#(< if someone hasn't seen it yet - please do it's great)

[psink]

This guy (psi battle)

[shotmrmiller]

ghost getting himself a cute, soft girl he doesn't talk about much but is clearly obsessed with and price just thinks it's nice he's finally settled down, approves of the home he's made for himself, definitely approves of the one he's taken for himself.

soap asks kyle if he's seen you and he says, "yep. lovely bird he's got tucked away in her little dollhouse. makes great food, too." soap swears there's a subtle shift in his tone when he says "lovely", a hint of something deeper that flickers in his eyes for just a moment. soap simply sucks on his teeth, letting it slide. (although he knows that kyle's always been one to appreciate the good things in life.)

interest gnaws at him, a persistent itch he can't scratch. price likes you just fine, as does kyle. well what about him? he decides to bite the bullet and goes to simon with a knot between his brows, the corners of his lips tugged downwards. they've shared clothes, bullets, beds. if the other two got to meet you, why can't he?

"ya can come over for dinner on tonight. she'd 'ave my neck if she didn't formally meet ya anyway."

soap then asks, out of genuine curiosity more than anything else, if simon would have kept you in the dark from him hadn't he brought you up himself.

"ya meet 'er when i want ya to, boy, and not a moment before." the tone he takes is unmistakeable. his words are a command, not a suggestion, and soap instantly knows to not push further.

soap nods. "ah'll be there."

"course ya will. she'd be terribly disappointed otherwise."

yeah, he'd hate to have that.

soap sits in the living room, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light over the cozy place. with a full stomach and an unfastened belt, nursing a glass of kentucky. he can't remember the last time he ate that well or that much.

maybe it's the alcohol that loosens his tongue, or the fact that he wishes he also had a sweet little thing to keep at his side just like simon's doing with you now, but the thoughts he's been mulling over all evening since he first saw you tumble out of his mouth.

"while ah can attest to yer taste in sweethearts, can't say much about your alcohol. bourbon, LT?" he says, chest warm.

simon's arm tightens around your hips, fingers splayed possessively over your thigh. he shrugs, completely unbothered by the backhanded compliment. "can't be perfect in everythin', can we, sergeant?"

soap's cheeks burn furiously hot when you come to his defense with a smack of your palm onto simon's chest. "be nice to johnny. he's got a face that make up for some of his other flaws."

the teasing lilt in your voice unashamedly gets his southern blood pumping. he can't help it if certain things stir when someone as pretty as you look at him like that. soap swirls the amber liquid gently in the glass while keeping his limpid eyes on you, not even trying to hide the fact that his gaze hasn't wavered since your cheeky little comment.

you then whisper something in simon's ear, your cupped hand not even half the size of his head and soap has to rearrange himself from the outside when your teeth catch your bottom lip. simon looks up at you then, eyes heavy and half lidded, and a smirk plays at the corners of his mouth.

"'m not sure, love. you'll just 'ave to ask 'im yourself. go on."

you open that sweet mouth of yours, but simon cuts you off with a decisive wave of his hand. "no. you know how to ask for things."

your reaction to that is visceral, and you're on your knees faster than his alcohol-muddled brain can comprehend. don't look down 'er shirt, don't look down 'er shirt, don't-

"johnny, will you touch my pussy?"

he splutters at your question, completely taken aback, but it seems you're not done just yet.

"hands to yourself, sergeant. tha' not all."

you pout at simon, one that earns you a look that promises consequence, but do as he says.

"will you touch my pussy, johnny? pretty please?"

[harunayuuka2060]

Cater: Acey-kun~ What did you do to anger a whole dorm like that?

Ace: I don't know, Cater-senpai!

Riddle: Are you sure? Because even Leona-senpai was glaring at you.

Ace: ...

Deuce: It's because Ace said something stupid to Yuurin.

Deuce: About the hairpin.

Ace: I apologized already!

Trey: *laughs* Yes. I've seen that. But please don't do it again, Ace.

Trey: You don't want to mess with Leona.

Ace: Geez. He wasn't like this with Jack and Epel.

Riddle: You don't understand, Ace. If I have someone like Yuurin in Heartslabyul, I would be overprotective too.

Ace: Tch.

Cater: I'm not really familiar with this Yuurin, Riddle-kun.

Cater: What is he like?

Riddle: Oh, he's—

Riddle: You want to ride the horses?

Yuurin: Yes. Would it be possible, Housewarden Riddle?

Riddle: Hm. I can allow it, though do you have experience in riding one?

Yuurin: Yes. I took classes when I was little.

Riddle: I see. Well then, follow me.

Riddle: I suggest that you choose the most docile one for your own safety.

Yuurin: ...

Yuurin: *points to a certain horse* How about that one?

Riddle: You can't. He's quite aggressive. He has already harmed multiple students because of his short-temper and attitude.

Yuurin: ...

Yuurin: *approaches the horse's stall*

Riddle: Yuurin! What are you doing?!

Yuurin: *is having a staring contest with the horse*

The (aggressive) horse: *pricks his ears*

Yuurin: ...

Yuurin: *turns to look at Riddle with eagerness* I like him.

Riddle: ...

Random student: Are you sure about this, Sir Riddle?

Riddle: We'll just send him to infirmary if anything happens.

Yuurin: *riding the horse she picked*

Riddle: Yuurin! What are you planning to do now?

The horse: *whines, trotting in place*

Yuurin: Let's do a race.

Riddle: What?! It'll be dangerous for you!

Yuurin: I trust my horse.

Trey: So, did you end up having a race?

Riddle: Yes. He's not bad for a first-timer.

Cater: Does that mean he's a member of the Equestrian Club now?

Riddle: *sad frowns* No. He's still choosing. But I have given him permission to visit the horse whenever he wants to.

Ace: Y-You gave him special privilege?

Deuce: He hasn't chosen a club yet?

Ace, Trey, Riddle, and Cater: ...

Riddle: Deuce.

Deuce: D-Don't misunderstand, Housewarden Rosehearts! I have no plans in stealing Yuurin from the Equestrian Club!

Cater: Ah! By the way, Acey-kun! Isn't Jamil looking for a new member for the Basketball Club?

Ace: Huh? Y-Yeah... Why?

Cater: I'm sure Leona and the Savanaclaw students are still pissed about what you did, I think it will be an opportunity to be friends with Yuurin so they will forget entirely about the whole hairclip-bullying accusation. *smiles*

Riddle: That's a great idea, Cater.

Ace: ...

Ace: I-I'll try...

Ace: Please, Leona-senpai!

Leona: No. Yuurin is in the middle of training right now.

Leona: AND I HAVEN'T STILL FORGIVEN YOU.

Ace: ...

Ace: I'll just wait for him then.

Ace: What is he doing by the way— *his eyes widened*

Yuurin: *doing a triangle choke hold against an upperclassman*

Other students: *shouting* Yuurin! Don't let him create a space!

The upperclassman: I'm still... stronger than you, Yuurin!

Yuurin: !!!

Yuurin: *releases the grip around his neck, seizing hold of the trapped arm*

Yuurin: *with a swift adjustment, she transitions smoothly, securing the armbar position, applying pressure to his elbow*

The upperclassman: Ow! Ow! Stop! Stop!

Yuurin: *releases him*

The upperclassman: *groans* Ow...

Yuurin: Thank you so much for your assistance, senpai. *bows respectfully to him*

The upperclassman: Yeah... We'll do the defenses next.

The upperclassman: But let's do that after this week.

The upperclassman: I'm beat.

The other students: Great job, Yuurin!

Ace: ...

Leona: You still here?

Ace: Um... Wow.

Ace: Good thing we don't have a wrestling competition here.

Leona: There'll be one. *smirks* And I might invite you to compete.

Ace: Eh?! Please don't, Leona-senpai!

Yuurin and the rest of the Savanaclaw students: *looking at their direction*

Savanaclaw student A: Isn't that Ace Trappola from Heartslabyul?

Savanaclaw student B: What is that punk doing here?

Savanaclaw student C: Is he still making fun of you, Yuurin?

Yuurin: Oh. No. He already apologized.

Savanaclaw students: Good, good.

Savanaclaw students: Just beat him up like you did to us if he ever teases you again.

Yuurin: ...

Yuurin: *smiles*

Savanaclaw students: ...

Savanaclaw students: Our little sister is so cute. 🥺

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Many Tiny Idiots, Some Irreverent Hotness & an Engagement

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Oct 2024 Week 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Fourever You (Thai Thurs YT) ep 4 of 16 - OK so Hill has really been trying to pick him up from the beginning? I don’t understand why there’s any doubt around girls at all. He Gay everyone. Why is Tatch (2 Moons Ambassador) the only seme in Thai BL history allowed to actually just say "I don’t date women.”

Why is that so hard?

This show is definitely frustrating me, but I must admit that it’s the one I look forward to the most each week.

Love Sick 2024 (Thai Sun iQIYI) ep 6 of 15 - I am now only watching the uncut version, and I gotta say it makes all the difference. Please don’t watch the cut version of this show if you can possibly help it. It’s like cliff's notes of cliff's notes. I love the tiny side couple of tough kid + the dork of the music club. Ah the beach sequence. Condenced WAY DOWN, I see. We lost one of the most iconic lines in all BL but i think everything is improved by how much tighter the plot is in the remake (6 episodes became 1!). So I’m enjoying it. Weirdly, I'm not sure I would be enjoying it, if I hadn’t seen the original.

Is anyone watching this on iQIYI who hasn't seen the original? Just out of curiosity. Tell me how it's going for you, would ya? 

I'm doing a face-off style watch along of this new version versus the original 2014-2015 version.

Kidnap (Fri YT) ep 8 of 12 - I don’t entirely get it. They were apart for approximately 11 minutes. I would’ve thought GMMTV would’ve drawn it out for longer and more angst. Smiley face kiss was cute, but the star of this ep was that gorgeous pale blue waffle sweater on Q. What a great color for Leng! 

Jack & Joker (Thai Mon IQIYI) ep 7 of 12 - I do like that we’re seeing an honest exploration of poverty and hopelessness. I’m not sure how I feel about it inside my BL, tho I’m willing to persavere for this pair.

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 12 end - Someone said recently "just imagine what TutorYim could do with an actual script." And you know what? I agree. Because they sure as shit haven’t gotten one yet. And it’s getting quite frustrating. I’m having JaFirst flashbacks. Frankly, 2024 has been a year of unmitigated BL nonsense narratives. And I’m tired of it. I know it’s bog standard for the genre, but it feels like there’s been more than normal faff this year.

Summary 

An incredibly convoluted, disjointed, and badly-paced drama that is about(?) some writers writing a thing and some boys who knew each other when they were kids, lots of pretty sexy times, and not much else. The visuals are gorgeous, the side couples are overly appealing (with little to no screen time), the dubbing and sound is absurdly bad, and the fantasy novel (play within a play) makes no sense whatsoever while also managing to be the show that we all actually wanted to see instead of what we were given. 6/10 

In conclusion, I have no interest in attempting to understand or revisit this show, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend it, but if you have nothing better to do…… the sex is good (frankly I have exes that satisfy all the same criteria). So there it is: this show is like a bad but still hot ex.  

Every You Every Me (Thai Mon Gaga) ep 3 of 10 - Nice to see Fiat in something again. Namping is very angel baby.  This episode made me think that this pair would do a great Thai remake of Love Tractor, and now that’s pretty much all I want in life. I enjoyed wardrobe in this episode. It looks like we get the same characters next week. Cool. 

Bad Guy My Boss (Thai Sun Gaga) ep 6 of 10 - I guess everyone is messy slutty bisexual in this show? Do I care? Not even slightly. BLabies, I don’t think I’m gonna make it. I might have to drop this one.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

See Your Love (Taiwan Weds Gaga) ep 1-2 of 13 - I adore it, what a wonderful meet cute. I love a Taiwanese BL that starts with a gratuitous kidnapping, some chasing, and a bit of a fight sequence. We in OLD fashioned territory. 

Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 5 of ? - I continue to enjoy it very much.

My Damn Business (Korea Sat YT) eps 4 of 7 - Oh! Is the sleazy boss gonna turn out to be actually a sleazy player? That would be an interesting twist.

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo (Korea Thurs Gaga) eps 3 of 8 - I’m really not a big fan of my pain coming from Korea. I’m getting a whiff of To My Star 2 from this one. And that does not make me happy. I know: high quality high angst yada yada blah blah blah. But also unnecessary pain? No thank you. 

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) ep 12 end - Of course, I love the part where Reese and Orca spoke each other’s languages.

Conclusion

Had this been produced a mere 3 or 4 years ago, I would’ve been quite enamored. But by comparison to what we’ve been getting, this is a lackluster offering. A has-been musician and a much younger composer meet, fall in love, and attempt to rectify his stalled musical career. Cute side couple of a Thai popstar + his Korean manager. Everyone is very fine and it was a fine show. I wasn’t disappointed, but I wasn’t impressed either. 8/10 

Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan Tues Netflix?) 6 of 10 eps - It was a fun little confession and climax, there was crying, and a bridge kiss (been a while) all of this appeals to me even if they are tiny idiots (in the immortal words of @heretherebedork )

Eccentric Romance (Korea Weds Viki) eps 5-6 of 12 - More tiny idiot boyfriends who don’t realize they’re boyfriends. That’s it, that’s all that’s happening. Ostensibly there’s some kind of murder. But it seems to be acting more like set dressing than plot.

It's airing but...

The Hidden Moon (Sat WeTV) 10 eps - Supernatural romance (my ghost boyfriend trope) by Violet Rain (I Feel You Linger). A man is hired to write an article about an old mansion. He sees the ghosts of people who died at the mansion, falls in love with one of them. Was substantially recast. I loved IFYLITA except the ending so I think I'll let this one run it's course you can tell me if it's work tracking down... if they managed to land it. I have my doubts.

In case you missed it

Mew & Tul legit engaged.

Love in the Big City (Korea Viki) 8ep - Vicki dropped them all at once which means I did what I do under such circumstances and skipped to watch the final episode. (I am well aware that this makes me a monster. ) Anygay, that told me that I’m not gonna be bothering to watch the series. Now y'all can tell me how amazing it is and what I’ve missed and blah blah blah. But I’m comfortable with my choice. It’s ICRY 2.0 + HIV. And I’m not willing to play its literatti game. At some point I might watch it on fast-forward for the sex scenes, but I’m not at that point yet. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Still Coming:

10/27 Perfect 10 Liners (Thai Sun YouTube?) 24 eps! - New directing yet another university BL with engineers + their mentees. Based on a Jittirain novel. with a massive cast and massive run time. We will be watching this until APRIL of 2025!

ForceBook playing the same old characters = enemies to lovers tsunder/sunshine jock/nerd thing.

PerthChimonSanta are doing the cohabitation cool guy/dork trope.

JuniorMark are doing popular sunshine meets lonely sad boy (the only interesting pair IMHO).

I think Blue Canvas of Youthful Days has started on iQIYI but I only get it on Viki and that doesn't drop for a few days, plus...... CBL......? Not sure I'll report on this one unless it's really good.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

From Uncle Unknown which is truly terrible but this was so SO funny. I'm still chuckling when I think about it.

The first representation of shipping in a BL that I actually enjoyed. Also Dat's clear approval of being shipped didn't hurt. (Judge)

(lask week)

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many at-ings.

[jesswritesthat]

Suna Rintarō: Bets

Fandom: Haikyuu!! — [ Masterlist ]

Summary: ~1.2k, fluff

• Challenging Atsumu is always fun and games, but how long can you keep playing when it involves Suna?

Warnings: None

>>>>——————————>

Atsumu let off yet another chastise of offence toward his teammate who took it in stride, they knew he was a perfectionist when it came to his sets - they were tailored specifically so when someone missed he took it personally. However, Sunas taunting on the matter had agitated him today which lead you to your pouty blonde friend on his chosen bench, a dangerous skip in your step as you settled next to him.

"If he's that annoying, I could take him out for ya." You playfully suggested, smirk looming as you spun your pencil between your fingers. "Y'know, if you want?"

Atsumu flicked his suspicious gaze to you after hearing your alluring offer, eyeing you with more conviction than usual.

"With a gun or on a date?"

A conniving grin and a casual shrug that told him you weren't bothered by either.

"Depends how much he annoys me."

"Hah I dare ya, 'cuz I'd like to see ya try either." Atsumu at least seemed more upbeat, pushing your shoulder bemused.

"What do I get out of it?"

"Huh?"

"If you're issuing me a challenge that I complete, I deserve a reward." You chimed, a lace of certainty that told him you were serious.

"Yer get the date don't ya."

"Or a dead body."

A moment was taken to appreciate you quick wit, then another for a stare off, and finally Atsumu broke with a long defeated sigh.

"Jeez alright alright, I'll do anything ya want."

"Anything?"

"Within reason obviously, but Suna ain't gonna be won over. 'Samu says he already has the hots for someone." Part of you suspected Atsumu had played you, but wasn't smart enough to install a wager if you lost the bet so probably not, which gave you false enthusiasm.

"That's because he hasn't met me yet~"

"He has. Many times, yer friends for cryin' out—"

"I know! I was trying to be confident since you just ruined my chances at this! Is murder the only option or do you know who it is?" Immediately your suave facade dissipated with Atsumus deadpan statement and you were hunched over with a massive weight crushing your heart and hopes of success.

"Nah, stupid brother wouldn't tell me. Said I couldn't lie for shit."

You remained in thought making a noise of agreement which Atsumu took offence to but still, it was gut-wrenching information as you thought Rintarō would've told you too, since you're ‘supposed’ to be close friends.

Even so, during the following break in practice you were determined to utilise the 5 minutes for their entire worth. You slid into the spot beside Suna far smoother than originally intended which definitely boosted your charisma.

"Hey Rintarō, you come here often?"

"No, I'm a chronic skiver. Literally never seen you before in my life."

"Perfect, they say oversharing with strangers is a great way to get things off your chest." A solid if not obvious opening, one Rin had apparently became acutely aware of as he tuned into the conversation properly and ceased drinking his water.

"Yeah? What would you suggest?"

"Rumours, strategies, crushes, trauma? Take your pick."

"So there's this person in our class. Thinks they're real slick, and smart, they are kinda funny too considering they think I'll fall for their antics." He cockily paused, and indictaive stare looking you up and down knowingly but amused. "Honestly they're lucky they're hot else I wouldn't send them vines."

"..."

"You suck." A playful death glare met his pleased one alongside your own deadpan voice to which he served you his point.

"And you (Y/n), can ask me anything without the fluff."

"Yeah yeah, let me take you out as an apology. I'll treat you to ramen, this Friday?"

"You buying?" Suna tilted his head curiously, expression remaining unreadable.

"Mm-hm~"

It wasn't uncommon, the two of you would venture out either together or with fellow Inarizaki classmates and end up walking back together. As such you'd often take turns in paying for various purchases.

"Hm, I don't know..."

Either he knew you better than you thought, or something else was going on in that cunning mind of his.

"Rintarō, would you accept if I told you we could get anything we wanted out of Atsumu?"

"Ah that's why you're acting weird."

"Partly, anyway we agreed if I take you out he'll do anything, and I think it'll be fun to share said prize since you helped me earn it."

"Alright. Surprised he went along with it since we go out together all the time, he's not that stupid right?"

"...Well." The lack of conviction was humorous, however even Suna knew Atsumu better than his 'blonde moments' would allow.

"(Y/n)."

"Ughhhhh okay! Atsumu heard you liked someone, so knew you wouldn't accept my offer."

"You don't know who it is." It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. He realised you wouldn't be sitting here if you knew.

"No, and as much as I'd like to know, you don't have to tell me Sunarin."

It was silent for a moment, the brunette in thought before the interruption snapped the two of you from your quiet contemplation.

"Suna c'mon! Breaks over!"

You remained seated as he stood, not sparing a glance until he reaching the court alongside his teammates wearing a clever smirk.

"Ramen on Friday, after school!"

You watched Atsumu falter his serve, snapping a look of shock in your direction of which the only response was a mocking smile.

———

It was as casual as ever when you visited the local you’d sat in together many times before, sharing memes next to each other at the counter and commenting on one of the Miya blackmail recordings Suna had procured that week.

It wasn’t until midway through your food did the blocker turn to pause, looking to you who gratefully enjoyed your food. He was deciding, mind working a mile a second on the correct path here alongside remarks he couldn’t make. Instead he settled on honesty, much like you had done in the gymnasium except it took far less for you to get anything out of him.

"Osamu gave me a wager too, same reward as his brother." The offhanded casualness of his tone made it seem nonchalant, but you couldn’t help the arsing scepticism.

"That's suspicious, are they planning something?"

"I guess so." Suna shrugged half-heartedly, you could feel him analysing your response rather carefully by his narrowed side eye.

You stopped eating as this was worth pondering, the only reason these two bets could link together would be if the identity of Sunas' romantic interest was a certain individual. There's' no way, it’s got to be a different scheme.

"That'd only make sense if the person you liked was—"

Sunas’ warm palm covered your mouth, silencing your potential (but already known) revelation.

"You." A sorrowful smile. "Yeah I know."

A hum of acceptance emitted from behind his palm which softened his usual emotionless gaze, he’d gifted you the information to work it out and predicted you would rather quickly. It was easier than finding the words, there’s too many in both his head and heart for you.

"Sorry, I had to tell you myself else I'd lose the bet. I’d say that counts."

It wasn’t blunt or straightforward which you’d expect from Suna in this situation, in fact if you really dissected it, you couldn’t claim he’d officially confessed to you at all. But that was Suna Rintarō for you, leaving things ambiguous to figure out yourself and by then he’d have a gauge on your reciprocation, he was strategic in more than just Volleyball. But in you, he had worthy opponent, and you weren’t one to play into his hands.

After another moment, he removed his hand leaving a second to return his gaze, and another to breathe a sigh of understanding.

“So, where do we go from here Rin?”

“Wherever you want, (Y/n).”

“I think dealing with the Miya Twins is a great place to start.”

<——————————<<<<

[ Masterlist ]

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

Eddie Munson's royal fuck-up

Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles, day 11

Prompt: Royalty AU

Rated: G

CW: none

Tags: Rockstar Eddie Munson; Royal Steve Harrington; Meet cute; Flirting; Secret Identity; Sort of angsty/open ending

"So, tommorow…" Chrissy says from behind the folder they've been provided. It looks so posh with its dark green binding, the royal sigil embossed on it in gold print. Eddie hates it. It probably thinks it's so much better than the other folders. "When you're introduced to Prince Steven, you're to address him as Your Royal Highness. After that, you call him Sir." 

"What, really? Dude, at least buy me dinner before we start with the kinky shit." 

Chrissy shoves his feet off the desk, which almost makes him topple off his chair. 

"Can you take this seriously? A royal visit is an important matter. We can certainly use the publicity-" 

Eddie's hand crashes down on the desk. "I'm a fucking rockstar, Chris. That ain't enough publicity? This place is my baby, mine. What does that royal asshole know about what it's like to have a rough childhood? He thinks he can come here, give a little speech, smile for the cameras, and suddenly it's all about him?" 

"What, now you care?" 

He whirls on her, but the look she gives him makes him freeze. Chrissy sighs. 

"Eds, you are so busy with the new album and the tour, you haven't even met the new volunteers. I said I'd manage the place, and that's fine. But you must trust me. Just do it for me. Please?" 

*

The skate park has new graffiti, and he hasn't even seen it yet. Eddie exhales his cigarette smoke and watches how it curls up to the sign spelling Hellfire Youth Center.

Maybe Chrissy is right. Maybe he should be here more. Maybe he's been so caught up in the whole fame and fortune thing, he's losing sight of what's important, like- 

"Watch out!" 

Like guys on skateboards barrelling towards him. 

Eddie throws up his hands. The guy tries to swerve, completely tips his precarious balance, and goes flying off the board and right into him. They land on the asphalt with an undignified oomph. 

"Shit, sorry," babbles the guy and tries to disentangle his limbs from Eddie’s. "Couldn't brake-" 

"S alright," Eddie hears himself say, even though his ass hurts like a bitch from the impact and he can already feel the bruises forming. "You can fall into my arms any time." 

Skateboard guy blinks up at him and - fuuuck, he's cute! In a scrungly, beanie-stuffed-over-chestnut-locks, black-rimmed-nerd-glasses kind of way. 

For a second, nobody says anything. 

"For fuck’s sake," someone swears, and then little Max Mayfield is running towards them, ginger braids jumping with the movement. "I told you to be careful." 

"Sorry," cutie with the glasses says again. Eddie has never seen him around. He must be one of the new volunteers Chrissy mentioned. "Guess I'll need to practice some mo- ow, shit!" 

His hands fly up to cradle his knee. There's a hole and a rapidly spreading bloodstain in the fabric of his jeans. 

"Oh fuck," Eddie says, and whips his bandana from his back pocket to press it to the wound. "Red, why don't you hop inside and get the first aid kit? I'll stay here with …" 

He trails off expectantly. Cutie's eyes go wide. 

"I, erm … Dustin." 

"I'll stay here with Dustin." 

*

Dustin, it turns out, isn't just cute, but also fun to talk to. He doesn’t gush about what a huge fan he is or ask for an autograph once. Eddie never thought he'd appreciate that one day, but it gets really old really quick. 

Instead, they jump from one topic to the next, sitting on one of the benches and watching Max go on her board. Dustin has a quick, sharp wit and isn't afraid to counter Eddie’s jabs with his own, delightfully bitchy sense of humor. Damn, to think he almost missed this one. He really needs to be around more.

"I love this place, y’know? You created something great for these kids." 

Eddie jerks to attention. The sun has started to dip, casting Dustin’s smile and the hair poking from his beanie in a soft golden light. 

"Thanks man," Eddie murmurs, and feels the bitterness boil back up. "Some people seem to think it needs better publicity, though." 

Dustin shuffles awkwardly, winces when the movement pulls on the Care Bears bandaids Max has plastered all over his knee. 

"You mean the royal visit?"

Eddie huffs. 

"Yeah, man. I mean, what are they expecting me to do, bow and grovel while his Royal Doucheness prances all over the place with his perfect hair and fancy suit and thank him for it? It's not like he cares about these kids, it's all just a gig to him."

Dustin draws his bottom lip between his teeth.

"You can't know that. Maybe he does care. Maybe he's-" 

Eddie barks a laugh. "Oh, give me a break. All the royals are good at is looking important and spending our tax money. I can fucking do without-" 

"Steve? We gotta leave, c'mon." 

They both whip around. A fancy black limousine with tinted windows has pulled up in the parking lot behind them. A gruff looking man is holding the back door open and looking at them expectantly. 

Dustin sighs and stands. 

"Coming, Hop." 

"Wait, wait, what?" Eddie babbles as he walks towards the car, shoulders in a sad little hunch. "What's going on? Who's that guy? Why's he calling you-" 

And then it clicks. 

"Oh fuck," Eddie says. 

Dustin … no, Steve … no, Steven - Crown Prince Steven fucking Harrington - gives him a tight smile while the man ushers him into the backseat. 

"Thank you for your time, Mr Munson, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll try not to be too much of a douchebag, I promise." 

The door clicks shut. 

The car glides away. 

Eddie buries his face in his palms. 

"Jesus fucking Christ. He's the fucking Prince."

Beside him, wheels grate on asphalt as Max brakes.

"Wow," she deadpans. "You're in some deep shit." 

Eddie groans. 

Tomorrow is gonna be a long-ass fucking day. 

Part 2

All my holiday drabbles

[slaymitchabernathy]

Darling, it's cold outside.

The cold, bitter air bites at Coriolanus as he steps out of his office building onto the busy Capitol street.

He adjusts his grip on his briefcase and shoves his other gloved hand into the pocket of his coat, there’s no need to lose more fingers than necessary. He keeps his gaze forward as he starts towards his car, a million thoughts running through his mind.

Some are about work, how well he’s doing, if he’ll get that promotion he's been gunning for all year. It gets so tricky around the holidays, no one really wants to focus on work when they could be spending time with family.

But Coriolanus has no family.

Which makes him the perfect candidate to work a little later than everyone else since he much prefers the peace and quiet over the loud chatter. He would’ve worked even later if he didn’t have a date tonight.

A date with Livia Cardew.

Coriolanus is a single man but it isn’t for a lack of trying. He’s attempted to go on a few dates here and there, squeezing them into his busy schedule but nothing has ever stuck, ever clicked. The women he goes on these dates with are more than just conquests to him, he wants the real thing, someone to start a family with him and share his vision.

He has yet to find someone in the Capitol to do that with.

So he keeps trying. This will be his third date with Livia and he’s hoping that the third time is the charm.

It’s probably not.

He slides into the backseat of his car with a heavy sigh, today was so tiring he wishes he could just go home and go to bed. But Livia would be furious and he’s not one to stand up a lady on a date. And she knows where he lives.

“The Grand Oak please,” he says to his driver, pulling a box of cigarettes out of his briefcase, he needs a smoke every once in a while and it’s somewhat frowned upon by all the ladies who work at the office. They always complain about the smell, about how it clings to clothing, Coriolanus and Festus often brave the cold just for a few sacred minutes with a cigarette.

He stares out the window at the passing Capitol streets, admiring how beautiful the city is this time of year with all the holiday lights and displays. He hopes Livia won't be too nagging tonight, all she did last time was complain about her job, and while Coriolanus can easily sympathize with anyone about working, he certainly won't whine about it over dinner.

Tonight will be great.

It has to be great.

꧁ ꧂

Tonight was terrible.

Coriolanus trudges down the sidewalk, cigarette in hand while he blows into the cold air. Livia managed to get on every one of his nerves tonight, whining about shopping for the holidays and then giving him flack for his lack of enthusiasm over their date.

Needless to say, this was their last date.

He stops at the corner and watches other people cross the busy streets, hand in hand with one another. If they found love so easily then surely he can do the same. He watches one woman cross the street, a handbag hangs from her shoulder while she briskly walks towards a small cafe. There's something about her, something so familiar about the way she walks, how she carries herself, how she smiles at the man who holds the door open for her.

Then it hits him.

It's Soarynn. Soarynn Nightingale, his ex-girlfriend from the Academy.

Coriolanus doesn't realize that his feet are moving until he's already across the street, making his way to the bustling cafe. He peers through the window, doing his best not to look creepy as he looks for Soarynn. He sees her at the counter, ordering a coffee no less. He hasn't seen her in years, not since they broke up and went their separate ways.

Has fate led him here? Should he go in and say hello?

Coriolanus prides himself on following his head rather than his heart but his heart seems to be taking over right now because he's pulling the cafe door open before he can stop himself. He throws his cigarette into the ashtray and scans the crowded cafe, the smell of coffee and pastries is overwhelming. He spots Soarynn walking down the counter towards an empty table, done placing her order.

He's got to time this right.

He briskly walks over to the counter where a chipper staff member greets him with a smile, "What can I get for you, sir?" He's unable to tear his gaze away from the blonde-haired woman who's sitting alone in the corner of the cafe, "Um, a coffee please, black."

He doesn't care how much it costs, he doesn't even care how it tastes.

He shoves several bills across the counter, mumbling for them to keep the change. He doesn't know what Soarynn ordered but this all has to be timed perfectly or this will all be for nothing and he'll be stuck with a black, soulless coffee.

He watches a staff member mix together a drink before lifting it up to read the name scrawled on the side of the cup, "Soarynn?"

His heart starts racing, maybe he timed it too late or too early. He watches Soarynn slowly get up from her chair and just when all hope is lost, "Coriolanus?"

He takes his time walking to the end of the counter, watching from the corner of his eye as Soarynn looks at his cup of coffee, a look of realization crosses over her face and she looks up at him, "Coriolanus Snow?"

He feigns a look of shock, "Soarynn? I can't believe this, I haven't seen you in years! What're the odds?" Soarynn smiles and shrugs, "Looks like this city isn't big enough for both of us." Coriolanus laughs and watches her bring her cup to her lips, taking a sip before scrunching her nose, "Could I get some sugar please?" She asks sweetly, taking off the lid, "Still overdoing it with the sugar huh?" He teases, grinning when she shoots him a look.

"Everyone needs some sweetness in their life," she counters back, thanking the staff member when they hand her some sugar packets. "How are you? It's been ages since we last saw each other."

Coriolanus nods, leaning against the counter, "Good, I'm good. Busy with work. What about you?"

Soarynn sighs, gazing up at him the way she used to when they were dating, "I'm good too. Busy pulling everything together for this season's line."

"Ah, that's right, you're a big fashion designer now."

Soarynn blushes and shakes her head, "Hardly. And what about you? I heard that you're working at one of the biggest firms in the Capitol, that must be so exciting for you."

Not in the way she'd think but Coriolanus nods, "It is, I'm very happy with how everything's gone for me this year. Were you just getting off of work?"

Soarynn looks back at her table in the corner, a large binder sits across it, "Yes, I've been working a bit later than usual. What about you? Same story?"

Horrible images of his very recent date with Livia flash through his eyes and he quickly presses a smile to his lips, "Yep, burning the midnight oil." Soarynn shifts on her feet, her eyes scanning him up and down, "Well...are you in a rush to get home?"

Coriolanus retrains himself from jumping with joy as he settles for a causal head shake, "Not at all, I just needed something to warm me up." Soarynn wraps her fingers around her own cup, "Me too, I hate the cold."

He chuckles, she's always preferred summer over winter, "It's not that bad."

"Would you like to sit?" She points over at her table, "I know it's so last minute but I haven't seen you since..." Her words die off as she remembers their bitter ending and Coriolanus clears his throat, "Yeah...but I'd love to catch up."

He follows Soarynn over to her table and he can't help but look at her sketches scrawled across the pages. The designs are stunning and so in tune with who she is as a person, "These are beautiful," he tells her, finding no lies in his words. Soarynn closes the binder shut, her face flushed, "They're just sketches for spring."

Coriolanus tilts his head, "But it's winter right now."

An amused look grows on her face as if she knows something he doesn't, "Which is why we're working ahead so by the time spring gets here we're not behind." Coriolanus is bewildered by her way of thinking. In his line of business, he's always been told to focus on what's right in front of him.

"Fashion seems terribly complicated," he says before taking a sip of his coffee, it's not half bad either. Soarynn hums and tucks her binder away in her leather bag, "It's all about trends. All of my designs in the stores right now were created this summer. It requires a very forward way of thinking."

Coriolanus doesn't spend a lot of time shopping but whenever he's passing by the fanciest shops, he always sees her designs in the front windows. "Well you've done amazing for yourself, I see your designs everywhere."

"That's very kind of you," she murmurs, "and the credit can't all go to me, I have an amazing team and amazing partners. Clemmie and Persephone deserve as much credit as I do."

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows, he's always known Soarynn to be kind but he's forgotten how humble she is, "You're still friends with Clemmie and Persephone?"

Soarynn hums sipping her own drink, "Mhm. We all went to fashion school together, graduated the same year you did if I recall. Then we got hired by our current fashion house, it's run exclusively by women."

Coriolanus grins, it's a stark contrast to his firm that's run by men, "That must be interesting, do you all fight over shoes and handbags?" Soarynn rolls her eyes at his teasing and sits back in her chair, "Hardly. We all have such different and distinct senses of style, that's what makes our designs so unique. There's something for everyone."

Coriolanus has never paid too much attention too much attention to fashion, not when the color black is always in style but Soarynn has always had impeccable taste. Classy yet trendy, stylish yet elegant. He takes a moment to truly admire the young woman she's become. Her hair is still blonde as ever but she's gotten it cut in layers to frame her face in a very flattering manner.

Her eyes are still startling, blue and gray. Her complexion is flawless, a bit of blush dots her cheeks but her freckles stand out like stars in the night sky. She's still so beautiful.

"You...you look good," he tells her, watching her eyes slightly grow bigger at his compliment, "you've always looked good but now you're all grown up."

Soarynn shly smiles across the table at him, "Well you still look handsome as ever Coryo."

Coryo. He hasn't heard that name since they ended things. It was a nickname exclusively reserved for Soarynn, the one girl who's really gotten to know his heart. He does his best to mask his giddiness, "Thank you. I like to think I'll look like my father before I know it."

Soarynn scans his face, making him feel a bit self-conscious but Soarynn doesn't have a malicious bone in her body, she'd never put others down. "I do remember seeing your father's picture in the yearbook, he looked very handsome." Coriolanus breaks into a teasing grin, "What're you saying? That my father is better looking than me?"

Soarynn laughs, brushing her hair behind her ears, "Hardly! I'm just saying that good looks run in the Snow family." Well, that makes him feel better. He's not balding or attempting to grow a beard like other men his age so he hopes that the odds are in his favor when it comes to physical appearance.

"But what about you? How has it been with work?" She asks, giving him her full undivided attention which means a lot after dealing with Livia who only wants to talk about herself. He scratches the back of her neck, "It's um, it's good. It's a lot sometimes," he admits, "but it's challenging and I enjoy a challenge. Felix and Festus work there as well so it's nice to see a familiar face and my other colleagues are pleasant enough."

Soarynn leans forward, resting her forearms on the table, "But?"

How is it that after all these years she's still able to pick up on him holding back from her?

He rubs his temples, "I have everything I've ever wanted and no one to share it with." Soarynn's face softens and her eyes hold shared emotion, "I get that," she says softly, "it's not easy coming home to an empty house every night."

Coriolanus unintentionally eyes her left hand, her ring finger to be precise and it's empty. Soarynn Nightingale, by some miracle, has not been swooped up yet. Which is hard to believe, she's stunning, kind, funny, and smart. She's a catch.

"Do you date?" He asks, praying that she's sworn off men since they ended things but to his chagrin, Soarynn slowly nods, "Sometimes," she mumbles, playing with her fingers, "it's hard with work and friends. And no offense, but all of you men are the same right now, so serious and closed off. It's hard to connect when no one wants to be vulnerable."

He bites the inside of his cheek, he'd be lying if he said that he wasn't thrilled to hear that she's single and on the market. But they already had a relationship, a long one with a painful ending if he remembers correctly and neither of them want to go through that again. That's why they never kept in touch.

It's easier to get over someone if you just pretend that they don't exist.

"Dating is a bit tricky," he agrees, thinking back to the murderous look Livia gave him when he told her this was their last date, "but I like to think that it means that you're just one more heartbreak away from finding your true love."

Soarynn doesn't look too convinced but she offers him a small smile, "I already got my heart broken," she reminds him and they both look away, trying to forget what they had with one another.

"Excuse me, we'll be closing in ten minutes." The staff member's voice jolts them both out of their little bubble and Coriolanus looks around to cafe to find it empty. They're the last ones in here and he's barely sipped his coffee. Soarynn grabs her bag, "I should go."

Coriolanus quickly stands up, pushing in his chair, "Let me take you home."

She looks up at him with hesitation, he can see it in her eyes, should she trust him?

He nods out the window where his driver has parked the car, idly waiting for him, "I insist, I can't in good consciousness let you walk on the streets by yourself this late at night."

He really just wants to spend more time with her but at least he looks very chivalrous right now. Soarynn debates the offer, walk home in the cold, dark night, or get driven for free.

"Alright," she finally agrees, "that's very kind of you."

Coriolanus smiles and leads the way out of the cafe, holding the door open for her like the gentleman he is, "You must be very important if you have your own car," she muses, sliding into the backseat. Coriolanus slides in after her, closing the door behind him, "Something like that," he agrees, nodding at his driver, "Cornelia Street please."

Soarynn gives him an impressed look, "You remembered."

"Remembered what?"

"Where I live."

Coriolanus almost laughs, how could he forget the one street he subconsciously avoids in fear of running into the one girl who knew his heart?

"I have a good memory," is all he says in reply.

They're both quiet for the rest of the ride, soaking in the silence and each other's presence. Coriolanus can't help but think that this might all be fate, having a terrible date only to run into Soarynn moments later.

It's a Christmas miracle is what it is.

The car turns down the familiar street and a million memories flash through his mind of all the time he spent on this street, spent walking on this street because he didn't have a fancy car or driver when he was at the Academy. And she still loved him, despite his social status or financial status, Soarynn loved him for who he was.

The car slows to a stop in front of the Nightingale townhouse, a sight Coriolanus swore he'd never see again. He opens the door, closing his eyes when the cold air washes over him, it'll probably start snowing soon and the Capitol streets will look like a white blanket.

He turns to help Soarynn out of the car, extending a hand and he sees the look of surprise on her face but she recovers smoothly and places her small hand in his large one as she steps out of the car. She looks so graceful while doing the simplest tasks. "Thank you," she says.

He grunts and follows her down the pathway that leads to the front door. A pretty wreath with a red bow hangs on the door and Soarynn fumbles around her bag, searching for her key. "Never thought I'd be on your front door step again," he admits, hoping he's not digging up old graves that they've already put to rest.

Soarynn lets out a breathy laugh and pulls out her key, "Me neither," she says, unlocking the door. She pushes it open and the smell of vanilla completely overwhelms him, it feels like coming home to a place that's no longer his. He peers into the house, everything still looks about the same but he's sure she's made some changes over the past six years.

Soarynn goes to step inside but she hesitates, wrapping her fingers around the door handle, "Would you...would you like to come in for a drink?"

Coriolanus looks down at his watch, it's eleven o'clock but he has all the time in the world for Soarynn Nightingale. "I'd love to."

He follows her into her home and can see that she's decorated for Christmas by wrapping the grand staircase's banister with green garlands and he can see a small Christmas tree in the living room.

"You're here all by yourself still?" He asks, hanging his coat by the door. He figured she'd hire some household staff, maybe get a fish or something. "Not exactly," Soarynn says, leaning against the staircase banister, "I got a cat."

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows because, from the day he met Soarynn, she's always wanted a cat. "And where is this cat?" He looks around for any signs of a feline residing in the home but finds none. Maybe she has a quiet, shy cat who doesn't bother anyone.

Soarynn starts making her way to the kitchen and he's right on her heels, reminiscing all the time he spent in the Nightingale townhouse, "She's around here somewhere," she says over her shoulder, "she likes to hide until she's studied you."

Oh wonderful, she got a cat who thinks it's a leopard.

The kitchen is exactly as he remembers it, beautifully crafted with lots of personal touches such as photographs and kitchenware passed down from family members. "Do you want wine or something else?" She asks, digging around one of the cupboards.

Coriolanus stops by the fridge, gently touching a photo of Soarynn and her late father Glen Nightingale. He'd recognize this photo anywhere because it was plastered onto the invitation he received for Glen's funeral. Coriolanus and every elite member of Capitol society attended although he remained hidden in the back of the crowd, the last thing he wanted was to make Soarynn's day worse.

When he looks back over at her, she's already looking at him, a sad smile on her lips, "I think my father has some bourbon in his collection if you'd prefer that." Coriolanus quickly shakes his head, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants, "Oh no, please don't trouble yourself, wine is great."

She hums although she doesn't look like she believes him, "It's almost been four years and yet sometimes I come home and expect him to be in his study." Coriolanus shifts on his feet, he's no stranger to losing a parent, not when both of his died during the war but Soarynn adored her father. It's a shame that something like heart failure had to take him away from her.

"I never sent a card," he says, chiding himself for being so negligent, "I should've sent a card when he died, should've done something."

Soarynn crosses the room and gently grabs his arm, "Coryo, it's fine. Please don't beat yourself up over that, it was years ago and I know you came to the funeral. Everyone processes grief differently." He's having a hard time accepting that his not sending a card is okay because it's not. Glen was like a father figure to him and he couldn't even comfort his daughter when she needed it the most.

"You were all alone," he murmurs, looking down into her startling eyes, "I know we weren't speaking but still, I could've sent a card."

Soarynn gives his arm a squeeze and her eyes sparkle a little bit, "You can always send me a Christmas card."

They both break into a grin from her joke and suddenly, things don't feel so bad.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus has forgotten how wonderful it is to be in Soarynn's presence.

And he's never seen her tipsy but it's a sight to see. She shrieks with laughter as they remember the time when he and Festus ran through the Academy halls in only their underwear after Didi Ring dared them to do it. "I still can't believe no one caught you!" She laughs, leaning back into the sofa. Coriolanus chuckles and proudly shrugs, "Only those who had the privilege of witnessing our greatness can look back on it and say they were there to see it."

Soarynn finishes off her wine, setting the glass on the coffee table, "You were always so confident, I remember admiring that about you a lot." Coriolanus tilts his head, Soarynn has definitely become more comfortable in her own skin but she's never been as outgoing as he is.

"Well, you're confident now," he points out, "you've got your own clothing line catering to the richest women in Panem."

Soarynn wags a finger at him like he said something wrong, "I cater to all the women in Panem," she corrects, a proud look on her face, "my designs range from high-end to affordable for everyone who wants to feel put together. It's important to make everyone feel included."

Coriolanus is stunned, he wasn't aware that her designs could be accessed by the lower class but it seems like something Soarynn would do with that righteous heart of hers. She's always thought about others.

"Well there you go then," he nods, "I have my confidence and you have your generosity."

Soarynn smiles, "We'd make quite the pair."

The comfortable feeling between them quickly dissipates from those words. They did make quite the pair until they didn't anymore and he was storming out of her house, swearing to never see or think of her again. Looks like he lied.

"You know, I kind of forgot about how things ended between us," he says, resting his elbow on the armrest of his chair, "I mean I just don't remember what was said before we split."

Soarynn raises her eyebrows, sitting up straight and he knows he's in for an earful, "Oh so you don't remember our last fight?"

He offers her a charming smile but she waves him off, not falling for his tricks, "We both wanted different things," she says with a sigh, "you always knew what you wanted and you wanted it before you could even handle it. I wanted to take life slowly, work on fashion, work on us but you...you've just always wanted everything and I thought that I was your everything."

Coriolanus is starting to remember their last days together, remember the fights, the stress, the tears. "I've always felt the need to prove myself, and I've always had a lot of pride," he admits, more to himself than to her, "and I let that get in the way of a lot of things, including you."

Coriolanus has a lot of regrets but Soarynn has always been on the top of his list.

"We both went down different paths," Soarynn tells him softly, reaching over to place her hand on his forearm, "but we both got what we wanted in the end. You got the job you always wanted, the money, the penthouse, the clothes, the car. And I got what I always wanted. Sometimes people have to go separate ways to get what they want."

Coriolanus stares down at her hand so casually resting on his forearm, only his white button-up shirt separates them and he's starting to remember all the times they spent together without clothes.

"And what happens when those people grow up and run into each other one night at a cafe?" He asks with a shakiness in his voice that he's not used to.

Soarynn swallows, turning pink in the dim lighting, "Well I haven't gotten that far yet."

Before either of them can say anything else, a white ball of fluff jumps onto the sofa next to Soarynn and Coriolanus nearly falls out of his chair, "Oh, Petunia! There you are darling. Coryo, this is my cat, Petunia." Soarynn grabs the white fluffy cat who immediately melts in her hold, purring intensely.

Coriolanus composes himself and slowly reaches out for her to smell his hand, "So this is the cat. I thought she'd never show."

Petunia looks over at him and meows, sniffing his hand for only a second before deeming him not important. What amazes him the most is how Petunia's eyes are the same color as Soarynn's, blue and gray.

"She looks just like you," he blurts out, "in a good way," he adds when he sees the face Soarynn is making. She looks at Petunia for a moment, squinting her eyes, "I suppose we have some similarities," she agrees.

Coriolanus looks over at the grandfather clock that's been in this living room since he can remember and it's almost two o'clock in the morning!

"I should go," he says, "I have a fitting for some new suits at twelve tomorrow."

Soarynn nods and sets a protesting Petunia down, "Let me walk you out."

They both shuffle out of the living room and Petunia follows them to the front door, curious about this new large human in her house. "I had a really nice time tonight," Soarynn tells him while he puts on his coat, "it was really nice seeing you again Coryo."

Coriolanus looks down at her and thinks of a time when she'd have her arms wrapped around his neck when he'd leave, begging him not to leave. She still looks beautiful though.

"I had a nice time too. I'm glad we ran into each other."

Soarynn smiles and Coriolanus just has to see her again. But how?

The holidays are so busy and they both have work and...the holiday work party!

"Would you like to go to a party with me?" He blurts out before he can stop himself. Soarynn looks surprised but not put off by the invitation, "A party?"

Coriolanus rests his hand on the door handle but makes no move to open it, "Yes, my firm is throwing a party for all its employees and we're allowed to bring plus ones. And I as we have established, lack a plus one."

Soarynn grins, looking him up and down, "That's hard to believe. When is it?"

"The twenty-first."

With his luck, she's busy on that night only.

"Alright," she says, leaning forward on her heels, "it would be an honor to accompany you to such an important event. What's the dress code?"

Truth be told, he barely glanced at the invitation, only noting the date to put on his calendar, "I'll let you know," he answers, "but maybe wear something red." She's always looked good in red.

"I'll scour my closet for a red dress," she promises.

They both stand there for a second, on the cusp of something that once was and maybe what could be if they play their cards right.

"Good night Soarynn."

Without any warning, she presses herself to her tiptoes and kisses his cheek, just like she used to when they'd go to separate classes, "Good night Coryo."

He's never washing this cheek again.

He manages to open the door and get down the two steps without making an absolute fool of himself, waving goodbye once more before slipping into his car. He brings his hand up to where her lips just were, perhaps this is a Christmas miracle.

He won't be a fool this time and take it for granted.

꧁ ꧂

“It’s ice skating,” Festus says, lingering in the doorway to the office that belongs to Coriolanus, "you know, a fun wintery activity. You do remember how to have fun, right Snow?"

Coriolanus rolls his eyes, doing his best to ignore Festus and his persistent nagging, "I do have fun Festus," he sighs, "I also have work to do and no one to take with me." Festus strolls into the office and plops down in the armchair that sits across the desk, "Just fly solo. It'll just be me and Felix."

Coriolanus raises an eyebrow, "And your girlfriends," he adds, shaking his head when Festus grins, "I'd rather not be a fifth wheel again."

Festus leans back in the chair, almost toppling over, "Isn't there someone you can invite? I know you and Livia are done dating but..."

"Absolutely not," Coriolanus says before Festus can get any further, "I don't want to literally be skating on thin ice with Livia Cardew, thank you very much."

Festus attempts to pout but that shit only works on his girlfriend Persephone, "Please? We'll have much more fun if you come."

Coriolanus sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose, there is someone he could invite but he's not sure if telling Festus about it is a good idea. Festus has a tendency to tell Persephone everything and Persephone has a tendency to blab about it to everyone.

"I could call Soarynn," Coriolanus finally says, wisely ignoring the surprised look Festus gives him, "but it's terribly last minute."

Festus leans forward in his chair, hooked on this developing story, "I'm sorry, did you say Soarynn? As in Soarynn Nightingale, the girl who you swore to never talk about again as long as you li-"

"Yes," Coriolanus cuts him off, "the only Soarynn in the entire world, yes her. We ran into each other the other night and we...we reconnected."

Festus wiggles his eyebrows in a suggestive manner, "Reconnected or reconnected?"

Coriolanus scoffs, Festus is unbelievable, "We talked you fool. We had a decent, adult conversation and she's agreed to be my date for the holiday work party so you'd better be on your best behavior."

He doesn't mention how he called Soarynn last night to tell her about the party dress code and how they ended up talking for another hour and a half while Soarynn did laundry and Coriolanus finished up some work in his study. No, Festus doesn't need to know about that.

It had reminded him of when they dated and would spend hours on the phone as if they didn't spend hours together in person.

"She's probably busy tonight," he mumbles with a dismissive shrug.

Festus jumps out of his chair and slams his hands on the desk, "Well call her and find out!"

Coriolanus jumps at the sudden outburst but he can see how thrilling of a prospect this is to Festus who's been pushing Coriolanus to get out there more with the ladies. He pushed him right into Livia Cardew and they saw how that turned out.

Coriolanus eyes the telephone sitting on his desk. It wouldn't hurt to call. "You'll wait out in the hallway like a civilized person," he instructs Festus while picking up the phone.

Festus grins with glee and practically skips out into the hall.

Well, now he actually has to call her.

Coriolanus stares up at the ceiling for a second, hoping he's not going to ruin this, whatever this is before dialing the number to Soarynn's office building. She works a few blocks down from his building but the fashion house takes up the entire first three floors.

The phone rings for what feels like far too long before someone picks up, "Tigris' House of Fashion, how may I assist you?" The chipper voice of the secretary doesn't help calm his nerves, "Hello, I was hoping to speak with Soarynn Nightingale."

"May I ask who's calling?"

Coriolanus looks over his shoulder and sees Festus peeking his head into the study, "It's uh, it's Coriolanus Snow," he says while grabbing a stapler to throw at Festus, "I only need to inquire about a certain date."

"One moment please."

Coriolanus launches his stapler but Festus dodges it with a grin, "Coryo?"

Suddenly the phone has his undivided attention.

"Soarynn? Hi, so sorry to bother you at work but I was calling to see if you're free tonight."

The line is so silent that he's worried she already hung up, "Tonight? What's tonight?" He can hear muffled voices in the background, female voices, "Ice skating," he tells her, "I got invited by Festus and Felix who are taking Persephone and Clemmie and I thought you might want to come with me. As friends."

He mentally punches himself after saying that. As friends? What else would they go as?!

He hears Festus snickering from outside and decides to start locking his office door from now on, "Oh, that sounds like fun! Clemmie mentioned ice skating earlier, I should be able to come."

Coriolanus grins, wrapping the phone cord around his thumb, "That's great, we'll see you girls there."

"Wonderful, see you tonight."

Coriolanus triumphantly hangs up the phone, courage and adrenaline rushing through his veins. "You look happy," Festus remarks, stepping back into the office, stapler in hand, "I take it she's coming tonight?"

Coriolanus laces his fingers together and stretches out his arms, "She is."

Festus playfully jostles his shoulder, clearly excited about the prospect of Coriolanus and Soarynn getting back together which would be the most logical explanation as to why they're tagging along with their friends but it's not. And they're not going to get back together because they're both rational adults who can act on logic rather than feelings.

Simple as that.

꧁ ꧂

Wrapped in their winter coats, Coriolanus, Festus, and Felix make their way towards the City Centre. The Centre is the heart of the Capitol, where everyone comes together to celebrate all sorts of holiday events. They host other things like concerts and charity events, but they always go all out for Christmas. Right now, there's a beautifully decorated tree, at least three stories high, and the infamous ice skating rink.

Coriolanus hasn't partaken in a lot of ice skating in his life, mostly because he sees it as an easy way to make a fool of himself, fall on his ass and break his wrist.

But if Soarynn's going to be here then he might as well risk it for a little fun.

"There they are," Felix points at a trio of women, already decked out in their own winter outfits and skates, sitting on a bench by the rink with the tree behind them. Clemensia notices the boys first and breaks into a big grin, attempting to stand up but running in ice skates is more difficult than it looks. She teeters over to Felix who greets her with a kiss too sloppy for someone like Coriolanus who despises that level of public affection.

Persephone and Soarynn stay seated, letting the boys come to them and Festus already is cracking jokes, "Looks like we're about to break the ice!" He says, resting a hand on Persephone's shoulder. Both women roll their eyes and Persephone shakes her head, "You're lucky you're so cute," she tells Festus who grins in return. "I know," he replies.

The couple start talking about something Coriolanus could care less about and he turns his attention to Soarynn who looks beautiful tonight. Her hair is braided down her back with a few of the shorter pieces pulled out, framing her face. Her makeup is light, blush on her cheeks, and mascara showcasing her long lashes. She's wrapped up in a long cream-colored coat and he can see that her entire outfit is monochromatic, making for a stylish ensemble.

"Fancy seeing you so soon," she says, smiling up at him. Coriolanus can't help but smile back, he's glad he called her, "Well this city isn't big enough for both of us," he jokes. They both laugh and Persephone takes it as an opportunity to butt in, "So Coryo, it feels like we haven't seen you in ages and suddenly you're just popping back into Soarynn's life. What a coincidence."

She smiles up at him but he sees right through those pearly white teeth, Persephone never forgave him for breaking her best friend's heart, and even though it's been years since they broke up, she's never given him an inch more than she thinks he deserves.

Soarynn's smile falters and she gives Persephone a pleading look, "I think it's all in the timing," she says smoothly, letting her friend's words roll off her back. Coriolanus nods, doing his best to remain neutral, "Yes, it has been quite some time since we saw each other."

Persephone looks between him and Festus, tilting her head in a way that scares him, "Weren't you supposed to go on a date with Livia the other day? Or did those plans fall through?"

Coriolanus glares at Festus who nervously chuckles, "I think I'll go get my skates now, Persephone, come with me."

Coriolanus watches the couple walk over to the rental booth before looking back down at Soarynn who suddenly isn't so happy to see him. "You're dating Livia Cardew?" She asks, her voice is a gentle whisper yet it cuts deep into his heart. Coriolanus quickly sits down next to her on the bench, grabbing her gloved hand, "No, no, I would never date two women at once, believe me."

Her eyes reflect distrust, "Well I don't really know what to believe Coryo. Did you go on a date with Livia Cardew before running into me?"

He sighs, he knew the truth would come out but not this soon! "I did," he admits, right before we ran into each other at the cafe I had the worst date known to mankind with Livia and I told her it was the last date we'd have. I should've told you but I was just so excited to see you again, and I...I didn't want to ruin anything."

Although it hurts to see her like this, he's glad he told her the truth.

Soarynn looks down at their gloved hands, they fit together perfectly, "I'm not mad," she tells him, "I do wish you would've told me before I had to find out through a friend though."

She's got him there.

"From now on," he says, staring deeply into her gorgeous eyes, "I'll be completely honest with you, no matter what." Her lips curl up into a grin, "From now on hmm? You plan on seeing me more than usual?" Coriolanus feels himself blushing, he hadn't meant it like that, but maybe he did.

"I do," he smoothly answers, "I'd like to see you more if that's alright with you."

Soarynn chuckles softly, lacing her fingers with his, "I'd like that very much."

And just like that, sitting under the Christmas tree, Coriolanus felt as if he'd been given a second chance at love.

꧁ ꧂

"Persephone, catch me!" Festus cries before toppling over onto the ice. They all laugh as he sprawls out on the icy floor, dazed and confused.

Coriolanus carefully skates over to Festus, reaching out a hand, "Let's get you back up before some teenagers skate over you." Festus scoffs but takes his hand, "Please, I'm just getting the hang of it."

"Well you've been getting the hang of it for the past hour," Felix calls, expertly skating by with his arm linked with Clemensia's.

Coriolanus chuckles at Festus and his attempt to skate over to Persephone who isn't doing much better either. Birds of a feather it seems.

He looks back over at Soarynn who's clinging to the wall of the ice skating rink, holding on for dear life really. "You know, you won't learn if you don't put yourself out there," he says, skating over to her side. Soarynn lets out a nervous laugh, "Easy for you to say, you've always been good at everything." Coriolanus furrows his brows, he's not good at everything. At least not on the first try.

"Here," he says, holding out his hands, "trust me," he adds when she gives him a questionable look.

Soarynn hesitantly lets go of the wall and takes his hands, gasping when he starts to skate backward. As much as he avoids ice skating, he's actually quite good at it.

Soarynn holds onto him for dear life as he pulls them into the center of the rink which is much emptier than the outer edge. "Don't turn your feet inwards," he tells her, "bend your knees and push your feet out." Soarynn looks down at her skates and does as he says, pushing them three inches forward.

He smiles, "That's it, just like that."

Coriolanus lets her skate a little more before letting go of her hands, giving her an encouraging nod, "You got it."

He takes a moment to admire how beautiful Soarynn is. Under her coat he can see that she's worn a long-sleeved shirt with a collar that goes up to her chin, tucked into cream-colored pants that are perfectly tailored around her waist. She's so effortlessly elegant.

Soarynn ever so carefully skates towards him squealing when she glides over the ice, "I'm doing it!" Coriolanus grins and reaches his hand out, "Look at you, you're a natural." Soarynn grabs onto his hand and he pulls them out of the middle so they can get in some laps.

Soarynn doesn't let go of his hand while they skate in circles, talking about little, insignificant things. He looks around and watches other people skating, some are families, some are couples. To anyone else, they must look like a happy couple.

"Come on lovebirds! Let's go get something hot chocolate!" Clemensia shouts, already skating towards the exit.

"Hot chocolate does sound good," he mumbles, pulling them towards the exit. Soarynn giggles when they reach the gate and carefully steps onto the dry ground, "Oh, that was so much fun! I haven't been skating in years."

Coriolanus closes the gate behind him before turning back to her, "Me neither, although I can imagine it's not as fun when you're little."

They both watch a little girl bundled up with a coat, scarf, and hat skate by them, holding onto her father's leg, "It is rather sweet though," Soarynn says softly, "I can't wait to start a family of my own one day."

His heart beats a little faster when hearing those words leave her lips. He's always wanted to start a family of his own, to do things like this with his children.

"We should get our skates off," is all he says.

They manage to get over to a bench without falling over and he starts unlacing his skates while Soarynn looks around, admiring all the decorations. "This all used to feel much bigger when I was little," she mumbles, kicking her feet in the air, "I remember wanting to be a grown-up so badly."

Coriolanus laughs, he knows that feeling, "And now we are," he says, slipping off his skates. Soarynn goes to untie her laces but he swats her hand away, "Please," he says, giving her an offended look, "you won't be doing any of that if I'm around."

Soaryn raises her eyebrows in amusement, "What a gentleman," she purrs, letting him untie her laces for her. Coriolanus shrugs, trying to hide his grin, "It's the least I could do for a lady like you."

Soarynn hums while he unties the other skate, once he's got them off, he grabs both pairs, "I'll go take them back," he tells her. Soarynn nods and gives him a sweet smile, "I'll be here."

Coriolanus walks over to the rental booth and tries to dodge Festus but isn't successful, "Look at you two," Festus teases, playfully punching his shoulder, "you're acting like you've been married for ten years."

Coriolanus scoffs and sets the skates down on the counter, "You're being ridiculous," he tells Festus, nodding at the staff member who gives him their shoes back, "we're just getting to know each other again and your constant teasing isn't helping. Or Persephone's attempts to sabotage my changes," he gives Festus a knowing look.

"You know she only wants the best for Soarynn, I mean, you remember how heartbroken you both were right?" Painful memories flash in his mind, "Yes I do, and I'd rather not be reminded of them thank you very much. If Soarynn and I want to make this work, then we can't afford to have our friends nosing their way into our private business."

Festus holds his hands up in surrender, "Say no more. From now on, we're not even here." He mimics locking his lips with a key and Coriolanus shakes his head, "We'll see how long this lasts," he retorts, quite doubtful in their skills to mind their own business.

Still, he'll take all the help he can get.

꧁ ꧂

Giggles echo off of the Corso apartment buldings while Coriolanus and Soarynn stroll down ths street, arms linked together. "Who mixes bourbon with hot chocolate?" Soarynn asks with another laugh, throwing her head back.

Coriolanus grins, looking down at her, content to just admire her for the rest of their lives, "Festus Creed aparently," he replies, hoping that Festus made it home in one piece after becoming a bartender once they got their hot chocolate.

Soarynn shakes her head, brushing her hair out of her face, "Persephone's got her hands full with him, I don't know how she does it." Coriolanus finds that statment funny because Felix has said the same thing about Festus regarding Persephone, how full his hands must be with a girl like that.

Persephone Price is sharp and outspoken, never afraid to speak her mind. Coriolanus enjoys her company every now and then but only as friends. He can't imagine dating a girl like that.

Soarynn is much more suited to his taste. Quiet, polite, soft-spoken and considerate of other's feelings.

"They match each other quite well though," Soarynn points out, "they're both funny, outgoing, witty..."

"Annoying," he cuts in, "at times they can be very annoying."

Soarynn playfully swats at his arm, "Oh hush, none of us are perfect."

He raises an eyebrow, looking down at her with an amused look, "Oh, really? Because you're pretty damn close." Soarynn huffs, her cheeks turn pink as she shakes her head, "Hardly," she mumbles, "I have plenty of things I could work on."

"Like what?"

"Speaking up for myself for starters, I've always been quiet but that leads to people walking all over me, whether or not it's intentional is beside the point. And I could always work on getting out of my comfort zone."

She looks up at him with hesitation in her eyes, "I mean it's true! I never want to break out of my routine, even if it's necessary, you should've seen me when I first started working, I was a wreck."

Coriolanus finds it hard to imagine Soarynn being a wreck of any sorts but the way she talks about it tells him that it's been weighing her down for quite some time now.

"You're perfect to me," he tells her, pulling her closer to him, "even if you insist on walking home instead of being driven."

Soarynn breaks into another fit of giggles, pleased she got her way tonight, "Walking is good for you," she insists, "good for the heart and you have long legs."

Coriolanus looks down at his long legs and shakes his head, "That doesn't mean that I want to use them all the time," he points out.

Soarynn hums, resting her head on his arm, "Well thank you for walking me home and inviting me out tonight, I had a great time." They turn onto Cornelia Street, a familiar sight and Coriolanus admires all the Christmas lights that are strung along the townhouses. "You don't have any lights," he notices when they begin walking up to her house. Soarynn shrugs, "I don't have anyone to hang them up."

She doesn't have a man to hang them up but that might change if he's lucky.

They come to a stop at her front door, Soarynn standing on the second step while he stands on the sidewalk, "Will I see you again before the party?" She asks, reaching out to fix the collar of his coat. Coriolanus swallows, he'd love to see her again but he's going to be so busy with work and the reports that are due at the end of the year, "Probably not," he says glumly, "work is going get hectic."

Soarynn nods, he can see that she's disappointed but she still gives him an understanding smile, "It's okay, I'll see you on the twenty-first then."

"Yes, you will. I'll pick you up at six."

Soarynn leans down and presses a kiss to his cheek, "It's a date."

Coriolanus wears a boyish grin when she pulls away, "A date," he comfirms. He makes sure that she gets inside safely before walking back down the sidewalk.

Coriolanus Snow has got a pep in his step and it's all because of the girl on Cornelia Street.

| Part 1. |

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

{ Part 2. }

| taglist: @strawberriicakes @wonderlandbound111 @villiansarehottest @thevoicesinmyprettylittlehead @kickmybark @melodyoflovee |

[yumeka-sxf]

I can't believe we've reached the season finale! 😭 First off, the key visual for this episode is too adorable and is only reminding me how much I'm going to miss my favorite (fake) family! ❤️

While the early season episode where Bond and Twilight go on a mission together hints at how much compassion Twilight has for Bond, this episode really highlights what a softie he can be when he's around someone with whom he doesn't have to put on any acts.

Not only does he risk his life to go after Bond in the fire, but when he finds out that Bond went into the burning building to save another dog, he gives that soft, sincere smile that's only reserved for when one of his family members does something that truly touches him.

Rather than be annoyed with Bond for putting both their lives in danger, he's happy that he would risk his life to protect others...because that's what he does all the time! Plus, when he thinks Bond is acting out by "attacking" random people, instead of getting mad, he puts it upon himself to try and understand Bond better, the same as he does with Anya.

It's also really adorable how much Bond wants to please Loid. Is he learning from Anya?

This guy has to be one of the dumbest arsonist to stick around the building he just burned down with a hat that says "Fire" 😂

And of course, wet Bond and "trying not to laugh" Twilight are finally animated! Twilight is lucky that Yor and Anya weren't there to catch him snickering like that...the embarrassment may have killed him.

Then we get the pinnacle of how much Twilight cares for Bond when he tells him that he should think of himself as a family member first and guard dog second, plus how heartbroken "someone" would be if anything happened to him. And that sentiment is really a driving theme in the series, not just in this case with Bond, but for Twilight and Yor too. They're always putting the happiness of others before their own, without either knowing that the other is doing it.

I didn't think they would use this story as the season finale, since it only featured Twilight and Bond, and Franky a bit in the beginning. But they made it feel more like a finale by adding new scenes of the other characters! The scenes with Anya and Yor doing origami was cute - I love how Yor went too hard with the scissors 😅

And the ending where Anya gives both Twilight and Bond stellas was a great addition (though maybe a bit canon-altering since Anya in the manga hasn't seen soaked Bond up to this point).

The montage of all the other characters at the end was nice as well.

I laughed at Fiona's target practice 🤣

And the final scene with the Forgers having dinner was the perfect last shot~

No announcement for season 3 yet, but the episode does hint that there will be more! There's a SxF event in Japan in June 2024 where they could make such an announcement. I'm hoping season 3 won't start until 2025 in order to give the manga time for new content - as of the end of season 2, 67% of the manga has been adapted into the anime (according to my story guide spreadsheet), which is a lot. We'll see! But there will definitely be more SxF anime in the future, perhaps even another movie! So for now, only SxF Sundays twice a month will have to tide us over 😄

[turtlecleric]

*breaks down your door hoping I’m not too late*

6 with 07 raph????? Pretty please!

Haha you're not too late! Anything for you, Yorsh!! 💕

-

CWs: kidnapping, held prisoner, brainwashing, murder and death, blood, seizures, self-blame, violence against reader

-

The cell door groaning on its hinges startles you from your daze. Not the sound itself, really, but the fact that it’s not time for the sound yet. Weeks of being stuck here has ingrained the daily schedule into your very bones; you know for a fact that there’s still a while to go before your dinner is usually brought to you, which means that fucker is probably coming to taunt you again.

You scoot into the corner of the room, pressing your back against the wall. Making yourself smaller, putting as much space as you can between yourself and him. It's a silly thing to do, considering the fact that he really and truly could do whatever he wanted to you and you wouldn't be able to stop him, but it feels better than doing nothing. And Raph would… want you to protect yourself however you could. 

 He would. If-

“Tonight I will finally prove my worth,” Stockman says, hunched over and fiddling with something in his hands. “The Shredder will see that I do have value.”

You want to tell him that that's impossible. He can't prove what isn't true, after all. But you stay quiet, letting him mutter to himself, and focus instead on the hulking shadow that stands far behind him. White eyes stare impassively at you, the only thing clearly distinguishable in the darkness where he lurks.

Raph. 

There isn't much light where he's standing. It's hard to make out the details, but… you think he looks thinner than the last time Stockman brought him down. Is Stockman keeping him fed? Letting him get enough sleep? You seriously doubt it. You're not sure what he's got Raph doing every day, but you've seen glimpses of the bruises. New scars that you're certain weren't there before. 

Suddenly, Stockman surges forward, gripping your jaw in one hand and shouting inches from your face. “I'm speaking! You will listen when I speak!” 

Someone's pissed. It almost makes you want to laugh. To spit in his face, see just how angry you can get him. Then your eyes flick to Raph, who's still standing there on the far side of the cell. He hasn't so much as blinked this entire time, but. He might still be aware. There might be a part of him watching this. You need to stay out of trouble, to appease this pathetic excuse for a man, because if you get hurt, Raph will lose his mind when he… comes back to it. 

“I'm sorry,” you croak. The apology feels sour on your tongue, but you push through anyway, trying to look like you mean it. Stockman scowls but releases your jaw and straightens up, shaking his head as he peers down at you. As if you're the unreasonable one in this situation. Fucking prick.

“As I was saying,” he continues, stepping back and fiddling with the… remote? Something. It looks like a remote. A bulky one, despite there only being a handful of buttons. “You're going to help me with the final phase.” You pull your gaze away from the remote to look back at him, and the rage you saw earlier has been replaced with something closer to satisfaction. You really, really don't like the look of that smile. “Isn't that great? Knowing you'll finally be useful for something that matters?”

Does he expect you to nod? To smile back? To flap your hands in anticipation or gasp in giddy shared excitement?

You don't respond. He doesn't push it, though, and snaps something into place on the back of the remote with a solid click.

“What exactly are your… feelings for this creature,” he says, gesturing towards Raphael. 

What kind of a question is that? You glance between the two of them, wondering if it matters how truthful you are. In the end, you can't deny what's been drilled into your head since the day you woke up in this cell: he's in control. And it's always better to play along. 

“He's my friend.”

Stockman huffs through his nose, clearly amused by your answer. He twists, staring at Raphael before turning back to you. “Do you believe that he cares deeply for you?”

Your eyes narrow into a glare without your permission. Obviously the answer is yes - and Stockman knows it. You're the entire reason he was able to lure Raph into that fucking trap of his in the first place. He wouldn't have come for you if he didn't care - no matter how stubborn he is about admitting it out loud. 

Stockman hums, searching your face. For what, you're not sure.

“Beast.” He takes another step backwards, while Raph steps forward, close enough that you can make out the bruises and cuts that litter his scales, the thick metal collar that looks too tight around his neck. Every time you see him, the guilt threatens to swallow you whole. His expression is perfectly blank, and that, you think, might be the worst part of all. “This should determine whether he is truly, completely under my control.”

Wait, what?

“Make her stand.”

Raph moves immediately, grabbing your upper arm and dragging you to your feet. It's not a painful grip, but it's firm enough that you know you wouldn't be able to pull away even if you tried.

Stockman's eyes bore into yours, still searching. He takes another step backwards, gripping the remote hard enough that it creaks in his hands. “Choke her.”

Your eyes widen, but that's all you can do before you're shoved backwards against the wall. Raph's free hand wraps around your throat, and you feel it constrict your airway without hesitation. The shock gives way to fear, primal and desperate and wild. You need to breathe. You need to breathe. Your hands come up instinctively, trying to push against his plastron, to grab his wrist. Anything to breathe, anything, anything,  but air doesn't come. Your nails drag along his arm, your feet kicking at his legs. 

It does nothing. He doesn't move, or weaken his grip, or so much as flinch. Through your tears, you can see nothing but him. Eyes still white, face still blank, watching you with what an outsider would deem as disinterest as you struggle. Your lungs scream for oxygen, burning, burning, burning. Tiny, bright spots prickle in the darkness, the edges of your vision pulsing with every frantic heartbeat, and the fear would choke you if Raph wasn't already doing so. 

Raph. Raph is going to kill you. He's going to strangle you to death, and then Stockman will take him to Shredder and make him do who knows what else, and if his brothers ever manage to save him he'll blame himself for everything - and it'll be completely, 100 percent your fault. 

You try to speak, but there's no air for the words to take shape. 

“Release her.”

You fall in a heap, not managing to catch yourself, and bang your head against the concrete. You pay no mind to whatever the fuck Stockman is saying, focusing instead on the sweet oxygen that's finally expanding your lungs. Your ears are ringing. The room spins, and your forehead feels oddly wet and itchy. Before you can think too far past the fact that you can breathe, there's a hand in your hair, yanking you up so that you're kneeling. 

When you manage to focus your eyes, you can see that Stockman is pacing, gesturing animatedly as he speaks. The ringing, you have to listen past it. You have to focus. 

“-did it! This confirms it, I'm sure of it. If he'll hurt you on my command, then he'll do anything on my command.” Stockman pauses, looking at you. His grin stretches wider, and then he strides closer and crouches in front of you. “What were you going to say?”

…What?

Your face must betray your confusion, because he clarifies quickly. “I saw you trying to speak. What were you going to say?”

…Why does he care?

His smile gets impossibly wider, and something in his eyes darkens. You have a fraction of a second to realize that you said that out loud before he responds, “Because when you say your last words, I want you to know that they're your last.”

When his words register, it feels like your chest is caving in. Collapsing in on itself, burning to ash that you can suddenly taste in your mouth. You were right. You're going to die. 

And Raph-

You close your eyes, not wanting to look at this maniac's face any longer. You imagine Raph in front of you. The real Raph, with his sly smirk and gentle hands. You imagine his eyes. Not the white ones you've seen since he was turned, and not the sharp ones he likes to put on like a show. The soft ones that you catch him looking at you with when he isn't expecting you to glance his way. 

“I'm sorry, Raph,” you whisper. “It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself.”

Stockman barks out a laugh, making you jolt. You hadn't expected it, though you're not really sure why. 

He's still laughing when he gives the order. Still laughing when cool metal presses against your neck. You ignore it, craning your head back to catch one last look at Raphael. 

“I forgive you, okay? It's not you. This isn't your fault.” Raph blinks down at you, his face as neutral as before, and - you can't help it. You put it off for so long, afraid of the consequences. Afraid of pushing him away, somehow, or of ruining what you had with him. Silly, you think, to have wasted so much time when this is how it ends. If you don't say it now, then you never will. “I love you.”

He blinks again, and you wait for the pain. You try to prepare yourself, try to reason that it'll be over in a few minutes. Try to convince yourself that it could be worse. You're not sure how, exactly, but you're sure that it could be worse. He blinks again, and when he does, you see-

A blur of motion, and then he's gone. Something starts to drip nearby. You hear a new sound, a horrible, wet gurgling, and by the time you've realized what's happened, Stockman is already on his knees, clutching his neck. Red spills from between his fingers, and the same red drips from the kunai in Raph's hand. 

His eyes. They're not white. Wide and wet and terrified, but not white. 

The laughter stops.

You focus on him, now. He's looking more alive than he has in weeks, his plastron heaving with each shaky breath. The rage that radiates from him is almost a tangible thing, every part of him trembling. 

“Raph?”

He inhales sharply, his head whipping your way. The rage is replaced with something more like grief, and he starts to stagger toward you. You reach for him, and you can't help the smile that spreads across your face when he reaches back. Finally, this nightmare is over. Finally, finally, you-

Movement catches your eye. There's no time to shout before one of Stockman's hands reaches for the remote that's on the floor in front of him. He presses a button, and Raph screams, his hands coming up to clutch at the collar around his neck, and falls to his knees. 

“No!” You scramble toward the remote, pulling it easily from beneath Stockman's weak fingers. Blood has smeared across the buttons, and none of them seem to be labeled, and they all look the same - but Raphael is shrieking, making sounds you've never ever heard him make. You have to make it stop.

You press one at random. Nothing happens, so you press another, then another. The next one makes the screaming stop, and for a moment you think you've done it, but then every muscle in his body goes taut. He starts to convulse and falls onto his side, and now you're the one screaming. 

Small, aborted sounds spill from his lips, and horror threads itself among your veins. You can barely see through your tears, can barely press the buttons with how hard you're shaking, but finally, finally, you hit a button that makes everything go quiet and still. There's a series of clicks, a whirr and a hiss, and the collar breaks into pieces, tumbling onto the floor. 

You rush over, dropping the remote and cradling his head in your hands. “Raph? Raph?!” Clumsy fingers search for a pulse, but all you find is burnt flesh and pinpricks. “Raph, open your eyes. Raphael!” You grip his shoulders, shaking him desperately. Waiting for his eyes to open, for him to smile up at you and ask what all the fuss is about. You wait, and you wait, but he's. He's not. Moving. 

You shake your head, blinking hard. He's stronger than this. He can't be dead. You're just- just not capable of getting a pulse. Because of how thick his skin is. That's all. 

“Raph, I can’t carry you out of here. I need you to wake up, okay? So we can- so we can go home. Okay?”

He doesn't respond. You swallow, glancing toward Stockman. The man is deathly still, sprawled-

Ha. Deathly still. Because he's-

A hysterical laugh bubbles up and out of you, and you wince at the ache in your throat. You realize that you're breathing too quickly. Hyperventilating, the Donnie in your head corrects. Right. Thank you, Donnie. 

“Raph, I need you to wake up now,” you manage between breaths. “I need you to- to-” 

Your legs are starting to ache. They're cramped from sitting on the floor like this for so long. But you can't get up and stretch. Not when Raph is still-

“Raphie, I need you to wake up now. Please?” 

You need to stop crying. You're probably dehydrated, and this isn't helping. Raph never liked seeing you cry. It always made him sad, even if he didn't say it out loud. If you're still crying when he wakes up, he's- he's going to-

“Raph?”

You scrub your face with your forearm, trying and failing to take a deep breath. It hits you all at once, how much pain you're actually in. Your head. Your neck. Your chest. Even your muscles. Everything sort of just… aches. 

But it's okay, because when Raph takes you home he's going to patch you up. Just like you used to do for him, when he would stumble through your bedroom window with a busted lip or a cut on his leg. He'll take care of you, and you'll take care of him. 

“We need to go home so I can patch you up. Like old times,” you remind him, scratching gently along his shoulder. “Remember?”

He doesn't respond. 

“I should've told you back then. That I love you. I don't know why I didn't, I- I guess I was scared. But I'm telling you now, okay?”

He doesn't respond. 

“...Raph?”

Something in your chest gives way. A black hole of an emotion you can't name, because naming it would make it real. 

As if you have any say in it after the fact. It's real regardless of whether you call it by its name. Just like-

You close your eyes, covering your face with your hands. Your fingers brush against your forehead, and it hurts. Everything hurts. And you deserve every bit of it. You did this. It's your fault that he's-

“You love me?”

Everything stops. For a moment you swear even your pulse freezes in time, and then you raise your head to see Raph staring up at you, eyes soft and hazy and alive. Relief crashes over you like a tidal wave, all-consuming, and before you can think better of it you wrap your arms around his neck.

“Of course I do, you fucking asshole!” You pull back, holding his head in your hands and watching his expression switch from surprise to amused confusion. You probably seem like a total lunatic, but you don't even fucking care, because holy shit he's alive. 

You feel his hand pat your arm, and then he's sitting up as if you weren't mourning over his supposed fucking corpse less than a minute ago. You have a terrifying moment where you wonder if you're dreaming, but pinching yourself changes nothing, and you can count all your fingers, and honestly? If this is a dream, you don't want to wake up.

You focus back on him. He's pushing himself up, shaky and clumsy but alive, and when he holds out a hand to you, you take it immediately. The two of you walk past Stockman without a second glance, and by the time you make it outside the building Raph is steady on his feet and moving with purpose. 

Fresh air. The sounds of the city. A second wave of relief crashes over you, and never in your entire life have you felt this grateful. You look at Raph, unable to stop yourself from smiling when he looks back with those soft eyes. 

You see his gaze flicker down, then back up. His expression shifts into despair, his mouth opens, but before he can say anything you speak. 

“Take me home, Red.”

He looks almost surprised at that. Confused. Unsure. You'll need to address that - and several other things - later, when you've both been cleared by Donnie and you've gotten some food and rest. But for now, you pull him into a hug and repeat, “Take me home.”

After a moment's hesitation, he wraps his arms around you. You melt into the embrace, sighing. Then he lifts you, shifting you in his arms so that he can carry you, and holds you close against his plastron. 

“Yeah,” he murmurs, soft eyes on you. “Let's go home.”

-

tag list: @luckycharms1701 @thejudiciousneurotic @khayalli @justalotoffanfiction @thelaundrybitch @mxalmighty @shakeyourtrees @silverwatergalaxy

[rottenpumpkin13]

Just thinking about some Kunsel Whump. Like, of the soldiers he is the most generic and easily overlooked. I feel like he is the cog that holds most of the department together. It’s like a stage technician. If the job is done right, nobody will notice you, but do it wrong? They are the first person to get the complaints.

Anyway, Kunsel goes missing for a day. Be it captured by the enemy or the Turks, or just called in sick but nobody knows that because he is usually the person who knows who in the roster is away or sick or where they are stationed without looking anything up.

Chaos.

Picture him getting captured by an enemy faction while out on a solo mission, but no one notices at first because he's usually the guy in charge of logging the mission details and updating the status reports at the end of the day.

The only reason the 49th floor isn't more chaotic the next day is because Lazard hasn't yet given up on his men—not even when Zack accidentally triggers the emergency lockdown system while trying to alert the department about the infestation, sealing several escape routes and trapping some of their own troops in the middle of an infestation of monsters that escaped from the labs.

Everyone's struggling to deal with the monsters as the lack of efficient communication makes it impossible to coordinate attacks or know the precise locations of each operative (Kunsel was also responsible for maintaining the communication system).

Genesis: Where's Kunsel?? I can't get through to anyone on the lower levels!

Angeal, fighting off a monster: He wasn't at the usual briefing this morning. Sephiroth, have you seen him?

Sephiroth, looking at a dead monster while going through the motions of self reflection: I haven't, which now leads me to believe that he's missing.

Zack, also fighting off a monster: This is bad! This means he never got back from his assignment yesterday! What if he's hurt? Or in danger!? OR DEAD? Man, I'm the worst friend ever!

Genesis: I never realized how much we rely on him until now. I feel simply horrid that we—Sephiroth please don't mourn the dead specimen.

Angeal: I know what you mean. He must hate us now. We have to get him back now. Before it's too late!

Cut to enemy territory, where Kunsel sits at a table, a steaming cup of tea in hand, surrounded by the members hanging on every single word he says, while looking over a map of Midgar.

Kunsel: Yeah, your plan of attack makes no sense. You need to deploy a diversion in sector 7 to drive Shinra's forces away from sector 0, and then use the undercity to move in.

*The enemy group is in awe*

Enemy commander: Impressive! We could use someone of your expertise to lead us from now on. We'll be devoted to you and you alone.

Kunsel: Tempting, but I have to decline.

Enemy commander: Ah, I see. You're loyal to Shinra and SOLDIER alone.

Kunsel: Not really. It's just that the health benefits are great, I have game night with the boys every Friday, and me and Zack got movie tickets for next Saturday.

*Kunsel sips his tea*

Kunsel: Plus Tuesdays are taco days at the mess hall.

[inklessletter]

Steve should have known better.

He felt exhibited, exposed. Seen. He hasn't felt that way since he was nineteen. Now he was almost thirty, just in a few weeks, standing in the kitchen, preparing his toddler's meal, and everything should feel normal, definitely not like if the world took an upside down turn on him as soon as he recognized Eddie's voice coming from the TV in the living room. Alone there, forgotten. Like white noise.

They have not been in touch for more than teen years.

He almost didn't pay attention to it. Almost.

Eddie didn't sound like Eddie, that was not his scene, that was not his music, nor his usual angry lyrics. He definitely was not smooth, sad piano, not a raspy, sentimental voice.

It was strange and unfamiliar that man in the screen wielding his voice. That was not him.

Yet it took Steve three seconds to stop dead and go to the living room and stare, cooking forgotten.

Black and white, great illumination, sad expression, and Steve's life in Eddie's lips.

That Eddie, that unknown person sang what Steve told him that many years ago, hidden under a starry night, no Moon there to lit the unshed tears, or the blush in his cheeks. Eddie was singing his secrets.

Like a confession, Eddie sang about his fear of becoming unloved and forgotten, about how his father told him he would be nothing but lonely if he didn't get a wife and kids when Steve was barely eleven. Eddie sang, like it was his own experience, about him becoming his own authority, about how that lingering fear of meaning nothing, be nothing but a sad waste of space because he was definitely unlovable. Eddie sang about Steve's desire of having kids and make himself the greatest dad in the world so he could find that love when he was nothing but wrinkles and memories.

Eddie didn't sing about that love letter that he wrote to Steve, telling him that he was already loved and cherished, and that he would do anything in his hand to make Steve feel unbearably loved every day.

Eddie didn't sing about Steve shaking, reading over and over again that later, terrified of yet losing someone he loved so much because he was flying too close to the sun. Again.

Eddie didn't sing about Steve rejecting him the day before he set off Hawkins to become a famous musician. He didn't sing about Steve's trembling smile, about broken hearts that day. He didn't sing about their mouths becoming that day a graveyard of kisses. He didn't sing about the tight hug, Steve's plea in his hear "please, forget about me and be huge" and Eddie's choking reply "that's not an option, because I will always love you."

He didn't sing about those ten years of silence between them.

Instead, Eddie sang about his wish of becoming loved by the children he hadn't had yet, wondering if they will still love him when he was old or if they would let him behind. Eddie sang about a letter that changed a man and made him happy once.

What Eddie didn't put it in the lyrics, but all Steve could hear, standing there, sobbing, barely able to breath, aching and broken, was that Eddie kept his promise.

He still loved him.

[amarizuu]

Hello! I saw your post that the ask box is open for asking your great 7 au,so lemme just jump right in with the questions

Question: if/when yuu has panic or anxiety attacks,what do the great seven do to comfort them?

Question #2: what does maleficent think of silver,sebek and Lilia?

Hi guys! I have finally come alive in this account and here to continue writing. Though I am not sure when will be the next post in this account since I am at my relative's house right now and is staying with my cousins right now, let's start.

NOTE: Not Proofread(Terrible Grammar apologies), The characters are part of my AU, and Yuu uses They/Them. I did some bits of research on what to do when someone has a panic attack. If I did something wrong, please tell me ^^/

Q.1: If Yuu has a panic attack whether be it the past or present the Great Seven will try their best to help them as they have high respects towards them or they are currently in their kingdom as it is their responsibility.

Maleficent, Ursula, Jafar, Queen Grimhilde & Hades: Has yet to experienced

Maleficent: I have yet to experience the sight of it, but if they do experience it. I remember learning from books, humans needs a sense of peace and comfort.

(Maleficent will try to sing/hum to them and send everyone out, leaving the two alone in the room)

Ursula: Yes, I've read and seen different folks experiencing them, however, not with the case of Yuu. Just like the Thorn Fairy mention comfort and peace will be required. There's nothing I need in return, just hope little guppie will never experience it.

(Ursula will try to bring Yuu their grounding, using one of her tentacles and sticking onto Yuu, trying to get their sense and won't leave them alone. The two eels will make sure nobody will disturb them. Yuu gets lots of hugs from the three of them, though Ursula always shoos them away, thinking they might feel crowded.)

Jafar: ...

Hades: ...

Ursula: If I'm gonna expect from you two, you guys never seen or experienced it?

Hades: Look, I don't think those things can kill anyone--

Maleficent: They don't.

Jafar: It just hasn't come to my mind about it since the Sultan hasn't experienced it.

Ursula: Teaching you a few things after this talk

Jafar: Anything from you will make it sound like a deal.

Hades: Gotta agree with the snake here.

(Hades and Jafar will slowly learn about it, though Hades will definitely will try to comfort Yuu in his own way and Jafar will do the same since he has a hard time expressing his thoughts during the process of it, his priority is to calm down Yuu.)

Queen Grimhilde[Aka Evil Queen]: Yuu is a strong warrior that experienced such things and may handle it alone. Now, we are here, we hope that we could be there for Yuu just like how Yuu was there for us in our troubles.

Maleficent: I do agree. We just hope now Yuu will stop thinking they are just a vessel for us to exist.

(Queen Grimhilde will act in a similar way from Maleficent, comforting Yuu in a motherly way and hold them tightly in their arms. Since she had an experience with Snow White [Their story played out different in my AU] she has some knowledge of taking care of Yuu herself.)

Queen of Hearts & Scar: Experienced

Queen of Hearts: Unlike the others, during a tea party in my caslte, I have witnessed Yuu having a panic attack. But it is not in my place to share such events.

"Hedgehog is something the matter?" The Queen ask as she suddenly noticed Yuu's behavior. They suddenly stopped talking and stared at the cup for a long time. They started to breathe heavily as their body start to shake. The servants around them look at each other in worry but their eyes were mostly on Yuu and it made Yuu drop the cup in their hand.

The Queen stood up and the servant tried to move an inch but the Queen was only mad, mad that they couldn't read the room at this very moment.

"Everyone, I demand everyone to leave the garden. Nobody. Not even the gardeners should be here"

"But your majesty, the broken--"

"OFF. With. your. head. It's an order!"

The guards around them carried that person as they were frozen in fear. The rest of the servants had no choice but to follow, they all leave in a hurry leaving nothing but the two individuals alone.

The Queen sighed in relief as she slowly walked up to Yuu, bending to their level and carefully avoiding the cups. She finally noticed how pale Yuu had suddenly become and saw their body shaking up close. The Queen frowned and took Yuu's hands into her own. Her anger subsided upon seeing the person she trusted the most so vulnerable—the person who once held the sword against her enemies now reduced to this state. Her anger subsidded seeing the person whom she trusted the most be this vulnerable, the person who hold the sword against her enemies suddenly turned out like this.

"Hedgehog it's me, can you hear me dear?"

Queen of Hearts: So now we only have tea alone. Just the two of us, though there are guards around but not close ,so Yuu can be at peace.

Scar: I have a similar experience , though it was during training. And we had an audience, which was my fault. I think my pride got the better of me and didn't think about the situation on the little Cub's part.

Queen Hearts: Dear sake...Scar?!

Scar: They've been in many battles, didn't think it had an affect like it.

As Scar was about to start fighting, he noticed the stance Yuu was doing didn't look like their normal fighting stance. Scar's tail flicked, and his ear twitched. Something didn't sit right.

Cheers from afar echoed throughout the arena which made Scar smile, his people are looking at him but his eyes trailed back to Yuu. Just when the battle starts, Scar stopped himself as he finally noticed something strange. Yuu's grip has loosen and his complection looks terrible under the sun.

"Everyone! It seems that something may occur. This battle will be postpone."

The hyenas frowned and accepted it as they left. Scar ran over to Yuu--

"Hey, little cub, you don't look too good-"

He stopped and caught Yuu from falling, hitting their body against his. His eyes widened as he slowly brought them down to the ground. Their body shaking and they don't look focus at all, they probably don't even realize they have fallen yet.

"Calm down. Nobody is here now. It's just us..."

Scar: I didn't wanna be a dick and use that as an advantage to fight them.

Queen of Hearts: Good. If you were, I might need to wage war against your kingdom.

Scar: Tsk..

Q.2: Maleficent's thoughts about Silver, Sebek, and Lilia?

SILVER:

"Regarding to that student. my first impression of him was of a knight, he has that aura he gives off and loyalty, it's quite nice to see a student like him in such a school like this. However, I do wonder how we always find him sleeping, does the kid have yet to get sleep? I'm quite concerned for his health."

SEBEK:

"Loud boy aint he. Sometimes, whenever I hear a loud voice it makes me think I am back in the forest when humans get lost, they shout so loud for help knowing they are alone..lost. His loyalty still stands strong which I like, there's a lot of knightly students in that dorm, hm? I do quite like it."

LILIA:

"His second appearance was quite a startle but it made me chuckle as he was hanging upside down. He does care about his dormleader who is unfortunately not approachable, I could say I could feel the same sentiments as him. He does have quite a charm doesn't he? Though his performance during that Savanaclaw's battle... was something."

Thank you for reading! Hope you guys enjoyed it. See you all in my next post :D

[daytaker]

The Gang React to Weed

Happy 4/20, here's a thing.

(I'm imagining that demons have the same reactions to weed that humans do. I don't think they actually would have the same reactions, but theoretically...)

Oh, and to make my own bias clear: I'm not a fan, personally. I can't think about weed without thinking about the smell. The stink. So I'm not sure if the focus on the smell in these comes off as weird or not, but it's so powerful in my mind, it must be addressed.

Lucifer hates weed. Don't call that the Devil's lettuce, he wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. It smells like skunk. It's revolting. Don't use it in his house. Don't use it in his presence. Don't use it. It's antithetical to everything he believes in.

Mammon...would stone. I see him as someone who uses one of those vape pens on the DL (not nearly as smelly, so much safer to use in the House of Lamentation) but he'd also like gummies and weed brownies. Being stoned is just fun. It's pleasant. It's relaxing. Chill out, Lucifer, you're harshing the vibes, man.

Leviathan is nervous about weed. He has this idea that there's a way he's supposed to react to cannabis, and when he doesn't, he feels like there's something wrong with him. He's supposed to feel all chill and groovy, right? So why does he just feel dizzy? Why is he not relaxed? Why isn't he chill?! Why isn't he groovy?!?!?! He probably psyches himself out too much to enjoy it. He's too nervous about the social expectations.

Satan is kind of ambivalent to weed. He doesn't particularly enjoy it. I don't think he'd like feeling intoxicated in general because of the lack of control. But at the same time.... it pisses Lucifer off so much, how can he not appreciate that? He doesn't like the smell either, so if it wasn't for Lucifer, he'd be the one complaining about it, but as it stands, he's perfectly willing to enable his brothers who do like it.

Asmodeus doesn't mind it in moderation, and only in edibles. Again... the smell. He will not tolerate smelling like anything less than a bouquet of roses. He only really uses it socially.

Beelzebub can't have cannabis. And I know you know why. The cravings. You can't just take gluttony and make it hungrier. It Devours. Once, Mammon left some weed brownies unattended, and he was strung up by Lucifer for days, not because he brought pot into the house, but because Beelzebub ate them and went on a mindless rampage through the Devildom, eating his way through various businesses and even a few historic landmarks. Everything was game: stone, dirt, wood, you name it. The bottomless pit just became bottomless-er.

Belphegor likes it. Similar to Mammon, he doesn't want the hassle of Lucifer getting on his case, so he prefers the vape pen, since it's less smelly and also Beel-safe. It makes him feel cozy and relaxed, because if Belphie needs anything, it's something to help him fall asleep more easily.

Diavolo loves it! But since Lucifer hates it, he doesn't use it very often. I actually imagine he and Solomon occasionally hang out and smoke. Only very rarely, because he's much too busy to be fucking off with some tricksy wizard and getting high, but it happens from time to time.

Barbatos is indifferent to it. What's some intoxication in the face of millions of years of experiences and virtual omniscience? It won't affect him. But please, young master, if you must indulge, change your clothes after. The scent has a way of clinging to fabric...

Solomon loves weed! It's so fun. What a great way to take the edge off. Mind-altering substances are very fun for a guy who's seen it all, even if cannabis is relatively lowkey. When he senses that the moment is right, he'll whisk Diavolo away every now and then and hang out in some scenic location while smoking. He has a fantasy that one day, Diavolo will spontaneously suggest they make a pact during such an occasion. It hasn't happened yet.

Simeon isn't interested in getting high. It's not for him, or for any angels, really. I wish I had a more nuanced picture of him for this prompt, but I'm just picturing a meme with Simeon's face saying "Don't get high: get saved."

Luke is a literal child.

"What's that awful smell, Simeon?"

"Oh, that's just some Devil-grass burning. Some demons enjoy the sensations inhaling the smoke causes."

"Demons would like something like that!"

[luveline]

if you’re doing hotch baby blurbs maybe hotch reconnecting with an old friend maybe an ex fling and there are sparks

thank you for your request! ♥︎ fem!reader 1.2k

Aaron has occasionally seen strangers with your face. It sounds unsettling. In reality, he enjoys those few seconds. He sees someone with your hair, your shoulders, and he waits for them to turn around and smile your sweet smile. They never do. 

Or, they usually don't. 

You turn around and Hotch's heart does a hurdle, another when your familiar smile lights up your face. When you're sure he's recognised you it somehow grows brighter; you're sunshine incarnate as you weave through uniforms and desks to reach him. 

"Aaron," you say, and there's the shyness he remembers, your eyes flitting over the surprised faces of his team. "Hi, how are you? I didn't know you were coming here." 

He smiles as you reach up to hug him around the neck. It's a decidedly slow hug, not quite professional though you never have been, but it's also very gentle. It's a hug between friends.  

"I had no idea you were here," he says honestly. 

"Oh, I know. I'm not good at using my emails even if you did." Your eyelashes kiss in the corners, your serene smile yet to fall. "It's so good to see you," —you pull away from him, directing your attention to the team— "and to meet you all. I'm Y/N L/N." 

Aaron introduces the team, thankfully without tripping up. 

"How do you know each other?" Morgan asks, always one to be nosey when the others won't risk it. 

You wait for Hotch to answer. 

"We worked at the same office when I was an attorney," he says. 

"You were an attorney?" Prentiss asks you. 

"Oh, no, I was just a glorified secretary honestly. That's what I am here." You smile, unashamed at your profession. "I'm one of the secretaries, so if you need anything please tell me, even if it's a cup of coffee, okay?"

You cross your hands across your chest. Hotch hadn't known it back then but this is one of your tells. You're self-conscious underneath all the lightness. 

"I'll show you guys to the conference room, if you like? And I'll track down Mr. Tanner for you." 

You lead them to the conference room. It's crammed with tables, but a good space has been cleared and a big whiteboard has been wheeled against the wall. You offer everybody coffee and he's grateful when each member of the team says no, cutting his schoolboy panic short. 

The door closes, and he relaxes, and Rossi's generous enough to talk under his breath. 

"It could've been worse," Rossi says. 

"You knew she was here?" 

"How could I know that?" Rossi asks. Hotch would give in if his smile weren't so smug. 

"You have history?" Morgan asks. 

"Absolutely not," Hotch says. "We have work to do." 

And they do a lot of work. Hotch is great at compartmentalising, keeping your pretty smile locked away at the back of his head, only thinking of you when he sees you, or hears your tentative knocks at the door twice a day for the few days they're there.

By the time the case is over, he's going insane with memories of the past. You haven't changed in all that time, you're still soft and sweet-natured, still over generous, still beautiful. 

"You're going home now?" you ask from the door. 

Hotch looks up from the account of events he'd been noting. "Pardon?" 

"You're going home? Back to Quantico?" 

"Yeah, bright and early tomorrow morning." He sits back in his seat. "Out of all the places I pictured you, I never considered Virginia Beach." 

"It's very family friendly." 

He stills. You start to laugh, and your laugh has always been so bubbly and contagious to him, it brings back fond memories of you. 

"I don't have a family," you say, "sorry, that's not what I meant to imply. I want a family, of course, but it…hasn't worked out. It will, hopefully. What about you, did you ever?" 

"I did– we had a son, Hailey and I." 

You don't say congratulations though he knows you're happy for him. You lean your face against the doorway. "Does he look like you?" you ask. 

"No." He laughs. He doesn't know why. "He's all Hailey." 

"I bet he's beautiful. She was always so lovely, how is she?" 

"I assume she's fine, but we don't speak very often anymore. We separated." 

Your eyebrows thread together at the starts. "I'm sorry. It's not easy, and it's not fair, but you got a good thing out of it."

"Yeah, we did. Do you want to see a photograph?" 

You don't waste a second. Hotch doesn't doubt that your enthusiasm is sincere. "Yes, please, I'd love to."

Hotch has a lot of photos of Jack. You want to see them all, and your eyes get happier with each one. 

"You're a liar, Hotchner, you said he doesn't look like you. He's a beautiful kid. Wow, he looks so happy." You loll your head mildly to one side. He can smell your perfume. "Are you happy, too? I always meant to reach out, Aaron, and ask how you were but I… don't know. I thought hearing you about you being happy would hurt more than it really did. I'm so glad to see you again." 

Why would it hurt? he thinks desperately. He already knows, of course. He knows the kind of feeling that would make you move 180 miles away from home. He can read just about anyone. He knows how you feel now. 

"I'm glad to see you too," he says. 

"And surprised, I mean, I'm so far away from home, but I guess you guys go everywhere, huh? Seeing you again is like fate." 

He can agree with fate, but far away feels subjective. "It's only a three hour drive." 

"Only!" you repeat, beaming. "You don't think that's far?" 

"It depends on what you're driving too," he says, each word measured. He's careful. 

"I think you're right. You know what I always miss? The Three Dragons, the one closest to our office." 

"That's still there," he says. 

"I would drive three hours for that." 

He's a fool. He's coming on too strong. He's misinterpreting the signs. He tells himself all of this and it doesn't matter at all, he can't control his hand, can't stop himself from covering your smaller palm with his. 

"And here?" he asks. "Are there any nice places to eat nearby?" 

Your eyes lock onto his hand. Your thumb hooks over his hand, and your skin is so warm, your hand pressing closer to his as you draw your gaze to his face. Hotch isn't sure he's ever been looked at the way you're looking at him — your lips press together in a thin line like you're trying to stop from smiling and failing spectacularly. 

"Nothing as nice as the Three Dragons, but I think we can find something," you say softly. 

Hotch is yours until tomorrow morning, and if all goes well, he knows Virginia Beach will be a drive worth making. 

[lostinforestbound]

It's finally here! I'm sorry it took me so long, with work and art projects I got completely swamped. But now it's here! I'm aware I'm posting this incredibly late so no one will see this until morning probably hahaha! Requested tag: @snoozeeebee

Rolan/M!Tiefling Tav

Third Time's the Charm - Ch.1

Rolan intends on doing great things when he finally gets to Baldur's Gate, but an utter idiot named Tav is distracting him. Unfortunately, against his better judgement, he's starting to fall for him.

Word Count: 5.9k (AO3)

Relevant Tags: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rolan's POV, Makeout, No smut (yet) but it gets frisky, Slowburn

(If there's any tags I missed, please let me know!) NSFW, MDNI

They've been at this grove, stewing and waiting for too long. That Archdruid (Halsin was his name, he believes) might have been welcoming, but the other druids have not. Now he up and disappeared after he decided to follow a group of weak, loud, wannabe adventurers who were only out for themselves. When they cowered back inside the grove with less than half their group, he knew that this place was doomed. What's worse than all of that mess is that Lia is stubborn about leaving, and now they're in an argument again. They've been having them a lot in recent months, ever since the fall and rise of Elturel.

"-and all you care about is your stupid apprenticeship!" Lia shouts at him, his mind finally tuning back into the conversation- no, not a conversation, a damn shouting match.

Her words make him bristle and grind his teeth. How dare she? How dare she ever think this was all only for the apprenticeship? It's an insult to injury, knowing no matter what he does, trying to take care of them results in him being called selfish. What is selfish about wanting a better life for the three of them? They only have each other, their mother long gone. She's gone, and now he carries the sole responsibility of taking care of them.

She's gone.

"Take that back. Right now." He hisses, getting in her face as they glare each other down.

Cal immediately inserts himself in between the two of them, palms out in front of them both. "Can we all just take a moment? Please?"

Rolan idly notices the sweat gathering on Cal's temple as he pushes Lia back slightly by her shoulder, creating more space between all of them. He does the same to Rolan, but stays put in the middle to form a weak barrier- wait, who is that tiefling that approached? No, it doesn't matter.

"Hells, we can't just leave. They're kin!" Lia begs, almost pleading with him.

"I will not gamble our lives- our futures, on people who are as good as dead," He says somewhat calmly, though his tail still flicks behind him in irritation. "We must leave for Baldur's Gate at once."

Lia looks ready to bare her teeth at him, angry with him. She's always angry with him. "What's the point of blades and spells if we don't bloody use them?! We should stay! These people aren't fighters, we can help!"

"Or yell louder, that's fine too," Cal says with a familiar bitterness in his tone; gods, he hates that tone on Cal. He's been hearing it more often, these days.

"Have you forgotten Elturel?" A voice breaks through, and he finally acknowledges the presence beside them.

It's another tiefling, a much larger one at that. He's not part of the refugees, as he hasn't even seen him around until now. Did he just arrive here?

This one isn't that much taller than he is, only by a few inches; but hells, his mass absolutely dwarfs his own. A fighter most likely, or even worse, a barbarian. It doesn't matter which one he may be, he looks like an idiot that isn't worth his precious time.

"We should stand by our people. You know no one else will." He says lowly, giving a knowing look of both annoyance and sadness.

He loathes that look. He’s never wanted to blast someone more than in this moment. How dare he look at him as if he was some child throwing a tantrum?

"This isn't Elturel, and I'm not responsible for every damn tiefling in the world!" He exclaims, almost furious.

Lia pokes him harshly in the chest with her pointer finger, and he has to suppress a wince. "Just be responsible for yourself, then! We have to stay; it's the right thing to do."

He hates that fucking tiefling even more now. Not only has he butted into his family affairs, but now he turned his sister- Lia, even more against him. For once, why can't things go his way? Why do they not listen to him?

When did they stop listening to him?

"Zurgan. Fine! We'll stay. If we survive, it'll make for a good story, I suppose." He airs, rubbing a finger to his temple as he feels a headache form there.

For the first time in a long time, Lia gives him a genuine smile, putting a hand on his arm and squeezing. "Thank you, Rolan.” She says sincerely.

Cal now takes the calm moment to usher the two further into the grove, seeming to want to get away from the entranceway as soon as possible; for once, Rolan lets him. He doesn't pay any mind to the strange looks they get by going further into the grove with the other refugees, and he certainly doesn't pay any mind to the oaf of a tiefling that they left standing there by himself.

He decides he hates that man, and he pisses him off to no end.

"How long until Rolan shows off his Thunderwave?" Cal asks as they settle down near an old human woman's tent, who seems to be organizing some herbs in her storage crate. Something is off about her, but Rolan can’t put his finger on it. Either way, it doesn’t matter.

Lia snickers at that moment, crossing her arms over her chest. "Depends, how many people are dumb enough to ask?"

"Hah! True."

Rolan rolls his eyes, trying to dust off the dirt on his robes. He hates the smell of this damned grove, it stinks. Is he truly supposed to arrive to Lorroakan with his clothes smelling like this? He'll have to burn them, no question.

"Don't be grumpy, Rolan. We'll get to the city soon." Cal chirps, bumping his shoulder with his own.

"I am not grumpy."

"The scowl on your face would frighten a troll."

Despite the foul move he's in, he smiles at his little brother. "Heh. You're an idiot."

-----

It's been days, and that tiefling is still here.

He's heard about his many exploits; saving one of the children the druids held hostage, saving another orphan child from a group of relentless harpies, getting their money back from that tiefling brat with the eyepatch, and slaughtering Kagha. Emphasis on slaughtering.

When he came out of that grove where the ritual had stopped, he saw the amount of blood that was covering the large man. None of it was his own, he realized. The man barely had a scratch on him and seemed proud when exiting.

He caught himself staring at him many times, watching how the muscles stretched across his skin, seeing all the little imperfections. Scars, beauty spots, all the like. He internally curses himself and looks away when he feels his face growing hot.

Paying back attention to his siblings, he notices how Cal stares at the blacksmith across the way, rubbing his hands absentmindedly as he thinks of something.

"You shouldn't waste precious time on distractions. We need to head to Baldur's gate after this goblin fiasco is over." He remarks, getting up and brushing off dirt.

"Rolan." Lia warns, but he ignores her and walks away with a roll of his eyes. They need supplies, so he will go get them if they are too lazy to do so.

And, of course, the oaf is already buying them off of one of the druids. Damn it all!

"Need something?" He asks, inspecting him as if Rolan was much shorter than him.

He scoffs, even more irritated than he was originally, "I was in need of potions, but it seems you got them all already."

"What did you need?"

"It doesn't matter, you beat me to it!” He instinctively snaps, briefly pinching the bridge of his nose between his index finger and thumb. “Bloody health potions are so short of stock these days-"

Wordlessly, the man puts three large health potions into his arms, which, for once, renders Rolan speechless. He doesn’t even remember the original tangent he was about to go one. Something about price inflation, probably.

Staring down at the red potions in his arms, he snaps back into reality when he speaks again. "You three need it more than I do. I, at least, have a healer."

He sneers at him, gripping the potions tight. "So what, you look down on us?”

"Not at all."

"We are not charity cases,”He almost growls, baring his teeth. “What is your game here?"

"…Can I tell you a secret?"

Why is this his life? How did everything turn out this way? Why is he even entertaining this fool??

After a bit of contemplating his life choices, he finally responds. "What?"

The tiefling suddenly leans in to put his mouth near his ear, and gods he's so close. Tav was his name, wasn't it? He heard it in passing by one of his group mates. Balsam, rogue's morsel, and acorn truffle are what he smells on him, a strong scent that is surprisingly pleasant- gods, what is he thinking?! Feeling his face starting to heat up, he tries to take a step back, but Tav stills him with a hand on the back of his neck. It makes his breath catch in his throat.

Finally, Tav whispers to him, "I'm just being nice."

Tav pulls away, leaving Rolan completely dumbfounded as he continues. "I'm not trying to look down on you or be a pest, I just think you need the potions more than I do. Cause gods forbid these fucking druids try and help out people who need it." He spits with a roll of his eyes, staring directly at the Druid that was still besides them through this entire ordeal. He looks uncomfortable.

"Well, that is shockingly intelligent of you." He huffs, hoping the jab aggravated him. "Although, aren't you fighting a swarm of Goblins out there?"

"I am, but bold of you to assume they hit hard enough to hurt me." Before he could come up with another insult for his remark, Tav interjected. "Anyways, I have to return to my camp as it is getting late. Good luck to you and your siblings. Cal and Lia, right?"

He didn't have the chance to respond before the idiot sauntered off, back outside the grove. Great, now he's indebted to the bastard. Slowly, he stalks back into the grove, tying the potions to his belt as he does so.

-----

Some panic swept across the grove when people realized the goblin army planned to raid it for all it was worth. He's heard so many horror stories of slaughtered tieflings, their enemies sawing off their horns to keep as trophies or as foghorns.

If they think they could do the same to his family, they are sorely mistaken.

As others run and hide in Zevlor's war room, others stay to help fight, including himself. But, once again, the three of them can't stop arguing about their positions; he can tell Cal is getting pissed off, but so is he.

"I'm telling you to stay back. My Thunderwave will make short of any goblin that dares to come close. If you two are in the way, I'll knock you both over!"

"And I'm telling you to just get behind us! Spellcasters can't take a punch or a blade!" Lia shouts.

"Can we not argue over this? Please? How about we all line up together?"

"No." They both state and Cal immediately shuts up.

"Wow, you three must love each other very much." A familiar voice says sarcastically.

He grits his teeth and turns towards Tav. "Oh, piss off you oafish-"

"Wait! Wait, maybe Tav can help us out. Figure out positioning and whatnot?" Cal suggests quickly.

"Great idea Cal! Let's ask the professional harpy slayer."

Tav looks at them all, seeming to take in the equipment and weapons that they have on hand. In all honesty, Rolan didn't even think Tav could think.

Suddenly, Tav grabs Cal and moves him to the front, and in the next moment, he gently moves Lia to the back, leaving Rolan in the middle. "There. That's a good positioning."

"See? Easy!" Cal says cheerfully. "Now can we just-"

"Why can’t I be in the front with Cal?”

“Lia come on-“

“I want to be able to help out!”

Tav yawns briefly before explaining, "You will be helping, a lot. Both of you and Rolan are range users. You will hit goblins better by staying in the back where you'll be more effective. Cal here is in melee, with both a pike and a shield. He can protect you both and be your frontliner, while at the same time, you two cover his blind spot. Although, alternatively, you two could be next to each other, but stay behind him."

Rolan blinks slowly, processing the logic behind it. Damn it all, it's incredibly smart. Maybe Tav isn’t an idiot.

"There, good enough explanation?" He asks.

"It's great! Thank you, sincerely." Lia says, patting Tav's shoulder.

"…You're welcome." He pauses before putting a hand into his bag. "We'll kill those bastards out there, no doubt. But I would feel better if you all have this just in case."

Taking out a bright scroll, he holds it out to the three of them to take. Rolan instantly recognized it, especially with the unique binding on it.

A Resurrection Scroll.

Lia is the first to react and take it. "We won't need this, but thank you! Doesn't hurt to have a backup plan if things go wrong."

"I'll make sure it goes smoothly." He reassures, cracking his knuckles.

"What do you have planned, anyway?" Cal wonders aloud.

"I stole a bunch of smoke powder barrels in their camp and set them up along the perimeter. Anyways, they could be here any moment. Stay vigilant. If all goes super well, you won't even have to fight."

-----

They feel the explosions before they hear it. A deep rumbling in the ground that shakes them, awake and alert. There are so many of them that go off after the first one, like a domino effect. How many barrels could Tav have possibly gotten his hands on??

Unfortunately, those explosions didn’t stop a giant spider and some goblins from coming in.

Goblins were easy. He made quick work of them with his thunderwave, blasting them back into the stone wall. Though with his distraction of mentally stroking his own ego, he didn’t see the giant spider coming up until Cal quickly got to his side, blocking its oncoming fangs with his shield, the force of the bite splintering the wood.

His eyes widen, and he blasts a magic missile at the spider right as Lia shoots an arrow into one of its eyes. It screeches in pain, but it’s stubborn in its conviction. It lunges, and Cal cries out when it tears into his arm, trying to rip off his flesh.

Rolan shoots off another thunderwave in his anger and panic, killing the spider in an instant. He watches some of the legs get cut clean off, the body flying and crashing into some crates, destroying them, and its sickly green innards spilling onto the dirt floor. A disgusting sight, indeed.

“Cal!” Lia yells quickly, snapping Rolan back into reality and he quickly rushes over.

Cal is teary-eyed but tries to wave it off, even as Lia tries to get a better look. “I-I’m fine, I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Come here.” Rolan says maybe a little too harshly, making his brother sit down on a wayward crate and grabbing his elbow to hold it still.

“Rolan please-“

“You look close to crying! Just-“ He stops himself and takes a deep breath, eyes meeting his. “Let me help. Please.”

Cal sighs shakily but nods, letting his arm be lifted for him and Lia to see.

It’s a deep injury, but nothing deathly serious. It looks painful. The spider managed to inject some kind of poison, but Cal resisted whatever effect it could have taken.

Rolan takes out one of the health potions he’s received from Tav and carefully pours it over the injury, and it slowly seals the wound. No scar is left behind, surprisingly enough.

“Does it hurt?” Lia gently presses.

“Not anymore. Thanks, Rolan.”

He wants to yell at him so badly, the argument already bubbling up his throat. Why wasn’t he more careful? Why did he jump towards his side so quickly? He had it handled! He’s supposed to protect him, not the other way around.

Instead, he settles on, “You’re welcome.”

Knowing it’s safer, Cal leans against him quietly, and Rolan carefully holds him with Lia. It wasn’t even a close call, but it’s clear Cal needed some comfort.

No more enemies come through. There were no casualties, either.

Zevlor ends up making a speech at the gate when they check out the damage, and he’s sure others are inspired, but he’s barely paying attention to it. He doesn’t care, in all honestly. He wants to leave this fucking grove and never look back; it is by far the worst place they’ve ever stayed in, second to Avernus. Though, he might be being dramatic.

He found himself looking around for Tav, but he didn’t see him anywhere. Why was he looking for him, anyway?

When he finally spots him, he shouldn’t be shocked by the amount of gore he’s covered in, but he is. He’s completely drenched in blood, whether from the goblins or the Drow leading them. Some of it was his own since he spots injuries littering his frame. 

He shakes his head and straightens up, shifting his attention to his siblings and ignoring the warmth growing in his cheeks. “Now that this fiasco is over, we will head to Baldur’s Gate.”

“Are you serious Rolan?! Come on, there’s going to be a party!” Lia complains, bumping her hip with his. “We have to go.”

“We don’t have time for parties! Lorroakan is waiting for me, I cannot be late.”

“What’s one party, Rolan? It’s just for a night. We need to rest anyways.” Cal says, looking around the other excited tieflings. When was the last time they saw a crowd of them so happy? He certainly doesn't remember, and it makes his original conviction crack a little.

“I will not-“

Cal takes hold of one of his arms, tugging him. “Please, Rolan? Just for tonight.”

“There’ll be free wine, provided by the heroes.” Lia sing-songs, leaning against him and almost making him stumble.

“…Free wine?” He questions, genuinely thinking about it.

“And free food,” Cal confirms.

Gods, he hates the pathetic puppy-dog eyes that they use. He can’t stand to look at their faces, and he hates it even more that he's falling for it, just as he always has.

He sighs heavily in defeat, head hanging a little low. “Fine.”

“Yes!” Cal cheers, giving him a tight hug.

To his surprise, Lia joins in, the both of them crushing him. “Thank you, Rolan!”

He rolls his eyes but lets a smile break through, even when he can hardly breathe. “All this over a party?”

“It’ll be fun! You’ll see!”

He smirks knowingly, finally separating from the two. “All right all right, I trust that this will be an exceptional occasion. I look forward to seeing you say you love me while drunk, Lia.”

"As if, brother."

It doesn’t take long for Tav to offer up his area with his party members, so they gather with the Tieflings and head to the camp. It doesn’t look like much, but it’s secluded at least.

That bard, Alfira, starts decorating the place in an instant; lantern lights go up, colorful ribbons decorate the trees, and boxes get moved to the side. Others help out, including Lia, but Rolan and Cal sit back and relax for the time being.

When the party finally starts, they pass wine between the three of them.

“Can you give us a magic show, Master Rolan?” She teases.

Rolan rolls his eyes playfully. “Already?”

“Oh! Can you make an owl bear?? Or a dragon!” Cal suggests, scooting forward more on the log.

He stretches out his arms in front of him, cracking his knuckles while doing so. "Patience! Have you no respect for showmanship?"

"Having performance issues Rolan?" Cal whisper-shouts playfully, and Rolan idly notices Tav approaching.

He turns his nose up high momentarily before holding his hands out. "Hush, you. And behold!"

It's a brief performance, but amazing nonetheless if he says so himself. He makes it look like stars that spark, fly, and explode into various lights. He has always been irritated he could never make it last long, but that is what his training will be for.

He looks over at Tav as soon as he claps, seeing the way his eyes glide over the lights. His face doesn’t change in the slightest, so he can’t tell if his clapping is meant to be some sort of taunt or if he’s genuine.

Either way, he does a dramatic bow. "Adoring applause? You're too kind."

"Remember when he couldn't cast that?" Lia teases.

"They grow up so fast," Cal states.

"Never have I met such troglodytes. Now, pass the wine." Rolan demands, but a content smile is plastered on his face.

It seems Lia was about to offer Tav some of it, but when she and Rolan turn towards him, he’s already gone.

“Looks like he already got bored of you.” Lia sings to him.

“Oh hush up.” He huffs, snatching the wine bottle and taking a long drink.

He will never admit how much that comment stung. He doesn’t know why he was so bothered by it in the first place. There are many possibilities he goes over as he feels the alcohol give him a pleasant buzz; was it her wording, or was it the fact that Tav disappeared without a word? Did he get bored? 

Whatever, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t care what that man thinks of him. He swears he doesn’t.

Later in the night, he drank- no, chugged wine while Cal and Lia chatted with the other tieflings partying. As much as he loved to perform for them both, even someone as great as he gets tired after using a bunch of magic in rapid succession. 

The wine wasn’t good; nothing compares to Arabellan Dry, but what else was there to drink? He refuses to partake in ale or beer, he never found the appeal of it. Honestly, it’s disgusting, and he doesn’t understand why Lia likes it so much. Cal seems to be looking for someone in particular but isn't finding them. He looks disappointed.

As he wonders about Cal and debates checking in on him, he doesn’t notice the brute approaching him until his giant form sits next to him with his own alcohol, the bark of the fallen tree groaning from the extra weight. He covers up how it startled him quickly, tilting his head up towards the brute with a bored expression.

“What do you want?”

“Nothing. I’m here to drink.” He says nonchalantly, sipping on the wine bottle. “Impressive display of magic earlier.”

His nose scrunches up, yellow eyes settling on his flaming ones with a glare. “Was that sarcasm?”

“No. Are you self-taught?”

Of all the things he expected tonight, it wasn’t this. Tav, a person who hits things and asks questions later, is curious about him? He wonders if he has an ulterior motive.

He pushes the thought to the back burner of his brain for now but approaches the conversation cautiously. “I am! And a man with many talents, may I add. I’m going straight to Baldur’s Gate to learn from the best: The Great Lorroakan.”

He sees the imposing Tiefling roll his eyes, putting his bottle down to stare out at the water surrounding the camp. Tav looks a little different, in the moonlight. Seeing him up close is a different experience entirely, and now he can see every little detail about him, including how he was shirtless-

Wait, did he just roll his eyes?

“What?” He demands, posture straightening as he grows defensive.

“Nothing. Just heard he’s a cad is all.” He mutters, deciding to pick the bottle back up and taking a long swig.

“Common gossip and rumors! He’s the greatest wizard in all of Baldur’s Gate. I’ve never imagined he would answer my letters.” He states with a happy sigh, idly swirling the liquid in his bottle. “I will become his apprentice as soon as I arrive. I cannot be late, yet Cal and Lia insist that this party is a wonderful idea. An adoring crowd, fine wine - I daresay this place is almost civilized.”

“Do you regret staying?”

“Of course I do. But Cal and Lia…” He trails off for only a moment but snaps back to it. “They deserve to have some fun for a little while. We’ll leave at dawn, either way.”

The Tiefling stares at him for a moment, seeming to be searching his face. For what, Rolan had no idea. Some kind of lie, perhaps?

“All right then. Good luck to you.” Tav eventually settles on.

“…That’s it??” He exasperates.

“If you’re looking for someone to argue with, find someone else.”

“You-“

“You talk too much.”

He settles a death glare on Tav's form. “Prick.”

Tav slowly looks at him with his own glare, determined to play his game. “Entitled fuck.”

“Dumb oaf.”

“Prickly bastard.”

They both stare each other down, faces too close but neither of them breaks their stare. He feels Tav's hot breath ghosting over his lips, and the tension could be cut with a knife.

“You’re insufferable.” Tav huffs, suddenly gripping Rolan’s jaw and kissing him firmly.

He moans in surprise at the force but isn’t against it. In fact, his face gets incredibly red before he remembers he can kiss back.

It’s not like this is his first kiss. He’s given and received kisses before, he’s not some kind of reserved prude. But this is the first one that’s so heavy. Hot. He’s completely out of practice and can do nothing but grip Tav's thicker forearm.

Something about being desirable to Tav makes him throb in his pants, though it also may be the way Tav's tongue is tracing his bottom lip, seeking entry.

Tav's free hand trails to his rear and squeezes, making him inhale sharply; a perfect opportunity for Tav to slide his tongue in to taste him. He knows he's losing his composure and by extension, himself, but what's the harm in indulging in this? It's pathetic, but he's never felt so desired up until this moment, even if this ends up being a fling.

Why did the thought of this being a fling make him feel hollow?

He pulls away to give himself space and to breathe, but Tav doesn't pause, kissing along his jaw and ear. "My tent is west of here if you're interested. No one will hear us."

He shudders at the feeling of sharp teeth grazing the edge of his ear, teasing and provoking. Swallowing, he nods, and Tav pulls him away from the party towards a more secluded part of the area. He hopes that Lia and Cal didn't see him, but they most likely did. He’ll never hear the end of it when he returns.

Almost clumsily, Rolan finds himself in Tav’s tent quickly after, their kissing getting more heated between them. It was a strange feeling, exchanging breaths with someone else, but it felt good. Better than he thought.

They settle down on the floor of the tent, him sitting in Tav’s lap as they continue their make-out. Their tongues dance almost…lovingly. No, he can’t be reading into it right. They barely know each other; he's overthinking again.

He feels his large hands attempting to find the hem of his robes, and he seems to find it quickly as if from experience. Fingers start to dance across the bare skin of his back, running up the ridges of his spine. He sighs out shakily, goosebumps prickling out as his tail anxiously flicks about. Nerves hit him like a loose carriage, fast and suddenly, settling into the pit of his stomach. He felt cold, heart racing a mile a minute.

Why? This was good. Everything was good. This was supposed to feel good.

Why isn’t it?

He’ll give it time. It’s normal to be nervous about this kind of thing, right? Most definitely his lack of experience is a contributor, and doesn’t he deserve this after all his hardship? What’s the harm in pleasure for at least a night.

He feels his back hit the bedroll, warm calloused hands trailing over to the front of his body instead. Their kisses were feverish, desperate, and pent-up. All Rolan could do was grip the bedding below him as nails teased the textured skin of his sternum, a hand rolling a nipple between two fingers.

Tav’s lips go to his neck, finger tips trailing teasingly down his stomach before he begins to palm at his crotch through his smalls-

He can’t do it.

A cold sweat beads on the back of Rolan’s neck, panic and bile rising in his throat as it closes. He can’t do it, and he quickly grabs Tav’s arm with a death grip with wide eyes. “W-Wait, stop!”

Tav immediately gets his hands off of him, giving him space to move. His head reels from the sudden adrenaline, but also because Tav’s stoic demeanor is no longer present, and the man genuinely looks concerned. Fearful, even. “Did I hurt you?”

“No! No.” He reassures quickly, but his vulnerable mind is scattered and unfocused as he sits up.

There’s so many reasons why he couldn’t do this, but he can’t pin one down. Surely, Tav deserves an explanation, so he rushes to think of one.

It’s too soon, he hasn’t done this before, and this isn’t the place for it, he’s not a degenerate, his siblings are nearby, Tav is too imposing, it might hurt, it’s too vulnerable, he’s never been with a man, he’s never been with anyone, this is the wrong place to do it, he’s a coward, he’s scared-

“I can’t.” He grimaces, with no actual reason good enough to say out loud. Part of him is worried about what Tav would say; would he be upset with him? On one hand, if he does, Rolan knows that Tav was never worth his time. But on the other, he found Tav not as insufferable as he thought, and he may have just ruined the strange bond they made by stopping everything. Gods, he is pathetic, isn’t he?

Tav sighs slowly in relief, sitting back. “That’s okay.”

It’s not good enough, not for Rolan. As a wizard, he demands answers for a multitude of reasons when things happen. It’s only fair that he gives an explanation, is it not? Finally, he pins down a reason he could give: he doesn’t want to do it after having so much wine. There, that should do it.

Before he could start his tangent, he felt a hand cover his mouth.

“I don’t need a reason. It’s okay.”

He’s about to argue, completely insulted, but it gets muffled by the hand on his mouth.

“You don’t ever have to explain to me why you want to stop.” He says, finally moving his hand away. “I’m sorry if you felt like you couldn’t say no to me earlier.”

“I did want it.” He assured quickly, because he did. He truly did. Why did he panic?

“But you changed your mind.” He began, not unkindly.

“I did.”

“That’s fine.” He says with a small shrug. “If you want, we can keep kissing. Nothing further than that.”

He laughs in disbelief, running a hand down his sweaty face. “And why would we do that?”

“Doesn’t hurt to have company for a night. Besides-“ He gently takes hold of his chin, tilting his face up. “You seemed to enjoy what we were doing. Why not indulge? Just for one night.”

He smirks up at him, leaning forward with false confidence. “Am I that irresistible?”

“You have a pretty face.” He noted, swiping his thumb across his kiss-bruised lip before kissing him again.

The kiss is lazy and less heated, but it makes his heart pound all the same. Being held so tenderly is new, and he’s growing attached.

He cannot have attachments. What is he thinking? 

After kissing for a little longer, he lets himself be held in the bedroll as they lay down, indulging in the quiet night with Tav. They didn’t need to discuss what happened or question it. It’s exchanging favors. For Rolan, it’s just wanting the comfort of another body near him, letting him pretend that he’ll have something like this in the future. One day, he’ll be good enough for someone. He’s not sure what this does for Tav exactly, but he seems content to hold him.

“You can ask for more if you’d like.”

“I’d rather not embarrass myself more than I already have.” He barks before glancing at him in apology, eyes softer.

“Would it help if I said I will keep my mouth shut about this?” Tav suggested, pushing some hair away from his face.

He shifts to glance at his face, seeing if he is genuine. He can never read his face that well, but when he makes his judgment, he sighs and takes one of Tav’s hands, lacing his fingers through his.

“This is pathetic, I know.”

“I don’t think it’s pathetic.” He mumbles, squeezing his hand. “This is nice for me, too.”

Rolan feels himself relax more, body almost relieved that this hasn’t been rejected.

“What will you do, when you finally get your apprenticeship figured out?” Tav asks in the quiet.

“I’ll learn everything I can about all schools of magic. Then I can put on a real show for Cal and Lia.”

“They seem to love your shows already, why change them?”

“It’ll be different.” He pledged, “Bigger, better, and more sustainable. I’ll make them last so much longer, I’ll bring it more colors, and the illusion will look realistic. You will see.”

“I’m sure they’ll be great.” He yawns, nuzzling into the back of his neck.

“I will show you when you reach to Baldur’s Gate, my friend.”

There’s no response, only a quiet snore greets him. At first, he’s annoyed, but it’s hard to be angry when he is just as exhausted from today. For now, he falls asleep in his arms, hoping that for once no nightmares haunt him.

The Tiefling beside him is still fast asleep when he wakes at dawn, though he’s impressed by how the man can sleep through the screeching birds outside.

Quickly, he fixes his robes and hair, trying to not look like a mess. Cal and Lia are surely going to tease him, knowing he never returned to their tent. He debates on whether to wake the idiot up to say goodbye, but that seems foolish. He needs to sleep, and they need to head to Baldur’s gate immediately.

So he opens the tent, sparing one more look back before leaving.

He cannot create attachments. Not now, not ever. Not until he’s done with his apprenticeship.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Carpe Noctem 30

Warnings: dark elements, noncon, age gap, gaslighting, manipulation, violence, blood, other dark elements. Proceed with caution. (short!reader)

Note: Please let me know what you think as it helps me a lot with ideas and I love interacting with you all.

Part of The Club AU

“You two work so hard,” Beverly places the last dish on the table, “me and Ethan will need to come see the cafe sometime. Cole says you've been such a tremendous help.”

"Oh, well, I just do my job," you shrug, "really."

"She's being humble," Cole nudges you, "she hasn't seen the numbers yet but her desserts are a hit. I'm thinking we might lean into the bakery direction."

You nod, surprised by his praise. It's not that he's ever been unkind but to have someone almost boast about you is more than what you're used to. Almost hard to believe.

"If you don't mind sharing, I'd love some recipes," Beverly says as she sits, "you know, we have this pear tree out back. Another of Cole's projects but I have no idea what to do with all that fruit."

"It sells alright," Cole intones, "but yeah, there's always some hanging around."

"So," Ethan grabs the dish of steaming carrots, "I'm sure you do more than pour coffee. You got a green thumb too?"

"Not really," you frown, "plants don't live long with me."

"She's great with kids," Cole offers, "worked at a daycare, right?"

"Erm, yeah," you reply, surprised he remembered, "hopefully I can find my way back. I love baking but I really enjoyed the work."

"Ouch," Cole utters, "well, I'll have to start looking at resumes."

"Well, not... soon, I don't know," you scoop some carrots onto your own plate, "you know, just in the future when things are stable."

"Good way to get ready for some of your own," Beverly adds.

"Um, yeah, maybe one day," you try not to make a face. If you ever want kids, you have a lot to figure out.

"You know, Cole is that type. He's so excited to be a father one day. He volunteers down at the community garden."

"I didn't know that," you glance at him as he gives a bashful grin.

"Well, I enjoy it so it's not really work," he spears a piece of roast onto his plate. "And yeah, one day, if I'm lucky. Cole Junior will be running around helping me with this place."

"That sounds so nice. Must be a lot of work running a farm."

"Good work," Ethan affirms, "but hard. Still, nice and quiet out here. City is... so loud."

"So are kids," you jibe.

"Good kinda loud," Beverly smirks, her eyes lingering on you oddly. "How old are ya?"

You hesitate. The question is abrupt; unexpected. You answer as you take a thinner slice of the roast.

"Not too old," she remarks, "you still got some time for a wedding and all that. I'm sure you'll have a few little ones running around soon enough."

You don't say a word as you add a healthy mound of potatoes to your spread. You're hungrier with each whiff of the seasoned dishes. You smile and stir the mash elusively. Cole clears his throat, scratching the stubble there.

"Oh, I didn't say. I made dessert. I don't know if it'll live up to your standards but don't fill up too much," Beverly warns, "then we can get you settled in for the night."

"Sounds good," you poke the fork into a carrot, "thanks again."

"Not all, dear, not at all," she smiles, "we been waiting so long for him to bring home a pretty girl like you."

You blink and look at Cole. He squirms but keeps his eyes on his plate, his mouth twisted. He must be just as embarrassed as you but you expect it's a better guise than the truth. Besides, it's just one night.

💋

"I'm sorry, dear, there's so much clutter around here. Hate to put you up here," Beverly says as she leads you into the attic, "but you got everything you need. There's even a bathroom up here. You know, Cole went through a bit of a rebellious streak and wanted to have his own space. Once the summer heat moved in, he was right back downstairs."

"Oh," you chuckle, "interesting."

"Now, I didn't have much for you, I hope you don't mind flannel," she motions you towards the bed and the frilled nightgown folded at the foot.

"That's okay, thank you so much," you say, "I'm just grateful to have somewhere to sleep."

"Mmm, yeah, Cole says things are so good at home. You got a bad roommate or something?"

"Something like that," you mutter, "this is so nice."

You walk around the space, admiring the plaid bedspread, the little sofa under the window and lace curtains along the edges. There's a round rug under the bed frame and a little desk in the corner with a mirror hung on the wall above. In the corner, a door opens into a dark space that Beverly explains as the bathroom.

"The guest house had a tree go through it during a storm so we're working on it, this isn't too bad though," she says, "feel free to let us know if you need anything."

"Sure," you smile, "I should be fine."

"I do hope you can get some good sleep."

"Thanks, uh, yeah," you rub your itchy eyes and yawn, "I'm actually exhausted."

"Then I'll let you be," she waves herself away, "have a good night, hon."

"You too."

She shuts the door before she descends the stairs, the little hatch snapping sharply into place. You push your head back and pace out the cramps in your legs. You sit on the bed and drag your hands down your face. This isn't how you saw the day ending. You wonder how it would've gone had you gone back to Lloyd's, probably not well. Once he cools off, you'll sort it all out.

You sigh as you realise your purse is still downstairs. Oh well, you don't need your phone, you need sleep. You get up to switch out your clothes for the nightgown, the fabric starched and heavy. It goes to your ankles as the cuffs button snuggly around your wrists. Very old-fashion as the collar nearly touches your chin.

You turn out the lamp and climb under the fresh sheets, soft and comforting. The tension slakes away the night rustles just outside the window, moonlight flickering over you. You close your eyes and let yourself sink into the cushy mattress.

In the morning, you can worry about the cafe and Lloyd and Cole and life...

💋

You wake with a start. What was that? You swear you heard something. You sit up, heart racing as you look around in the purple light of dawn. It's still early. You have some hours left.

You're tempted to fall back and roll over but you won't hear your alarm from up here. You groan and get out of bed, achy from the unfamiliar springs. You shuffle over to the hatch. Your phone needs to be charged anyway.

You bend to grab the handle and the door sticks. You try again, turning it the other way but it doesn't budge. You use both hands as light limns the edges, outlining the deadbolt firmly in place. The handle doesn't effect it no matter how you twist it.

You hear a creak from below as the glow flicks off. You wince and get to your knees as you try to see through the cracks. Nothing but darkness.

"Hello," you utter, "can someone help? I can't get this open?" Footsteps softly pad along. You call again, "hey, please, is someone down there?"

"Shhhhhh," the hush blows like wind as the footsteps stop.

"Hello?" You say a little louder.

"Go to sleep, sweetheart," Beverly demands.

"Beverly? It's locked, please, I need to get my phone--"

"You need to be quiet," she retorts and you wince. "You're going to wake the whole house up."

"What?" You hiss, startled by her tone. Her footsteps continue to recede. "Wait--"

"I said be quiet!" Another door shuts and the silence echoes over you. You grab the handle, trying to force the door open. What the hell is going on?