#(And refused to hear her protests; and because of it; she was brought to an early grave!)

[thelov3lybookworm]

Flicker Out

Summary: Azriel's chest becomes hollow, and the place where once love bloomed, only emptiness remained.

•○●⛦●○•

Word Count: 1950

Warnings: angst, angst, death (but she comes back) az in agony, a lil bit of me being poetic ofc 🤭 did i mention angst? oh and more angst and angst

A/n: based on this request by an anon. i adore this request and it was litterally one of my fav ones to write. i just couldnt stop writing once i started tbh 🥹

(@potatoplace this is the fic i mentioned hehehe 🤭😏)

anyways, enjoyyy🥹🤭

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

There was almost nothing that could distract Azriel when he was locked in battle. He could not afford to let his mind stray from plotting the next defence, the next manoeuvre, the next attack. It was almost similar to a dance, except he did not know the song and hated his partner, and he also had to be mindful of anyone who might attack him while he was focused on this waltz between life and death.

The soldier whose sword had come within an inch of Azriel’s throat- only the second one since the battle began, unsurprisingly- sneered at Azriel, his teeth stained red and almost half of his face slashed by a vicious stab wound.

Azriel almost pitied the male. Almost. And only because he knew a thing or two about having untreatable scars after escaping the clutches of death.

Still, Azriel heaved his whole body weight against his sword forcing the soldier to yield a step. Azriel’s eyes moved quickly, searching for places the soldier might have left open for him to attack, and gleefully, Azriel noted that his ribs were open. His armour seemed to have chipped off in a corner, and seemed a size entirely too big.

That’s stupid, but good for me.

Azriel moved his blade away from his opponents, swiftly bringing it down to the side of his ribs. The blade had almost touched the male’s unarmoured body when Azriel faltered.

Too empty.

Void.

How?

Azriel breathed in, his eyes losing their focus before a sharp sting brought his attention to the dagger that now seemed to have befriended the skin and bones of his thigh. He looked up, feeling the blood drain from the wound on his thigh- though the concern was in the back of his mind- and his heart. The place where constant love from his mate flowed, a gaping wound had appeared. That hurt more than any fatal wound to his body could.

How?

Azriel did not see nor hear anything around him, his consciousness too busy scrambling to figure out why he could no longer feel her. But it was the warrior instincts in him that his peers had drilled into him, making him instinctively raise his sword, eyes slowly moving to meet the spooked gaze of his enemy, and within the moment, those same eyes stared up at the open, vast sky, unseeing and unfeeling.

But Azriel was already bolting towards where he had felt the last pump of love coming from, and nothing and no one, even the mother, could have stopped him from cutting through the soldiers trying to get in his way as smoothly and viciously as a hot knife cut through butter.

Y/n. Please.

Azriel’s chest heaved, tiny needles stinging his sides and the muscles in his thigh protesting, but still, he ran. Ran towards his love, the one he doubted but refused to admit was…

Gone.

Azriel spread his wings, despite knowing it would just drain his energy faster. He could not walk through his shadows either. They were tired too. Running took too much out of him, and flying would take him to her faster, even if it hurt his muscles and wounded wings.

Please. Just please stay.

From the height his wings took him to, he looked around, and then leaned forward, gliding through the air and riding the breeze that took him closer to where his mate was.

The first thing he saw was a small crowd of his family members. Mainly, Rhys, Feyre and Cassian. The second thing he saw as he touched the ground was the cauldron.

And then…

Y/n.

She lay motionless on the ground, staring up at the sky.

And in that moment, Azriel didn’t care that Rhys stood over his sister’s body, crying. Azriel did not care that his family members who did not know of his relationship with Y/n stared at him wide eyed as he pushed them away from her.

He simply dropped to his knees, his thigh protesting. But he gently grabbed Y/n’s cold hand, his own scarred ones shaking and covered in blood. He let loose a ragged breath, eyes filling up with water as he stared into the empty gaze of his beloved.

He screamed.

A loud, wordless scream ripped from his chest, the sheer pain and longing and regret echoing through the battlefield, even worlds not his own. His heart no longer beat in that familiar, unnoticeable rhythm people come to ignore most of the time, instead beating like a wardrum.

Hollow and empty, but still too loud for him to not hear.

Where once love bloomed, only sadness and pain remained, and Azriel continued screaming.

When he could no longer scream, he weeped.

He let his forehead rest on his mate’s chest, and he wept. Deep, sorrowful sobs ripping from his throats. They were as deep and powerful and soft as his love for his mate.

And when he couldn’t weep, he whimpered. Sorry, quiet whimpers resembling the silence and lack of warmth in his body and the bond that had once tied the bridge between two souls. The sounds escaping him were low, almost silent, but they were just as loud and impactful as his silent love for Y/n when they could not afford to love freely and loudly.

Azriel’s shadows had regained enough of their power to brush against his ears, his hair and shoulder like Y/n’s hands had once touched him, gentle and soothing and calming.

But there was no calming now, for the storm rising from the shattered pieces of his heart would no longer let him live in peace.

The only peace for him now was death and burial with his beloved.

"Az." The unmistakable shakiness in Rhysand’s voice made Azriel raise his head and meet the sorrowful eyes on his friend.

Azriel said nothing, only letting his eyes wander and take in the crowd that had only grown bigger since he had arrived. The high lords, all seven of them, stared down at him, some with tears in their eyes, like Rhysand, Helion and Tarquin. Some with empathy and pity, like Thesan and Kallias. And then some with quiet sadness and understanding, like Tamlin and Beron.

Under other circumstances, Azriel would have wondered why Beron looked like he knew and had been through what Azriel was experiencing, but in the moment as he tightened his grip around his mate’s hand and curled closer to her cooling body, he could not care less.

"Az," Rhys repeated. "What are you doing?"

But Rhys looked like he already knew what Azriel was doing. So Azriel said nothing, just let his forehead go back to resting on her shoulder.

Muffled words surrounded Azriel, but he heard none of them as he focused on somehow reaching his mate. There must be some way, some sort of… connection to bring her back. Maybe her lingering soul.

Something, anything.

Moments later, Azriel felt a familiar hand grip his shoulder. Despite his lack of will to look at the person, he lifted his head slightly to meet Cassian’s gaze.

"Move back, they’re trying to bring her back."

Azriel stared at Cassian, the words looping in his head for a moment before he could truly process them, then he nodded and scooted back. It was almost unrealistic, but still, Azriel was a drowning male and the hope a wood plank that he latched on without thought.

Azriel watched as Rhysand stepped forward and lifted his hand, staring at it for a moment, tears rolling down his cheeks before he turned his hand, a drop of moonlight dropping straight onto Y/n’s chest.

All the high lords took turns repeating the action one after another, and Azriel watched numbly, still on his knees on the ground, refusing to lose hope but at the same time forcing himself to not hope.

At last, Tamlin stepped away from Y/n’s body, and Azriel leaned forward, his eyes wide as he waited for that feeling to take root in his chest again, the one he had cherished for the past ten years.

But nothing happened for a long moment, and the flame of hope that had begun warming his insides began to flicker out.

"Rhys." Azriel mumbled, his voice cracking. "What happened? Why is she not…"

"Oh Az." Cassian whispered, wrapping an arm around Azriel’s shoulder from the back.

Azriel just stared at her. "Why?"

Long moments passed, and then…

There.

Life.

Just life, pure and untainted, began glowing at the end of the bond, and Azriel laughed.

He laughed, tears pouring from his eyes.

"Az?"

It took Azriel a while to form the two words he uttered, the smile on his face making it impossible to speak.

"She’s back."

Azriel felt Rhysand’s gaze on him, but after Y/n’s eyes slid closed, his gaze was ripped away.

Then Y/n opened her eyes again, blinking twice before her eyes found Azriel’s, unprompted and instinctive.

"Hey." She whispered, and Azriel laughed again. He leaped forward and tackled her into a hug, his hands shaking worse than they had before.

"Hey." He whispered in her ear, and she giggled, patting his back before she stopped suddenly.

"Az… Rhys."

Azriel pulled away, glancing up. He did not care about what Rhys might do to him anymore, considering he had very nearly lost his mate without even having the chance to scream and proclaim his love for her from the tops of Velaris’s mountains like he had sworn to her he would one day. Rhys’s wrath was the least of his worries.

Everyone who was not a part of the inner circle had departed while Azriel had been busy breathing in the fact that Y/n was alive, that she was here. Rhysand stood with his arms folded against his chest, in that protective stance every brother had when it came to their sisters.

But there was that slight tilt to the corner of his lips, a happiness in his stern eyes.

Azriel could not tell if it was because of Y/n being alive or something else.

"Uh…" Y/n mumbled, sitting up. "Hey, Rhys."

He sighed, rubbing his brows as Azriel helped Y/n stand. He quietly stepped forward and gathered his little sister in his arms, holding her close to his heart as Azriel watched, his chest feeling full again.

Though a certain hollowness lingered, and Azriel almost knew it would follow him around like the ghost of his past.

Rhysand pulled away, holding the back of Y/n’s head.

"I don’t know what you two have been up to, and frankly, I don’t think I even want to know, but I will not interfere. When you’re ready, I want to know everything." He glanced at Azriel, the single glance telling Azriel he would have been ten feet under ground by now if his sister was not watching.

Azriel dipped his head, gaze moving back to Y/n. She smiled at him, reaching out to take his hands.

Rhys turned to Feyre, taking her hand too. "Freshen up, rest. Then we’ll talk."

Cassian was already gone, left to find Nesta by the time Rhys winnowed Feyre away. Azriel turned fully to Y/n then.

"Don’t you dare do that again."

She giggled, grabbing his collar and pulling him down. She pecked his cheek, then turned her head to rest it against his chest as he lifted his arms in a practised motion to hold her close.

"Will try."

He pinched her waist, making her squeal. He savoured the simplicity of the moment before pecking the crown of her head.

"I love you, Y/n."

The bond flickered.

And stayed.

°•°•°•○🌑○•°•°•°

Permanent Taglist: @berryzxx @sarawritestories @milswrites @throneofsmut

@daycourtofficial @sweetorangeblossom @secret-third-thing

@serenescureforboredom @cassie6392 @harrystylesfan2686

Acotar Taglist: @bubybubsters @eos-princess @nightless @harrystylesfan2686

@cassie6392 @kennedy-brooke @tele86 @miluiel1

@hnyclover @minnieoo @sidrapotter @piceous21

@mybestfriendmademe @saltedcoffeescotch @lady-of-tearshed @starsinyourseyes

@starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @byyalady

@lilah-asteria @girlswithimagination @garden-of-runar @girlswithimagination

@sunnyspycat @artists-ally @milswrites @kingdomofstarrynights

@berryzxx @buttermilktea11 @loving-and-dreaming @yucanbmylxdy

@mellowmusings

Azriel Taglist: @darthdumbasss @foreverrandomwritings @azrielsmate3 @celestialend

@stqrgirlies-blog @tele86 @bakananya @xyzmeh

@st4r-girl-official @caraaaaugh @nacho-nat @allllium

@fandomarchiveilyd @nickishadow139 @angel-graces-world-of-chaos

@okaytrashpanda

[mapis-putellas]

Jealousy jealousy

Pairing: Alexia x Reader

Words: 2817

Warnings: none

Summary: No one told Alexia that when you got a dog, she’d drop down to the second most important thing in your life. Based on this request.

Notes: this came our way longer than expected, and also way more angsty. Enjoy!

[prompts]

In retrospect, getting a dog may not have been Alexia’s best idea. Sure, it was cute little thing with brown fur, ocean blue eyes and tiny little legs. And sure, it kept you comply whilst she was at training. But she had no idea that somehow, she'd end up becoming second best to it.

It didn't quite click at first, honestly. The missed dinner dates and matches were all something she hoped would pass as soon as the novelty of having a new puppy wore off.

But that unfortunately that hadn't been the case.

It had been two weeks, and Alexia had probably spent an hour alone with you total. Any time she tries and gets you by yourself, that pesky puppy would appear and you'd do nothing but encourage him to stay. At first, it was just mild annoyance on Alexia's part. She knew you were excited and the last thing she wants was to discourage it.

But the dog was around all the damn time.

In the kitchen cooking dinner; you'd wonder in with him in your arms. You'd no longer wrap your arms around her waist and murmur sweet things into her ear.

In bed trying to sleep; you'd beg and plead with her to let the dog sleep with you too and if she said no -which more often than not she did because she did not want dog hair in the bed- you'd abandon her and go sleep on the couch despite her own pleads and protests for you to come back.

Alexia didn't sleep well without you. You knew that and having to call you back with that stupid crack in her voice was humiliating. Especially when you'd either ignore or not hear her. It had happened almost every single night since she’d brought you the puppy, and now she’s slowly given up hope in getting you to stay.

You didn't seem to notice the constant irritation or the bags beneath her eyes which was normally something you were smart enough to catch on to before she did.

All in all, just wanted you, but apparently all you wanted was the stupid damn dog. It was obvious that her annoyance would slowly transform into pure hurt and irritation. Not just at the dog now, but you too.

She didn't mean to be jealous. She didn't want to be jealous either, but it was hard not to be when it seemed as though you no longer cared about her.

"Good morning.” you greet cheerfully as you walk into the kitchen, kissing the dog tenderly before easing him down onto the floor to start preparing his breakfast.

Alexia simply grunts from where she was sat at the kitchen island, arms folded on the marble with her head resting on top of them. She'd been here since four after yet another sleepless night without you in the bed.

"Did you sleep well?" You don't even look at her as you ask, eyes diligently reading something on the of a box that held the dogs treats.

Alexia shrugs.

"Such a good boy! Eat up little man and then you can have a treat." Alexia feels her throat constrict and the tone of your voice, the softness and warmth of it normally reserved for just her. Feeling more pathetic than she's felt in a long time, she stands up with the intention of trying to find somewhere to hide until she has to leave for training.

"Ale? Where are you going?" She hears you call as she makes it to the kitchen threshold, and though she pauses, she doesn't turn around.

"Shower." She forces out, ignoring the way her voice unmistakably trembles as she tries and holds herself together.

You don't respond verbally, but she feels your loose grasp on the materiel of her shirt, lightly tugging to encourage her to turn round. She shakes her head, knowing deep down she wouldn't be able to do so without inevitably crying.

"Ale. Look at me." You place a hand on either of her hips to physically turn her when she yet again refuses to do so herself, immediately alarmed at the shiny eyes and trembling bottom lip that greets you.

"Baby? What- hey, it's okay." You loop an arm around her waist to tug her body into your arms. She immediately falls limp against you, her body shuddering almost violently as her hands desperately cling to the back of your shirt.

At this moment, you long to be the taller one between the two of you. You would love nothing more than to just scoop her up into your arms and hold her just like she did with you. But that was physically impossible.

Instead, you tighten your hold around her as much as you were physically capable of doing, tucking your face into her neck and pressing a gentle kiss to the warm skin.

"Shh, I've got you baby. You're okay." You murmur, lightly swaying her side to side.

Suddenly, a quiet yap fills the room, and both you and Alexia startle at the unexpected sound. The blonde immediately tenses in your hold, arms tightening around your shoulders to a point where it becomes slightly uncomfortable. Another yap from the puppy tightens it further, and you wince as you place a hand on each of her hips in a futile attempt at loosening it.

"Ale, let me just-" You try.

"No."

"Baby, the dog-"

"I said, no." Her voice breaks.

Your heart breaks at the sound, and you wish desperately she would let you go so you could let the puppy outside and focus all of your attention on her.

"Alexia, just give me a sec to let the puppy out."

No response.

"The dog needs-"

"I need you!" She cuts you off, the unmistakable sound of a sob slipping from her lips.

"What? Baby I-"

"I need you."

"Ale, please-”

"Fine!" She chokes out, ripping herself out of your arms and storming down the hall to your bedroom. You wince as the bathroom door slams loudly, echoing loudly throughout your shared apartment, and you take a few steps towards the door before retreating and turning back to the puppy.

"Okay, I need to go see mama so you need to go in here for a while." You place him into his play pen, ignoring his little barks as he jumps up and rests his front paws on the side. "I know. It's okay. I'll be right back."

You're reluctant to leave him by himself, but Alexia was your main concern right now.

Your shared bedroom was empty as you push against the partially open door and step inside, the sound of the shower water splattering against the tiled floor filling your ears. Knowing she'll be in there for a while due to the fact the shower was normally her escape from everyone and everything, you perch on the end of the bed and let out a quiet sigh.

You didn't quite know just what was wrong, if you were being honest. Sure, you'd been quite distracted with the puppy these past few days, but Alexia hadn't seemed to bothered. In fact, the numerous times you'd tried to check on her, she'd been busy with whatever was keeping her occupied.

Did something happen at training? You were doubtful she'd tell you if that was the case. What ever happens at training usually seems to stay there. Usually, if something does happen that you needed to know about, Mapi was the one who usually reaches out, and you'd not heard from her in days.

You were stumped.

Alexia felt much the same. Stood beneath the hot stream of water, she contemplates just how she was going to get out of this without having to talk. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but she was embarrassed. Embarrassed at herself for being so jealous. Embarrassed at herself for freaking out.

Embarrassed for being so needy.

In the end, eighty percent of her shower was spent stifling her sobs whilst the other twenty was spent actually getting clean. With no other option than to face the music, she stops the water and steps out onto the bath mat before bundling herself up in a towel.

With a soft sniffle, she roughly wipes the tears off of her cheeks and blows out a deep breath before unlocking the door and pushing it open. She see's you immediately on the edge of the bed and purposefully avoids eye contact as she passes you to get to the closet.

Once clad in her training gear, hair brushed and put up in its usual ponytail, she stops at the threshold of the closet door not quite sure what to do with herself. You end up deciding for her, sending her a smile as you hold out your hand.

"C'mere." You encourage, Alexia sighing softly as she complies and makes her way over to you, stopping just in front your legs. You pat your thighs to encourage her to sit, but Alexia shakes her head.

"No, amor. You are too sm-"

"Baby, please. Let me hold you." You plead, reaching forward and gently grasping her shirt before giving it gentle tug. Alexia visibly hesitates, and you tug again, this time a little harder. "Sit, ale. Let's talk."

Alexia hesitates before giving in and allowing you to pull her onto your lap. This position wasn't one you sat in often, or, ever, if Alexia really thinks about it. More often than not, she was the one to hold you, especially in this sort of circumstance. She'd always feared she'd be too big. But you take her weight with ease, looping your arms around her midsection and pulling her chest against your own.

She moves with you, arms settling around your shoulders as she lowers her head and rests her chin on your shoulder.

"What happened, mhh?"

Alexia couldn't help but scoff, but she couldn't find it in herself to pull away. This was the first piece of attention she's had in weeks and she'll be damned if she gives it up.

You hear her loud and clear, letting out a quiet sigh as you burrow your nose into her neck.

"Right. Stupid question. Can you tell me?" You plead.

Alexia shakes her head. "It does not matter." She murmurs, and you immediately frown.

"Yes, it does. Especially if you're this upset."

She pushes herself away from you, hands resting on your shoulders as she gives you a look of exasperation. "You seriously do not know?"

"No." You shake your head. "Is it something at training?"

"No, it is nothing at training. It is the dog." She grumbles, purposefully avoiding eye contact as the feeling of embarrassment creeps back in.

"What did the dog do?" You don't seem mad as you tenderly cup her cheek to encourage her to face you, just confused.

“What did the dog do? Are you kidding?” She gets off of your lap before turning to face you with a glare, your hand falling to your lap.

“Ale-”

“No! I am tired of this. I am tired, amor. I got you this dog to keep you company when I go away. But now he is all you care about. All of your attention is always on him! You do not even sleep in the same bed anymore because I won’t let him in the bed and you refuse to leave him alone. I know he is just a puppy, amor, and that is why I bought him a playpen!”

“Ale-”

“And I do not even know how many date nights you have missed because you cannot leave him alone for an hour. An hour, amor! I am not asking for much!”

“Baby-”

“I have not slept in weeks! Because I cannot sleep without you, and you know this! I am tired. I am angry, and I am frustrated because you do not care about me anymore!’ She finally finishes her rant, and you stare at her, mouth agape at eyes wide.

You had no idea she felt this way. Sure, as you’ve said before, you knew you’d being paying more attention to the dog, but you’d assumed Alexia was okay with that. She was the most stubborn and independent person you knew, often preferring to be by herself after spending the majority of her day surrounded by people at training. You occasionally sat with her, you would never talk or touch. It was simply just existing together in one another’s company. Perhaps that had made you naive enough to believe she’d be alright without you around because she hadn’t said otherwise. But then again, Alexia never willingly tells you anything so maybe assuming had been the wrong thing to do.

When you don’t say anything, Alexia seems to take that as her answer.

“But it does not matter. Go see the dog, I have training.” She murmurs, picking up her kitbag and hooking it over her shoulder before making her way out of the room.

“Hey, no! Come back!”

Nothing.

Feeling a little desperate now, you rise to your feet and rush after her, wrapping your arms around her waist and holding her in place just as she nears the front door.

“Amor, I need to-”

“No, you’ve had your turn to talk. Now it’s mine.”

“Amor-” she attempts to pry your hands away from her stomach.

“I’m so, so sorry that I haven’t been a good girlfriend ale. And I’m so sorry that I haven’t picked up on how upset you’ve been.” When she stills in your arms, you loosen your hold around her waist and slowly turn her to face you. Her eyes were shiny, and you pout softly as you yet again pull her into a hug. She falls into you for the third time this morning, and the only way you could tell she was crying was by the tears that drop onto your neck.

“Having a puppy, especially as young as ours, is a big commitment. I knew you didn’t want a dog, especially this far into the season so I was trying to do everything to save you a job. That’s no excuse, baby, and I’m so sorry I’ve pushed you away. It wasn’t on purpose, i swear to you. And I know you bought the play pen for him, and I fully intend to use it but he’s only a baby, ale, and I don’t want to leave him by himself.”

“But…but you are okay with leaving me by myself?” Alexia pulls away from you, her voice sounding absolutely miserable.

“What? No! Of course not.” You reach up and wipe her tears away, leaning up onto your tiptoes and kissing her forehead. “I absolutely did not want to leave you by yourself and neither am I okay with it, but you understand why I can’t be there and he can’t. It won’t be forever, just until he’s old enough to understand, and he will, because he’s been doing so good with his training. I know I didn’t talk to you about any of this and it was stupid of me to assume you’d be okay with it and I am so, so sorry, Alexia. I’m so sorry.”

“It is okay. I am sorry.”

“No, it’s not okay, and you don’t have to be sorry. All of this is on me and I promise to make it up to you, okay? This weekend, it’ll be just us. My mum can watch the puppy.”

“Just us?” Alexia looks so hopeful it only amplifies your guilt by a thousand.

“Yes, baby, just us. I promise.” You assure, blinking back your own tears as you pull her back into your chest. Alexia sighs deeply as she falls against you, hand rising to cup the back of your head.

It was a couple minutes later that Alexia speaks again.

“I am late to training.” She whispers, and you sigh softly as you reluctantly pull her away from you.

“Go to training ale, I’ll see you later yeah? I love you.”

Alexia tightens her grasp around you for a moment, before kissing your neck and pulling away. Her hands cup your face, and you melt into the gentle kiss she places to your lips.

“Te amo, bebé.” She murmurs as she pulls away, bending down to pick up her kitbag. She makes her way to the door, hand lingering on the handle as she turns her head to face you. “See you later.”

“See you later, baby.”

**

Tags:

@liloandstitchstan @simp4panos @goldenempyrean @codiemarin @girlgenius1111

[beatingheart-bride]

Philippe's heart immediately jumped for joy when he heard Susannah's response, and caught sight of the overwhelming enthusiasm on her face. Instantly, any tiredness he'd felt before dissipated as he jumped to embrace her tightly, savoring the sensation of having her in his arms. To think, this incredible woman was going to be his wife! They were going to marry!

Remembering himself, he hesitantly pulled away just long enough to reach into his pajama pocket, pulling out a small velvet jewelry box. Carefully, Philippe flipped it open, exposing a simple, yet beautiful ring inside: a thin golden band with a single emerald stone in the center, paying homage to his love's Irish heritage. Gingerly, he took Susannah's hand and slipped the band on to her finger, getting goosebumps as he did. Finally, he pulled her in and met her in a kiss, feeling as if he was on cloud nine as he did so.

"What a way to end our vacation," Philippe chuckled softly. "I meant to do it earlier, but I never found the perfect moment."

@beatingheart-bride

"Oh!"

Hot, joyous tears sprouted from Susannah's eyes as soon as the question left Philippe's lips, a shaky smile crossing her lips as she put a hand to her mouth: Again, despite knowing exactly what he was about to ask of her, she still couldn't help but be surprised.

"Oh, Philippe..." she murmured, eyes glistening still as she lowered her hand to rest on her pounding heart, wondering if it was as deafening for him to hear as it was for her, hearing it thrumming and drumming in her ears. "Before I met you, I...I never thought about the future. I felt like...I had no future, other than working at Mickey's. That my life would always be so...boring, so empty.

But you...you changed that! You came into my life, and brought so much light and energy back into it, and you've...you've made me the happiest woman in all of New Orleans! And to be your wife...that would make the happiest woman in all the world."

She punctuated this declaration by throwing her arms around his shoulder and embracing him in an excited kiss, pale cheeks red as roses as she concluded, "Y-Yes, I-I'll marry you!"

[quack-quack-snacks]

Time Will Tell - Chapter 1.35

My Time Will Tell Masterlist

My Cha Hyun-su Masterlist

My Navigation and Masterlist

The Time Will Tell Glossary

Warnings: Guns, that's about it Word Count: 1,606

prev | current | next

You could distantly hear the sounds of helicopters flying overhead as you made your way back to the trapdoor to the tunnels and descended down them. You truly wished you could stop yourself but your head glanced over your shoulder every 10 seconds to see if Hyun-su was following only to find him not there. 

‘Pathetic,’ you insulted yourself. ‘All this for a boy you met a month ago and who doesn’t even remember you.’

You paused in your tracks when you had that thought, though. Images flashed through your head as you thought of the interactions you’d experienced with that same boy; all the times the two of you were together and the world seemed to pause in its orbit. It didn’t matter if you’d only met him a month ago or if he didn’t remember you; you would never regret your time with him or how you grew to love him. 

You only wished you had some more time to find a perfect opportunity to say that to him. 

You sped up in your slow tracks when you heard screaming from a familiar voice. 

Eun-yu!

“Oppa! Oppa, no!” You heard her scream for her brother and then also scream for you, which surprised you but you didn’t have time to think about that. 

“Eun-yu!” You screamed back and nearly ran into her when you rounded the corner and saw her being dragged back by Yi-kyung and Jae-hwan while the older woman tried to close and lock the gate. 

Eun-yu went silent and you faltered when you saw the tears running down her cheeks. Yi-kyung quickly reopened the gate to let you in before closing it behind you. “Wait! Hyun-su hasn’t come yet! We need to wait for him!”

“Eun-hyuk went out to look for you and him,” Eun-yu sobbed as you brought her into your embrace. You finally understood why she had been screaming for her brother and you looked at Yi-kyung with a heartbroken look when she had already closed and locked the gate. 

“No, no! No, you can’t! They’re not back yet! Stop!” You screamed in protest, trying to run back to get her to unlock it. You didn’t get far when a few of the residents came up behind you and started dragging you and Eun-yu - who was also screaming her protests - down the narrow hallway. You sobbed, finally giving up on fighting against them and letting yourself get dragged away.

30 hours.

It had been 30 hours that you’d been trapped in those tunnels.

30 hours of no sunlight.

30 hours of no sense of direction.

30 hours of no Cha Hyun-su. 

You weren’t sure you could bear much more. Your tears had run dry with no more to give. You didn't sleep; you couldn’t. Not with everything that was going on. One would think that the darkness of the tunnels and the quietness since no one felt the urge to talk would be relaxing and sleep-inducing but not for you. You knew it was for some people - a case in point being the two children asleep in your lap; even Jin-ok, who sat next to you, had her head resting on your shoulder as she dozed off. You envied them, hating it when all you found in the darkness and the unbearable quiet were the intrusive thoughts that crept through your mind’s barricade despite your attempts to ward them off. 

‘Why would he leave me?’

‘He promised he would come back but he’s still not here.’

‘Did he lie?’

‘No, he would never lie to me about that.’

‘Right?’

‘No! He wouldn’t lie to me about that. Not when he promised.’

‘He promised!’

‘How could he leave me after he promised he wouldn’t?’

That last thought made your eyes sting with unshed tears and you refused to let them fall. 

“Do you think we’ll die down here?” Seung-wan asked pessimistically. His voice broke through the quiet and you thanked him mentally because it broke the toxic cycle of thoughts that rampaged through your brain. 

“Shut up,” Jae-hwan told him and you could imagine the eye-roll that would accompany the words. “I’m not gonna fucking die here.”

The quiet returned and so did the thoughts in your head. You felt the tears building and your nose burning as it got more and more silent. Quieter, and quieter, and quie-

Ring, ring!

A small bell rang somewhere nearby, awakening you from your dreadful thoughts and bringing you to the present where Hye-in’s dog - Bom - came into view. The dog suddenly barked and ran past you and everyone else down the hallway you sat in before then starting to run in a different direction. 

Hye-in, of course, ran after her pet and Yi-kyung followed. It seemed everyone else was inclined to do the same as they all got up. You woke your siblings up along with Jin-ok - who had woken up from a flashlight being shined in her eyes - and followed behind the group with quickened footsteps. 

You couldn’t see past everyone’s heads but you could hear the sound of a helicopter flying by. It was slightly muffled but you could hear it. 

That meant you were closeby to a place where the sound could come through!

It was minutes later that the group had managed to get past the rusted fence blocking you from the exit and to the ladder. Your siblings went up first after Yi-kyung followed by you - after Jin-ok had forced you to go first - and then Jin-ok. 

You walked forward, leading the group onward until you stopped as what must have been 50 soldiers appeared from behind a car. Each one held a rifle in their hands and dressed in the same black uniform. It was a bit frightening, you weren’t going to lie. 

You wrapped your arms around your shaking brother and sister and Jin-ok wrapped her arms around you. It was something you were grateful for considering you were also scared. Some of the soldiers were holding their guns up, aiming them at your group members with their trigger fingers ready to fire if given the command. 

Yi-kyung fearlessly walked in front of the frozen members of your group - frozen with fear and the cold snow underneath and around you - and stopped in front of one of the soldiers. 

The soldier held up a tablet in her hands where the word ‘TARGET’ was emphasized over a red dot on a map. 

“I pushed it, all right? I-” Jae-hwan confessed, walking forward while holding a black plastic button that you realized must have been the button that put that ‘target’ on the map. He was cut off by a soldier walking forward and interrupting his path with a push that knocked him to the ground. 

“That means you didn’t push it,” the woman holding the tablet stated the obvious. You couldn’t help the hatred that built up in your stomach at Jae-hwan. He was the reason Hyun-su was gone and had to leave in the first place. You tried to push it down but it still remained as a simmering feeling on the backburner. “It looks like you don’t care about Nam Sang-won anymore,” the woman stated further, reaching forward to take the silver briefcase out of Yi-kyung’s hand and into her own instead. “We consider the deal canceled.”

Yi-kyung didn’t respond. She remained staring into the woman’s eyes intensely even when a few of the soldiers rushed forward to usher your group into the back of a truck. 

Your family was the first to get on and you made sure your siblings and Jin-ok - who you’d come to consider a part of your family as well - got on before you. When you stepped up to get on as well, you lost your footing due to the snow that was on the edge of the truck and nearly fell. You startled when two hands gripped onto your forearm and waist to catch you and stop you from hurting yourself. 

Your eyes locked onto those of your savior and you saw the soldier who had been standing just to your right. You nodded in thanks and he nodded back, helping you into the truck this time and doing the same for all the people who got on after you, clearly not wanting another accident like that to happen. 

You ended up sitting with Ji-su to your left and Su-yeong to your right. They objected when the soldiers closed the truck’s door behind Eun-yu once she’d settled in, saying that you all were waiting for someone.

It was true. Yi-kyung hadn’t come aboard yet, but she suddenly walked into your view and stood in front of you dressed in the same uniform as the rest of the soldiers surrounding you. The only difference was she wasn’t wearing the helmet and face covering. 

“You must survive,” she said simply, leaving you with those final words as the engine of the truck started up and she got further and further away as you drove off. Her eyes didn't stray until you got too far to see and she started walking off. 

You let out a disbelieving scoff after a few minutes but stayed silent otherwise. Your gaze remained unfocused throughout the first half of the ride. All you could think about was what would happen next.

Would you finally find a safe space in this decrepit world? Would it all be a lie?

Would you ever see Cha Hyun-su again?

Nothing about the future was certain, but you were certain you would take it in stride as best you could. 

And you would find Hyun-su again, no matter what it takes.

~

Taglist <3

@hyeon-yi

@haowonbins

@mythical-mushrooms13

@visualconcern

@yomsy

[cautotelic]

Chapter 5: Been Like This

Ambessa Medarda x Reader

Synopsis: When you get taken away from your home land and thrown into the palace of the infamous warlord, will things be as bad as they first seemed?

CW: SMUT (what we've all been waiting for), kinda fluff, Ambessa being downright downbad, yes the title is from that Doja Cat song 🤨

A/N: enough with the sadness, let the tension end. please leave more replies/comments I LOVE reading them and knowing y’all enjoy the story:))

The next few days go by painstakingly slow. I help the physicians with tending to the injured warriors. I’m back to avoiding Ambessa, still somewhat upset with her. Whenever I think about her I’m drawn between being so frustratingly angry at her and just wanting to thank the fact she’s, in her words, alive and well.

Whenever I get the chance during the day I’ll go into my room and try to get a bit of sleep before leaving for the night, knowing that Ambessa has been residing in my room. Maybe she’s hoping that I’ll come back at the same time she's there, but I doubt that.

Currently I’m outside of the estate collecting snow in a bucket to take inside for the physicians. Being in my own thoughts I don’t hear the crunching of snow beneath boots coming from behind me. 

“You should really wear a coat out here, little lady.”

I smile. “You want to give me a hand or are you just going to stand there and look pretty?”

The crunch of snow grows closer before Rictus’s big, burly form comes into view. He settles himself behind me and pulls something out of his cape, a blanket. 

I hold my hand up. He continues to unfold it. “The General would have my head if I let you get frostbite out here.”

“Why does she bother?” I mumble as I feel the weight of the blanket being placed around my shoulders. I will admit that I am thankful for the blanket.

Rictus hums as he takes the bucket out of my hands and begins shoveling in the snow with his own gloved hands. “She has a weird way of showing it, but she really does care about you. It’s the reason she brought you here,” he admits.

My brows furrowed in confusion but Rictus continued. “She and your father had a meeting negotiating trade deals and land disputes, the regular diplomatic conversations,” he says and I nod. “I remember you standing in the corner of your fathers office, just a tiny little thing, barely noticed you were there. But when we got back on the airship, you were all she could talk about.”

“She sent your father a letter asking if he would trade you for extra trading goods. He refused and she threatened him with war.” The bucket of snow is full so Rictus stands, I copy his movements as we start to make our way back to the estate. “Of course she knew of your power and wanted you to train her soldiers, but she also saw how miserable you looked, like a bird trapped in a cage. Her stronger feelings for you only transpired after you arrived.”

We step back into the estate and hand the bucket of snow to the physician standing there. I watch her leave before turning to Rictus. “Why are you telling me this?”

“So you understand why I have to do what I’m about to do next,” he utters, a hint of guilt showing in his expression.

“What-“

In an instant I’m scooped up and thrown over his shoulder as he begins walking down the hallway. A small gasp comes out as I am disoriented. “Rictus put me down. Where are you taking me?” I protest.

My struggling does nothing to sway him into putting me down. “The General hasn’t slept for a week because of you and personally, I don’t enjoy being yelled at,” he grunts as he readjusts me on my shoulder.

The realization hits me. He’s taking me to Ambessa. I start hitting his back. “Rictus, put me down now. I don’t want to see her,” I declare.

I protest the whole way until we walk into a room lined with bookshelves. He sets me down on my feet and I turn around to face Ambessa who is sitting at her desk. The surprise on her face tells me that all this was all by Rictus’s own doing. 

“General,” Rictus nods towards Ambessa before walking out of the room, leaving us together.

The tension in the room is so thick you could cut it with a knife. I stand awkwardly in the center of her study as I shift from foot to foot. Her study is just as warm and inviting as her bedroom. Throw blankets adorn the couch sat in front of the fireplace and soft rugs cover the floors.

I look up at Ambessa and she isn’t looking at me but I can tell she’s tired.

“I don’t know why he brought you here, I told him, and everyone else for that fact, not to bother you,” she states coldly as she writes something down in the ledger on the desk.

Just hearing her talk and being in her general vicinity has all my anger resurfacing. I let out a chuckle. “You’re a real piece of work, you know?” I accuse as I stalk towards her desk.

She stops writing, folds her arms, and leans back in her seat, an amused expression playing on her face. “Oh you're in no position to talk about being a piece of work, but please, do tell.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, growing irritated. “You are so incredibly maddening. I cannot fathom how anyone gets anything done around here with you.” When I get close enough I trail my hand along the edge of her desk. “For the past month I spent the whole time believing you were dead, hoping you weren’t so I could do it myself. But now…” I sigh as I look at her, looking for answers to the ache I feel deep in my bones. “I can’t even find the strength to stay mad at you.”

Our eyes lock and I wonder if there is just as much emotion in my eyes as there are in hers. I draw closer to her slowly, unsure and uncertain. Reaching out I touch her cheek with the backs of my fingers softly. 

She leans into the small touch before grabbing my hand and pressing kisses to my palm. “Forgive me… please.”

My body leans towards her hesitantly, eyes darting between her lips and her eyes. I gently press my lips to hers, my own silent apology and many words unspoken. I feel her smile into the kiss as she lets me lead. My own repressed desires surface as I move to press myself closer to her. Ambessa stands from her desk chair, breaking our kiss as her hands come under my thighs and lift me onto the cool wood of her desk. My hands move on their own accord touching any part of her that I can. She chuckles at my eagerness before lifting her shirt off, her bindings going with it. I stare at her for a good second admiring her as her hands go to the bottom hem of my shirt. She looks at me, waiting for me to push her away, to close myself off again.

I don’t.

I mutter a soft ‘yes’ and she takes my shirt off. Unlike our kiss in the library, her fingers find my skin, going over the scars on my chest and torso. Under her observant gaze I feel self conscious and I curl in on myself.

Ambessa notices this and makes a noice of displeasure. Her head dips back down and her lips brush against the shell on my ear, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. “Do you know how turned on you make me, sweetheart? Hm.” She hums as she nuzzles her nose into the crook of my neck. I shake my head and she groans. “Too much. I get all hot and bothered when you're fully dressed, so don’t worry about this,” she says, her hands trailing up my sides. “You're perfect.”

Her lips find mine again as she lifts me off the desk and walks us over to the big couch in her study. Laying me down on the couch she makes quick work of my pants as well as her own. She leans down and sucks on the skin of my neck, leaving dark marks that will stay. Her hand travels down, down until it touches my waiting core. She teases, circling her fingers around my clit. I let out a frustrated whine and she chuckles.

“So impatient,” she hums, kissing my ear.

She’s merciful and slowly enters her fingers. Her pace starts out slow and deliberate, sinking them in before, dragging them almost all the way out, before doing it over again. I sigh, pleased that she’s finally touching me but wanting her to speed up. 

My hands come around to her back, grabbing as much of her as I can before pushing her into me. I turn my head to it’s right by her ear. “I know you love me, but I want you to fuck me like you hate me,” I nearly demand.

She chuckles into my skin. “I would be careful what you ask for, little one,” she purrs as she bites down onto the space between my neck and shoulder. She speeds up the thrusts of her hand as she curls her fingers up and brushes that spot inside me. I gasp. She mimics my face and sound. “There,” she says breathily. “Is that what you wanted? Hm. To be treated like this, like a toy for me to use?”

I let out a strangled moan into her ear. My noises only egg her on as she fucks me. My nails dig into her back. 

“So fucking wet, your basically swallowing my fingers. You dirty, dirty girl,” she says as she leans away from me looking down at my sopping cunt. 

She uses the thumb of the same hand to gently circle my clit, light and slow motions. She watches her own fingers disappear inside me, she damn near moans at the sight. I quickly shut my legs closed at the sensation, feeling overwhelmed. She roughly pushes them back open as I feel her go deeper.

“Fuck…” I sigh. It’s all too much, her, my body. I reach my hand down to grab at her wrist. For what exactly, I’m not sure, but the coil in my stomach is winding tighter and tighter, I feel like I might burst.

Ambessa looks down at me with a dark expression on her face as she grabs both my wrists in her free hand and holds them against my stomach, leaving me helpless as she tortures my body.

“Mm that’s much better, don’t you think, little one?” She chuckles as she bullies her fingers into me at an unforgiving pace.

The sounds leaving my mouth are absolutely, downright shameful. But I can’t find it in me to care right now. Moans and whines leave my lips but Ambessa swallows them in a kiss. 

“Please please ple-ah,” I jolt as she hits that spot. She takes notice and focuses on repeatedly hitting that spot as her circles on my clit fasten.

The coil begins to fray, the pressure too much. “A-ambessa stop I-“ I’m cut off by my own moan.

She looks down at me and hums. “Are you close? Going to make a mess for me, pretty girl?” She coos.

I struggle against her hold trying to get away from her and the feeling in my stomach as my breathing grows ragged. I cry out as my orgasm washes over me, my back arched, Ambessa smiles as she fucks me through it.

When it’s finished I close my eyes and regain my breathing. I stay like that for a while, my hands coming to cover my face.

Before I can even open my eyes again I’m being flipped onto my stomach, my chest being pushed into the couch, ass up. I yelp as I crane my head to look behind me. Ambessa leans over my body so that her head is right beside mine, her bigger frame covering mine. I feel something prod at my backside. I go to look and she turns my head to look at her. She trails kisses along my shoulder blade.

“That first one was for your pleasure,” she says, almost proudly. “These ones are for mine.” 

“What are you- oh my god,” I moan as I feel her strap enter me. When the fuck did she put that on?

My mouth forms an ‘O’ as she sinks deeper into me, inch by inch. I dig my fingers into the couch to keep me grounded. Ambessa leans over and kisses my cheek, laughing softly. 

“I won’t be as kind.”

“Sadist much?” I spit out, my voice coming off weaker than I expected.

A loud smack sounds through the room and I jolt forward, gasping at the sting. Ambessa’s hand rubs over the spot. “I do hate disobedience, and you're far overdue for a lesson,” she leans down to my ear. “Let’s fix that, shall we?”

Her weight lifts off me. “If it’s too much, let me know.” As soon as I nod her hips snap forward. A short scream leaves my throat at the action. 

Her pace is so deliberately slow it makes me want to cry. I groan into the couch. I move my hips in sync with her, fucking myself back on her. Her hand comes and grip my hips, halting my movements and I whine.

“You want me to go faster?” She asks, and I nod desperately. “Well who am I to deny you that?” There’s a hint of something in her voice but I couldn’t care less as she does indeed pick up the pace.

I’m a moaning mess as she does. I’m muttering curses and small ‘thank you’s under my breath as I approach my climax faster this time. 

This time when I finish, Ambessa doesn’t stop. I whimper, overstimulated. “T-too much- Ambessa.”

She chuckles behind me as she grunts, speeding up her pace. “This is your lesson for being so damn mouthy. I told you that this wasn’t for your pleasure, it’s for mine. So fucking take it or do you want me to stop?” She slows to a complete stop before pulling out. She waits a solid few minutes waiting for my growing orgasm to subside.

I cry out at the loss of stimulation. “You're such an asshole,” I seethe.

She shrugs before pressing back into me at a brutal pace. “So damn stubborn,” she says.

Ambessa has me a moaning mess in less than a few minutes. She kisses down my back, over my scars. “So fucking pretty. You like this huh? You like me being mean to you.” All I can do is nod and mumble incoherently at her words.

“What happened to that attitude that you had earlier? Am I fucking you too good for you to act out now?” She teases. 

Although she is acting unaffected, her small moans and sighs are telling me she is getting off from this, from me.

I’m getting closer to my 3rd orgasm and her thrusts are growing erratic and inconsistent. “Fuck…” she groans from behind me and I can tell she’s close too. She speeds up and a guttural moan leaves my lips as my body shakes.

She keeps thrusting her hips forward, chasing her own release. I tap her hand on my hip. “Stop Ambessa.”

She quickly pulls out of me and flips me around, concern written on her face. Her hand comes to cradle my cheek. “What’s the matter? Did I-“

I flip her over so she’s on her back before climbing on top of her, sinking down onto her strap. I moan at the feeling, feeling it go deeper than in the other position. Ambessa looks up at me from her spot below me. “Darling you don’t have to-“

“Shut up,” I sigh as I begin to move. She moans at the sight and the friction on her own cunt. I bounce up and down on her strap, moans leaving my lips as I look down at Ambessa watching her face contorted in pleasure. 

I fold over and suck marks into her neck as soft sighs and moans leave her lips. Her body is growing restless and I know she’s close. 

She leans into me, worry etched into her brows. “You need to finish first. I can’t-“

“You can and you will. You better fucking finish, Ambessa I swear to god,” I chuckle as a breathy moan leaves my lips. 

I pick up my pace, my breast moving in time with my bounces. I reach down and roll her nipple between my fingers earning a small sigh from her. 

Her face should be casted in a painting for my eyes only. Her eyes watch the strap as it goes in and out of me. Her moans growing more and more desperate.

“Are you going to come for me, General? Gonna get off to me using you to pleasure myself?”

At my words her arms reach up to me as she pulls me to her chest. She props her feet up, heels digging into the couch as she thrusts up into me. 

“Oh my god- fuck fuck fuck.” I say into her skin. She’s shuddering at this point. “I’m gonna come- fuck.”

My orgasm wracks through my body, our combined moans filling the room. My body goes limp and we stay like this, me on top of her, as we both catch our breath. I raise my head and peck a kiss on her lips.

She moves under me, sliding her strap out of me, I hiss. She chuckles as she lifts me and sets me down to stand. I wobble a little on my feet but her arm is there to steady me. She wraps one of the blankets on the couch around me before wrapping one around herself and then scooping me up.

We walk out of her study and into the hallway and I’m met with Rictus standing on the other end of the dead end hallway. My face reddens as we approach where he is standing against the wall. 

“Why is he down here, Ambessa?” I ask, embarrassed.

She shrugs. “Making sure no one bothered us,” she says nonchalantly.

Someone needs to give him a pay raise. 

We pass by him and he gives a curt nod to Ambessa before looking down at me wrapped in the blanket. 

“Good talk?” He questions with a mischievous, barely there smile.

“Good talk,” I affirm as Ambessa keeps walking.

She takes me to her room and we shower to wash the sex off of our bodies. I dote on her, washing her hair and body even though she insists she can do it herself. She dresses me in her clothes before laying us down in her bed. I lay my head in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent. Her hand lazily runs up and down my back, I no longer flinch at her touch as it lulls me to sleep.

For the first time in years I get a full night's sleep.

[twstfanblog]

~Manhwa AU- A Fairytale Do-Over~ Pt 2

A/N: GUESS WHAT I FINISHED~? It's been hot as fuck over here recently and our house doesn't have central air. So writing has been hard, but I managed! Enjoy Malleus's huberous trying to hit him but he's still too short to get the lesson. Next part will be when Yuu meets Leona! Word Count: 3.9K Pairings: Yuu & Malleus (Their friendship has ended and he doesn't even know it), Sibling Malleus & Silver, Parental Lilia & Silver Prev / Next

The royal palace was massive, the size rivaling that of an urban village. And that didn't include the gardens, the patios, the woods attached to the grounds; the area was so large that there were even hidden places Lilia didn't know about. It was grand and it was lavished, all that an empirical bloodline could want. But it was empty, halls filled with priceless artwork and historical artifacts echoed with every footstep you took.

It was a sound Lilia had heard twice and never wished to hear a third time. First was when he was brought to the palace to be Maleanor’s playmate, second was the day after her and her husband's funeral.

And now, as he stared down a twitching servant, he was sure the palace had started to prep itself to return to such a state. He massaged his temples, taking a long and slow breath in, “Forgive me…I must have grown hard of hearing in my age…what did you say?”

The servant shook in terror, the silver tray he held in his hands jostling the letter on it. Lilia Vanrouge was retired as a general, but no one in the fleet of servants or guards dared to upset him. Even delivering bad news was seen as foolish and asking to be punished, “Yu-…The young miss Crowley’s invite was returned…unopened…We called their residence to ask…but the servants are stating that…she is ill and unwilling to attend…”

“…”

Lilia felt…flabbergasted. Yuu had attended Malleus's birthdays sick before, the adoration the young girl held for his charge gave her the will to suffer through hours of discomfort. No illness or annoyingly loud guests could deter her from spending time with her friend.

But even thinking that made him flinch. Malleus was not…receptive to Yuu's kindness or shows of friendship. The young fae lord had found the girl to be clingy, annoying, downright a pain. But no matter how he protested their playdates, Lilia kept scheduling them because Malleus needed someone to see as his equal.

Though he was the crowned prince, a marvel to the fae and kingdom, Yuu was by marriage his cousin and closest of equal royal standing. Malleus’s father was not of noble blood, a fact that kept his and Maleanor’s love from truly being accepted by the council. Luckily, Levan had cut a deal with Dire, being formally adopted into the Crowley line in exchange for more loyal ties with the empire's crown once Levan and Maleanor had married.

A promise that was kept with playdates to the two houses’ heirs.

Lilia bit his lip. Though both of Malleus's parents had passed and such a promise meant nothing now, the Crowley line was all Malleus had in terms of extended family. The old fae wanted them to be close should misfortune fall upon him and leave Malleus without a proper guardian.

But Malleus was his mother's son…

Haughty, arrogant, and beautiful. He looked down on nearly everyone around him, deeming them weak and powerless against his steadily growing might. He skipped his lessons; half from his naturally absent-minded nature, mostly because he felt too good to listen to weaker fae try to teach him.

So introducing a magicless girl nearly five years younger as his equal did not go well…

Since their first playdate and Malleus had stomped back into the palace covered in mud, furious, he had simply despised the Crowley child. Yuu had merely giggled and asked to play with Malleus again, saying he was funny and she liked him. To this day, Lilia wasn't sure why Malleus had been covered in mud nor why he seemed to detest Yuu so much so quickly…He refused to repeat what happened and it only sent Yuu into a fit of laughter whenever asked. He wondered if he should have used his magic to see what had caused the issue when he still had the chance…

He sighed, picking the letter up and ignoring the servant's flinching when his hand drew near. Studying it, he marveled, it really was unopened. A part of him felt the claws of dread slowly wrap around his heart, his fears becoming realized before his eyes. Had Yuu finally had enough? Were two years of verbal abuse what caused the young girl to open her eyes to Malleus’s mistreatment and simply not return.

Turning away, he dismissed the servant and bit his lip again. Malleus didn't have other playmates. Malleus, like his mother, was feared by his subjects. A fact that made companionship more difficult than Lilia wished it would be. He wondered if he should visit the Crowley duchy, slip a tonic from the royal infirmary to have the girl healed in time for the party-

“Lilia, Silver's fallen asleep again.”

Lilia looked to the doorway, his worries melting off his shoulders at the heartwarming scene.

While Malleus had created a type of feud with the Crowley girl, he completely adored Silver; claiming the boy as his brother since he first saw him sleeping in his bassinet. They stood in the opened doorway, Malleus in a more informal attire and cradling Silver to his front. The silver-haired nine-year-old fast asleep in the prince's arms releasing angelic snores.

Sighing, Lilia held his free arm out with a small smile, “Bring him here, I will watch him while you finish your studies.”

Passing the sleeping child over, Malleus scoffed under his breath and rolled his eyes, “Studies. I have no need…” His eyes catch the glint of silver in Lilia’s hand, “What is that?”

Lilia didn’t have a chance to answer, Malleus reaching up and snatching the letter out of his guardian’s hands. Huffing, Lilia used his now free hand to properly hold Silver, “We’ve been over this; don’t snatch things from people-”

“Is this…Yuu’s invitation?” Malleus stares at the envelope, turning it over in his hands and becoming bewildered as he notices it wasn’t even opened, “Have you…Not sent this to the Crowley’s Duchy yet…?” His party was only a week away and the grand duchy was at least half a day’s journey away.

“…” Sighing, Lilia turned away from Malleus’s inquisitive eyes, “The invitation was returned unopened. Word is that the young lady Crowley is ill and unable to attend…”

Malleus stood in silence, staring at Lilia’s back before looking down at the letter in his hand, “Oh…” With a smile, he flicked the letter past Lilia and sent it directly into the lit fireplace.

“Malleus!” Lilia watched the letter burn, flaring green in a flash as the wax melted into the flames. Turning around he tried to pin a glare at the giddy preteen, “Why would you do that!?”

With a shrug, Malleus turned around with a smile. Wiping his hands of the situation as though he had easily solved all his problems, “There’s no need for it. She’s ill, isn’t she? Plus, they returned the invite. It’s within my right to do with it as I will.” He clapped his hands together as his thoughts ran wild, the very promise of Yuu not attending his party making him more and more excited for the event, “This shall be my most wonderful birthday yet! Maybe I will be just as lucky next year and she’ll still be ill.”

Lilia could only frown as Malleus laughed, walking out of the room. While Lilia hoped the young prince would go to his lessons, he knew he was more than likely heading toward the gardens or to his growing horde room. Sighing, the bi-colored fae looks down to his sleeping child. It would all be much easier if he just placed Silver as the prince’s playmate. Malleus adored Silver, but Silver was quiet. Silver was so quiet. A fact that would only echo in this massive palace as the years go on. Lilia could only hope that he’d find a cure for whatever sleep curse affected his boy. Maybe Silver could be the bridge between the two; a thesaurus for two similar yet wildly different languages.

He hoped that Malleus wouldn’t be too upset on the day of his party.

The servants would say the day of Malleus's party was divine. Not a tantrum, eye-roll, nor threat of permanent dismissal in sight. He allowed himself to be dressed easily in his outfit, black silks and furs, precious gems stitched to mimic the night sky their lands were famous for and a winding silver banded crown. Malleus looked like a prince of the infamous Noctorn Empire and he was excited.

He had talked Lilia and Silver's ears off at breakfast; his plans to speak to everyone for once since Yuu wouldn't be attached to his side and babbling nonstop. He didn't notice the concerned look in Lilia's eyes when he'd excused himself to use the emergency phone. Lilia called the Crowley duchy directly to ask if they were truly not attending the party. Crewel merely stating they had sent their gifts and wished Malleus a happy birthday in their absence. Yuu hadn't even been heard over the call.

As the beginning of the event drew closer, Lilia felt his nerves worsen, as if a looming threat was breathing down his neck and waiting to strike. A feeling that only grew stronger as Silver lost his fight with wakefulness, falling asleep a little after the first few guests started to populate the entry hall. Lilia had gathered the deadweight child into his arms, tasking Malleus to greet the guests alone while he placed Silver in a more docile environment until he woke up.

Malleus tried, he truly did. He spoke aloud and clearly as Lilia had always instructed him, head held high so that his chin and the ground were two parallel lines. He tried to shake people's hands, growing frustrated as they refused to release the brightly wrapped gifts to do such a thing. After the 6th awkward shuffle away from his outstretched hands he simply elected to not shake anymore of the lord's hands. After the 15th nervous and stuttered hello, he stopped greeting them too.

He huffed, mildly pouting as he left the entry hall, walking toward the guarded room that held his mountain of presents; gifts to be opened and cataloged once all the guests had left. Greeting people alone wasn't as fun as he imagined it would be. It would have been easier if Lilia hadn't left to tend to Silver. Lilia was a social creature in such a way that Malleus never understood, neither him nor Yuu made sense to him as to how they got people to respond so easily to them. But then again, the very thought of Yuu beside him and greeting everyone in his place made him more frustrated. The sight of her gift, as always wrapped in black and white with a bright green bow, only worsened his mood.

Slamming his hand into the brick, leaving behind Cracks and a medium-sized indent he made the choice to enter the banquet hall. (Unaware of the few cowering party guests slowly backing away from him).

The room was filled with people, fine fabrics swishing around the room in elegant dances. Looking around his enthusiasm dipped again. There were so many adults more than children his age, adults that would only give him a half glance and a respectful bow. Malleus walked along the edges of crowds, trying to see if any conversation piqued his interest or if any of the adults would glance his way to wish him a happy birthday. He received plenty of quick bows, long-winded birthday blessings with his full title. A few had even tried to start a conversation, beginning with a comment on their relation to his mother or father. Only to suck their mouths in like they had tasted the worst type of lemon flavor, remembering he never meant his mother nor his father. From there they would bow again and turn to scamper away into a crowd, leaving him alone again.

Just as he began to wonder just where Lilia was placing Silver, he saw someone who made his hopes relight. Another child his age was standing by a window, looking out the large stained glass with an air of boredom around him. They were a noble of origin from outside the empire, their clothing was brightly colored and heavily patterned. A crown of beads and braids kept dark brown hair neat yet wild, a pair of small, round lion ears peaking through. The hint of brown skin visible from the edge of their loose sleeves and crossed arms.

Gathering a bit of courage, swallowing to wet his mouth, Malleus walked forward. He smiled and tilted his head, tapping the other on the shoulder to gain his attention, “Hello. Are you enjoying the party?”

The other boy seemed to startle, almost as if he had planned on being invisible for hours more and Malleus's acknowledgement broke his trance. The boy turned to him, showing his face was marred over one eye with a long thin scar, the bright emerald green slightly duller than the other.

Once he saw who was speaking to him, he frowned. Turning away and looking at Malleus from the corner of his brighter eye as though he was a bug, “Go away.” Short, simple, and sour.

Malleus startled himself. No one had…ever dismissed him in such a way. Even when Lilia sent him away to his own devices, He said as such with an air of teasing, jovial. This…this was just rude. Narrowing his eyes, he stepped into the other boy's line of sight when he fully turned away, “Why should I? You are aware this is my birthday party, aren’t you? You should feel honored that I'm speaking to you.”

The boy scoffs, facing him directly and placing his hands on his hips. Smug, arrogant; he wasn't taller by any means but it felt as though he was looking down his nose at him, “Why would I feel honored being spoken to by a lizard?”

“…” Lightning flashed outside, bringing the already soft ambiance into a fearful silence, “A LIZARD!?” YOU DARE CALL ME A LIZARD!?”

“A lizard who throws tantrums at that.”

“Leona!” Two older men quickly rush over, looking similar to ‘Leona’ with their attire, ears, and, face yet more alike each other with their matching bold red hair. The shorter, younger man had gripped Leona by the shoulders, trying to force the boy into a bow, “Apologize! You promised you'd behave tonight!”

The older man, his red hair streaked with thin yet vivid lines of grey bowed, “A thousand apologies, Your Highness. Please forgive my youngest son. He is still recovering from an injury you see-”

“I don't care about excuses!” Malleus glared, stomping his foot as the lightning flashing again and sent the room into spasms of eerie green light. He pointed toward the scowling Leona, “He called me a lizard!”

“Malleus, lower your tone. You are among company.” Lilia walked over, placing a hand onto his charge’s shoulder and pulling him back as a physical reminder to calm down, “What's happened here?”

“It seems my son-”

Scoffing loudly, Leona rolled his head back and spoke aloud, “I called the stupid lizard, a lizard and he threw a fit over it.”

“Leona.” The younger man strained, shaking Leona by his shoulders in an effort to physically shake the sense into him.

Lilia frowned, looking down his nose at the defiant child with lidded eyes, “That's rather rude don't you think?” He looked from the corner of his eye, catching the eldest man's gaze, “Duke Kingscholar. I wasn't aware you were raising such…brazen children...”

The duke's bow seemed to deepen, “Truly, I offer apologies for every star in the sky. My youngest is recovering from an injury and fever. He isn't thinking clearly-”

The eldest brother leaned down, whispering to the sour-faced child while their father tried to save face with Lilia, “Leona, apologize. Dad's gonna make you sit in the carriage again if you don't-”

“Fine then! I didn't want to come to this dumb party anyway!”

The duke sprang up, his face furious as he rounded on his youngest son, “LEONA!”

Malleus could feel the lightning crackle outside, the bolts dancing along the sealed windows in eagerness to strike Leona down, “How…dare you!? My birthday party is the highest honor any could hope to attend, and you stand here, wasting it and calling my wrath!”

Leona scoffed, rolling his eyes before leveling Malleus with an almost arctic glare, “Who'd consider it an honor to attend a party of someone they don't even like?”

The eldest boy tried to pull his brother back, worry on his face as the lights along the wall started to flash and flicker with the green electricity struggling to breach the walls, “Leona. Enough.”

Malleus glared back, eyes almost glowing from his rage, “I don't care if you like me or not. I am your prince and you will respect me!”

Leona lets out a loud and sharp laugh, shaking himself free of his brother's hands to step closer to Malleus, “I don't respect you and I don't like you. No one does.”

“That's…That's A lie! People like me!”

“Oh, look around!” Leona gestures his arms out, only continuing when Malleus makes small cautious glances around the room, “No one here likes you, they're all afraid of you! And you're too stupid to see it, you pompous motherfuc-”

Leona was all but snatched into the air, his older brother holding his body in one arm while the other pressed tightly to his mouth. He bowed, a mumble of his brother not feeling well before he quickly absconded from the area.

Duke Kingscholar sighed, offering one last apology and a birthday blessing before he followed his sons out.

Malleus watched them leave along with everyone else. And once the Kingscholars had left he looked around the room once more, a new feeling of a sinking stone growing heavier and heavier. No one would meet his eyes, nothing past an accidental glance before quickly bowing. No one other than Lilia came to his defense, every last guest letting him be berated and mocked by a spare. And for what? To stand at the edge of their tif and cower? To…to look at him with fearful eyes?

Only once the Kingscholars left did he realize just how far away everyone else was in that moment. How even as the lightning cleared, the storm calming, no one dared approach him. No one dared look him in the eyes.

The party continued, the Kingscholars did not return and Malleus was happy for that at least. Leona was…a form of abrasive that he didn't care to deal with ever again.

He thought this birthday would be amazing, the best of his short eleven years of life. Instead, he spent the night beside Lilia, holding onto his hand and refusing to look up. Not out of any true nervousness or shame. He just…didn't want to see how no one looked his way.

They danced, they had a meal, they had cake. Everyone left after another hour of standing and talking. Were birthday parties always so…boring? Or was it just because it was his 11th birthday? Was it because Silver didn't wake midway through for cake cutting like he normally did? Was it…was it because Yuu wasn't there?

The thought annoyed him. Yuu would have never left him alone if she was there, she never had any other celebration. Clinging onto him to greet guests, chasing him through the halls while the adults spoke and networked. A leeching shadow that no matter where he went, she would worm her way into the same place at some point.

“Malleus?”

The horned fae looked up, a half-asleep Silver holding the signature black and white present out to him, “Do you want me to have Yuu's present again this year? Father said she didn't come…”

“…” Sighing, Malleus took the gift from Silver's hands, ripping the paper with an annoyed air to the act, “No. I'll keep it. She's ill; there's no telling what kind of human illness you'll catch from whatever she's coughed on in here.”

Lilia sighed, but didn't speak more. Gathering the wrapping paper of the other gifts Malleus had opened and quickly discarded for not holding his interest. He watched his son yawn, smiling as he pointed to the small table with tea and two thin slices of cake, “Silver, have some tea and cake; it'll wake you up a bit.”

“But, you said I can't have sweets past 9pm?”

“Well, I decided you can today. You normally are awake to have a slice of cake during the party…”

“I know…I'm sorry.”

“Silly boy. There's nothing to apologize for…”

As Malleus looked into the gift box in his hands, the sounds of his guardian and brother faded into the background, equally muffled by the crackling of the fireplace. Inside the present was a pair of oddly knitted tubes. To anyone else, they'd be a pair of hideous mittens for someone who didn't even have hands, but Malleus knew what they really were.

Yuu had asked him, earlier that season when he was again forced to have tea with her, if his horns ever got cold in the Winter. He had glared, telling her to not ask such stupid questions, having no time nor the knowledge to explain that his horns never felt cold in Winter nor hot in Summer and he didn't know why. An answer that seemed to have not satisfied the annoying girl, since she had made and gifted him a pair of unseemly horn warmers.

He held them in his hands, the knots sloppy yet tight. The pattern was off and he's certain there were two different shades of green in the same area. They were ugly, plain and simple. But they were something other than a grotesque or a gargoyle cruelly ripped from their post. Useless, priceless gems he had no need for or the rare foolish gift of iron weapons and accessories. The black yarn was too thick, almost swallowing the designs made with the green yarn. Both colors pressed so close that the black seemed greenish in the right light.

Just as Yuu's eyes would.

He knew the Crowley girl's eyes were black, a brown so dark and deep that they mimicked a starless new moon sky mixed with the dying breath of a sunset. But when…when she looked him in the eyes…they almost seemed to leech the green from his own.

“…Lilia.” A beat of silence before the older fae gave a questioning hum, “Yuu's been sick before right?”

“…” Lilia perks up, turning to face Malleus directly as he notices he had opened Yuu’s present, “…Um…yes, a few times before. Why do you ask?”

“…Does…does she feel better soon? She isn’t sick for long, right?”

“…” Lilia smiles, stepping closer and ruffling the hair in the space between Malleus’s horns with a giggle, “I'm sure she will better quicker than you expect! Your little friend will be right as rain and back in the palace for playdates before you know it!”

Malleus pouts, slapping his guardian’s hands away and trying to smooth his ruffled hair. The woolen tubes in his hands not helping in the slightest as they only made his hair more frizzy, “I don’t want her back here! I just don’t want to hear about the bothersome thing dying!” He stands, forgoing his other presents but keeping the ugly warmers locked in his grasp unknowingly, “I’m going to bed! Even when she isn’t around, she manages to ruin everything…”

Floating, Lilia flipped himself upside down, pinching at a furious Malleus’s cheek, “Aw~! You do like her!”

“NO! I DON’T!”

[gigiswhore]

↳ “time to teach ya’” || op zoro fic

╴ until you learn how to properly pleasure yourself, zoro refuses to allow you to leave. now it's too late to have any regrets about admitting to him that you've never masturbated before.

╴word count: 2k

╴pairing/dynamic: top!zoro , bottom!reader

╴content warning: smut like barely any plot, female prns, made with afab body in mind, just zoro being zoro, innocentish reader, guided masturbation, fingering, corruption kink, spit, praising, cussing, overstimulation, begging but from readers own accord

╴requested: no

╴a/n: english isn’t my first language so if there’s grammar errors i apologize. this is for my zoro lovers 🫡, do enjoy!

↳ ZORO

Zoro could sense something was off about you, particularly after the party. Zoro was honestly a bit bewildered; it was a party with your close friends, and you’re acting dryly with him.

Zoro agitated finally decided he was finished being quiet; after all the way you were acting was bugging him.

"what’s wrong. You’re acting’ bizarre," Zoro voices impolitely, glancing at you once more. "Nothing? "I'm acting normally," you mention, baffled at what he’s talking about.

"Stop lyin'; we both know something’s off with you. Just spit it out already," he replies with a little bit more urgency in his voice.

"it’s nothing! I promise. I'm just, to some extent, embarrassed about something that was  discussed."You declared, sitting down on your bed, hoping that answer would appease Zoros curiosity. "And what was discussed?" he replies while glancing at you once more.

He wanted to get to the root of the issue so you wouldn’t continue to act so distant.

"Can’t say! It was just something ridiculous Nami brought up during our game." You say rambling about the game of ‘never have I ever’ that you and the other ladies played.

Zoro raised his eyebrow, looking for you to give him more specifics. You huff at him but finally decide to just get it over with.

"She asked if… I'd ever played…with myself, and I thought she was joking, but when I looked at her face, it was clear she wasn't. " You followed off before resuming. "I said I haven't, and out of shame, I went to go get you so we could go home," you say with a flush of coral on your cheeks, noticing how elementary your actions were.

Zoro quietly laughed. His partner hasn’t masturbated before, and that’s why they were acting in this manner. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, baby, because that'll change soon.." He proceeded to walk towards your bed and then he sat down. With a smirk on his face, he then continues his sentence. "I'd say it’s time to teach ya’ whatcha think, baby?"

"That’s it, pretty girl," Zoro says while helping you keep your legs apart. "Doing so good."

At the praise, you couldn’t help but feel yourself get more wet. He knew what he was doing, especially when he persisted in helping you keep your legs open.

Honestly, all he wanted was to see you play with your pretty pussy, but you weren’t one to protest against it. After all, it somehow made you feel more pleasure.

"Getting all wet for me, babe? How cute." Zoro couldn’t help but feel proud of the fact that he was able to convince you to masturbate.

It was your first time, and it was with him watching, corrupting you, and teaching you where you should touch yourself. Everything was just too perfect to be true, especially after hearing your moans.

"Feel too good." You said playing with your clit and making sure it feels good, just like how Ro' told you.

This ecstasy was enough to melt any thoughts from your brain, just like the sun can melt snow.

Zoro could tell just by looking at you how much you were enjoying yourself, but he just couldn’t let you have all the fun.

He decided to play with you just a little bit, using his fingers to rub your inner thighs, which are closest to your needy hole.

As soon as he did that, you noticed. Wide-eyed and staring at his fingers, you could feel your mind start to wander. Wanting him to stuff you full with his pretty and big fingers.

"Keep your eyes on your own fingers, love." Zoro leans forward, whispering in your ear.

"Don’t wanna… You’re being unfair." You protest to him while looking at his face for any sign of giving in. There was not but a single smirk on his face.

"Sorry, pretty girl, I'm just here to teach. Nothing else…" He pauses for a moment, looking at your needy and begging face. "If you don’t know how to do it when you’re all alone and crying for my dick, then you’ll be more upset. Can’t have that, can we?" He says he is laughing with his deep, sultry voice.

You know what he says is right, but the laugh he made didn’t help your case. You just wanted him to pound into your poor cunt and have him call you the slut you are, but instead you had to give pleasure to yourself.

You opened your mouth to complain again, but Zoro was quick to shut you up by taking your unoccupied hand and spitting on your fingers.

Right now, your expression is like a deer in headlights. You didn’t know what he was planning to do, but you knew you had to listen up.

He then led your fingers to your hole, slowly making one at a time enter.

"Zo’ f-feels good." You moan; your finger may not be better than Zoro's, but it still made you feel good.

Zoro just smirked at you after he heard you moan, moving his hand away from yours.

You honestly didn’t know what to do from there, so you just stayed still, mesmerized by the feeling of your own finger inside. It honestly felt a bit weird; it was the feeling of something inside of you not moving. You looked at Zoro for some guidance, which he gave.

He honestly couldn’t help but chuckle a bit, looking at how pretty his innocent baby was. "Move your finger in and out of your pretty hole. If it still isn’t enough, then add a few more fingers,  k'babe?"

"M'kay," you say, just staring at him without even making an effort to move your fingers.

"I already went over this. I’m not going to do it for you; you gotta do it yourself. You're going to make me proud, aren’t you?" Zoro stated he meant it all.

You lived to make Zoro proud, so of course you would do it. The only thing is that you only feel like you can do that when you’re drinking with him or fucking. You don’t mind doing those things either, but sometimes you just wish he’d let you pleasure his cock right now instead.

I mean, there are so many ways he likes it, like when you’re jacking him off, giving him a blowjob, a titjob, or even just letting him fuck your tight little cunt. But right now, you know better than anyone not to ask. You’ll get refused, no matter how needy he is, because he wants you to please yourself only. So instead of sulking, you decided you’d make him proud.

You take your finger and start moving it in and out of you, looking for that one pleasure spot that you continuously miss. You then try adding three fingers, but it’s no use; you can’t find it.

Yes, it's pleasurable enoughto throw your head back every now and then, but it’s not the pleasure you want. You want your spot touched; it’s like your cunt craves it as it continues clenching around your fingers.

"Ro's too hard and can’t find it." You state between mumbles and moans, looking directly at how Zoro just stares at your body, looking like an animal wanting his prey, but he snaps out of it hearing your voice.

"Shouldn’t you know your spot better than me? You can find it, baby." Zoro says with a sly smirk on his face, knowing he’s teasing you.

You continue for a few more minutes, even while paying attention to your needy clitoral, but it's still no use. You can’t find the spot that’ll make you cum faster.

You look at Zoro with puppy dog eyes and say, "Ne-need you, Zo', can’t find it.. wan’ your fingers in me."

That was all it took for Zoro to finally snap and help your pussy out. I mean, who could say no to that?

He looks at you with a stern look on his face and tells you to follow his lead. Before you can take your fingers out, he stops you. Shoving three of his own into you. "Mm f-fuck!!" You screamed not on purpose but because it took all the air out of you.

Your cunt was stretched and full, like it is when he forces his cock into your cunt. Zoro groans hearing you moan like that just from him entering his fingers in.

Zoro then begins fingering you, going back in and back out of your stretched-out hole. You end up following him; it was a pleasure. You felt your body start to burn like lava. So much pleasuring you, almost too much, especially because Zoro ended up finding pleasure spots you completely missed.

At this point in time, you were a babbling mess, just barely able to think—completely overstimulated. Before you could even do anything. Zoro found the spot. You screamed once again, telling him it was too good and how you needed more.

Only to be left with complete disappointment because Zoro’s fingers were no longer in you. "Gotta pleasure it yourself, babe; as hot as it is knowing you’ll get off on my hands, it’s better watching you struggle. Don’t you think? He whispers into your ear, knowing how badly you need to cry.

You huff at him, but you can’t fight back. You know this is for the better. After a few more minutes of trial and error, you find it. You need this to cum, and so you keep shoving your finges in and out of your hot cunt, pleasuring your spot every now and then. "Gonna gonna cum!!" You shout, letting yourself cum.

The orgasm left your body shaking for more, but you were too tired to comply.

"Good girl, I'm very proud of you." Zoro said, looking down at your flushed body and pulsing hole.

"I hope you know I'm not done yet." You pause, getting air, then continuing, "I've got to help you out."

"I would love that, babe." He just smiles at you.

© gigislesbo on tumblr !!

╴a/n: had fun making this, it’s not my best work but i did have fun so it doesn’t matter.

[thecharacterchronicler]

Friends With Benefits… And A Baby (Part 2 ) || Sebastian Sallow x Reader || Smut

Outline: You and Sebastian decide to be “friends with benefits” during your pregnancy.

Word count: 2’500

Warnings: explicit smut, (accidental) pregnancy, characters aged up (20s) and probably a few mistakes here and there because English isn’t my first language.

Author’s note: This is the second part of Exams, poltergeists and supply closets, hope you’ll all enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing this little series.

(( Part 1 - Exams, poltergeists and supply closets )) - (( Part 3 - Mandrakes, dusty books & an apology )) - (( Masterlist ))

“What’s wrong with you ?” Ominis asked, as you sat down at the dinner table, after rushing out of the Great Hall when a very smelly dish of fried fish appeared in front of you, the smell instantly making you nauseous.

“I gave her some Bertie Bott’s beans before dinner, guess she ate one that tasted like boogers.” Sebastian shrugged, in an attempt to cover for you but all it did was give you the urge to throw up again.

“I felt ill for a moment but I’m okay now.” You assured your friend, not so convinced by your words yourself. You placed a boiled potato on your plate, the only thing among the various other dishes on the table that seemed edible to you in your almost constant state of morning sickness.

“Maybe we should walk you to the infirmary after dinner.” Ominis suggested, obviously still very worried. “You haven’t eaten much these past few days, it might be more serious than you think.”

“How would you know ?” Sebastian asked, before you could come up with an excuse to refuse paying a visit to the school nurse. Surely, she’d know what’s going with you at first glance and then you wouldn’t be able to hide it from anyone much longer.

“I have ears, Sebastian. You eat loudly like an animal next to me every day and yet I can still hear that her fork and knife are barely touching her plate lately.”

“I’m fine.” You stated, as confidently as you could fake it. Yet, a wave of nausea came to prove you wrong, making you gasp and cover your mouth. You couldn’t decide between swallowing it down and staying at the table or running off to the bathroom once more.

“See ? There’s only so many days she can go on without eating, it could be dangerous.” Ominis pleaded, and Sebastian’s gaze landed on the small potato in your plate, that you were pretty sure you wouldn’t eat anyway. Then, he looked up at you, his expression now as worried as your friend’s.

“Maybe he’s right. Maybe we should get you checked up, just to be safe.”

“I’m fine.” You repeated, once more. The only thing stronger than your all day sickness was the irritation you felt towards your friends at this very moment. You were determined to finish your last year at Hogwarts normally, passing your exams as brilliantly as you could and graduating with pride. The baby that Sebastian put in your belly will have no choice but to go along with your plan.

“The Gaunts are important contributors to the Saint Mungo hospital, if I send an owl I might be able to get a doctor to visit you here if it makes you more comfortable.” Ominis suggested, which brought you to the conclusion that there was no point in keeping it a secret from him any longer. Would he still be insufferably worried about you if he knew the truth ? Probably. But at least he would stop pestering you about seeking medical attention, if only temporarily.

“I’m fine, Ominis.” You stated again, for the third time at this dinner table. He opened his mouth to protest but you leaned closer, lowering your voice. “I’m pregnant, that is all.”

“Pregnant ? That is all ?!” Ominis exclaimed, repeating your words in disbelief before both you and Sebastian urged him to keep it down. You were sitting at the very end of the dining table but students nearby might still catch a glimpse of your conversation. “What were you two thinking ?! Do you have any idea of the gravity of such a situation ? What it means for your future ? By Merlin, what on earth went through your head to let you think that you two absolutely reckless lunatics could be capable of raising a child ?”

“H-How do you know it is mine ?” Sebastian asked him, surprised.

“Oh please, you both can’t shut up about each other when you’re not together.” Ominis retorted, as if it was the stupidest question his friend had ever asked him.

You exchanged a look with Sebastian, both of your faces blushing.

“What were you thinking ?” Ominis asked once more, shaking his head much like you imagined your disappointed parents will when they’ll find out.

“To be fair, not much went through my head the moment it happened.” Sebastian said, smugly.

“You should have controlled yourself, Sebastian !” Ominis scolded him, as you desperately tried to hush him up again.

“Easy for you to say, you weren’t there. If you heard the way she moans when she likes it and felt how wet…”

“Alright, that’s enough.” You interrupted before he got too carried away with very private details. “There’s no point having this conversation, it happened and now we have to deal with it.”

“At least this child will have one reasonable parent.” Ominis hissed, shaking his head at Sebastian, still way too cocky about it all next to him.

You were sitting down on the cold bathroom tiles, your back pressed against the wall, trying to focus on your homework. You barely noticed the door opening until you realized someone was standing in front of you, a concerned expression on his freckled face.

“This is the girls’ bathroom.” You informed him, which simply made him shrug.

“Imelda told me you were here.” He said, approaching and crouching down to your level, taking in the open books on the tiles with an amused smile. “I’m not sure we’ll be able to keep our secret if you move in into the bathrooms.”

“It’s just so I don’t have to run across the castle every time I need to throw up.” You explained. “Nobody will notice, when I told Imelda I had a stomach bug she just told me to stay away from her because she’s planning on winning the Quidditch cup this year.”

“You have friends that are more caring than Imelda Reyes.” He said, making a point. “And you know, I did some research in the library last night and found out that the best way to beat morning sickness is to actually eat.”

“But I’m not hungry.”

“Not at all ? Isn’t there something you’d be happy to eat ? Whatever it is, I’ll go get it for you.”

You smiled at him, grateful to have such a caring friend. Because that’s what he was to you, right ? Just a friend. A friend that happened to be your future baby’s daddy… But still, just a friend.

His traits softened as he smiled back at you, moving to sit on the floor by your side. His shoulder pressed against yours and you found relief in his familiar scent of old dusty books and faint remains of smoke, your nausea easing up a bit for the first time in days.

“Do you need help with…” He reached out to check the cover of the book on your lap. “One thousand magical herbs and fungi ?”

“I do but not yours if I want a chance to get a good grade in Herbology.” You replied playfully, which made him laugh.

“Fair enough.” He shrugged, his hand absently finding yours, letting it rest on your thigh as your fingers intertwined together. “We’ll figure it out, you know.”

“I know.” You nodded, knowing that he wasn’t talking about school anymore.

“And if we look at the positive aspect of it all, it means we can hook up as much as we want to for the next eight months without having to worry about getting you pregnant.”

“Right.” You rolled your eyes at his words, your giggle resounding against the bathroom tiles.

“And there’s no better way to find your appetite back than a bit of exercising.” He insisted, jokingly but you knew he definitely was trying his luck under the guise of making you laugh.

“Do you really think that would be reasonable ? I don’t think that’s something friends do.”

“We can be friends with benefits… And a baby.” He shrugged, unaware of how tempting the idea was to you. His presence next to you was the only thing that had managed to ease your symptoms and, if you were being totally honest, Sebastian Sallow had never looked more handsome than right now, with his sleeves rolled up and his tie slightly loosened, his hair tousled and that odd pride you saw in his smile every time he talked about hooking up with you - and getting you pregnant - that definitely made up for the slight panic you still sometimes noticed in his gaze.

“Okay.” You nodded, breaking the silence that had taken place between the two of you.

“Okay ?” He repeated, his brown eyes widening in surprise. “You… You want to do it ?”

“Yes, why not ? It’s not like I’d be comfortable hooking up with Garreth in the boat house anymore, anyway.” You replied, adding that last part to mess with him, not expecting the instant jealousy that took over his features.

“Garreth Weasley ?! This walking fire hazard…” Sebastian groaned, his hand tightening its grip on yours possessively. You smiled, flattered that your friend cared so much about you.

He was still mumbling to himself some colorful words about Garreth when you leaned in and pressed your lips against his to silence him. At first, you felt his surprise but soon, he kissed you back, his body irresistibly gravitating closer.

“What if someone walks in ?” He asked, when you moved to reach for his pants, taken aback by your boldness. The first time you had crossed the line of friendship with him, you had sounded so shy and cautious that he couldn’t quite believe you were the one with your hand inside his pants this time, fishing for his rapidly growing erection.

You knew you were breaking school rules by doing this. Again. And you promised yourself that next time, you’ll make sure to abide by the regulations and find another location, out of Hogwarts, to have your fun with Sebastian... But right now, your need for him was too urgent to be ignored. The images of that night in the supply closet were haunting you every night, to the point you sometimes could feel his kiss on your lips and his warm touch on your body in the darkness and loneliness of your dorm room. But you knew nothing could compare to the real thing, and having the opportunity to actually see him while giving in to your desires was something you didn’t have the strength to refuse.

“Then they’ll think that we hook up in bathrooms and won’t question why I’m in here that often anymore.” You told him to ease his concern, the heat of his cock in your hand making you wonder if he had a sudden rush of fever. You pulled it out of his pants, shamelessly looking down at it. He gulped and blushed in front of your fascination, your thumb carefully caressing his pink tip, collecting the clear and sticky precum that was already coating it. His cock was still growing, getting longer and harder in your palm, the veins under his flesh becoming more and more apparent. Then, it was your turn to gulp down and blush as you took in the size of it, wondering how you had even managed to take it all in without any pain the first time.

You lifted your eyes and met Sebastian’s gaze, staring at you with still a slight pink blush coloring his freckled cheeks. You had been so bold that he was waiting on you to take the lead and be in charge, this new side of you not helping him control himself and his urge to tear your school uniform off of your body and show you how wild he could get when it came to fucking you.

“Can I see you too ?” He asked, managing to act like a gentleman, although he truly wasn’t one, judging by the amount of filthy thoughts he had about you and what he wanted to do to you on a daily basis.

“Alright…” you agreed, your voice trembling slightly. You could understand his curiosity, after all, he hadn’t seen anything of you in that dark closet a month ago, only felt your body against his but your self confidence wasn’t at its best after being sick for almost an entire month, with your hormones acting up to make it worse.

He carefully reached out, popping open the buttons of your shirt one by one until you were left with nothing but your bra on. He looked at you questioningly, and you nodded, giving him a silent permission to remove it too.

His eyes instantly widened when your bra dropped on the tiles, your bare chest exposed to him.

“I didn’t think they would grow so much in so little time.” He stated, clearly dumbstruck by the view.

Your hand returned to the hard buldge between his legs, perking up at your touch as you closed your hand around it and pumped it up and down a few times, pulling him out of his daze and making him gasp in reaction. You didn’t think it possible but the movements made his cock grow even bigger and larger.

A groan dropped from his lips as he momentarily closed his eyes, as if he was struggling to keep control over himself.

“Sit.” He told you, his voice so low it sent shivers down your spine. His hands flew to your waist, already maneuvering you to get you in a sitting position over his lap.

You held your skirt up, your legs pressed on the cold tiles on either side of his thighs. His hand slipped underneath your clothes so swiftly you didn’t notice at first, until you felt his fingers pulling your panties aside, baring your very wet pussy.

With his other hand still on your waist, he guided you down until you were low enough for his erection to push past your entrance, stretching your walls as you sank lower and lower until his full size rested inside you.

You gasped at the sensation, your hands on his broad shoulders to help you support yourself and he grinned, the hand between your legs moving all the way up to your hair, gripping on a piece and pulling them back so that you’d bare your neck to him, allowing him to plant a few wet kisses all the way down to your collarbones as you still adjusted to his size inside you.

You slowly moved your hips in wide circles, exploring the pleasant sensations it sent throughout your entire body. He seemed to enjoy it too, his breathing instantly becoming ragged and desperate.

When you pushed on your knees, pulling yourself up before sitting back down and impaling yourself on his hard cock once again, you heard him curse under his breath. One of his hands held your skirt scrunched up in his fist while the other found your hip, guiding you in a faster rythym as you rocked up and down onto him many more times.

He pulled you closer to feel your swollen boobs on his face, appreciating the way they moved in synch with your hips, wanting to bury his face between them until he suffocated. Your moans and whimpers were causing his mind to go blank once again, unable to think about anything other than the pleasure you were apparently having while bouncing on his cock.

You dug your nails in his shoulders, the bliss bubbling up in your core becoming so intense it was almost unbearable. You would have slowed down, afraid of the strength of your own imminent orgasm, but Sebastian kept guiding you at an unrelenting pace, his tip hitting so deep inside your core each time that you barely managed to not let out a scream that could have echoed through the castle’s hallways, your body violently shaking and tensing with the pleasure that spilled into every fiber of your being.

Sebastian had been holding himself back from the very moment you pulled his cock out of his pants. In all honesty, he could have cummed in your hand right then and there but he had fought it long enough to make sure that you’d enjoy it too. He wanted to make you feel good as it felt like the only thing he could do to help you out right now, and now that your body had collapsed over him, effectively suffocating him with your plump chest, crying out his name in a way he would never forget, he allowed himself to come too, shooting his full load inside your still pulsating pussy.

“Are you okay ?” Your voice asked him, after a moment, your chest moving away from his face and leaving him cold.

“Of course.” He answered, panting and smiling. “What about you ?”

“I’m fine.” You told him which, for the first time in days, wasn’t a lie. You moved to sit next to him, his spent cock gliding out of you easily, drops of his white release lightly staining his pants and your skirt in the process. “You know, I think I’m kind of hungry now.”

“Ah! I told you it would work !” He exclaimed, excitedly. “What do you want to eat ?”

“A waffle with chocolate.” You told him, without hesitation.

“Alright, a chocolate covered waffle coming right up !” He nodded, immediately jumping to his feet, adjusting his clothes and walking away, determined to bring you exactly what you had requested. Surely, he’d be able to bribe a house elf for a waffle. And if not, he would sneak into the kitchen and cook one for you himself, how hard could it be ?

♡ - (( Tip Jar )) - ♡

[kotton-kandy953]

━ 𝙳𝙴𝙰𝚁𝙻𝚈 𝙱𝙴𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳

➛ various!yandere!male oneshots x fem!reader

title page┆word count: 2.6k┆warnings: SPOILERS FOR SDR2 !! cursing, harassment, mentions of self-harm, obsessive behavior, stalking┆a/n: when I wrote this one-shot, I actually didn’t play dr2 up to this point. so sorry if it’s a bit off from the storyline.

LETHAL ━ in game ! nagito komaeda x fem ! reader

━ ABOUT Y/N

ever since this killing game has begun, Nagito has shown stalker-ish and obsessive tendencies towards you.

but everything is going to be alright since he's tied up and unable to cause any more harm to others. Right?

⤷ ❝ 𝖄/𝕹

Today, it's your turn." The red headed girl said as she shoved a tray of food towards your face.

Blinking in bewilderment, you protested, "huh?- My turn for what?"

Mahiru sighed, "To feed Nagito. He refuses to eat and I can't get through to him. I can't just let him starve."

You looked around the room for any other faces. Only a few were in the dining hall at the time, "But why are you coming to me of all people? You know I hate him."

"Please, Y/n. Just this once. He seems to only be fond of you." You looked up into her eyes then back down to the tray she held out before herself.

"Ugh... fine."

You grabbed the tray and walked past the freckled girl and into the room where Nagito was held.

When you entered, you couldn't help but notice how his previously dull eyes lit up when he saw your semi-frustrated expression.

"Y/n! How's it going!? I haven't seen you since... since the trial a few days ago! Has it been a few days? I don't know! I've lost track of time from being down here for so long..." he began to go on and on about how he missed you and being free to roam about the island.

You found the way he spoke about you a little... creepy.

You figured that he and Hajime would be friends because when you first met him they were together.

So why isn't he talking about how he misses his other friends?

Does he not have any?

Then what were you to him—?

"-Hey, it seems you got something there for me...?" You watched as he struggled to sit up in his restraints.

"I wasn't really hungry when Mahiru was attempting to force this food down my throat. But now that you're here my appetite has returned." A light red blush formed on his cheeks as he spoke.

He smiled crazily as he stared down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with you.

"Crazy, isn't it?"

His words sent chills down your spine. It wasn't what he had said, it was the delivery of the words.

You knew he was tied up for being dangerous but...

...you're starting to think he's actually insane.

Slowly, you took a few step towards him then kneeled down. "I don't want to be here so I'm going to make this go as quickly as possible," you muttered to him.

You grabbed the spoon and scooped up some of the food on the plate. You're surprised it didn't get cold while he was busy yapping about his misfortune.

You glance up at him while bringing the spoon up to his face. His cheeks were redder than ever and his face had a smile as if he was struggling to contain his excitement.

"Can you... uh..." you nervously muttered, not wanting to say those horrid words.

Nagito's smile faded and he just smirked, "Can I...?"

He knew exactly what you wanted to ask.

He just wanted to hear it come out of your mouth.

You fought back your embarrassment before finally spitting the words out, "open your mouth."

You brought the spoon closer to his sealed lips that refused to budge.

Until he spoke again, that is.

"I can't hear you, Y/—" without hesitation, you shoved the spoon in his mouth.

You watched him gag a bit before finally swallowing the food, "Wh- what the heck!?"

"You took you long." You shrugged.

He stared at you with a bit of a hurt expression.

"You're so fucking dramatic" You rolled your eyes.

You scooped up some more food and taunted it in front of his face, "You want me to tell you, 'here comes the air plane' each time I feed you or something?" You held back a laugh.

He smiled and looked down at the tray, "Y'know... you look really cute right now."

His gaze met yours once again.

"You just being here makes me feel way better despite this despair-inducing situation."

Before you let yourself get flustered, you remembered that he was chained up for being the cause of someone else's murder.

And that he's crazy.

"Shut up." You gave no reaction to his affectionate words.

You awkwardly lifted the spoon up to his lips, watching him chew at an agonizingly slow pace.

"Could you chew any slower..." you sighed, thinking he was doing this just to get on your nerves.

Not to keep you by his side for longer than you desired.

"Are you going to chew it for me?"

He smiled, "To be honest, I'd really prefer it that way."

An extremely disgusted look grew on your (s/c) face.

There's no way he's fucking for real right now, you thought.

"This'd go way faster if you stopped your weird form of flirting..."

"'Flirting?' Hah, I wish..." he looked down, avoiding eye contact.

You moved a bit closer to his face, confusion overtaking your features.

"I don't understand how you could believe that such a lowly piece of scum as myself could attempt to flirt with a beautiful girl like you."

He suddenly jerked his upper body closer to you, your lips just barely grazing his.

Out of shock of his sudden movements, you stumbled back with a bright red blush forming on your face.

Was he trying to...

"Y/n, what's the matter?" he frowned when he witnessed you frantically moving away from his restrained body.

...Was he trying to fucking kiss me!?

"Don't tell me you're... you're afraid of me?"

Nagito's crazed smile faded. A genuine look of curiosity shown on his pale face, "afraid... No, you can't be afraid of me..."

He repeated that sentence over and over, it looked like he was more or so talking to himself rather than you.

"Well, why am I surprised." He chuckled, reassuring only himself, "I'd be completely frightened if some disgusting piece of garbage wanted my company. Even if it were for a little while."

"No, that's not it," You moved a bit closer to the white haired male but still keeping a distance.

"It's just that... I was a bit uncomfortable, that's all."

He blinked for a few seconds, processing your words. Then, a wide smile spread across his face.

"'Uncomfortable!' Of course!! I just invaded your personal space, haha! I'm just utterly too stupid to understand how that made you feel..." he then began yapping about how much of a waste he was as a person and how he couldn't have been more stupid.

The way he wouldn't stop degrading himself was slightly concerning. But you still didn't say anything regarding the topic.

"Could you please just eat? I didn't come here to socialize." You blurted out, putting an abrupt halt to his mindless rambling.

"My apologies, Y/n!" He nervously chuckled, "I haven't been around you- or anyone for that matter- in a super long time! So when I finally get company I can't—"

You shoved the spoon in his mouth again and muttered, "Do you have an 'off' button."

You yanked the spoon out of his mouth then let him swallow his food.

"Do you want to find it?"

• • •

"Why the hell isn't he tied up anymore!?" You desperately asked Hajime as he sat at a table in the dining hall.

You had a feeling he'd have the answer.

Hajime only sighed in response, he seemed a bit frustrated himself.

"Monomi freed him, hoping that we could all get along and investigate Mahiru's murder together."

You displayed an immensely frightened expression as you heard the words coming out of the brown haired boy's mouth.

"I don't think this is a very good idea," You said, feeling your heartbeat beat beginning to

accelerate.

"Why not?" You almost shouted.

Hajime looked up at you with curious eyes. Those eyes soon turned into ones displaying deep concern when he had noticed your state.

"Y/n? Wh- what's wrong!?" He stood up from his seat.

"Nagito is kind of..." you slowly brought up a trembling hand you rub your arm, "...weird."

He hesitantly placed a hand on your shoulder, "Weird how?" Hajime's voice grew with more and more concern.

"What did he do to yo—"

"-Hey, Hajime!" You heard a loud, frighteningly familiar, voice ringing out in the dining hall as they entered.

Slowly, both you and your brown haired friend turned around to see the person you probably hated the most right now.

"Speak of the devil..." The green eyed protagonist angrily muttered under his breath.

It was silent between the three of you before, of course, Nagito made the decision to speak up, "So what were you guys talking about?"

He grabbed your hand and yanked you towards himself, "H- Hey!!"

"I hope it wasn't super important because I need Y/n for something real quick—"

He was just about to drag you off somewhere despite your desperate struggle against him.

Only for Hajime to tightly grab onto his forearm.

"let go of her, Nagito." He said with a cold glare.

The white haired male just returned it with an even more threatening look.

I look at said that he could murder him right then and there.

Then, with a obviously fake smile, Nagito freed your hand from his grasp.

"haha," he chuckled, "I guess right now's a bad time?"

He watched as Hajime gently pushed you away from him, striking a nerve Nagito never thought he had.

What made him think that he could just touch you whenever he wanted like that?

It made him sick.

"I'll take my leave now," the green eyed male awkwardly turned and walked away.

"Bye, Y/n and Hajime!"

Neither you or Hajime returned his farewell.

Once the odd male was completely out of eyesight and earshot, the brown haired protagonist was beginning to ask you the question he would have asked earlier if it weren't for Nagito.

"Y/n, Wha—"

"-It's getting late. I'm going to sleep." You began walking out of the dining hall and towards the cottages.

Hajime blinked in confusion, "It's barely 3pm..."

• • •

Once in your cottage, you made sure to lock the door behind yourself. Only so he couldn't barge his way inside.

You've never told anyone about Nagito.

You felt that if you did, it would somehow get back to him and you don't know what he'd do...

...you don't know what he'd do if the whole island found out that he's a crazy stalker.

You don't exactly have proof, but you've caught him following you around the island a few times from the corner of your eye.

Whenever he'd speak to you, his affectionate compliments and remarks made you uncomfortable.

And you've even had a few of your more personal items gone missing, but that couldn't have been only him...

...right?

So that's why when you found out that Nagito was free to roam around the island you started to freak out.

Nothing would end well for anyone if Nagito does turn out to be some crazy stalker.

Or are you just being a little paranoid?

You didn't go to sleep at that time, you couldn't go to sleep.

Everyone was out there trying to solve a murder case while you're alone in your cottage.

Sulking about your misfortune.

After laying in bed for a good five minutes you decided it would be best to help everyone out than to isolate yourself all day.

But that was before you got a knock at your door.

You waited for the unwanted guest to go away, but the knocking grew harder and more urgent.

With a sigh, you walked over to the door and cracked it open a tiny bit.

You expected to see Hajime, still asking that question he never got to finish.

But it was worse.

He was...

"...Nagito?" You asked.

The white haired male seemed a bit worried as he stood there, "Y/n, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable in any way lately..." Nagito began as he diverted his eyes to the ground.

"I... I wanted to let you know that earlier if Hajime didn't..." He trailed off, noticing how you barely kept the door cracked open to see his face.

A frown formed on his lips.

"Can you please open the door, please? I just... I just want to see you." Nagito begged, desperately trying to get a glimpse of your face from outside the door.

You really didn't want to... but you hesitantly began opening the door all the way.

Which was your most horrible mistake yet.

Nagito forced his way inside and quickly made his way towards your completely frightened figure.

You stumbled back, out of shock.

I knew I shouldn't have!!—

Your frantic thoughts were cut short by his arms snaking their way around your waist. You struggled and shouted as he swiftly used his heel to shut the door.

You were about to let out a scream before his hand came up to cover your mouth.

Tears brimmed in your eyes as you stared up at him in horror.

"I knew you or your little friends wouldn't let me talk to you in private. — so I had to do it the hard way..." Ignoring his futile attempts to calm you down, you screamed and struggled in his arms.

Despite growing frustrated with your resistance, he only shushed you and pressed your head against his chest. "Why are you being so difficult? I won't hurt you."

He quietly chuckled to himself, "Oh, who am I kidding? What's makes me think that some beautiful girl would want scum like me to be in love with her."

You froze at his words.

'In... love?'  You thought.

He noticed your reaction and blushed bright red, "Was it not obvious, Y/n? I am so madly in love with you I don't know what to do!!"

He moved his to the back of your head and forced you to look up at his face. His dull, green eyes, filled with nothing but lust and love for you, bore deeply into yours.

Your irises shook in fear at his next words.

"You're so pretty that every time I look at you it makes me want to gouge my eyes out," he said with a crazed smile growing on his face.

His breathing grew heavier and his cheeks flushed bright red.

He softly caressed your face and let his thumb trace over your lips as he started regulating his erratic breathing.

"I noticed that you've stopped reacting... is it that you're frozen with fear?"

He leaned even closer to your face, his breath brushing against your lips.

You tried moving your head away but he only jerked you closer.

Resulting in you sharing your first kiss with your stalker.

Once he finally pulled away from the horrid kiss, he whispers, "I love you so much, Y/n."

"And the Hope living deep inside of you."

Back to Title Page?

[antinousletmehit]

Dionysus and reader who loves dancing a lot.She almost never misses any of Dio's parties and always is the center of attention with her red hair(since it's a sign of beauty in Ancient Greece),beautiful voice and the way she moves.He offered her a thousand times to become one of the maneads but she always refused because she doesn't like the idea of being under a patron but she ends up being one of Artemis' girls due to her admiration towards her and their close friendship which makes her untouchable now.They would be faced with Artie's wrath.Dionysus' dreams were destroyed after he learned the news.He can either beg Artemis to let her off the hook or they can have their separate lives,your call.

The wine flowed freely as the scent of ripe grapes and crushed flowers filled the air. Dionysus’s parties were legendary, the essence of chaos and freedom wrapped in music, laughter, and wild abandon. But tonight, something was missing.

Or rather, someone.

Dionysus leaned back in his throne of vines, golden goblet in hand, his sharp eyes scanning the throng of dancers swaying in rhythm to the drums. They were all fine, beautiful even—but none of them held a candle to her. She had always been the crown jewel of his revelries. The way she moved was ethereal, captivating every soul in the room and bending the revelers to her rhythm. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her confidence, that had made her the highlight of every feast.

And now she was gone.

“Where is she?” Dionysus growled to no one in particular. His voice carried an edge of desperation that startled his satyrs, who paused mid swig from their goblets. A nymph nervously approached him, bowing low. “My lord, she…she has pledged herself to Artemis now. She is one of her huntresses.”

Dionysus slammed his goblet onto the table, the wine spilling over like blood. His dark curls fell into his eyes as he sat up straight, glaring at the nymph. “Artemis,” he spat. “Of course. That stubborn woman has claimed her.” The nymph quickly backed away, sensing the man’s growing frustration. Dionysus stood abruptly, the ivy and grapevines that adorned his throne slithering to life as he made his way toward the forest.

Artemis’s Grove

The moonlight bathed the sacred grove in silver light, illuminating the serene figure of Artemis, who stood by a still lake. She turned at the sound of footsteps, her expression calm but watchful as Dionysus emerged from the shadows.

“Dionysus,” she greeted coolly, crossing her arms. “What brings you here, to my domain?” Dionysus didn’t waste any time. “You know why I’m here. Give her back.” Artemis raised an eyebrow, unamused. “Give her back? She is not some object to be passed around, Dionysus. She came to me willingly.”

“She was the heart of my parties, Artemis!” Dionysus exclaimed, gesturing wildly. “No one could dance like her! She brought life to my revelries, she belongs there!”

“She belongs where she chooses to belong,” Artemis said sharply, her voice like a blade cutting through his theatrics. “She has sworn herself to me. She’s untouchable now, and you know it.”

“But she loves dancing,” Dionysus argued, his tone softening as he tried to appeal to her. “She was born for it. You’re taking that away from her.”

“She can dance under the moon with her sisters,” Artemis replied calmly. “She does not need your drunken revelries for that.”

Dionysus groaned, running a hand through his curls. “Artemis, I’ll do anything. Anything! Just let her come back to my parties, just for one night. Let her dance again.”

Artemis regarded him for a moment, her silver eyes gleaming. “Do you even hear yourself? You care more about your parties than her. If you truly cared, you’d respect her choice.”

Dionysus opened his mouth to protest but stopped. He knew Artemis wasn’t entirely wrong, but the thought of his celebrations without her felt hollow.

“She’s wasted here,” he muttered bitterly. “She’s too brilliant to hide away in the woods.”

“She is not hiding,” Artemis said, her tone firm. “She is free. And she chose this freedom.”

Dionysus lingered at the edge of the grove, his gaze falling on you as you laughed with your newfound sisters. You looked radiant in the moonlight, your movements graceful even in stillness.

He wanted to call out to you, to beg you to come back, to remind you of the joy you brought to his world. But as he watched you, he realized that Artemis was right. You weren’t hiding, you were thriving.

[zennybearr]

Narcissa and Draco Malfoy have caught a cold and refuse to acknowledge it because they’re both stubborn (Draco obviously gets it from his mother) so Lucius is set on a mission to tend to them without making them aggravated (because boy do the get angry fast when they’re sick) and try to convince them that they’ll be okay if they need help every one in a while.

lucius malfoy paced the grand hall of malfoy manor, his brows furrowed in concern. the echoes of coughs and sniffles drifted down the hallway from the drawing room, where both narcissa and draco were stubbornly refusing to admit they were ill. he could almost hear the eye rolls and huffs of annoyance from both of them, and it made him chuckle despite his worry.

“i’m perfectly fine!” narcissa called out, her voice slightly hoarse. “just a bit… of a chill.”

“yeah, a chill,” draco echoed from the same room, his tone laced with sarcasm. “we’re both just fine, father. we don’t need your fussing.”

lucius sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “my dear family, it’s as if you two are competing for the title of most stubborn. i would have thought the common cold was a more agreeable opponent.”

he approached the door and pushed it open, revealing a scene that made him stifle a laugh. narcissa was wrapped in a thick blanket, looking both regal and ridiculous, while draco lounged on the couch, propped up with pillows and glaring at the world like it had personally offended him.

“i’ve brought some tea,” lucius said, holding up a steaming cup like a peace offering. “it’s infused with honey and—”

“i don’t want tea, father!” draco interrupted, crossing his arms over his chest, which was bound to cause some tension in his already sore throat. “i’m not sick!”

“neither am i!” narcissa chimed in, though she punctuated her statement with another cough.

lucius stepped into the room, setting the cup down on the coffee table. “a simple acknowledgment of your condition would suffice. you’re both sick, and it’s perfectly acceptable to seek help. even the most powerful wizards need a little TLC now and then.”

“we’re not babies!” draco protested, but his whiny tone betrayed him.

“speak for yourself, darling,” narcissa retorted, smirking slightly. “though, perhaps a bit of fussing wouldn’t hurt.”

lucius raised an eyebrow, his trademark smirk creeping onto his face. “then it’s settled. if you’re not babies, you can handle a little fussing from your husband and father.”

with that, lucius took a seat beside them, his presence exuding both authority and comfort. he handed narcissa the tea, which she reluctantly accepted. “i’m not drinking this because i’m sick,” she stated defiantly, bringing the cup to her lips.

“of course not,” lucius replied with a grin. “you’re simply treating yourself, then.” draco leaned back on the couch, his eyes narrowing as he considered his options. “if we’re both fine, why don’t you let us play quidditch later?”

“because you’ll likely be in bed, whimpering like children if you don’t take care of yourselves,” lucius said, smirking at the mental image. “besides, if you don’t acknowledge your illness, you’ll end up worse off. and we all know how ill-tempered you can be.” narcissa shot her son a knowing look. “you know what happens when you push yourself. you become unbearable.”

“like mother, like son,” lucius teased lightly, which earned him a groan from draco.

“not helping,” draco muttered, burying his face into his pillow.

“you’re lucky i love you both,” lucius said, his tone shifting to something softer. “now, let’s have some soup, and you can both indulge in a little pampering. you might just find it’s not so bad.”

“fine,” draco grumbled, but lucius saw the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. narcissa merely rolled her eyes, a small smile betraying her stern exterior.

as lucius went to fetch soup, he couldn’t help but chuckle. sometimes, the best way to care for his stubborn family was with a little humor and a lot of patience. he’d win this battle yet—one cup of tea at a time.

[pompomqt]

Journey to the West Chapter 54

In this chapter of Journey to the West with @journeythroughjourneytothewest we get to attend a beautiful wedding! So let's get into it shall we?

So the pilgrims are traveling along until they finally hear the sounds of a bustling city. Figuring that this means they've finally arrived at the capital of the empire of women, so Tripitaka takes this chance to warn all of his disciples to be on their best behavior. *cough* Pigsy *cough*. However it would seem that the women of this city didn't receive the same warning for they are immediately swarmed by a mob of curious women who have never seen a man before. Luckily Pigsy's face is enough to scare most of them off, and the combined efforts of Sandy and Wukong are enough to make sure that the rest of them keep their distance.

Eventually they find their way to one of the city officials who tell them that visitors shouldn't enter the city gates without permission. She tells them to wait at the post-house while she goes to announce them to the throne so they can get their papers certified and be on their way. So the gang settles into the post house and have some tea while Monkey explains to the official for the record, on why they are here. Hearing this, the official also orders for some more food and drink to be brought to them, while she goes to talk to their ruler.

So the offical tells the queen, that Tang Sanzang, royal brother of the Tang emperor and his disciples are here to seek scriptures from the west and need to have their papers certified. Last night however the Queen had a rather auspicious dream, that she takes to mean that she should marry Tripitaka at once to consolidate her power and ensure her family line. The official says that, that sounds like a great idea, however his disciples are all rather scary looking. On the bright side however Tripitaka himself is rather cute. So the queen decides that the three disciples can just continue on the quest without him, and she'll even certify their papers for them and give them some supplies. It's the least she can do for her future husband! So while the Queen discusses auspicious dates with a matchmaker, she sends the Grand Preceptor to tell the gang the good news.

So Tripitaka and the others are enjoying their meal when they hear that the Grand Preceptor is here. Tripitaka wonders why someone like that is here to see them, and Monkey answers that it's probably for a marriage proposal. Tripitaka asks what they are supposed to do if that's the case, and Monkey just tells Tripitaka to say yes for now and let Monkey handle the rest. So the officials come in and sure enough Monkey hit the issue's nail on the head, they are indeed her to propose that Tripitaka marries their queen. When Tripitaka hears about this he is to stunned to speak so Pigsy takes over for him, and says that Tripitaka is to devoted a bhuddist to take an offer like that, he on the other hand would love to stay here and marry their queen!

While the officials tell Pigsy he is to ugly to marry their queen, Monkey tells Pigsy to shut up and let Tripitaka make up his mind on what he wants to do. Tripitaka asks what Monkey thinks he should do, after all they can't possibly give up on their quest to stay here! The Grace Preceptor takes his moment to chime in that the queen is perfectly fine with the disciples carrying on with the quest. So Monkey says that sounds just great and agrees to it before Tripitaka has a chance to protest. And ever the opportunist, Pigsy tells the officials to prepare a wedding banquet for them, which the officials cheerfully agree to before heading off to tell the queen.

As soon as their gone Tripitaka grabs Monkey and berates him for doing this to him. He can't give up the quest to get married! What on earth is he thinking?! Monkey tells him to relax, because he's got a plan. See, they can't risk outright refusing and making an enemy of the kingdom of women, because that would mean they would have to slaughter their way out of here. Unless Tripitaka has suddenly changed his stance on murder of course. Tripitaka agrees that murder is indeed bad, and asks what they are supposed to do instead, since he can't possibly get married either.

So Monkey takes this opportunity to lay out his brilliant plan. They'll go through the motions of the wedding preparation just as planned and get their travel papers certified. Then have a wedding feast as a farewell party for them. After the feast as to be allowed to see them off at the edge of the capital, and once they are outside the city, Monkey will use his magic to freeze everyone in the kingdom for one day while they all make a run for it. After hearing this Tripitaka thanks Monkey and agrees to the plan.

Meanwhile the Grand Preceptor tells the Queen the good news. So the Queen tells them to prepare a wedding banquet while she goes out in a carriage to meet her new husband. So the Queen see's Tripitaka and is immediately smitten, and invites him to ride in the carriage with her. Meanwhile Tripitaka is to flustered to speak, and Pigsy is to busy drooling over the queen to be of any help, leaving Monkey to snap him out of it and tell him to just ride in the carriage for now. Tripitaka however is so overwhelmed by this he even begins to cry a little, while Monkey just tells him to try and enjoy all of this while it lasts.

So Tripitaka rides in the carriage with the Queen while his disciples follow close behind with all of their luggage, until they arrive at the banquet hall. And good news, when they arrive the Grand Preceptor tells them that it's an auspicious day and they can get married right away and Tripitaka can assume the throne tomorrow. Everything is going as planned as they all enjoy the 'wedding' feast together, and afterwards they are able to get the queen to stamp their papers without issue. However the Queen does remark, that only Tripitaka is listed on the travel papers, not his disciples. And Tripitaka explains that it's because they aren't from the Tang Kingdom like his is, instead he met them all on the way. Upon hearing the story on how Tripitaka met them all, she offers to add their names to the paper, which Tripitaka agrees to.

The Queen then tries to give the disciples money for their journey, but Monkey negotiates her down to just giving them some rations. After that Tripitaka takes his chance to ask the queen if he could accompany his disciples to the edge of the capital in order to see them all off properly. The queen agrees so the two once again set off in the carriage together. Once they reach the edge of the city, Tripitaka drops all pretenses and asks that the Queen just let him go so he can acquire scriptures. The Queen is of course very upset that he suddenly changed his mind, and begs him to stay, which causes Pigsy to snap and yell at the Queen that Tripitaka is a Buddhist dang it! Leave the man alone! This succeeds in scaring back the queen, however before they can properly make their get away, a women suddenly pushes her way out of the crowd and calls dibs on Tripitaka, before grabbing him and disappearing in a cyclone of air.

Current Sun Wukong Stats: Names/Titles: Monkey, The Stone Monkey, The Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong (Monkey awakened to the void), Bimawen (Banhorseplague), The Great Sage Equal To Heaven and Pilgrim Sun. Immortality: 5 + 94,000 years Weapon: The Compliant Golden Hooped Rod Abilities: 72 Transformations, Cloud-Somersault, Ability to transform his individual hairs, super strength, Ability to Summon Wind, Water restriction charm, and the ability to change into a huge war form, ability to duplicate his staff, ability to immobilize others, the ability to put others to sleep, and the Fiery eyes and Diamond Pupils, intimidating horses, churning large bodies of water, sleeplessness, seizing the wind, enhanced smell, discerning good and evil within a thousand miles, Spirit Summoning, lock picking, object transformation, distance reduction, vanishing in a flash of light, super healing, transforming others, and Invisibility Demon Kill Count: 9+ Unknown Number of Minions Human Kill Count: 1009 God's Defeated: 23 + Unknown number Defeats: 6 Crime List: Robbery, Murder, Mass Murder, Arson, Theft, Coercion, Threatening a Government Official, Resisting Arrest, Assault, Forgery, Employee Theft, False Imprisonment, Impersonating a Government Official, Treason, attempted murder, failure to control or report a dangerous fire, desecrating a corpse, breaking and entering, trespassing, violating Tree Law, looting corpses, trading counterfeit goods, criminal threat, animal abuse, Assisting or Instigating Escape, Damage to Religious Property, contaminating a substance for human consumption and Identity Fraud. Cry Count: 8 + 3 fake cries Mountains Trapped Under: 4

Current Tang Sanzang stats: Names/Titles: River Float, Xuanzang, Tang Sanzang, Tripitaka and the Tang Monk Abilities: Curing Blindness, making branches point a certain direction (allegedly), reciting sutras, pretty privilege, memorization, Heart Sutra and Meditation. Cry Count: 28 Tight Fillet Spell Uses: 31 Paralyzed by fear: 6 Bandit Problems: 2 Kidnapped by demons: 9 Falling Off Horses: 8

Current Bai Long Ma Stats: Names/Titles: Bai Long Ma (White Dragon Horse), Prince of the Western Ocean, and third prince jade dragon of the dragon king Aorun Abilities: Transforming into a human, a water snake, and a horse, eating a horse in one bite, flight, Magic of Water Restriction, Singing, and Sword Dancing. Cry Count: 1 Crime List: Arson, and Grave Disobedience. Contributions to the plot: 2 Kidnapped by demons: 1

Current Zhu Wuneng Stats: Names/Titles: The Marshal of the Heavenly Reeds, Zhu Wuneng (Pig who is aware of ability), Zhu Ganglie, Pigsy, Idiot and Eight Rules. Weapon: Rake Abilities: 36 Transformations, parting water, fighting underwater, cloud soaring, size enhancement and CPR Demon Kill Count/Kill steals: 2 Kidnapped by Demons: 4 Human Kill Count: 1 Failed Flirtation/romances Attempts: 4 Cry Count: 2 Crime List: Sexual Harassment, Murder, Kidnapping, arson, defamation, Damage to Religious Property, contaminating a substance for human consumption, Identity Fraud and Theft

Current Sha Wujing Stats: Names/Titles: The Curtain-Raising General, Sha Wujing (Sand Aware of Purity), Sandy and Sha Monk Weapon: Monster Taming Staff Abilities: Fighting underwater, Cloud soaring, and fetching water from a well. Demon Kill Count: Unknown number of minions. Kidnapped by Demons: 3 Human Kill Count: 1 Crime List: Breaking a Crystal Cup, murder, desecration of a human corpse, Damage to Religious Property and contaminating a substance for human consumption

Previous - Masterpost - Next

[sylibane]

Spearmint for the flower prompts? Your choice of characters!

Thank you for the ask! This said Link/Zelda to me, so Breath of the Wild-era Zelink.

Spearmint – Warmth of Sentiment – I’d know you blind. I’d know you deaf. I’d know you always.

It had started in Kakariko Village, with a Sheikah woman half-humming, half-singing to herself in the general store. “It’s an old song,” she’d said when she’d noticed Link watching her while going through the carrots. “I guess you wouldn’t have heard it outside of town. Do you want to hear it?”

Surprised, Link had nodded, and she’d sung the whole thing for him. The lyrics told of a girl who’d fled her home and disguised herself as a boy to survive, waiting for the day where she could take off her mask and reveal herself to her long-lost friend. Link found himself humming it as he rode to the next stable.

In Rito Village, Kass’s daughters had refused to let him spend a night at the inn until he played “secret princess” with them. “You’re the bad guy!” the pink one had explained. “And you’re trying to catch the princess! But you don’t know which one of us is the princess, so you’re stealing away all the girls!”

Link then had spent a good chunk of the evening chasing down all the Rito hatchlings before collapsing into his hammock, wincing from the fresh bruise on his face. Technically, the blue one was the only one he hadn’t properly ‘caught’, as she’d jumped down from a tree and whacked him across the nose with a stick. “I’m not a princess!” she’d cawed. “I’m a pirate!”

He should be embarrassed that a child got the drop on him. But it was instead a strange uneasiness that kept him awake.

Link could not sleep again in a stable in Akkala, when a thunderstorm had driven him and all the nearby travelers inside, and a groom had decided it was the perfect time for a ghost story. “The lady had offered herself up to save the dark princess’s life,” he’d said, standing on a stable and ignoring the stablemaster’s protests. “But the strange magic would not let her die. Instead, she disappeared into the light…and then returned as a ghost and attacked the princess’s knight!” He swept up his arms, fingers like claws, grinning. “Some say she still haunts the castle, crying out in the twilight…”

The ghost had been with him too when he’d sat down with an older Gerudo trader in the canyons on the way to Kara Kara Bazaar. “I’m surprised you’ve never heard of Sacrificial Maidens,” she’d said as she’d unfolded her traveling gameboard. “It’s based on an old Hylian tale.” She’d winked as she’d set out the pieces. “Pay attention. Vai like a voe who can follow such a complicated game.”

The rules stuck with Link more than he’d expected, if only because he could feel the absence on the board. There should have been a knight piece along with the maidens and sorcerers.

In the Korok Forest, when he’d arrived seeking somewhere to spend one more peaceful night before storming the castle, a few of the Koroks had led him through the shallow water around the Deku Tree’s roots. They’d constructed a roughly Hylian-shaped figure out of branches and leaves, blue and white flowers blooming in its ‘hair’, standing in the deepest part of the pool.

“She’s a goddess!” one of them had said proudly. “She’ll bring you good luck!”

“She’s like a flower,” another Korok whispered. “She needs water too…”

In the moment, Link had just nodded. But in the morning, he’d returned to the pool, standing waist-deep in the water, adjusting the flowers, almost seeing her face on the effigy’s.

When he accompanied Zelda across Hyrule to announce her grand return, he brought her to the general store in Kakariko and pretended he was only buying carrots while she overheard the same song. He watched her as she tried to wrangle the Rito girls — he’d tried to help her, but the girls proclaimed that he’d already been the bad guy and was now defeated and had to stay in the ‘dungeon’ of their bedroom. He’d fed and watered their horses himself when they’d stopped in Akkala so that the stable groom could tell his ghost story again. He’d rode with her to Kara Kara Bazaar and watched her learn the rules of Sacrificial Maidens much quicker than he had. And he’d tried not to react too much when she saw the Koroks’ “goddess” behind the Deku Tree.

Of course he was showing her everything. She was drawn to Hyrule’s history, and she’d been gone for so long that she had a lot of catching up to do.

But at the same time, he’d found her in so many places that it hadn’t quite felt like she was gone at all.

[chicago-pd-is-weird]

Hank Voight Oneshot

Synopsis: When Hank is injured in an explosion, the team comes to the hospital to comfort him, each in their own way.

Requested by: @andgry4

Hank had always gone first. That was his policy. He couldn’t wait for the bomb squad. He had to go in.

“Stay here, everyone stay here!” He commanded. As he met Erin’s eyes, he could tell she didn’t want him to go. She wanted to protest, but Hank’s look kept her in place.

“Hank,” Erin started, but Hank didn’t care. He slowly pushed open the door.

“Everyone back up,” he said, looking back to Erin, Antonio, and the rest of intelligence. All of them were ready to jump in with Hank, to literally ride or die. But he wouldn’t have it. Reluctantly, all of them backed up into the street. Hank nodded and looked back into the house, to the woman’s screams. He let out a breath, then stepped inside.

He knew every step could be his last. Turning on his flashlight, he walked through the house, slow and careful. He checked every step before moving through, toward the begging woman. Every step made his heart beat faster, but somehow he couldn’t find the woman. “Where are you?!”

The woman didn’t answer him directly, continuing to beg for help. “Please, please help me! Please, I’m over here!”

Hank, although calm on the outside, had adrenaline pumping through his veins. He couldn’t see her anywhere. He moved by sound, getting to the middle of the house. The sound was the loudest, but looking around with his flashlight, he didn’t see her.

The sound then stopped, and some mechanical clicking could be heard. Hank looked down, and saw a small tape player with several wires sticking out of it, leaning to some barrels.

“Shit,” he mumbled, then turned and ran toward the front of the house as it began rapidly beeping. He was nearly there before it exploded, and he was pushed out onto the grass, debris landing with him, fire everywhere. The last thing he remembered was a blaze and hearing several voices yelling his name.

—

“So how long?” Hank huffed. He hated hospitals in general, mostly because Camille spent her last few days in one.

“A week,” Will Halstead replied. “I’m sorry, Sergeant, but we need to keep you here at least that long to make sure no complications arise. And to make sure you rest. I know if I let you leave, you’ll go right back to work.”

“Damn right I will,” Hank replied, shaking his head. “I’m fine.”

“You got blown up and had to have surgery. You’re not ‘fine,’ you’re recovering.”

Hank huffed again, crossing his arms despite the pain it caused him, even with the medicine in his system. “Alright, fine then.”

“Good,” Will replied. “Now rest. Your body needs it.”

Hank grumbled in reply, but let his eyes close and his body rest, as suggested. He did need it, despite his protests and tough exterior. He’d never admit it, though, as he relaxed into the bed, listening to the steady beeping of the heart monitor beside him. It wasn’t too comforting, but it was constant.

—

Three days in, Hank was nearly restless. His body definitely wasn’t ready to leave, but his mind was. He tried too hard to push himself beyond what he was physically capable of, despite protests from all the doctors. They even sent in a shrink to talk to him, which he refused. Not to mention the hospital food was not great. Everyone had been in and out to see him once or twice, but only briefly since they were working the case. They’d comforted him and let him know that Trudy had taken his place for a few days until the case was solved and the perp was behind bars.

Hank wouldn’t want any other sergeant to step into his shoes except Trudy, so it brought him some comfort to know his unit was in good hands. Nevertheless, he begged for every detail anyone would spare when they visited him.

Finally, when the case was solved, Alvin came into the room to give Hank the news. He sat beside him, handing him a burger he had snuck in his coat pocket. He also handed Hank a small bag of fries from his coat pocket. “We got him. He won’t hurt anyone else.”

“And the woman?” Hank asked, his mouth already full from the delicious burger.

“She was already dead. The recording you heard had been taken when she was first kidnapped.”

Hank sighed as his heart sank. “Damn it.”

Alvin nodded, letting the silence wash over them as they both ate.

After a few moments, Hank spoke again. “How’s everyone else taking it?”

Alvin shrugged and met his eyes. “I think better than you are.”

“I got blown up for a dead girl. Of course I wanted to save her. If I knew she was already dead-“

“If we knew she was dead, you wouldn’t have gone into that house and gotten your ass blown to smithereens.”

Hank glared at Alvin, but knew it was a joke. He rolled his eyes as he finished his meal, crumpling up the paper and tossing it across the room into the garbage can. “Thanks,” he said, shooting Al a pointed look.

“You’re welcome,” Al replied, standing up. “Everyone wants to see you today, yaknow? Since the case is closed.”

“Yeah,” Hank grumbled. He welcomed the company, seeing as he was going insane just sitting there, but hated that they had to come see him because he was stuck in the room. He was frustrated.

“I’ll bring some whisky later.”

“Thanks,” Hank replied, nodding to his closest friend as he left the room. Hank sighed, readjusting in the bed and sitting up, despite the pain it caused him. He groaned, leaning back just as Erin came into the room.

“Already trying to leave?”

Hank cracked a small smile. Erin always made him smile. “I’ve been trying to leave since they brought me here.”

“I know,” she replied. “Last time I was here, you were chomping at the bit. Looks like you mellowed out a little.”

“No, just got tired.”

“Hank Voight? Tired? You must be getting old.”

Hank rolled his eyes at her, but she took his hand. He looked down as both of her hands engulfed his. “Old? That means you’re getting old too.”

Erin laughed a little, shaking her head. “You know… when you came out that door, and the whole thing blew, I… I saw your body fly. I thought you were dead.”

Hank looked her over. “Takes a lot more than that to kill me.”

“We lost Camille six years ago. I just… assumed the worst. It’s like all the feelings from her death came back to me all over again.”

Hank squeezed her hand. “Now you know how I feel about you when you throw yourself headfirst into danger.”

Erin laughed dryly, using one hand to wipe her face, tears spilling over. “Yeah, well, I’m thirty years younger than you.”

“That many?”

“I’m glad you’re finding this amusing.”

Hank smiled again. It made him happy to be around her. From day one, Erin has cheered him up, even while at work. She filled part of the gap Camille had left in his soul.

.

After Erin had left, Hank was tired, more so than he expected. He realized maybe it was good that he was forced to rest in the hospital. Otherwise, he might be on his office couch right now, napping. He closed his eyes and listened to the steady beeping once more, coaxing him into a light slumber.

He didn’t open his eyes again until he heard the door to his room slide open. Drawing in a breath, he opened his eyes and blinked a few times. Antonio walked in and to his bedside. “Hey, how are you doing?”

“Fine,” Hank replied with a shrug. “They told me to rest for the week.”

“Yeah,” Toni replied. “I wish I could rest for the whole week.”

“No you don’t,” Hank replied, looking to him. “That’s why you’re part of my unit.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Antonio said with a shrug and a soft smile. “That means if you’re anything like me, you’re going stir crazy.”

“You read my mind.” Hank shrugged.

Antonio hummed and patted his shoulder. “Then that also means you’re exhausted and should rest.”

“You think so?” Hank stated, sarcasm dripping from his words. He didn’t want to rest and was frustrated he had to. “So who’s running the unit for the next four days?”

“I guess Platt, loosely,” he replied with a shrug. “I’ll make sure everyone stays on topic, though. Don’t worry.”

“I can always count on you.”

Antonio smiled slightly, then pulled something from his pocket. “Oh, here, Diego wrote you a get well note.”

Hank hummed and took the folded paper from Antonio, inspecting it, then opening it up to read it. It was short, but sweet.

Dear Sgt. Voight,

I hope you feel better soon. You need to keep saving people like me from the bad guys. Thanks for helping my dad and me.

Sincerely,

Diego Dawson

Hank smiled up at Antonio. “Tell him thanks.”

“Sure,” Antonio replied. “He couldn’t spell ‘Sergeant,’ so he used the abbreviation.” He laughed, then patted Hank’s shoulder again. “Get some rest. Seriously.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Hank replied, waving his hand dismissively as Antonio left. He chuckled softly and set the card on the table beside him. Then, he allowed himself to close his eyes once more.

.

The next day, Kim was the first one to visit, bright and early. “Hey, Sarge,” she said softly as the door pushed open. “How are you feeling?”

Hank looked up, having already been awake. “I’m alright. Shouldn’t you be at work?”

“Oh, we cleared it with Platt. I hope that’s alright.”

Hank looked at if he was thinking about it for a moment before nodding. “Alright, I guess so.”

“Good, cause I brought breakfast. Al told me what you like.” She pulled out a small paper bag from beneath her coat. “Sausage, egg, and cheese bagel.”

Hank smiled, taking the bag of food from her. “Thanks, Burgess.”

“Well, I mean, you were there for me when I got shot. Only fair I’m here for you now.”

Hank nodded, looking at her as he ate. She also had a bagel sandwich, taking a seat beside him to eat with him. “How have you been? Really, I mean, adjusting to intelligence is a hard move. Everything been good with Olinsky?”

“Yeah, Sarge. It’s all really great. Thank you.” Kim smiled brightly. “Although, can I confess? There’s just one thing that’s bothering me about working here.”

Hank raised a brow, but nodded. “Go ahead.”

“I just really hated seeing you blown up, you know? Is that going to be a regular occurrence?”

Hank laughed softly, shaking his head at the young officer he’d recently taken into his unit. “I dunno, Burgess. It’s never happened before. Is you getting shot going to be something I should worry about?”

“Gosh, I hope not,” she replied, shaking her head with a smile. “I never want to do that again.”

“Yeah, I can understand why. Hospitals suck.”

“I know, right!” Kim said, nodding. “Like, I’m just supposed to lay there all day?”

Hank smiled. “You know, they say doctors make the worst patients, but I doubt that. I think cops are by far the worst.”

“Yeah, me too.”

The two of them chatted for a bit longer, Kim finishing her sandwich, then pulling out another bag. “Here, take one.” She opened the bag and held it out to Hank.

When he peered inside, there were two donuts. Hank smiled and took one out, a chocolate frosted one with sprinkles, leaving Kim the strawberry frosted one with sprinkles. “Cheers,” he said, holding out the donut.

“Cheers,” Kim mirrored, pressing her donut to his for a moment before they both ate.

.

Later on that day, Hank was practically restless, and he gave the nurses hell for it. He wanted out. He needed to leave the room and the bed. When the door to his room slid open, he sighed heavily, looking to see which nurse had come to calm him that time. He was surprised to see Adam and Kevin walk through the door, Kevin pushing a wheelchair.

“Please tell me that’s for me.”

“That’s right, Boss. We’ve come to temporarily release you from your captivity.”

“Thank goodness,” Hank said, already sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Kevin and Adam helped him up, which he verbally refused, but physically needed. When they got him settled, Kevin pushed the wheelchair as Adam walked alongside them.

“Just a few more days, then you’re out of here, Boss.”

“Can’t come soon enough, Ruzek.”

“I hear that, Sarge,” Kevin chimed in. “If it were me, I would’ve run away by now.”

“Kev, shut up, the nurses said not to give him any ideas.” Adam laughed and shook his head. “They told us you’ve been giving them hell all day.”

“Yeah, that’s why we bargained to get you a wheelchair. As long as you stay in the wheelchair.”

Hank hummed in thought, then nodded. “Fine. Only because I know if I run now, Maggie will strap me to that damn bed.”

“If you ran now, Sarge, we’d be your wingmen.” Kevin laughed earning another small slap from Adam.

Adam smiled. “You gotta rest, though. That way you can take intelligence back.”

“Yeah, how was today without me?” Hank looked up at Adam and Kevin behind him. The two looked at one another, then both shrugged in unison.

“It was… something. Let’s just say it’s a good thing we don’t have a case right now,” Adam said, seemingly disappointed. “Look, it’s all fine and good, Boss, but without you, we don’t really have a structure. I mean, Antonio stepped up to fill in your shoes, but… they’re big shoes to fill.”

Kevin nodded a little in affirmation. “Yeah, I think he could do it, eventually, but he’s not you, and we’re expecting you from him. It’s just not fair. He was set up for failure.”

“So he doesn’t get the same respect you do,” Adam continued. “And it causes issues between all of us. Platt tried to help out, and it did help some, but she’s not you either. We followed her orders because we had to. She outranks us.”

Hank sighed softly as he listened to the two go on about the day. He wanted to leave before, but the urge was now magnified by a thousand percent. He needed to run his unit. He didn’t want to sit in the hospital, knowing they were in turmoil and therefore in danger if they were out in the field.

When the silence overtook the three of them, Adam chimes in first. “You okay, Boss?”

“Yeah,” Hank mumbled. He was discouraged and overall tired, tired of lying in bed and doing nothing, but what else could he do? He doubted Will would let him out of the hospital, let alone clear him to go back to work. His body was tired from moving so much that day. His mind was tired from fighting. He was just tired.

Adam and Kevin seemed to pick up on this and helped Hank back into his bed once arriving back at his room. They said their goodbyes and parted ways, letting Hank rest. He took the opportunity to close his eyes, drifting off again.

.

Later that night, Jay came in, Mouse in tow. The two of them brought Hank some dinner, takeout from a Chinese place he liked. Hank thanked them, looking between the two of them. “How was today?” He asked, chomping at the bit to be back.

Jay shrugged. “It was fine, I guess. Not the same without you.”

Mouse nodded in agreement, though he was a man of few words outside of when he was working. “I agree, Sergeant.”

Hank hummed as he picked at the food. “Can you talk to your brother and tell him to let me out of here?” He met Jay’s eyes. Although his tone was lighter and joking, his eyes were serious, a heavy weight on his shoulders. It was as if they could physically see what was weighing Hank down - being cooped up in a room and seeing his unit spiral without him. He took care of his unit and seeing them like this wasn’t right in his mind.

Jay nodded. “Look, I’ll see what I can do. But you have to stop fighting the nurses. April and Maggie are ready to slip sedatives in your IV.”

Hank laughed dryly. He didn’t care anymore, in fact, he wished they would do he wouldn’t have to spend his waking moments waiting to leave the hospital.

Mouse looked over Hank, then looked to Jay. “How much longer?”

“Three days,” Hank groaned, putting his hands to his head and leaning back on the bed. “All I’ve done is lay here. I’m going insane.”

Jay moved out of the room to talk to his brother, to see if there was any way Hank could be discharged earlier. Mouse sat down awkwardly beside Hank’s bed. “Look, you should eat. You need to eat to get better.”

“I don’t need a lecture on how to get better. I just need to do it, now.”

Mouse shrugged a little. “Look, I’ve known a lot of guys like you in the army. It’s tough. I get it.”

“You’re not the one lying in this damned bed, Mouse.”

“You’re right,” he replied with a shrug. “But I’ve been there. You’ll get through it.”

Hank huffed. “Be honest with me. How bad was it today?”

Mouse met Hank’s eyes, then sighed. “Pretty bad.”

Hank leaned back in bed, closing his eyes. “See, I need to be out there.”

Mouse thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Does a mama bird carry her babies to teach them how to fly?”

“What?” Hank asked, looking to Mouse with a cocked eyebrow.

“Well,” Mouse said, leaning forward in the chair. “You see, a mama bird doesn’t do that. She pushes them from the nest and lets them fly on their own. It might take some getting used to, and they might fall down, but the baby birds learn to fly.”

Hank blinked, taken aback. “Are you… comparing me to a mother bird?”

“Alright, look, that’s not the point. The point is Intelligence needs to figure out how to work without you, so that someday in the future, the far future, hopefully, it can run without you.”

Hank looked over Mouse, then slowly nodded. “I guess…” he mumbled.

Jay came back in after a moment of silence between the two of them. “Hey, Will said it’s a no-go. Sorry, Sarge. I tried my best. Even bargained.”

“Thanks,” Hank replied, glancing to Jay. “It’s alright. It’s only… three more days.” Hank sighed once more. Of course, he was already halfway done, but that didn’t mean the last three days wouldn’t be a slow drag.

“Try to stay optimistic, Sarge. Call us if you need anything, alright?” Jay walked over and patted Hank’s shoulder to give him comfort before the two of them left.

Hank laid awake for a while, thinking about everything Mouse had said. He mused, his mind wandering to other things, then he eventually fell asleep.

—

The next two days came and went without much event. The Intelligence members came and went, bringing food and small gifts to help Hank not go crazy, like magazines and newspapers and whatever else they could get their hands on.

Finally, the last day arrived. Hank was getting ready to get discharged. Although Will didn’t clear him for field work, he told him he could return to strict desk duty. That didn’t bother Hank much, knowing it was only temporary. He just wanted to be behind his desk - period. Even if it meant he napped back there. Although he had gotten much stronger in the last two days, he was still in a lot of pain, and he was very often tired, even though he hadn’t been doing much.

Hank was buttoning up his shirt when someone came into the room. Who stood before him, but Trudy Platt, of course. Hank smiled slightly to her. “Trudy, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well, I heard you’re getting out of here. Figured you’d need a ride seeing as you came here in an ambo.”

“That’s a pretty good assumption.” He leaned on the bed as he walked, Trudy moving over and offering her arm, which Hank took. He had been offered a cane, but refused it, though he needed it.

“So, you’re cleared for desk duty?”

“It’s something,” he replied with a shrug. “I’ll have Mouse to keep me company in the office.”

Trudy nodded as she helped him out to her vehicle and into the passenger seat. “I’m just downstairs too, if you need me, Hank. I know you don’t like to ask for help, but I’m here for anything you need.”

“I know. Thanks,” he replied, nodding to her and looking down at the cane that was leaning against the passenger seat. “Damn it, they gave it to you?”

“Yep,” Trudy said, closing the door then getting into the driver’s seat to take Hank back to 21. “Can’t escape it that easily.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“Hey, when I got shot in the ass, I used a cane for three months. I was thirty-something.”

“Yeah, I remember, you milked it every time I saw you.”

Trudy nodded. “And now’s your payback. You’re welcome.”

“Very funny.”

.

When they arrived back at the district, Hank used the cane and Trudy’s arm to get himself up the many stairs that were between him and his office. It took much longer than it usually did, but he was able to make it. The whole unit stood and clapped when Hank walked in, Hank waving his free hand to dismiss them. Then, he walked into his office and sat down, Trudy making sure he was comfortable. He spoke a soft ‘thanks’ to her, making a mental note to get her a gift later. The rest of Intelligence gathered in the doorway to Hank’s office, watching him as he got comfortable at his desk.

Hank looked up at all of them, then nodded. “What’s next?”

[weird-is-life]

Sirius x reader where Sirius does get a trial after the Potters and she watches him be brought in. Bonus points if he notices her in the “audience”

Hii, ty for the request. I kind of misread this😅, but I hope this is okay. Warnings: pure angst - no happy ending, use of y/n, (0.5k)

You are sitting in that big black room with a heavy heart and face all wet and puffy from all the crying.

As the trial goes on and on, you know that Sirius has no chance in getting away from here without the handcuffs on and a long sentence.

Even though, he is innocent. And you've said it all while being interrogated by the prosecutor. But they don't believe you, you know that. They all think you are trying to save your boyfriend, which you are, but only because he really is innocent.

Sirius refuses to look your way the whole trial, but you keep looking at him still. You know, he is doing everything he can to keep himself together. And one look at you, could and definitely would make him crumble like a house of cards.

All you want to do is to run towards him and hug him tightly. But you don't. You keep still in your seat, only movement is your trembles from the crying.

Your plan was to run away, even if you had to become muggles. But Sirius refused, he couldn't bring himself to leave without knowing what is going on with Harry and because he believes the truth will eventually come to the surface. Your loud protests didn't make any difference in his decision.

The end of the trial comes rather quickly, the judge starts to speak the sentence out loud. Once, you hear the word 'for life', everything goes static for you. You think, you hear someone yell out as in pain. It might be you.

You see, that Sirius is being taken away and it has you acting instantly.

You are quick on your feet and you don't even know how, you suddenly appear next to him. You crush your body against his, hugging him so so tightly.

You are immediately dragged away from him, even though you resist very strongly. You, surprisingly, break away from the guard and leap to kiss Sirius. You find his cheeks wet with tears as he earnestly kisses you back.

"I will wait for you Siri, even if it takes a life time. I will wait for however long it takes, i promise," you shout, because you are dragged away from him once more, "I love you."

"I-I-I love you, too." Sirius gets out, voice breaking. He doesn't need to say anything else, because you understand.

And as he is being pushed from the room, you try once more to break free.

"Y/N, stop, please stop. You can't go after him, you'll get yourself in trouble." It's Remus's voice speaking next to your ear, his voice full of sadness. You realise, him and James came down here after you. They are the ones holding you this time, not the guard. Which you are thankful for.

You stop resisting their hold and slump down into their arms. Completely overwhelmed everything, the only thing you manage to do, is to cry silently. Your heart bleeds from the emotional pain, making you want to vanish from the earth.

[matan4il]

I spent some time with a friend yesterday. We briefly came on the topic of Palestine. Briefly because I knew we would have opposing views as she's Muslim. I have sympathy for Israeli and Palestinian civilians. She only has sympathy for Palestinian civilians. She wouldn't even refer to Hamas as a terrorist organisation. And it made me wonder how many Muslims have been told that Hamas is not evil? How many are taught that Israel is getting what it deserves? It makes me wonder why there are many many pro Palestine protests calling for a ceasefire but Jewish communities are getting no support whatsoever. Saying the word Israel feels like it is something dirty. And I am scared. I know Israel and Palestine have been in conflict for years and Israel has oppressed Palestine for a very long time. But how can people think that a terrorist organisation will bring them liberation?

Hi Nonnie, I'm sorry you had this experience. I'm sending you hugs!

I wanna introduce you to Mansour Abbas:

He's a devout Muslim Israeli Arab, and the chairman of an Arab Islamic party in Israel. He's not a part of the current governing coalition in Israel, but he was a part of the last one. He is still a member of the Knesset (MK, member of the Israeli parliament).

A few days ago, MKs were invited to see a 40+ minutes long film composed of footage from the Hamas terrorists, CCTV, victims cellphone recordings, etc. It's some of the horrors that most people haven't seen. No MK had to attend, and quite a few chose not to. I can understand, many of those who watched the footage fell apart, some couldn't stay to the end.

Mansour Abbas chose to come, and he brought with him two MKs from his party. One of the Jewish MKs said Abbas was crying during the screening. Abbas himself made it clear that what the Hamas terrorists did was sacrilege and goes against everything that Islam stands for. When one of the members of his party, an MK who didn't attend the screening, denied the horrors of the massacre, he demanded that she resign from the Knesset (heads of parties can't fire MKs, the latter have to resign). She's refusing to, and according to journalists, Abbas is looking for other ways in order to sanction her.

I'm saying all of this, because I want it to be clear that, much like every other human group, Muslims are not a monolith. Yes, there is a history of antisemitism in Muslim majority countries, that tends to be ignored (something that we have to address, if we want any hope of eradicating that antisemitism and make relations between Jews and Muslims better). Yes, there is a tendency to present the Palestinian issue to Muslims as if it's an Islamic issue, so they're all meant to take the same stand on it (and of course that can go hand in hand with a lot of misinformation. I have an online friend, who lives in a country, where I expect none of what she hears about Israel and Hamas is true). But Muslims are not a monolith, especially ones who live in the west, and have free and full access to information, to the real historical records, and not just to anti-Israeli propaganda.

So that brings me to two points that can and do coexist:

I do NOT want to treat all Muslims automatically as if they will for sure be against Israel to the point of having no empathy for Israelis and/or Jews...

If they are against Israel to that extreme degree, and if they are living in a western country, then it is, at least partly, on them.

And in this context, I'd like to share this vid that was sent to me.

So regarding this friend, I guess it's a question of how you feel about it. Do you think she has the conditions to look beyond this narrative, and see Israelis as people, who deserve empathy just like everyone else, and yet she doesn't?

(as a very small footnote, I wouldn't say that Israel oppresses Palestine, 'coz that makes this conflict far more one-sided than it actually has been...)

I'll say that for myself, that friend who lives in a country that is defined as an enemy of Israel? Where she will never get the truth (and that country doesn't exactly have free press in general)? I don't hold it against her. In her context, it's pretty amazing she's even talking to me when she knows I'm an Israeli. But other Muslim friends I have? Or even other non-Muslim friends from the west, who know Jews, who should know better than to uncritically accept a de-humanizing narrative? Yeah, I feel differently about them. IDK if this helps you in figuring out how you feel about this girl. I hope it does.

(for all of my updates and ask replies regarding Israel, click here)