with me. With us.”

I curled up to her side, resting a heavy head right against where I could feel her heart thumping so softly. The other side of the bed dipped and while I might have flashed back to that moment briefly Ellie’s arms wrapped around me so protectively were enough to pull me back down to earth. At least for a moment.

“My girls.” Vi’s voice followed next, her arm nearly long enough to stretch over the both of us as she brought us close to her with ease. I felt my back pressing against her muscular chest as she settled down next to us, taking her usual trusty spot closest to the door as always.

It was hard to promise survival during the end of the world, even safe within the walls of a community. But for that night I at least promised I wouldn’t do it on my own accord. Someday, somewhere, something would kill me, but it wouldn’t be at my own hand.

No amount of self-sought fury will bring back the glory of innocence.

Credits: dividers by @saradika-graphics

[vase-of-lilies]

… for the tiny tiger au. How about Wanda and Nat freaking out thinking that R got out. Which we did, we’re alone outside. But instead of running like they think we did, we found a baby fox and start poking it and what not to see if it’s alive (cause it’s sleeping) and thinking it’s cute we bring it back to mommy and mama who are in hysterics trying to find out where we went, only to turn when tapped to find us covered in mud/dirt presenting the new friend we have to them, wide eyed kan we eep em? Mommy mama pweeesss?

Nat and Wanda don’t know what to do side eyeing one another because they don’t want their baby to cry, but also. It’s a fox.

Muddy Buddies

Paring: Mommy!Wanda Maximoff x Little!Reader x Momma!Natasha Romanoff

Warnings: this is a dark AU, wandering off into the woods, finding a friend, fluff, heavy MD/LG, needles, rabies shots

A/N: This immediately reminds me of this video I saw where this kid found a raccoon and is crying because she can’t take him home 😭 Another small drabble for Into The Tiny Verse:) Also, I'm so sorry. I am so tired so if it sounds like a 10-year-old wrote this (my vocab sucks when I'm tired) then just- Idk bear with me here 😭

Your little self was none the wiser when an opportunity to go outside came up. You didn't have any intention of escaping from your new caregivers, all you wanted to do was go on an adventure with your lion! And when this opportunity came up, you took it.

Natasha had just returned from her trip to town, grocery bags in her arms. Usually, she was much better at keeping an eye on you when Wanda was busy, and when she didn't see you come running to the door to say hi to her, she figured you were asleep or with your mommy.

At this point, you were now a couple feet into the forest surrounding the cabin. Not wanting to scare your mommies, you never lost sight of the house. That is until a little hint of orange just a little further inside the trees caught your eye.

Your curiosity moved your feet closer to the unknown blob of color, and once you saw it you let out a soft gasp. Your hand covered your mouth and you moved just a little closer.

It was a baby fox!

Looking around, you grab a stick with some leaves still on it and you kneel down next to the still fox. Is it dead? Your head pushes. Why isn't the mother here? Another question you ask yourself. With the stick in your hand, you gently poke the soft bum of the fox. The animal twitches, and you jump in surprise. Dropping the stick, you crawl to it, not caring about the mud on your pants or hands.

The small fox squeaks, and opens her little eyes, looking up at you. However, it did not run away. Instead, she yawned and got up from her position on the muddy forest floor. She stretches and even approaches you. Carefully, you hold your hand out and you smile as the fox's wet nose sniffs your fingers.

"Aren't chu jus' the chutest ting?" You whisper, scratching the fox's chin. "Yous name is Butto! (Butter)"

Butter lets out a small whine and a raspy bark, and you pick her up. She looks around as you stand up with her, and she slightly starts to struggle. You hold her comfortably tight, and you walk quickly back to the cabin.

Upon entering the cabin once again, you hear your mommies' worried voices. They shouldn't be worried... I'm right here! They don't hear you come in through the front door, too focused on reviewing the camera footage from outside of the warm abode. The two women don't even hear you enter their office!

Holding Butter and Leo (your lion) in one arm, you gently tap Wanda's shoulder to get her attention with the other hand. Her head snaps to the side, her eyes widening when she sees you. "Tiny! Oh my- Oh, and tiny's friend..." She says with a hesitant laugh, pulling her hands away from your muddy self and your muddy friend.

You tilt your head at her reaction to you but shake it off to ask the more important question at hand. You look up at the woman with doe eyes, "kan we eep em? Mommy mama pweeesss?" Wanda and Nat look at each other, surprised to say the least, but not wanting to hear you cry if they take your friend away.

"Who- uh- who is this, little one?" Natasha says, looking down at the fox in your arms.

"Her name Butto'" You say nonchalantly, as if it was just a new stuffed animal.

"Butter?" Wanda confirms and looks at her wife, eyes wide and asking for some type of support. Natasha can’t help but chuckle, and she kneels down in front of you.

“Tiny, I know this little one looks like a friend, but these little guys are tedious. They aren’t very friendly,” Nat frowns, starting to take the fox from your arms.

“Nnnnooooo! No she fren, mama, she nice,” you protest, pulling yourself away from the woman. “She tan stay wif me in m’room, and she can snuggle wif us!”

Wanda and Natasha devise a plan to get the little fox away from you and back to its mother, and they do that by putting you outside with Butter. In the backyard of course.

Butter in fact wasn’t nice. She scratched you, bit you, and made you cry, but your intentions on keeping her never wavered. Your little brain was just seeing another friend, and that’s all you thought this little fox was.

Wanda offered you a deal. “How about we make a trade?” She asks with a smile. “How about I take Butter, and you take Pancakes?” Your mommy pulls a plush fox from behind her back, and you tilt your head. “Just like you need mommy to take care of you, so does little Butter, and we need to get her back to her mommy.” Wanda says, and you start to understand.

“Butter has mommy too?” You ask, tears forming in your eyes at the thought of being taken away from your caretakers. Wanda nods softly and takes Butter from your hands.

“Yeah, so let’s get her back to her home and we can play with Pancakes all night. How does that sound?” Wanda asks you, finally pulling the baby fox from your scratched up hands.

Natasha had contacted Bruce Banner. He may be a human doctor, but he knows where this little fox can go to get real care. He even said that you and your mommies could visit her too! While Wanda held you in her arms, Natasha was distracting you while Bruce gave you a few rabies shots, and a few other vaccines to help you stay healthy after touching a wild animal.

You were not a fan of needles, and the two women knew that.

As you waved goodbye to Bruce and Butter, you sighed softly. “Butto’ sc’atched me,” you sniffle, looking down at your hands that now stung.

“Oh honey, it’s ok, let’s go get you cleaned up for dinner, ok?” Wanda says, picking you up bridal-style and taking you to the bathroom to wash up.

Once your bath was finished, Wanda bandaged your hands and arms and got you all warmed up in your pjs. After dinner, your mommies kept their promise and you played with your new (fluff-filled) friend until you fell asleep!

“We need to watch her carefully…” Natasha chuckles, stroking her knuckle over your sleeping face.

Wanda nods, “Agreed!”

[mm-lurking]

Nothing will ever fix us - Jiyan

A/N: Had an idea while I was sick and I ran with it. Warnings: Jiyan x fem! reader, angst with no happy ending, not really proofread I got tired WC: 2444 -- Everyone around you always talked about timing when it came to love. “If you find the right person you will make it work no matter what!” “There is no such thing as the wrong time.” “If you really wanted to, you would have.” It was so easy for them to say. So easy for them to say, you think as your fist tightens into a ball and your knuckles turn white. The item in your fist protrudes into your skin and the irregular edges pinch at the thinner edge of your palms but the pain is nothing compared to the aching in your heart that shows no signs of dulling.

You unravel your fist and stare at the item again. It was a necklace Jiyan gifted to you on your first anniversary together. You remember how surprised you were staring at the J-shaped gold pendant decorated with tiny emerald pieces. The shock on your face as you tried to form sentences only to look like a dying fish had Jiyan chuckling loudly, a sound you so dearly loved to hear.

“Jiyan…I…what-“

“Do you like it?”

He softly asks as you hold the necklace box in your hands. He notes how your hands shake slightly, as if afraid of the weight that the gift holds. One of his slender hands holds onto your occupied hand and he gently squeezes them.

“I- of course I do! But-“

“As long as you like it, my love.”

You gulp as you pry your eyes away from the glimmering necklace and look into his golden ones.

“Jiyan this is too much…and it’s just our first anniversary you can’t-“

“Nothing is too much when it comes to you. Nothing.”

You sense the determination and sheer amount of love he has for you. His voice is firm and resolute as if he’s sure he wants you right now and forever. That there is no one except you in this lifetime and more.

Tears blur your vision and you clench your teeth so tightly that you can feel them aching into your gums. The necklace falls from your palm and hits the floor with a loud thud as you bring your hands to your face and sob heavily. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. You didn’t want it to end like this. What choice did you have?

Jiyan was the perfect man. He truly really was. A well-versed medic and general with a gentle personality who knew when and where to display his power. He was observant; no detail ever slipped his eye and he made sure everyone and everything was taken care of. That is exactly what made you fall in love with him so deeply. You swore this man had no flaw -he was so well-rounded that nothing about him was a problem to you. Sure, he was stubborn and cared more for his troops and others than himself, but don’t we all? Aren’t we all like that for the ones we love? 

Yet when days turned into months, and months into years you realised that perhaps, just perhaps, the downside to meeting such a perfect man was that you were fated to never have him close to you. That when duty called and the lives of civilians were at stake you had to sacrifice your relationship so he could keep everyone safe. The sacrifice of your love was crucial so the army troops were not selfishly sacrificed.

The first few times it was fine. You didn’t mind having to part ways with him because it was part of the package -it was part of dating General Jiyan. You knew what you signed up for and you were ok with it. You were prepared to be lonely because you had been single before, so what was so hard about having a man but just not having him by your side? At least you had a companion, one so beyond your league you still wondered what you did to be blessed with him. You were his and he was yours.

But there is only so much burden a heart can hold. Some nights you couldn’t sleep when your aching heart haunted you instead of a good night’s rest. Some nights your anxiety ran wild as you thought of all possible worst-case scenarios of Jiyan getting hurt or worse…finding out he’s dead. Some nights you stayed awake wondering why you hadn’t received a reply from him when days and even weeks had passed. Other nights you stayed up sobbing into your arms, wondering when you would get to walk around with Jiyan in the city and have fun like all these other couples did. The bed was so cold and empty without him.

However you persisted. When those long nights passed and your tears dried, you washed your face, sucked it up and went to work. You had a duty to fulfill and the world didn’t care how painful it was to practically never see the man who owned your heart. You didn’t hold Jiyan accountable, you knew he didn’t do it on purpose. His long letters to you detailed how much he loved you and missed you and how sorry he was for missing the second anniversary or your new promotion or how he couldn’t make it back in time for the new years and other holidays where families celebrated together…you forgave and you forgave.

Until your third anniversary came around. He had told you he would be there for the day as work had lightened up. He told you he had a surprise for you and that he wanted you to dress your best and meet him at a specific spot. You remember how giddy you felt reading that letter, kicking your feet like a teenager in love and screeching with each word he wrote. Finally! Some quality time with my man! 

If only you knew.

He didn’t show up on the promised night. You waited and waited but there was no sign of Jiyan. The sun rested and the moon rose yet the love of your life wasn’t here. You stood there awkwardly, dressed head to toe like a supermodel compared to the civillians as they eyed you while walking past. Some grandmothers even offered to take you home, wondering what a maiden like you was doing alone dressed like this in such a place. The embarrassment turned into tears that bubbled in your eyes and eventually, you stormed home out of humiliation and frustration. Enough was enough.

The doorbell rang at 11 pm that night. You had changed out of your attire and gotten ready for bed. With a heavy heart, you went to open the door only to find the man responsible for your heartache standing there. You remember the way your tear-stained face turned into one of fury as you stared at him, angry and infuriated.

“Leave.”

There were several million things you wanted to say but that’s all you manage to squeak out. Jiyan stands there with an exhausted face as he looks at you, his heart breaking as he hears the coldness in your voice. You try to shut the door on him but his muscular arm blocks you from doing so.

“My love please-“

“Do not even use that term on me right now, General Jiyan.”

His Adam's apple bobs as he harshly swallows. He knew he messed up big time but he wanted you to listen to his side of the story.

“Something came up. I swear I didn’t do it on purpose. I was going to come to the city but there was an emergency I had to resolve. Unfortunately it took much longer than I expected, for which I apologise.”

You scoff. You had spent this whole time crying and just when you had managed to calm down, of course he had to reignite the tears again. You angrily wipe your tears as you point your finger at him.

“Every single time you couldn’t come to see me, I forgave you. I forgave you for missing holidays, my new promotion, all important milestones in our relationship…I forgave and I forgave and I forgave!”

With each word you speak, your tone gets harsher and louder. Your finger trembles as you jab it into his chest continuously. You were fuming from how much he had neglected you all this time. Jiyan frowns in sadness as he watches you express your anger.

“The one time,” you say shakily, “the one time I had my hopes up for us, the one time I went all out as you requested me to do so… you just had to get me excited and happy only for you to shatter everything into pieces, didn’t you?!”

Hot tears roll down your eyes as you continue to yell at him. He tries to move away from the door and step inside your house but you prohibit him.

“Don’t even think about coming inside Jiyan.”

“Please, listen to me.”

“There is nothing left to listen to! Do you not understand?!”

Sobs wreck your body as you cry even harder. Your head hurts from all the tears you shed today and your eyes show no signs of stopping anytime soon. He extends his arm forward to comfort you but you swat it away.

“I don’t want anything to do with you anymore Jiyan. This…,” you point back and forth at the two of you, “is not working between us.” His eyes widen and waver at your words, unable to believe you would say such a thing.

“If…if you need more time, or a break away from me I totally understand but please,” his voice quietens as he continues, “please don’t leave me.” You can hear the pain in his words and it makes you cry harder but you shake your head.

“Don’t make this difficult for me. You can barely come back to the city to visit your mother let alone come visit me. You have spent most of your life on the battlefield and it’s the only place you ever will be. You don’t have time for me Jiyan, admit it. Admit it that you cannot give me the time and attention I need.”

Your voice breaks by the end of it. You never imagined there would be a day you would have to break up with this man. You truly thought you both would be together for eternity, that no matter what came your way, no matter what obstacles you faced, no matter how difficult things got for both of you, you always thought you both would be together through it all.

Yet that was never meant to be the case.

Jiyan forcefully swallows and stares at the ground for a moment, contemplating something as tears fill his eyes. Then with great sorrow, he looks up at you and awkwardly smiles. You cannot stop crying as you gaze into his eyes, hiccuping through your tears while trying to say something. You wanted to comfort him but that would make your decision harder.

“If…if you ever find yourself wishing for me again, my love…please know that my doors are always open for you.”

You wail like a widow upon hearing those words.

“I am sorry…I am sorry for doing this Jiyan…but this is for the best.”

Your throat burns from how aggressively you’ve cried so far. You shake your head, not wanting to deal with this anymore. The longer he stayed the more difficult he would make it for you to stay true to your words. You close your eyes and take a deep breath before giving your verdict.

“Leave Jiyan. Go. I hope you find your happiness elsewhere.”

His gaze lingers on you for a little longer as he takes in the last of you. You can see him trace your features mentally, etching every curve and crevice of you into his memory to last for a lifetime. Then with a heavy heart, he turns around and walks a few steps before stopping. He looks sideways, just enough for you to see his side profile but not enough for you to see the heartbreak that is visible on his face.

“I will never find happiness in anyone but you.”

Without turning back he walks away, leaving you in fresh tears as his grieving voice rings in your head. You watch him leave until he disappears from your line of sight. A gust of wind shuts your door close, closing off not just your encounter but also your relationship with him.

The flashbacks force you to open your puffy eyes and you slouch against the wall slowly as you slump to the floor. You can’t help but tug on the hairs on your scalp as everything hurts and burns. The necklace he gifted you lays by your feet and you stare at it for a while before hesitantly picking it up while crying. Anger surges through your body and you throw the necklace across the room, screaming in agony as you do so.

You want to hate him for making you feel like this, for taking your heart so lovingly and crushing into nothingness but the logical part of you knows it’s not his fault. You know he would never willingly hurt you and you know he didn’t want to make you feel like this. Yet sometimes as human beings our actions speak louder than words; no matter how many paragraphs of sickly sweet love letters someone writes, no matter how much someone says they will be there for you through thick and thin, their behaviour will speak volumes.

Simply put, he couldn’t love you the way you deserved to be loved and nothing could fix that, not even his letters and gifts to you. And even after two months of breaking up with him, you find it hard to find closure over your broken relationship. You stay there on the floor as you continue to cry your lungs out, letting yourself be a mess. In the distance, your phone screen lights up from an unknown number. You are too occupied in your grief to pay attention to the messages.

[sent 23:07] I…I know you’ve blocked me from reaching you so forgive me for finding another way

[sent 23:11] The battle was tough and I fear I don’t have much time left

[sent 23:13] But if I had to choose this life again

[sent 23:15] And I had to choose to love you again

[failed to send] I would

[failed to send] I would do it in a heartbeat 

[failed to send] I love you

[failed to send] Forever and always

[failed to send] Jiyan ⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ ©mm-lurking 2024 do not copy, steal or reuse my work.