#(i realize they didn't burn down the house to stick it to the man but my children aren't effective at targeting their anarchy yet okay

[pearlcaddy]

lockwood & co appreciation week 💀 favorite dynamic

portland row trio + burn the house down (ajr) So do you think, like, we're being lied to about everything? Of course we're being lied to. But by who? And why? And what can we do about it?

[saeist]

a/n: alternate universe where touya didn't go insane and goes to UA :] dedicated to the loml @saerins cus we're on our touya brainrot + went a little insane with this instead...

"jesus doll, excited now are we?" touya muses, a smirk on his lips as he lets you push him inside your small and cramped bathroom.

rolling your eyes, you motioned him to sit down on the toilet lid while you prepare the shower. making sure the water is just the right temperature or else you might burn touya's head off when you rinse the hairdye off his hair

"is this the part where you remove your shirt and i suck on a titty?" touya says more of a statement rather than a cheeky question. you stop yourself from hitting the boy that has his signature lopsided smirk with the shower head you were currently holding

with an exasperated sigh and a pinch to your nose bridge, you answer him

"just shut up for once, touya. besides, won't your dad kill you if he found out you're dying your hair black? or did you forget that he almost kicked you out of the house when he saw your piercings for the first time?" you raised an eyebrow at your boyfriend who decided at the last minute to dye his hair as a sign of "rebellion against his "uptight, stick far up his ass dad" his words, not yours

"he can manage" touya huffs, scoffing at the memory of his dad yelling at him for acting and starting to look like a good for nothing delinquent or in endeavour's words, a villain. "it's not like it's my duty to keep our image of a "perfect family". if only the rest of the world knew what its like to have endeavor as your deadbeat dad!"

touya and endeavour never really got a long per say.. at least that's what touya tells you whenever he had a shit day training with endeavor. days where he would train with his dad were usually days where he'd opt to spend the night at your dorm. away from all the chaos inside the todoroki estate that he unfortunately refers to as his home

but to touya, at the end of the day, you are his home. his peace, his serenity, his anchor in this world where hell could break loose at any given moment

"don't give me that look, doll" touya sighs, shoulders dropping when he noticed you were staring at him.

"i just don't want to see you hurt all over again. you almost gave me a heart attack that one time when you showed up here unannounced" you pout, letting touya slowly wrap his arms around your waist.

touya’s arms tighten around your waist, pulling you closer. “i can handle the old man. it’s his problem if he can’t accept me for who i am,” he mutters, resting his forehead against your stomach

"i mean, he already stopped giving a shit when he realized i can't withstand my flames, so who am i to give a shit back after everything he did to me?" touya continues, his grip tightening

you run your fingers through his hair gently, feeling the warmth of his presence. “shhh, we already talked about this" you shush him, "all i'm saying is that i just want you to be safe, touya. i can’t stand seeing you hurt,” you whisper, your voice tinged with worry.

he looks up at you, his usual smirk replaced with a rare, sincere expression. “i know, doll. i know." touya presses light kisses on your stomach, "but I have to be true to myself, even if it means pissing off endeavor” he chuckles, the pads of his thumb rubbing circles on your exposed skin

you both stay in that position in silence for a bit. just finding comfort with each other's presence. just the way touya likes it. nice and quiet. a contrast to his daily hellish life back at his own home

that is until touya starts to feel his scalp burn a little

"okay fun time's over, doll. my scalp's startin' to kill me here" touya shudders, slowly unwrapping his arms around you as he reaches for the shower head in your hand.

you stifle in your laughter watching him make a fuss inside your cramped bathroom.

that is until, you remembered that your bathroom tiles were pearly white and if he's rinsing off black hairdye then–

"TOUYA MY TILES!" you let out a screech

"too late, doll" touya pokes his tongue out at you, hair dye getting all over your walls and cold tiles.

you were gonna pay one hefty fine if you don't clean this shit up as soon as possible.

now, touya sits on your bed. drying his freshly dyed jet black hair with a towel and you're not even gonna lie to yourself. he looked a little too good for your liking. touya has always been a looker himself but with this new hairdo.. oh lord

"why are you looking at me like you want to eat me?" touya chuckles, hanging the now stained towel around his neck as he leans back on your bed with his elbows propped. he was giving you bedroom eyes, quite literally and figuratively.

what a tease!

"nothing. just making sure that i'm still talking to touya and not his emo alter ego dabi" you mused, plopping down on your bed next to him.

touya laughs at your comment. eyes turning into crescent moons

“thanks for everything, y/n,” touya says softly, voice full of genuine love and appreciation.

your heart swells at the sight of touya like this. you would move mountains if you could just to see touya– your touya happy.

"i love you, touya" you lean in for a kiss. to which touya happily returns the favor.

"i love you more than life, doll." touya smiles lazily against the kiss, cranking his neck to the side for more access as he deepens the kiss.

moments like these with you is when touya feels like he's on top of the world and he hopes it will forever stay like this cause to touya, he can face anything the world throws at him when he knows you'll be there right by his side

[coraniaid]

I read this post the other day and now I can't help but try to plot out a S3 AU in which Gwendolyn Post is just a little more patient (and maybe, as a result, she's not yet managed to get herself expelled from the Watcher's Council, so she doesn't have to worry about being exposed as a fraud the minute Rupert Giles thinks to make a single phone call).

A world where Gwen realizes that having unlimited access to a emotionally unstable teenage Slayer with no friends or family in town -- a Slayer who will do almost anything for the smallest scraps of positive attention from an even vaguely maternal authority figure -- might, on balance, be more beneficial to her personal quest for power and magical treasure than immediately burning all her bridges to steal a metal glove that can't ever be taken off and continually casts a spell that summons lightning directly down on to the person wearing it.  

Put yourself in Mrs Gwendolyn Post's shoes. 

Isn't it much smarter to keep playing the part of the stern but genuine Watcher, a part you did after all train for for years of your life -- and maybe quietly help yourself to a few of the more valuable magical items your Slayer happens to bring you on the side -- than to risk it all for one single prize, however rare?  If, with just a little molding and prodding and some barbed compliments now and then, you can get that teenage girl to go out and kill demons and steal all their stuff and bring it all back to you, no questions asked, where's the harm?  All you have to do is keep making sure she remembers that she's fundamentally unlovable and unwanted and that nobody else but you will ever accept her and the best she can ever hope for is your occasional fleeting and conditional praise, as long as she does what she's told and keeps it all a secret.  Half of that is taken verbatim from the Council's own script for enlisting new Slayers anyway. It'll be easy.

Maybe you tell her how impressed you are that she's training throughout the winter, rather than letting herself get distracted by things like holidays or parties or presents. Tell her some half-true story about the focus and determination of long-dead Slayers before her.  (You can go to all the parties you want, of course.  These rules don’t apply to you.)  Maybe you show up at her motel room briefly later, just to make sure she didn't take up that irritating other girl's unexpected offer to go to her house for dinner.  Maybe you reward her dedication to the cause with some little unimportant bauble; something cheap and meaningless you notice she keeps wearing for weeks afterwards, even if she pretended not to be impressed with your gift at the time.  Maybe you stick the crappy little (obviously shoplifted) presents that she nervously watches you unwrap later in a drawer somewhere and never think about them again.

Maybe you give her a little bit of advance warning about the Cruciamentum. Not early enough she can tell anyone else, of course, but early enough that she's ready for it. Not because you care (and you really don’t; she's an easily manipulated idiot and you don't respect her in the slightest), but because you want her to realize that the rest of the Council can't be trusted. That Mr Giles can't be trusted.  That there's only one person in all the world who she can trust.  

And if one night she shows up at your door uninvited to tell you that she killed an innocent man by mistake (you really don't care about this either), and she doesn't have anyone else to turn to (you try not to make it too obvious how pleased you are about that), then ... well, what an opportunity for you.  Obviously you're not going to let anyone else on the Council know about this: maybe they'd take her back to England, wasting all your hard work. Maybe they'd send a new Watcher to interrogate her.  But the Sunnydale police department aren't exactly competent.  You can make it all go away, you tell her.  And you do. 

But you let her know, subtly -- just not too subtly -- how disappointed you are by her carelessness.  How she'll have to work a lot harder from now on to get back into your good graces.  How you've really risked a lot for her tonight (you haven't) and how much she owes you now.  How you'll expect her to do better from now on (or at least to do more, more often, without ever asking inconvenient questions).

The disgrace was almost getting caught, you'll tell her later. That's what you found so deplorable. The mistake was needing to be bailed out.  There’s no excuse for sloppiness.  Killing some idiot who got in the way while the Slayer was doing her job though … well, Faith’s right to think that he wasn’t important.  He didn’t matter.  Oh, and the Sunnydale natural history museum is hosting an exhibit of a few rare magical objects next week that it would probably be best to keep in safe hands.  (Which is to say, of course, your hands.)  You don’t think Buffy or Giles need to know about it, do you, Faith? It would be best to be discreet about securing the necessary items, but if some idiot happens to get in the way, well...

There's no real risk of Faith being tricked into outing herself, the way she was tricked into revealing she was working for the Mayor in canon, because it's not a secret that Gwendolyn Post is Faith's Watcher.  Faith is supposed to listen to her Watcher, isn’t she?  And if her Watcher tells Faith to kill some demon and bring her the valuable books he was trying to sell, why shouldn't Faith do it?  Killing demons is her job, isn't it?  She’s good at killing things.  Good at stealing things, too, it turns out. Sometimes you don't even have to pretend to be impressed.

If Faith seems increasingly sad and withdrawn all the time, why do you care? It doesn't make her any less useful. And if Faith doesn't talk to anyone much anymore, and keeps some of her missions secret from her fellow Slayer and all of that other Slayer's little friends and hangers-on, what's so strange about that?  They're not Faith's friends, after all. None of them are.  Faith doesn't have friends.  Never needed them.  She's got somebody though.  She's got Mrs Post.

[builtbykittie]

Thirst

J.T.K x f!reader

Summary: you lose your friends at a party, the unfamiliar setting sending you into a panic. Giving up your search, you meet someone very peculiar...

Warnings: 18+, VAMP JAKE, mentions of alcohol, blood, portrayal of fear, injury & pain, blood feeding, SMUT, public sex, oral (f & m rec), fingering, orgasm denial, unprotected sex, choking, anything else I forgot

Words: 5.8k

A/N: happy Halloween to all that celebrate! In honor of one of my favorite times of the year, I give you a spooky Jake smut. Enjoy!

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A chill creeps its way up your spine as the crisp October weather nips at your skin. "Can't tell which one it is can you?" You jest, shutting the car door behind you and staring at the large house decorated with countless Halloween props, loud music booming inside.

Your friends had plans to go to a party just outside of your city for Halloween. You originally said no but they inevitably convinced you. Apparently one of them knew the host of the party, but of course, you were still suspicious regardless of who knew who.

Large animatronics greet you on your way to the front door, anxiety settling in as you get a glimpse of everybody through the window. Suck it up. It's just a party, what's the worst that could happen?

If you're being honest with yourself, a lot could happen. It is Halloween, after all.

Going against all of your ethics, you walk through the door. Just as you expected there is not a single face you recognize and your group splits up, all going their separate ways. You knew you shouldn't have come.

Instant regret takes over your head and a lump forms in your throat. You can't leave because you didn't even take your car and you don't know anyone that could drive almost an hour just to come get you and drop you back off at your house. You decide a drink could be the best therapy right now.

As you walk through the main room, you lock eyes with a man leaning back against the wall, alone and observing the party. You watch as his tired eyes light up and he stands straight before you look away.

To your misfortune, the kitchen is completely crowded, you're unable to even see the counters. "Excuse me," you try your best to get past the crowd of people in costumes. After no one hears you, you say it again, then again.. and after trying over and over to get past everyone you realize it's no use. Why is nobody listening?

You grow frantic, scanning for any familiar faces. None. You ask countless people if they've seen your friends, giving them the best description you could possibly give, but to no avail. Finally giving up, you spot the patio door and make a beeline straight to it.

The second the cold air hits your skin goosebumps cover your body, nobody else in sight. Odd... Falling into the chair behind you, your eyes flutter shut. By the time you sit down, it's nearly 11:30 p.m. and you're undeniably tired.

You're not positive how much time has passed since you sat down, but you know it's time to get up once you find yourself dozing off. Looking into the party, you dread going back in, so you don't. Is it kinda crazy to be hopping a fence in a vampire dress at eleven at night? Absolutely. Do you care? Not even a little.

Silently thanking the universe that you learned how to hop a fence at a young age, you take your shoes off and throw them over the fence, stepping on the wire and hopping over. As you're getting over the fence, the wire snags your dress and cuts into the meat of your thigh.

The sudden pain causes you to fall over, luckily you hold your arms out to break the fall, but not without tiny rocks and sticks penetrating your skin. "Shit!" You cry, and shakily brush the dirt from your body, hot tears burning at your waterline as you put your shoes back on. This night truly cannot get any worse.

The sound of leaves cracking underneath footsteps interrupts your moment of self-pity, your head darting up faster than the blink of an eye. Your mind races, tears beginning to stream down your hot cheeks as you prepare for the worst.

A relatively shorter figure turns the corner to find you, curled up on the ground with blood trickling down your thigh. "Woah are you okay?" The stranger's low raspy voice speaks from where he stands, slowly stepping forward. "Um.. yeah," you nearly whisper, but the way your voice shakes and cracks proves that you're the opposite of okay.

"Please, let me help," he insists, still taking languid steps to make sure he doesn't startle you. All you can do is nod, accepting your fate. You're never one to trust a stranger, let alone a guy, but you're desperate.

He slowly extends his right arm, patiently holding it out for you. You take his hand, surprisingly calloused fingers holding tightly onto your wrist. "I'm Jacob," he softly grunts as he swiftly pulls you up "Well, Jake."

As you rise to your feet, his face becomes clearer, the moon shining just enough light for you to be able to scan his features. The same man you saw in the house earlier. The first thing you notice is his perfectly plump lips, then his sharp cheekbones, his eyebrows slightly knitted together in worry. The longer you look, the more you fall for him. You absolutely do not believe in love at first sight, but he might just be an exception.

However, you do notice something else. He looks sick.

You brush it off as makeup and pat yourself down "Thank you, I'm Y/N." Jake sends you a tight-lipped grin as you both begin to take steps forward "If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"

"Oh, it's stupid. My friends took me here but left me and I know nobody so I snuck out the back," you swipe away the tears from your cheeks and jawline. His eyebrows furrow and he brings his fingers to his chin "So how'd you get all... messy?" You feel his eyes linger on the large cut down your thigh, blood still trickling out.

"Well... I decided I didn't wanna go back in there, so I tried to hop the fence." A hushed chuckle leaves his lips and you start to realize just how dumb you sound, blood quickly rushing to your cheeks. "I know it's dumb I should've just gone through the house..." you trail off, bringing your cold scraped hands up to your hot face.

"Oh darling, I understand," he grasps the metal fence, opening it for you and placing his hand on the small of your back as he follows you out of the front yard. Darling. Replaying the word in your head, your tummy fills with butterflies fluttering around in your tummy. Knock it off. He's a stranger.

"Can you drive?" His hand never leaves its place on your back. "Considering the fact I didn't drink... I'd say yeah," you kick a rock as you both walk away from the house "but I don't have my car." Suddenly it grows eerily silent, and you become aware of a forest ahead. "Good."

"What?" You stop dead in your tracks, turning to face him. "Can I show you something?" He reaches out to grab your wrist, but you dodge. Fear courses through veins, you frantically look around, searching for anyone to be your knight in shining armor.

"Uh.. my friends are probably looking for me," you smile, hesitantly stepping back. "You sure? Because last time I was in there nobody knew who you were..." Jake steps closer to you, his eyes dark and pupils dilated.

Your own eyes widen as you look around you, without much thought you remove your heels and dart off into the woods.

You run and run until you absolutely cannot push yourself any further. Collapsing against a tree, you drop your heels, letting the tree hold your weight as you sob into your hands. For a minute, you believe you've lost him, struggling to catch your breath as sobs leave your body.

You're proven wrong as you hear the crunch of leaves beneath his boots. A sick, gut wrenching fear manifests it's way into your stomach, twisting your insides. Your heart races and tears flow from your eyes like melting wax on a burning candle. At this point, you're ready to give up.

Jake takes slow steps toward you, as he approaches, he brings his hand up to your waist. He firmly squeezes the meat of your waistline, shooting a sharp pain into your side as he pulls you into him. "Look at me," he demands, his voice low and raspy.

You listen, not just out of fear for your life, but also curiosity. Your eyes flick up to his, wide and fearful as they dart across his face. His other hand grabs your hair in a ponytail "I know you're scared baby, I don't blame you."

Silent sobs leave your body in a mix of fear, confusion, anger, and something else you can't quite put your finger on. Jake violently pulls your head to the side, revealing your neck to him "I'm not gonna hurt you, I don't want to. I promise."

You try your best to keep your crying unknown, but it's no use. Your chest bounces and choked noises escape from your lips. Jake lets go of your hair, both of his hands coming up to cup your cheeks. "Oh please, don't cry," he begs, cleaning up your smudged mascara before coming down to lick the tears from your face. Your brows furrow at the act, but you'd be dead lying if you said you didn't half enjoy it.

His face lingers near yours, your eyes darting all over his face. By now, you are strictly breathing in each other's breaths "Do you want to kiss me?" Your breath hitches in your throat at the question, his face inching even closer than before. It's as if your body is betraying you, you're unable to say anything even if you tried.

If you didn't want to, you'd pull away.

Finally, you manage to nod. A small tight-lipped smile plays on his lips "I have something first..." Confusion and anticipation swirl through your head, you quirk an eyebrow as you wait for what's next.

He doesn't speak, instead, bearing his teeth and dragging two pointed teeth along your lower lip. Your eyes widen and your heartbeat speeds to an impossible pace. There's no way.

Slowly and painfully he begins to sink them into the flesh of your red lips just far enough to create two beads of blood. You suck in a quick gasp as he licks the wounds before pressing his lips against yours. A tingly feeling becomes evident in your stomach and you find yourself oddly aroused by the situation.

"Holy shit. Jake. You're-" he cuts you off, his lips crashing against yours.

You lift your arms, grasping onto the back of his head and pushing him into you. The sting of his lips pressing against the fresh cuts on yours is so deliciously painful. Nothing about this is right.

His hands come up to grope your ass, eliciting a desperate whine into his mouth. You pull him even closer, letting him walk you backward into a tree, never breaking contact. The throb between your legs becomes unbearable as you bury your fingers into his scalp and Jake tugs on your hair.

"Y/N, there's a reason I chose you tonight," his hands sneak around your body, smoothing over the swell of your breasts. Jake groans as he feels your stiffened nipples under his palms. "Why's that?" You mutter, your voice hushed and sultry as your hands begin to wander all over his body, your lips pressed to his jawline.

"Because you were the most beautiful thing to walk through that door," he breathes, slotting a knee between your thighs and grasping your waist. You can't help but let out a tiny moan and pull his face towards you, desperately missing the contact. He pulls back, keeping you still against the tree by your waist "The moment I saw you I knew I'd have you." Jake's strength is unbelievable. You cannot move at all, you're all but squirming as you try to touch him.

"Do you want to fuck me, Y/N?"

The question shocks you and before you can think you begin to nod, then shake your head no, then you nod again. As you're granted his mouth on yours, you slip your tongue between his lips, dragging it over his teeth and pricking it on his canine's. Jake hums against your tongue, pulling away and wrapping one hand around your neck "I gotta hear you say it, darling." You swallow thickly against his neck, discomfort creeping up your throat as he gently squeezes.

"Yes," you whine, your fingers massaging his scalp as you try your hardest to kiss him "Please." He licks up your jawline and peppers kisses to the area. You snake your arm down to his abdomen and untuck his shirt, the tips of your fingers creeping up under the fabric.

He drops his hand and a sharp sting burns on your neck, sucking in a loud gasp and clamping your eyes shut as you realize he's biting you. The pain only lasts a few moments before he withdrawals from you, lapping at the wounds.

Suddenly he slaps your hand away from his torso and sinks down, dragging his calloused fingers down your bare thighs. "Jake what are you-" you're shushed, shock coursing through your veins as his hot breath fans over the deep cut on your thigh.

You throw your head back and let out a cry through gritted teeth in agony as he points his tongue, cleaning the blood from your wound.

"Shit! Jake, fuck," You wail, the pain numbing your body and your vision going blurry. After the blood is cleaned, Jake leans back and places kisses to each wound, a sharp pain shooting up your leg at each peck. "You're delicious, love," he praises "and I haven't even gotten to the best part."

A rush of exhilaration surges through your veins, your insides feeling as if they've just burst into flames. "Please," is all you can muster as Jake starts to draw a line of kisses up your thigh and then down the other. "Patience, love."

You roll your eyes dramatically and sigh, your head spinning as you wait for his next move. Jake continues to draw slow lines of pecks all over your legs as his hands find their place under the skirt of your dress. Your heart nearly jumps out of your chest once his cold fingers reach your panties, his hands resting just on top of your hips.

"You're such a good girl. Being so still and quiet for me," Jake speaks through kisses to your legs that are moving higher and higher by the second. You fight the urge to say something, instead letting him lead the way. At this point you're so wound up that just a slight touch to your heat might drive you mad.

His hands slide down, snagging on your thong and tugging them down. "Shit," Jake groans "Lace?" You can't see his face, but you know he's looking up to you, and your cheeks burn up.

"I- it's just- they're the only clean ones I had..." You stammer, tucking your hair away from your face. "Don't lie to me, baby," Jake smooths his hands over your thighs before bringing one up with a slap against your ass. "I'm not. I- I promise," you lie, chewing on your nails.

Jake simply ignores you, pulling your panties down to your ankles and hiking your dress up past your core.

"Oh baby, you just wanted your pretty little pussy to get a little attention tonight, huh?" He taunts you, bringing his thumb up to your slit and collecting juices. A breathy moan slips out of your lips, your hands involuntarily flying to his hair. Just that interaction alone was enough to make you squirm.

"Mhm..." you can't seem to lie any longer, as if he's forcing you to tell the truth. Jake lays a kiss on the very top of your clit, a shock of electricity flowing through your body. "Yeah, how long has it been since someone fucked you right?"

Just as you go to speak, a moan rips through your chest. Jake drags his fingers through your folds, spreading your arousal all over. "I don't- don't know," you whimper as you melt into his touch, throwing your head back into the tree behind you.

Jake continues to tease you, pressing featherlight kisses to your slit. "M'gonna fuck you so good baby," he speaks through kisses down your inner thigh "make you forget anybody you've had before me."

His words only make you ache even more, your clit crying out to be touched. "Then do it, Jake," you whine "please." You hear a low snicker below you, Jake snakes his hands up your thighs and squeezes rather harshly "beg."

"Please Jake, please touch me. Make me forget everyone who came before you. Make me yours, please," you pet his hair as you speak, so incredibly aroused you can't think of anything but Jake's body. "Atta girl," he whispers lowly, a groan rumbling out from his chest as he breathes over your throbbing cunt.

Jake brings himself incredibly close to your heat, at this point, you're so aroused it's almost painful. Jake begins to kitten lick your incredibly hard clit, and you fight the incredible urge to push his face into you. "So fucking wet," Jake groans, your arousal glistening in the moonlight. "Jake, please... I- I can't," you cry, unable to wait any longer.

Without warning, Jake sucks your clit into his mouth. "Oh- oh fuck," you throw your head back, involuntarily bucking your hips. The velvety feeling of his tongue swirling around your clit as he hums against you is pure pleasure. Just as you get used to his mouth on you, his fingers come up to toy with your entrance, a loud desperate moan tumbling out of your lips.

You're so focused on the pleasure, that you nearly forget that you're in the middle of a forest "Somebody's gonna hear you, baby.." Your head begins to spin once again as you imagine someone hearing you, finding yourself suddenly enjoying yourself even more. "Fuck. You're filthy," Jake speaks lowly with a grin just before continuing his attack on your clit, still just teasing your entrance.

The feeling of his calloused fingers toying with your weeping cunt as his tongue circles around your swollen clit draws you closer and closer to the edge. Your head hangs down as your arms instinctively fly to his head, gently pushing him into you. Jake fights against your hands, a weak whimper flying out of your mouth as he shoves two fingers into you.

"Don't do that," he nips at your thigh "Be a good girl and put your hands behind your back for me." His fingers never stop, viciously ramming up into you as he speaks. You do just as he commanded, reluctantly holding your hands behind your back and struggling to stay inconspicuous.

Jake starts to kitten lick your swollen clit, choked moans fall from your lips as you feel your orgasm approach. Your knees buckle and you writhe against him, his fingers curling up and hitting every single spot just right.

"Oh fuck- right there.. right there," you whine, squirming above him. Just then, he pulls his fingers from you and brings them to his mouth. You let out a cry at the loss of your approaching climax, watching in disbelief as he licks your juices clean from his hand. A guttural groan bubbles up from deep within his chest at the taste, and for a fleeting moment you swear you saw his eyes glow a dark crimson red.

"What the fuck?" You whine, your brows furrowed as he rises to his feet. Jake brings his face to your ear and licks at your neck, his hot breath feeling as if it's burning into your skin "I wanna make you fall apart. Wanna make you so fucking wet for me. I know what I'm doing, just trust me, baby."

You have no choice but to trust him, afraid that if you say something you'll be robbed of the perfect orgasm again. You don't know what to do, your heart pounding in anticipation as his lips drag along your neck. "I want you to take me," he whispers between heavy breaths "Take me right here. Like the fucking slut I know you are."

Your heart skips a beat and you hear your heartbeat in your ears "You're so fucking good. Touch me, darling. Do whatever you please with me." Your stomach flutters, your arms moving before you can even think about what you're doing.

Your fingers find his pants, tracing the hem with your index finger before slightly dipping it in. With your other arm, you pull him into you and smash your lips against his. Impatiently unzipping his pants, you push them down as soon as you get the chance.

You don't even try to hold back or act calm, you're finally getting what you so desperately want. Anticipation courses through your veins as your fingers dance along the hem of his boxers, a deep groan tumbling from his lips and into your mouth once you dip two fingers in.

Your cold fingers nearly burn against his skin, your other arm still wrapped around him and buried deep in the tresses of his hair. Finally, you manage to wrap your hand around him, a deep moan escaping your mouth as you feel him pulsate against you.

You push his boxers down, meeting his pants at his feet. Another deep groan rumbles up from his chest as his cock springs free, his tip brushing against the fabric of your dress. Without a second thought, you drop to your knees, your hands instantly coming up to fondle his base.

Jake sucks in a sharp breath, obviously very pleasantly surprised. The ache between your legs grows even more as you hold him in both of your hands. He has the most perfect cock. He's the perfect length and girth, more than enough to fill you up completely.

Knocking yourself out of the trance his cock has you in, you spit on his length and start to stroke him at a painfully slow pace. You'd get him back for earlier, for robbing you of what you needed so badly.

Jake's hips begin to buck into your hand as you continue that same pace from earlier, desperate groans bubbling up from his chest. "Fuck- I'm not stupid," Jake murmurs, sending another involuntary thrust of his hips into your hand.

You ignore his statement, a devilish smile playing on your lips as you begin to tug on him, your thumb brushing over his slit. Breathy moans flow freely from his mouth in a mix of frustration and pleasure. You come down to draw a line of kisses down his length, lifting him slightly to lick a stripe up to his tip from underneath.

You don't break contact with him, continuing to tease his tip with kisses and kitten licks all while stroking him as slow as you possibly can. You nearly break him, slight noises spewing from his mouth as he continues to fuck himself into your hand harder and sloppier.

That is until he digs his fingers into your scalp, grabbing a bunch of hair and pulling you back. Tears prick at your waterline as he begins to pull you up by your hair, a loud yelp slipping past your swollen lips. "You fucking whore," Jake growls, letting go of your hair and pulling you into him by your waist with an iron-clad grasp.

"Please," you whimper, taking the opportunity to grind your body against his. Without another word, he's flipping you around with a grunt and throwing you into the tree. You throw your arms out and catch yourself on the tree, your palms throbbing as you scrape them even more.

A moan rips through your chest and for some sick reason, you find yourself even more turned on than before, if it's possible. "Fuck, baby. You like that? Do you like being hurt?" Jake's upper body is flush against your back, a chill sneaking up your body as he whispers in your ear.

You've never considered yourself a masochist, let alone someone who enjoys pain in general, but for Jake, you might be. Before you can fully process the question, you frantically nod your head. Jake presses his palm against your back, pushing you down and forcing you to bend over.

Your back arches slightly, allowing yourself to put on a show for him as you swivel your hips. The anticipation is too much, the feeling of his rough hands hiking up your dress and smoothing over your ass sending you into a frenzy. "You wanna be fucked so bad don't you pretty?" He slaps your ass, the other hand coming around your body and finding your heat.

"You're so fucking wet for me," Jake snarls, bending slightly to whisper in your ear. "M'gonna make you mine," his voice is low and gravely, a whine leaving your lips at the statement.

You hang your head as you wait, the throb between your legs becoming impossible to ignore. Jake's hand is still toying with your soaked pussy, his rough fingers running through your incredibly slick folds. "Jacob..."

"What is it?" He knows exactly what you want, simply just teasing to worsen your suffering. "Jake please," you whimper, trying your very best to keep calm "Make me yours." You hear a deep snicker from behind you, a shock of electricity flowing through your body as he begins to drag his tip through your cunt.

You push yourself back onto him, not at all expecting him to push into you. "Oh fuck," you cry, feeling every inch of him as he so deliciously stretches you out. "Shit- you feel so fucking good," he snarls, his hips faltering slightly as he begins to find the perfect rhythm.

Jake's hand comes in contact with your clit, sending your head flying back with a string of hushed curses at the feeling. He doesn't hold back, the skin of his thighs clashing with the backs of yours, the hand not toying with your sensitive clit slapping your ass before returning to its place on your hip.

The pattern Jake has set is so rough yet so sweet. His hips roll as they thrust into you relentlessly while his other hand babies your swollen bud. "Do you like this?" Jake grunts, punctuating each word with an intoxicating thrust.

"Like- fuck- like what?" You stutter, pushing yourself with your hands to fuck yourself back onto him even harder. "Being treated like a slut out here in the open," he growls "Anyone can walk in and see us. Anyone can hear you moan for me like a little whore."

His words mixed with the rhythm of his hips and the way his fingers dance along your clit elicit sick noises you didn't even know you could make. "Mhm..." You moan, clawing at the bark of the tree to keep yourself as quiet as possible.

"Tell me how much you love it, darling," he rasps, and you can tell it's getting harder for him to form sentences. The hand at your hip finds its way to your neck, squeezing ever so gently and pulling you up into him.

You fail to form a sentence, his hand squeezing harder than before "go on, say it." All that comes out as you open your mouth is a pathetic squeal, bringing one hand off the tree to grasp the wrist around your throat.

"I love it, Jake," a cry of pleasure falling past your lips as he delivers a particularly sharp thrust into you "It's so fucking hot." His cock lit the embers deep within you, a fire sparking in your core as he buries himself so far inside you.

His hand keeps its grip around your throat, the other still teasing your clit. "Oh, fuck!" You nearly shout, your thighs aching as you continue to fuck yourself onto him every chance you get. "You're a noisy little thing aren't you?" Jake grunts with every thrust, his hips beginning to falter.

You respond with an involuntary high-pitched moan, rolling your hips against his fingers. The fire inside you grows, flames dancing throughout your body and spreading to every limb. It's clear he loved to hear you, fucking harder into you with every peep from your mouth.

It felt almost as if he was made for you. As if he'd fucked you a thousand times before. You don't know if you could live without it after tonight.

Your eyes rolled back into your head, choked moans and squeals flowing freely from your lips. "You're so fucking hot," Jake rasps "so fucking warm and tight around my cock baby."

At this point you know you won't last much longer, the fire burning inside you beginning to violently dance around every inch of your body and the coil in your tummy tightening. "Jake I'm gonna-" you interrupt yourself with a near shriek, completely blocking out your surroundings and focusing on nothing but Jake.

"You gonna cum, pretty? You gonna make a mess all over my cock?" He struggles to get the sentence out, his cock ramming so far into you it's nearly touching your cervix. "Yes. I'm so close..." It's getting harder and harder for you to breathe, Jake's hand keeping still against your throat.

"Fuck- cum for me, baby. C'mon," Jake coos, his hand rubbing rough, merciless circles into your clit as his cock hits a sweet spot with each and every thrust.

He feels like pure heaven, the sinful way he fucks so hard into you driving you straight to the edge. Your eyes clamp shut as you feel your orgasm creep up "fuck! Oh my god, fuck me." Suddenly, like harsh waves crashing against a shore, your orgasm fully takes over.

"That's it, baby. Fuck. Cum for me, just like that," Jake groans, delivering one final sharp thrust before his hot release spurts into you, painting your walls in ivory slick.

Jake's got you reduced to nothing but a whimpering, panting mess, and you love it.

It takes you a moment to come back to earth, Jake's cock still buried deep inside you. "You're such a good girl," his hands leave their place, coming to rest on the swell of your ass. You try to respond, but nothing comes out.

Jake lifts a hand and forces it down against your ass, the pads of his fingers massaging the supple flesh. A loud yelp flies last your lips at the contact, your body jutting forward.

"M'gonna pull out, okay?" He smooths his hand over the red skin of the back of your thighs, soothing the sting. You manage to mumble out an 'okay', clamping your eyes shut and practically holding your breath.

Sucking in a hiss, he pulls out, juices immediately dripping down your thigh. His hands grasp your waist, spinning you around to face him. "Touch yourself. Clean yourself up for me."

Your eyes blow wide at the command, but you do as he says anyway. Your clit is still wildly overstimulated, a whimper leaving your mouth at the slightest touch. You collect juices with your fingers, painfully spreading them all around your core.

"Jake I- I can't," you whine, your knees buckling as you press your fingers against your clit, your other arm grasping at the back of his neck for support. "Yes, you can. C'mon, be a good little slut," he presses, coming down to lay open-mouth kisses against your neck.

A cry leaves your lips, that same fire sparking again as you shove two fingers inside your entrance. Jake grabs your arm, pulling your fingers from yourself and bringing it to his lips. Slowly, he takes them into his mouth, his saliva cleaning the juices completely off your fingers.

"So fucking good. Now get on your knees," Jake demands "lick it off."

Again, you do as he says, sinking to your knees and grasping the base of his cock. You drag your tongue along his length from base to tip, licking every inch and making sure you got every last drop. "Atta girl."

Jake slowly helps you up, pressing your back against the tree and smashing his lips against yours. "Does it taste good baby?" Jake growls between kisses, massaging his fingers into your scalp. "Mhm," you whine, your arms wrapping around his body before he pulls back completely.

The two of you simply just look into each other's faces, breathing in the sweet taste and smell of sex that lingers in the air. "Let me take you home."

You simply just nod, Jake pulling his clothes back on as you grab your heels and slide your damp panties off your body. "So.. how does this work?"

"What?" Jake looks to you as the two of you begin walking back to the party.

"The whole... Vampire.. thing..." You trail off, looking down at the leaves crunching beneath both of your feet. You hear him chuckle to himself, amused by your curiosity.

"Y'know it's crazy how much people get wrong," he takes your hand in his "it's not a big deal, really. But if I go too long without specific needs, it could hurt me."

The two of you reach the entrance of the forest, street lights flickering along the road. When you look at him, he looks a lot more alive, significantly less tired and sick than earlier. "So... what, you feed with blood? That's kinda.. basic."

"Something like that, yeah. That and sex, basically," Jake laughs through his words, inching closer and closer to the party. "Sex?" You giggle, looking at him. "Yeah.. is something wrong with that?"

The two of you reach his car "No... I just didn't expect it." Jake opens the door for you, letting you slip in before shutting it and rounding the car to get in the driver's side.

"It's basically like.. energy feeding? It's hard to explain."

---

"So you don't turn to dust in the sunlight?" You both laugh. "No. I don't even know where that came from.."

Jake's car slows to a stop "This it?" Apparently, you'd lost track of time because as you look out your window, you see your house. "Mhm," you get out of the car, walking up to the steps of your home and letting Jake meet you there.

He pulls you into a kiss "I hope you had fun tonight, darling." A large smile finds its way on your face "I did."

"Hey, uh... How can I see you again?"

"I was hoping you'd say that." Jake reaches into his back pocket, pulling out a piece of paper with his number already on it, and holding it out to you with a smile "Call me when you get lonely."

.

.

.

[mayhem-neverending]

The Big Bad Wolf

Part XX

Word count: 1,293

Warnings: none

Notes: This is a short little bit I just wrote while the class is watching a movie. Unedited. Enjoy :)

You were in heaven for the next 15 minutes. Obito's warmth and rich musk enveloped you like a weighted blanket, pulling you deeper and deeper into divine comfort as your breathing slowed and matched each other's. That was, until a burning smell wafted to your nose. 

Your brows crinkled, then you realized, “Oh shit, the eggs!”

You stumbled out of his arms and ran into the kitchen, yanking the pan off the gas burner and turning it off. The blackened eggs smoked and the smell assaulted your nose. You took the pan out the back door and dumped it in the snow. 

Obito opened the kitchen window as you were walking back in. An amused smile played on his lips when you made eye contact with him before he walked across his cottage to open the front window as well.

You shared that smile and said, “Whoops,” with a shrug. 

He playfully rolled his eyes. You shook your head at yourself while turning on the tap to wash off the pan. You scrubbed the charred bits of egg off and looked up at Obito who came to stand in his usual spot against the counter. 

“Something about smelling burnt egg has really done wonders for my appetite,” he drawled, a teasing look pointed at you. 

You gave his side a light shove and he chuckled at you, not having budged an inch. “You're awful,”

“Not as awful as the breakfast you were trying to serve me,” 

“Oh shut it,” You grinned, putting the now clean pan on the drying rack. 

“I suppose I should actually make you something now. Maybe we should stick with toast, though,” 

“Hmm, that may be for the best,” 

You rolled your eyes at him and pulled the new loaf of bread from the cabinet. He watched with his arms across his chest, leaning lazily against the counter. The way his shirt pulled against his biceps caught your eye, and you had to force yourself to look away. 

“Are you up to train today?” He asked out of the blue. 

You looked down at your sweater and jeans and back at him. “Don't think I'm appropriately dressed for that,” 

He hummed. You continued, “Besides, I have laundry, cooking, sweeping, and all that to do today. I have to catch up from our mission,” 

He looked like he wanted to roll his eyes. “Fine. How's Hikaru?”

You smiled and took a sip out of the coffee He had given you earlier. “He's good. He was so excited to see me,” 

You huffed a laugh. “Kakashi got him a matching Hokage robe. He wore it around the house all day when we were home together,”

He quirked a brow but quickly lowered it. “I'm glad he's doing well. It must have been hard for him to be without you,”

You nodded. “All’s well now. Hopefully there won't be any more big adventures for me for a long while,”

“I think I can agree with that,” 

The toast popped up and you quickly spread butter and jam over them. You handed them over to Obito on a plate and grabbed a broom. He sat down at the table while you got to work. 

The entire time Obito wasn't too far. He seemed to find himself near the same places you were working in throughout the day. You couldn't help but notice it, and while you worked quietly, you thought about how lovely it was to be held by him. His proximity didn't help, and you could feel your body, your energy, being tugged towards him wherever you were. You wondered if he felt the same. 

It had been some time since you were held by a man. More time since you were help by a man that you wanted to be around, so you figured the pull must be because of that. A need needed to be filled, and he was an attractive man, whom you enjoyed spending time with, that was happy to do it. You definitely didn't like him more than you were supposed to. 

The line between caretaker and friend had already been crossed. You could reel yourself in before it went further than friendship. Self restraint was one of your stronger qualities. No matter how much your heart fluttered, or how strong your desire to climb onto his lap became, you could handle yourself. 

The day was coming to an end and you were dusting around the fireplace - the warmth of the blaze sinking into your skin in the most welcoming way. Behind you Obito was lounging on the couch, his legs spread and a book that he was reading in between glances at you in his hand. 

You could feel his hot gaze on you like electricity; jolting you wherever it landed. For a moment you thought he might even be using his chakra to reach out to you, but your signatures only intermingled at the edges when you checked. Glancing back, you saw his eyes on the pages of his book. 

He looked so good like that, with the warm light of the fire flickering across his face, his dark eyes catching the glow. His one arm across the back of the couch, the material doing little to hide the tone of his muscles, and his sweatpant clad legs, sitting open and just inviting you to take a seat. The urge to straddle him and rip the book out of his hands was so startlingly strong that you fumbled the duster and dropped it on the floor.

You cleared your throat with wide eyes, facing away from him while you picked it up. A voice in your brain told you to walk away to take a moment, so you headed for the linen closet in the hallway. You could feel his eyes on you until you disappeared.

While putting the duster away, you took a deep breath. You looked back in his direction and pressed a hand to your cheek, feeling the heat of it. You reminded yourself that those thoughts were absolutely inappropriate, and decided it was close enough to five that you could probably just leave and rid yourself of your indecent thoughts away from him. 

“Hey, I'm going to go ahead and head out,” You called to him, walking to the kitchen table to grab your bag. 

“Oh, that time already?” He sounded disappointed. 

“Uh, yeah. I'll see you in the morning,” You put on your coat and slung your bag over your shoulder. 

“Okay, have a good night,” he said, watching you from the couch. 

“You too,” opening the door, you waved to him and headed out. 

You visited Hina on the way back. She was doing surprisingly well. It seemed that having Toji and her grandma's help was really good for her depression. She was already taking to motherhood well. 

On your way out, Genma was coming in for his shift. He stopped you near the barrier. 

“Hey, how's it going?” He asked with a smile.

“Good, you?”

“Good. I was wondering, since you weren't able to come to my birthday, would you come out with me this Friday for a few drinks?”

You thought for a moment. It would be nice of you to go, and you probably deserved to relax after the recent stress. Plus, you hadn't been able to properly catch up with him since coming back. 

“I'll see if Toma will take Hikaru and let you know?”

He grinned and readjusted the strap of his backpack. “Awesome. Okay, I hope he does,”

“Me too,” You replied back genuinely. 

“Cool. I'll see you later,” 

“You too.” You waved as the two of you parted and headed to the daycare distractedly, more than a few things clouding your mind. 

Part XXI

Taglist: @mostlyunsure, @humongousdreamlandbear, @ichaichahatake, @mandy-yeager, @detectivestucks, @faces-ofvenus

[inkwell-passion]

Make Something Of Yourself

"When will you stop fooling around, and make something of yourself, Telemachus?"

The words of my father ring in my ears. It's been five years since the firm burned down, and our relationship has only gotten worse. At least he finally realized that he can't just pretend to play house after years of acting like I don't exist. Even now as I am running sparring drills with the Thunderbringers and Marines, I find myself ruminating on those words. Today. Today is the day I make something of myself.

I block the left jab the 2nd Lieutenant sent my way, and counter with a kick with my right leg. This Officer doesn't run enough drills, its obvious if I'm able to dog walk him like this. The Lieutenant goes for another punch, this one intended to break my nose. I bob my head to the right and grab his bicep and the front of his BDUs, locking our hips together and turning, I use the leverage to toss him over my shoulder. I step on his shoulder and pull out my sparring handgun, shooting the Lieutenant with lockdown paint keeping him down. "That's why you don't let yourself get tossed to the ground, if you're on the ground you've lost."

"Agent Maelstrom Wins! Take That Sir!" The Gunny that was acting as ref calls out, and the crowd of the marines cheer. I spot a very specific redhead on the outskirts of the gym, watching the boxing ring with a surgical delight. The Good Doctor Christo.

I didn't like Christo originally, he was everything I wanted to be, or it seemed that way at least. That changed when he stood up for me.

'Hey is everything okay?' I asked the Scientist who was holding his cheek, waiting at my father's doors for him.

'Yeah, just got slapped around for talking back. It's nothing Agent.' I knew it wasn't nothing, so I looked at the report in his hands, recognizing it as the one from our fight.

'Did he not like the results?'

'No it wasn't that. He was angry that I implied he didn't pay enough attention to you, and that the work you did was 'expected' and 'I will praise him when he does something truly above and beyond.' What a dickwaffle, I swear.'

'You didn't have to do that, Doctor.'

'But I wanted to. You deserve recognition just as much as I do.'

That was four maybe five years ago. He's taken care to not get hit again. His wife is also a kind woman, Doctor Ashley Christo… She fits him well, I'm glad he found someone. Maybe once I'm out of this hellhole I'll find someone too…not that I'd even know what that feels like.

I walk out of the ring and start heading for the Director's office, today was the day. Doctor Montana 'Monty' Christo tags along on my left.

"Happy Twenty-Fifth, man!" Monty says, clapping me on the shoulder with a grin. "Congratulations on another year of not killing your father." He adds.

"That you know of, Monty. Maybe that meeting was just a lie." I smirk, ruffling his hair and messing up the perfect braid he had it in.

"Hey!! Ashley did that braid for me, come on man!" The Doctor complains and tries to fix his hair as best as possible, a smile on his face that slowly falls. "Are you sure about this? You're still his successor, you could inherit this all when he finally kicks the bucket."

"Why would I want this? It's a Humanitarian Crime Factory. I want to actually do something with my life, Make Something Of Myself, y'know?" I shove my hands into the pockets of my white slacks. God I hate this suit. It's emblematic of everything that's wrong with my life.

Monty puts his hands behind his head a lazy smile on his face. "I dunno, we get some pretty good funding, you'd be raking in thousands of Bytes…Kilobytes if you will." He grins at me, I roll my eyes.

"Who thought it was smart to name our money after how we store our data?" I grumble and grab a packet of cigarettes, sticking one between my lips and bringing a lighter up to it.

"Well Money is named after the most important thing and after The Day…" Monty adds lifting his pipe up and bumming My lighter, the smell of cannabis filling the halls. "But I agree it makes talking about things so fuckin' annoying."

We finally reach the office, Monty opens the door for me, remarking "Your throne, your majesty" with a lilting laugh. I roll my eyes and walk in, placing the Byte Chip on the desk and looking at the image of The Director, Mom, and I in the photo frame.

"You know this image is doctored…" I tell Monty who looks over at it and cocks an eyebrow.

"Really? How do you know?" Monty asks, taking a toke from his pipe.

"She died in childbirth, I'm 3 in that image." The hate in my eyes roar from a candle to a bonfire, as I take the back off the photo and slip it out.

"Woah woah, what're you doing Tell?" Monty looks at me like I've gone mad.

"Making him see the truth." I slip a photo of Myself as an adult into the frame, folding the doctored image up and slipping it into my breast pocket. I walk over to the cane that I made for the man, grabbing it and examining the olive wood stick, the Perfect Diamond lodged into the faux eyesocket…

"Think this will work for my bruiser?" I shake the cane a little bit.

"Yeah, at least until I can make that cane he requested." Monty puffs the smoke out.

"Good." I place it in the duffle bag. "Alright Technowizard, get into that Database."

Monty nods, sitting in the Director's chair and logging himself in using the Administrator Password he picked up during the Server Database maintenance he performed last month. "You know if we get caught You're as good as fucked, yeah?" Monty takes another puff from his pipe.

"I'm well aware. As long as you and Ashley aren't hurt by it, I can take that risk."

"Oh I'm so sleeping on the couch once she learns what I did."

"She's not gonna rat on you is she?"

"Oh no, but she will be Piiiiiiiissed."

I let out a dry laugh, idly tabbing through his voicemail…all 7 years of my voicemails are there. Unopened. He never listened to any of them. Every awkward, kid calling home from camp style Voicemail, spoken out into the void.

The hate roars from a bonfire to a forest fire, engulfing my rationale. I reach over Monty and steal his favorite pen, sliding it into my interior breast pocket. "Find his personal flight craft for me." I request of Monty.

Monty nods and hits enter. "Alright, all your data has been wiped from the database, and you are now just filled under 'Outis'. Your IFF has administrator access and your father has no relation to the callsign anymore."

I nod with a smirk. "Thank you Monty, and his personal flight craft?"

Monty would type away. "Clearing Registration and putting it under your access code, it is named 'Penelope' do you want to change that?"

Of course he named it after her. That's all She ever was to him, an object, something for him to use. He never loved her…not like she loved him.

"Keep it." It'll be born anew under my command, a ship to honor my mother, yeah that sounds good. "Also look into Escrow account 244610"

Monty nods, typing in a few queries before chuckling. "Nope, he got to that already."

"Fuck. Okay, we're done here." I fix everything to be as it was, wipe all prints and clean up any hair. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Just like she taught me.

Monty and I walk out, rambling about some bullshit experiment and being 'so upset that the Director is not available'. We break away from each other at the hallway junction, and I return to the room that had been mine for the last 5 years. I hated this room, it was exemplary of my entrapment.

I had packed everything I was gonna need, I'm only taking one of my suits, in case I need to act as Agent Maelstrom, and not Telemachus. I grab a body pillow and the wig from the closet, setting it up so I look asleep, along with grabbing the newly tailored outfit. Time to go visit Athena.

Advisor Sonja was inside her immaculate office, waiting for me. She looks me up and down. "Are you sure about this, Young Fox?" She asks, a fatherly concern to her voice.

"I'm sure." A curt nod as I stand straight, waiting for her approval.

"Your mother would be proud," She nods at me, clearing me for service. "Right, take this card to Ashley, she's got a gift for you." She would hand a card for 'Polarizing Contact Lenses for Photosensitive Eyes'. I look it over before nodding.

"Yes Ma'am, If you need anything let me know ma'am."

"Of course, Outis." She holds up a finger and unholsters her personalized handgun, handing it to me with a proud smile. I look at it before back to her, nonverbally asking if she's sure, she nods, mouthing 'its yours'.

I give her one final salute before marching out, heading down the bleak and pristine halls of the facility, heading into the lab where Monty and Ashley were working. "Hey Ash, got a card for you from the Advisor."

I hand the card over to the Doctor who nods and motions to Monty. The Redhaired man grins like the devil as he pulls out the contact lenses that he improved, and brings me to a chair, laying me down and putting an anesthesia mask over my face.

When I wake up, I am looking into a mirror, my Sclera have gone black. Just like the Seraphim that I taught; That we taught together. I'll miss them. They understood me better than anyone else. Monty gets my attention. "This is permanent, you can't take them out." I nod, internally rolling my eyes as Ashley makes me run through a vision test. It's good to not need my sunglasses in doors finally.

"Alright, you're good to go. You're officially not our problem anymore." The Christos nod at me and wave me off. I stand up from the chair and walk towards the exit, looking back at them with a soft smile.

"Thanks, both of you." The two doctors nod and Monty offers me a thumbs up.

I walk through the door, and head to the bathroom, changing into the urban BDUs that I got requisitioned years ago, throwing my suit, and my new coat into a flight bag. This is it, the point of no return. I wet my hands and fix my hair, letting it fall naturally around my head instead of slicking it back. I look at myself in the mirror and find myself near unrecognizable.

"Perfect." I say to myself, pushing off the sink and grabbing my flight bag. I sprint out the bathroom and stick to the camera blind spots, dodging the Seraph Patrols before slipping through a window. Out in the distance I see my father returning, having just left 'Penelope' in the hanger. Right on time.

I stick to the outskirts of the runway, just distant enough that my silhouette blends in with the urban cityscape behind me. Handgun at the ready, I slide into the personal hanger of the Director. There is two guards patrolling, I wait in the corner for them to pass me, I take slide my gloves on as I grab one, knocking him out before taking his gun and shoot the other, placing the gun back in the original guard's hand, and doing the same thing with the other guard and the other gun so it looks like they shot themselves in some heated feud.

I synthesize an argument between the two guards on a datapad and leave it nearby to act as a recording of their 'deadly argument'.

I try to access 'Penelope' the X-5P34R Experimental Exoatmospheric Fighter with my I.F.F.

Nothing happens.

I try again.

Nothing.

"Fuck!" I whisper before I slide underneath the flight craft and grab my datapad, trying to forge the universal unlock signal that I remember from the Security overview I got 5 years ago. It takes me 30 minutes before I configure the right code. 'Penelope' opens the canopy for me and I slip in, closing the canopy behind me.

Once I'm ready, I flick the ignition switch. Her engines ignite in a roar of ionized flame. A small rumbling laugh fills my throat as I flick on the radar and weapon systems, Air Traffic Control tries to hail me. "This is ATC Tower Sierra One One Seven, please present your identification numbers or we will be forced to ground you."

I make sure my I.F.F. is configured, along with sighting my guns, as I slip my helmet on and grab the mic. "Yeah this is ATC Code X5P-PEN000-- SUCK DICK FUCKHEADS"

I gun the throttle and rocket out of the hanger, immediately ascending to 600 Feet in the air, and gunning towards the horizon. My radar squawks that I've got two bandits flying behind me, trying to hail me over comms.

I start flying upwards, wrapping around them as I line up my guns and shoot the first one down, making sure he plummets into the lake as I keep as low to the forest roof as possible.

God that was a bad idea, So is locking on and firing two radar locked missiles at the other fighter.

I'm doing it anyway.

The missiles fly free and meet contact with the enemy plane taking out his engines and he plummets into the forest below us.

I've really done it now, I can see at least a five man flight of hostile aircraft that are catching up to me as I start evasive Maneuvers, watching as tracers whizz past my canopy and off into the distance. I break up into the sky and they trail after me, I immediately turn right as if I'm returning to base, allowing me to line up my guns and take out a straggler. That one was probably just a cadet who was on patrol, poor guy.

They all follow me, and I can hear the Missile Warning Systems screaming in my ears. I need to do something quick, but the only idea coming to my head is absolute insanity. I start to do a back loop again and catch two guys with my missiles, leaving only two more pilots. I start flying back to base, gaining as much altitude as I can….before cutting my engines cold and sending myself into a flat spin.

One Rotation

Two Rotations

Three Rotations

Three and a Half--

I cut my engines back on and rocket past the two pursuing craft, causing them to collide with themselves due to their angle of pursuits as I immediately start climbing into space. I cut all systems except my engines as to make it harder to track me, running as silent as possible.

I did it, I'm free.

I'm Going To Make Something Of Myself.

[drama--universe]

Almost Drowned

Requested by anonymous: Annyeong, can you please do a Jang Han-Seok/Jang Jun-Woo x female reader imagine ??? Maybe Angst with Fluff(sweet/cute) ending ???

Pairing: Jang Han-Seok/Jun-Woo x fem!reader

Word Count: 730 words

Warnings: tried to make it fluffy at the end, hope it's okay :)

Entering your home, you just wanted to lay down in bed and maybe even cuddle with your boyfriend if he was home. You had the most annoying day at work. An intern had spilled hot coffee all over you and burned a part of your arm due to it, your co-worker of yours had claimed your work as their own and gained a promotion thanks to it, and finally your boss thought that it was okay to put his hands on you. You punched him and lost your job, so... Yeah, definitely not one of the best days you have had.

"Han-Seok?" You called out for your boyfriend, but you received no reply. Even when the lights were on, the apartment felt eerie and you couldn't help but grab the hockey stick beside the door. Your bag was long forgotten by the entrance, the hockey stick in your hand dragged over the floor as you made your way through the house. The sound of water suddenly appeared and you sighed softly, guessing that it was the reason that Han-Seok didn't hear your call. However, that didn't explain the water beneath your feet as it gushed out of the bathroom. So you stayed cautious, raising the hockey stick slightly to push open the bathroom door. You didn't see anything at first, but as you inched closer you noticed a figure in the bathtub. It was only when you realized that is was Han-Seok that you sprung in action. Your weapon fell to the ground with a loud clank as you rushed forward, dropping to your knees. You ignored the pain, pushing your arms into the water and pulling the man up. He gasped for air, trying to keep the water from his eyes as English curses started to roll from his tongue.

"What were you doing?" You exclaimed, but he didn't react as he tried to process everything himself. The name Vincenzo was mentioned in his mumbling and you could only sigh softly as you got up again, pulling a towel towards you to hand to Han-Seok.

"I thought you were killing yourself, dammit." You mumbled as you held out the towel, which Han-Seok grabbed as he got out of the bathtub and he quickly tied it around his waist.

"Like I'd do that." "You kill others, why not yourself either." You replied sarcastically and Han-Seok gave you a look that told you to shut up. You just rolled your eyes before hugging him softly and Han-Seok returned the favor, wrapping his arms around you.

"Why don't you just kill him? Vincenzo, I mean." You asked, looking up to him and he gave you a smirk in return. "Where's the fun in that?" He asked and you hit his chest softly.

"You'll live, how about that for a starter?" You asked and Han-Seok scoffed again, pulling away from the hug as he raked a hand through his hair.

"Where would be the fun in that?" He chuckled before making his way out of the room, leaving out footprints that could only make you groan. You followed him nonetheless, sitting behind him on the bed and grabbing the towel from his hand before looking at his back.

"Who did this?" You asked as you started cleaning the scratches on his bag, avoiding the bullet wound on his lower back since it had been healing nicely. Once you had washed all the blood off again, you pulled a tube of cream from the nightstand and started applying it to the wounds.

"It's nothing serious, darling~. You should've seen the other guy, there's not much left of him by now." Han-Seok spoke and although you could hear a soft joking tone in his voice, you knew well enough that he was dead serious.

"Don't fight too often will you, I can't follow with the washing. Also, stop ruining my floor." You said as you poked a bit harder at one of his wounds, causing him to his and snap his head around to face you. You only patted his cheek softly before continuing with the wounds. When you were completely finished, you put everything away again before handing him his shirt. He pulled it on before turning around to face you, keeping his eyes on yours.

"Am I useful enough?" You asked and Han-Seok smiled, kissing you softly before pulling your down on the bed with him.

"Otherwise I wouldn't keep you around, would I?"

[sadhours]

neon lights pt. 1 | b.h & reader

18+ minors dni. - next chapter contents: adult themes, friends to lovers LAS VEGAS - 1989 Billy didn't realize it had happened until it did, two months of being in Vegas without a dime to his name, living in his Camaro and driving up and down the strip until any opportunity came along. He'd left Hawkin's after finishing courses at the trade school, a promise he'd made to his father but once he was certified for a handful of manual labor jobs and Neil insisted Billy join him at his job, he couldn't hang. He bit the bullet, dealt with the fight and told him he was going home. If only Neil could see him now, homeless with a bit of gambling habit before he'd even made it to California.

The constant party of this town had drawn him in, burning through his wallet and his ambitions. To be totally fair, he didn't even have a plan for what he'd do once he eventually got to San Diego. Finding his mom was about the only thing he really wanted to do but he didn't even know where to start. So he figured, this place was fun enough. He could stick around as long as this town would let him. He'd need a job though. And wouldn't you know it, the strip club seemed like the perfect place of employment.

Billy walks into the Rosy Cheeks on a Tuesday afternoon, asking for the manager and he's introduced to the house mother, which in his luck. She flirtatiously guides him to a booth after offering him a complimentary cocktail, which he takes graciously. "We don't actually hire male dancers," she says to him, an eyebrow raised.

"Oh, thank god, because I'm here for the bartending position," Billy teases, giving her his best fuck me eyes. He really needed this job so what he does to get it doesn't bother him too much, he'd been doing this for years now. Summer's spent working at the Hawkin's Community Pool were practice for moments like this, using the way older women treated him to get what he needed. It caught up to him when he was alone with his thoughts, so he made it quite the mission to never be alone.

"Have you ever bartended before?" she asks.

Billy smirks, "No but I'm a quick learner."

"We'll see about that," she says, "You start this Thursday."

When he's on his first training shift, you're walking in fifteen minutes late to your shift, not letting it bother you when you see the place is empty. You sigh out loud, heading to the dressing room, "I don't know why I bother showing up to this shift." The girls in the room laugh, applying their makeup in preparation for the rush you all hope is coming. You light up a smoke after changing into the set you'd picked out for your first stage dance, slipping your robe on over it but not yet ready to put the platform shoes.

"Ladies!" you hear the house mother Didi call as she struts into the dressing room, a man trailing behind her with an unruly mullet. He looks as if he hasn't had a haircut in months. "I want you all to meet the new bartender," she motions to him. "Billy, ladies."

"Hi Billy," the room rings and he waves adorably back.

"Hello, Ladies," he purrs and Didi pats his bottom as she's ushering him out of the room. Ah, there it is. During your time of the exotic dancing circuit, you had never seen a male bartender. It didn't seem to be good for business, at least at the places you've worked. You cannot help it when your eyes follow his ass as he walks away, his jeans were incredibly tight and he kind of bounced when he walked. Goddamnit, he's hot. You cannot mess around with a coworker again, though. The last time you'd hooked up with a bouncer didn't go so well.

Billy's remarkably well at his job, he keeps track of how much he's served the girls and he gets along with the regulars. Didi points out he can double as security which he does for you. He's leaving from his shift and you're leaving from yours so it made sense to walk out together anyways.

"Jesus Christ, that's a beautiful car," you spew, looking at the gorgeous midnight blue Camaro parked next to your beat up Volkswagen rabbit, which at one point had been your dream car. Unfortunately, you weren't the best driver and you struggled to keep up with regular oil changes or engine services.

"Thanks," Billy muttered, leaning against it as he lights up a cigarette. You peer inside and see the blanket and pillow thrown in the backseat.

"Are you living in it?" you ask, eyes widening.

Billy scoffs, "When I can't find somewhere else to sleep."

"Oh, Billy... Have you been looking for an apartment?" you ask, snatching the pack of Marlboro's from his shirt pocket to light one up for yourself.

"Sometimes I can get lucky and there's some vacancy at the 66 Motel," he shrugs.

"Well... my roommate actually just moved out three weeks ago. I've been looking for someone to take over the space," you say, "if you wanted, you could move in?"

"I couldn't," he tries, "I don't want to impose." but he does follow you home and crashes on your couch for a week until you insist he buys a mattress and takes over the empty room.

Slowly but surely, the room becomes Billy's and it makes you sad that he didn't have anything besides a suitcase full of clothes and his car. When you ask why, he admits he had a lot more things but he pawned them to pay for nights at the casinos.

"Ah, not a local then?" you'd asked, while the two of you watched TV and partook in a couple of drinks after a particularly boring dayshift.

"No, I'd never even been to Vegas before six months ago. I'm from San Diego, lived in Indiana for a few years and decided I wanted to go back home, got kinda trapped here," he explains.

You had been born and raised in this place, never knowing of anywhere else in the world. "The best of 'em get stuck here," you say in an effort to cheer him up, his story being a sad one. You don't ask him much else about his upbringing, learning that it could be a touchy subject and if people wanted to tell their backstory, they would. Billy never talked about his life before the short six months he'd been here. You didn't mind, he was always respectful and gave you space. Billy never comments about girls at work but he'd brought home a string of your coworkers, along with strangers. You two had a good thing worked out and after a while, Billy became your closest friend.

____________________

a/n: hi!! just something i threw together this weekend, I'll still be focusing on Wicked Sensation but sometimes i just get an idea and if i dont write it that instant, i wont at all. hope you enjoy!!!

[huverican]

Hypothetically saying, if your life was flashing before your eyes because you are about to die. What memories of you and Stephen would replay in your head?

(Ⅰ) The first time you met.

You finished washing the rest of your dishes and tore off a piece of paper towel to dry off your hands. You hummed your favorite song, swaying to the melody as you walked towards your bedroom.

Just as you were about to open your door, you heard some sort of crackling noise. The kind a fire makes when its fed wood, or when a sparkler stick is lit. Confused by the weird sound, you turned around. Nothing appeared to be out of place.

Okay, maybe you were just hearing things.

You turn around once again and open your door fully this time. You walk into your room and pause, when you hear another noise.

Crack

"Alright, who's there?" You whip your head around and walk out of your room defensively.

You start checking behind corners, not afraid of whatever could be there. You were a superhero after all, you could put up a fight.

Then you heard it again.

You whip your head around and follow the noise to your living room. You stand in front of the rug on your floor, confused where it could possibly be coming from. It felt like you were right in front of it, but all you could hear was the noise coming from your rug.

You walk closer, considering lifting up the rug. Maybe it was something burning under it? As you kneel down, an orange spark shoots onto your chest. Expecting a sting, you fall onto your ass and try to wipe off any sort of hot remains. But nothing was there, and you realized it didn't burn whatsoever.

What the fuck?

All of the sudden, a burst of orange and yellow sparks are swirling in the air in front of you. You gasp and jump to your feet, stepping backwards and preparing yourself for a fight.

You stand there for a couple more seconds until the sparks spread out and widen into an oval. Then, sparks start to dissipate in the center and reveal a man dressed in robes... a very handsome one at that.

Wearing a red cape and blue garments, the man stepped out of the portal in front of you. You took another step back and analyzed who you assumed, you'd be fighting any second. Because- who the hell bursts into your house like this normally?

Though, you 'analyzing your opponent' turned into more of you checking him out. To be fair, how could you not?

The man was tall with a slim figure that definitely had muscles under those robes. He stood with straight, good posture, which just made him look taller than he already was. He had blue eyes that really popped out from his face, which had generously, sharp cheekbones. His hair was a dark brown, black-like color, and it had streaks of grey on the sides. His facial hair was clean and you could tell just from one look he kept up on personal hygiene.

All in all, this man looked very attractive. You know, like one of those older, 'silver-wolf' type men you see only in movies.

You could tell he was staring you down as well. If it weren't for not knowing if he was a threat, you would totally try and talk to him.

"(Y/n) (L/n), I'm Dr. Stephen Strange, you need to come with me."

You pushed your eyebrows together at his extremely, straightforward request and scoffed.

"Why would I go with a stranger whom I've never met, might I add, one that came through a portal in my house, and knows my name?" He raised his eyebrow and tilted his head a bit.

"Good point." He stepped aside to reveal Bruce Banner. You gasped slightly and relaxed a bit. It's been a solid amount of time since you'd last seen him, he went off on his own after the battle with Ultron. So of all places, why was Bruce with this guy?

You took a step closer and realized he looked like a mess. He looked traumatized, and it hurt you to see your friend like this.

You reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. To see if he would stop being so tense, but it didn't work.

"Bruce? What are you-"

"Thanos is coming, (Y/n). We need everyone we can get." You looked at him with nothing but confusion. Who the hell is Thanos?

"Um, okay. But you're going to have to fill me in." You said and you took your hand away from his shoulder.

"I-I will, just come with us." He turned around and put a foot through the portal, Stephen right behind him. Bruce stepped all the way through, waiting on the other side for you. Just as Stephen was about to head into the portal, he looked back at you.

"Are you coming?" He looked at you, a little puzzled. Why weren't you moving?

"Through uh- through that thing?" You pointed at the portal and Stephen looked at the portal, then you again.

"Um, yeah. Is it your first time going through one? It doesn't feel as weird as it looks."

Is it my first time? Um, yes? Where else would I be doing this? You thought to yourself. But then again, you were a superhero, anything could happen.

"Yeah uh, it is."

"Okay then, take my hand. I'll pull you through." Stephen reached his hand out and you squinted at him a little, contemplating whether to take his hand or not. You weren't scared, no, just cautious. You couldn't help but feel weird about doing this, let alone listen to someone you just met. What if something crazy is going on and Bruce isn't actually Bruce and it's a trick or-

"(Y/n) come on it's okay!" Bruce yelled, waving to you from the other side and snapping you out of your thoughts.

You looked at Stephen's hand, then back up at him again and put your hand in his. He squeezed your hand and pulled you towards him a little fast, making trip. Fortunately, you landed into his chest, your hands resting on his shoulders.

Your face heated up a little and you could tell it was turning red. How could it not though? He was a mighty-fine looking guy.

"I swear if this is some sort of-" You tried to protest out of embarrassment, but he cut you off right away.

"Gosh you Avengers sure are grumpy. Lighten up, Sweetheart nothing is going to happen." He chuckled and pulled you both through the portal.

(Ⅱ) Your First Kiss.

"I wanna love you..." You sang the music to yourself, finishing up the mascara you had just applied. You were getting ready for a date. With who you may ask? The one and only, Doctor Stephen Strange, a sorcerer who had been known for helping save the world. So, how the hell were you scoring a date with a man like him?

Well, after you two had met. You and he (with the rest of the Avengers) were immediately fighting Thanos and his army. You two stuck around one another during most of the fighting, turning into friends on the battlefield. That was, until both of you had been 'blipped' for five years, returning back once again, on the battlefield.

When everything was finally over. You felt broken and lonely. Your closest friend, Natasha, was gone. Your brother, Tony, was gone. Everyone else that was held dear and close to you, was either gone, or depressed. Worst of all, the Avengers were lost, confused, and searching for a new way to start. The pillar that held up humanity’s hope and protection was broken. And when that many people look up to one group, it starts to take a toll on everyone in it.

Though everything was extremely painful, you and Stephen started to connect more. You and he became better friends and eventually, you two started to try going on a few dates. Stephen made you really happy, even when you were sad his presence helped. You enjoyed texting him, calling him, and seeing him. It was like he was apart of your daily routine now. When you wake up, you text Stephen. When you do something fun, you tell Stephen. Who asks how your day was? Stephen. It was like muscle memory to think about him every day. Your life was finally going upwards after everything.

Your first two dates with Stephen were better than any you've ever been on. Your first date, he took you out to dinner at a fancy steak restaurant. Then, the second one you had more fun, literally. You two went to an arcade and won as many jackpots as you could. Sounds silly when you think about it, two adults (superheroes at that) playing at an arcade like you were ten. But, it was worth every second and you had a good time. Something that had been hard for you after defeating Thanos.

"..and treat you right.." You continued to sing the song as you put on some jewelry. Stephen should be here any second, your date was at 6 o'clock. Since he used...portals, you knew he'd be right on time and it was already five fifty five. You took up the last five minutes checking yourself in the mirror, making sure you looked good. If you were going to be walking around with the Stephen Strange, then you should look good, right?

You heard the familiar noise the portals would create and poked your head outside your bathroom door. Stephen stood in the hallway with a bouquet of red roses, grinning like a child. So classic, yet so thoughtful.

"Wow. 6:01. You're late! Was it traffic or something?" You teased and he rolled his eyes, walking up to you and handing you the bouquet.

"Well if that’s the case, this is my sorry gift for being a minute late." He laughed and handed you the flowers. You closed your eyes, inhaling the fresh scent .

"These smell amazing, thank you. I'll need to grab a vase for these before we leave." You smiled and then realized the quiet music in the background. You turned around and picked up your phone, stopping the music and putting your phone in your purse.

"Hmmm, was that Bob Marley in the background?"He questioned as you both walked towards your kitchen.

"Mmmmmaybe." He chuckled at your response. You opened a cupboard under your sink, taking out a spare vase. As you started to fill it up with water from sink, Stephen came up behind you. He rested his arms on either side of you, leaning his hands on the sink.

"You look beautiful, Darling." He whispered, and just something so subtle as that made you feel weak in your knees. You could feel his breath against the back of your neck and you bit your lip a little. You turned around and faced Stephen, setting the vase on the counter. Looking up at him and leaning yourself against the sink, you leaned in closer to his face.

"Oh I do now?" At this point you two were almost touching noses. It was taking all of your self-control to not kiss him, and it was taking all of his to do the same. You were eye candy to him, and the look on his face was telling you clearly. The way he eyed you bit your lip. You looked so seductive to him, best part was you weren't even trying.

"More than you realize." He chuckled a bit, trying to brush off how flustered he was over you. Seriously, this guy the Sorcerer Supreme, a protector of the world, and he never stumbled. But this? Gosh he was falling for you quicker than he’d imagined.

You smirked and looked at his lips, he was biting his too. Little did you know, he was slowly losing the self restraint to not kiss your right there. The tension between you two made him want to just smash his lips into yours, but he kept still, too scared to make a move if you weren’t comfortable. If he messed up he could lose you, and he never wanted that to happen in the slightest.

You closed your eyes and leaned forward, pressing your lips against his soft ones. Stephen’s eyes widened as he pushed against your lips and leaned his body into yours, gently pressing you even more against the sink. His lips tasted sweet, and you assumed it was from honey-tea he’d drunken earlier, which you didn't really mind. You expected it from an avid tea drinker. Besides, you were more focused on how it felt to finally put your lips on his.

He moved his hands onto your waist, hesitating a bit incase you didn't want them resting there. When you didn't move out of discomfort, he gently squeezed your waist. He was careful with his hand placement, reminding himself that he didn't know how what you were okay with. This certain way he touched you, with extra care and thought, made you feel warm inside. Literally, overheated by the fact a man such as him existed, a man that had made you so comfortable so quickly. You were never one to let your guard down, and you still kept a small barrier up. But Stephen had truly gotten you open up to him and it was unfamiliar to you. This feeling inside you hasn't been something you've felt in a long time..

..was it love? Have you really been falling in love?

You're an adult, you've had passed relationships, but this felt.. different. Yeah, yeah, every girl says that with the new man, but really though. This wasn't the same and you couldn't compare it to anything you've felt before. This felt secure, like you were on the right path.

You pulled away and broke the kiss, resting your hands on his chest.

"That- That was great. Wow." He lifted his hand to your cheek, rubbing his thumb across the side of your face.

"Yeah, that was perfect." You leaned into his hand and closed your eyes for a moment. You were nothing but satisfied and comfortable in his care, you couldn't ask for more.

You opened your eyes again and playfully grinned.

"Wanna do it again?"

Hi all:) This was a very very veryyyy old draft, so I apologize if it was a little bad haha! But, I’m back. I might write more, I might not. But I have a few drafts I thought I would share because they never got to be posted and they had work put into them. :)

Have a good day:)

[ahjae]

So.. I write RuiKasa

Tsukasa : Knight

(Minor) Prince Toya

Rui : Sorcerer "Villain"

Ever since one of the members left the village, Tsukasa was left taking care of her sister, Emu and Nene. He's the one defending the girls from the abuse they receive from their old village. Til one day Tsukasa packed all of their things (with the help of Nene) and left the village in the middle of the night.

Finding a new village wasn't easy, the walk was long and the weather was either too hot or too rainy for them. Their only source of shelter is a little tent that can barely fit all 4 of them together.

It took weeks of walking to finally find a village. Emu and Saki were ecstatic to finally find a new home, the bright smiles on their faces almost making Nene and Tsukasa go blind.

But happy endings don't exist. Not on Tsukasa's book.

"Tsukasa, Big brother wake up!" Saki shook her brother awake, tears pouring on her face. Tsukasa was confused and concerned but his questions was quickly answered by a loud explosion. "Get up!" Nene yelled from afar and Tsukasa was quick to his feet, grabbing Saki's hand and leaving the house. Every house in the village are on fire, a fire that Tsukasa was too familiar with. A bright crimson fire. But no time for theorising, his goal is to get the girls to safety. The four of them began sprinting but unfortunately for Nene, she tripped on her own two feet and started coughing, due to the smoke and the running exhausting her lungs. Saki turned around immediately and helped Nene to get back on her feet, but before Tsukasa could help another explosion erupted, the smoke covering the two girls. Emu and Tsukasa's eyes widen.

"NENE!"

" SAKI!"

The two yelled in unison, and when the smoke cleared out two unconscious girls are in front of them. Emu yelled, tears streaming down her face. "Emu, let's go!" Tsukasa picked up Emu knowing she couldn't move on her own with what she just witnessed, Tsukasa couldn't move at that moment either but knowing the situation, he has to move.

Even if Tsukasa's legs wanted to give up he still kept on running while holding Emu in his arms; due to the smoke, the two of them couldn't see properly, if they could they could've avoided the debris that fell on top of them. But they didn't. Tsukasa groaned, quickly getting up and lifting up the debris on top of them. When he tried to pick up Emu she couldn't budge. "Emu..?" Tsukasa examined the debris and saw Emu's leg stuck under the debris. Tsukasa tried to help but noticed how quiet Emu is, with a shaken hand he reached out to Emu's pulse and nothing. Tsukasa frantically examined Emu body then finally saw the cause, the blood pooling on her head. Emu had hit her head on a sharp rock when the debris fell on them.

"DAMN IT!"

Tsukasa yelled at the top of his lungs, getting up from the ground and running away from the village, he couldn't believe he has to leave the girls, he couldn't believe that out of all of them he's the only one who survived the chaos.

When he's far enough from the village, he stumbled forward, his hands preventing him to kiss the floor. He's getting dizzy, he's exhausted, his vision is getting blurry. It's getting hard to breathe. Tsukasa looked up and saw a cloaked man in the distance even though the man is covered from head to toe, Tsukasa couldn't miss the purple and blue hair that’s sticking out. "Ru...i..?"

He muttered out before passing out.

Tsukasa opened his eyes and was blinded by the light from outside. The white ceiling stared back at him til he realize where he is. Tsukasa quickly sat up and looked around the room. "Where.. am I..?" And on queue the door opened and a bi-blue haired male entered the room. "You’re awake." said the male as he approaches Tsukasa. "Where am I?" He said softly yet still on guard. "You are in my palace, my people and I found you passed out near the burned down village."

Village... Tsukasa gripped the sheets. "Are they alive?! Please tell me they're alive!" Tsukasa gripped the prince's collar and violently shook him. The prince then grabbed both of Tsukasa's wrist and pulled it away from him while shaking his head. "You're the only survivor.."

That news broke Tsukasa.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"That's how I got here.." He said, looking down at the grave, a grave that's named after the girls he hold so close to his heart. "Knight Tsukasa" an individual called out to him. "Your highness is requesting your presence” Tsukasa nodded, getting up from the grassy land and said goodbye to the graves before following the individual.

They entered the Prince's room and there he saw the prince on his throne waiting for Tsukasa's arrival. Tsukasa walked down the red carpet and once he's near enough, he kneeled down with a hand on his chest. "Toya, your highness. What brings me the pleasure to be around your presence?" Tsukasa asked, looking up at Toya.

"I called you hear for a mission" Toya began to speak.

"Rumor has it that a sorcerer has been terrorizing multiple villages and I think you'd be suited for this job"

This catastrophe feel all to familiar to Tsukasa but he didn't want to jump to conclusions. Tsukasa accepted this mission, bowing one last time to Toya before leaving the room. He slowly walked down the hallway which leads to his room, while walking he was muttering and whispering his plan on how to slay he sorcerer.

Nightfall starts; Tsukasa has been hiding in the forest near an unaffected village where Toya predicted the next attack will happen and he was right. Footsteps rang on Tsukasa's ears, he didn't know exactly where this sorcerer is but he knows they’re near. The sorcerer fired its first shot before sprinting to the village and continuing to fire the shots. Tsukasa watched in horror as a familiar crimson flame emits from one of the village houses. "Rui.." He said under his breath before carefully getting up from his hiding spot and approaching the chaos.

It took Tsukasa a couple of minutes to finally find the sorcerer he's assigned to slay. He strikes with his sword but was blocked by an invisible force, his eyes widen but before he can react a wind blasted his direction pushing him far back. He clutched his sword close to his chest. A ball of crimson fire approached him; fortunately, Tsukasa was quick to react and blocked it with his sword, ignoring the burning air hitting his face.

Tsukasa charged at the sorcerer, lifting his sword and striking the cloaked man, hitting what he assumed is the arm. The sorcerer groaned, taking a step back but Tsukasa didn't give him a break and strike once again. kicking the sorcerer to the ground and there, the sorcerer's hood was taken off of him.

Tsukasa gasped as the man he didn't want to see was right in front of him. "Rui.." His grip on the sword loosen as he slowly approached Rui. "Did you.. cause that..?" He asked before placing a foot on Rui's chest.

"Did you cause that chaos back then that killed the girls..?" He asked once again, lifting his sword then stabbing the ground next to Rui's face.

Rui's eyes widen realising that a village he set on fire cause him to lose Nene, Emu and Saki.

"I didn't—" Rui's reply was cut off. "Don’t say you didn’t mean it!!" Tsukasa yelled, putting more pressure on Rui's chest. "Did you also not mean to abandon us?! To hurt us?! To leave us without saying anything?!" Tears began to form in Tsukasa eyes as he yelled. "Tsukasa! My star, I didn't want to hurt you all that's why I left.." Rui's having a hard time to breathe due to the pressure on his chest. "You didn't just hurt them.. you FUCKING KILLED THEM!" He stomped on Rui's chest and abdomen which led to Rui cough and spitting out blood.

'I.. deserved this..' Rui thought to himself as he gave up trying to fight for survival, if Tsukasa's killing him with his own hands then he has no reason to fight Tsukasa.

The blonde then took his foot off of Rui's chest and instead sat on his damaged abdomen; Tsukasa then pulled out his sword from the ground and plunged it on Rui's chest. "That's for killing Saki." He spat out, pulling out the sword.

"This is for killing Emu" another stab on Rui's chest. Rui choking on his own spit and blood as Tsukasa continues. Lifting up the sword once again and plunging it to Rui's heart "For killing Nene!" Tsukasa yelled, tears rolling down his cheeks and blurring his vision, he didn't care. He wanted to let is anger out.

"For abandoning us.." He whispered, gripping the sword. He lifted it up once again. "For abandoning ME!" He stabbed Rui once again. Tsukasa leaned down, shaking on top of Rui as tears continue to roll down his cheeks and hitting Rui's face. "We accepted who you are... opened our hearts and mind to you.." Tsukasa said softly; voice becoming hoarse yet soft. "We loved you.." Tsukasa pulled out the sword.

"I!"

He raised the sword over his head. "LOVED YOU!" A sword enters Rui's chest once again.

"Rui.. Give it back.. Give everything back.."

"Give me back my secrets, my wasted affection on you.. and.." He stopped to catch his breath, still gripping the sword. "My heart.."

With the little energy Rui has, he raised his bloody hand up and placed it on Tsukasa's cheek and caresses it. Even in such a gruesome state, Rui still managed to smile at the blonde. "I'm.. sorry... My star" Rui's aware that no amount of apologies will bring the girls back to life. No amount of gifts will heal the injuries he left on them when he decided to leave them.

Rui's vision is nothing but a blur and slowly but surely darkness. He can feel himself getting weaker and weaker, slowly losing consciousness. He couldn't hear or see anymore. This is goodbye. With the little consciousness Rui had he whispered to Tsukasa.

"I love you, my star."

His arm slowly fell on his side leaving a blood mark on Tsukasa's cheek. Tsukasa watched as Rui closed his eyes and his breathing came to a halt. Tsukasa lay his head low letting tears drop down on Rui's now unconscious body, the blonde's breathing uneven, heart beating frantically and body shaking.

"I love you too, Rui Kamishiro. Goodbye"

[expresso-bean]

The Man Out of Time [A ShadAmy and Silver Story]: Chapter 19

Pairing: Shadow the Hedgehog x Amy Rose

Description: It has been seven years of peace following the grueling war with Eggman and his army. Though it took time to rebuild what they have lost, life for the Freedom Fighters could not be better. Whether it's finding love or trying to run from their past, celebrating post-war times has been different for each them.

All is well until a silver hedgehog comes knocking on Amy Rose's door to deliver the tragic news about an incredible force that seems to be the cause of the future's destruction.

Will anyone believe the mysterious hedgehog's cry for help? Or will he be left to fight for his future alone? Read to find out!

Warnings: None

Word Count: 821

POV: Sonic the Hedgehog

Masterlist ❀ Ch.1 ❀ Ch.2 ❀ Ch.3 ❀ Ch.4 ❀ Ch.5 ❀ Ch.6 ❀ Ch.7 ❀ Ch.8 ❀ Ch.9 ❀ Ch.10 ❀ Ch.11 ❀ Ch.12 ❀ Ch.13 ❀ Ch.14 ❀ Ch.15 ❀ Ch.16 ❀ Ch.17 ❀ Ch.18

When I woke up, the first thing I felt was a sharp pain in my side. I clutched it tightly as I slowly picked myself off the ground.

"What happened to me?"

I rubbed my head, hoping the gentle strokes would lead me to the answers I wanted, but I got nothing but pain in return. It was then that I grew aware of my surroundings. I knew we were in one of the wrecked cities from the war, but this place was seriously wrecked. There were cars and holes everywhere, and patches of fresh ash and burns on the roads which I could only assume were from energy blasts.

'Did I do this?'

I didn't remember anything, which wasn't uncommon when I pass out after battles, but this felt different, like my heart knew I had done something extremely wrong. The last thing I remember was the fight Silver and I had-

"Silver."

That word. No, that name left a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth. S's real name was Silver. But how did I know that?

"I am Silver the Hedgehog! Son of Shadow the Hedgehog and Amy Rose! I won't let you destroy my future or my family!"

'I was in my dark form, wasn't I? That's why I couldn't remember anything.'

"I wonder what I managed to mess up this time."

'I have to think. Where did he go? Why did he just leave me like this?' I tried to piece together what had happened in those last few moments. 'What happened…'

I had a bad feeling in my chest. Like there was something bad coming my way.

'He's going to tell her, isn't he?'

"No, no, no, no…this is bad…" I whispered with my hands on my head in a panic. "I gotta see Amy!"

I patted all over and sighed in relief when I saw I still had my Chaos Emerald.

'Good thing he didn't take this. If I ran from here to there, who knows what he could have said to her. I have to make this quick.'

"Chaos Control!"

To my luck, I landed in a bush.

"Ouch…" Rolling out of the bush, I groaned while picking out leaves that were sticking out of my quills. "Can't…let Silver see me."

'Silver…'

I walked around Amy's neighborhood, hanging my head down low in slight shame. I could have killed him. I had the power to erase him from the future and prevent Amy and Shadow from having him in the first place.

Yet, I felt his power. He was holding back a lot more than he realized. He was more than capable of hurting me, maybe even killing me, but he chose not to.

Why? Because we are family? Because he knew I could hurt him as well?

Family's a stupid excuse not to fight back, especially if I was so willing to take his life if he gave me a chance.

'Ugh! This is so stupid! Why do I always have to react to my jealous impulse! Amy gave me several chances when we were younger, but my pride was too big to accept any of her affections. Even if I know who Silver is, and what happened to him as a child, I still love her. But what gets me angry the most is that I feel guilty about everything!'

I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists as I continued to Amy's house, now stomping in the utter frustration that I feel.

'I've never felt guilty after any fight, no matter who it was with. I have never regretted anything I have done if it meant I could knock some sense into someone or feel of immense thrill whenever I could test my abilities even if it was for a couple of seconds. I didn't feel that this time. I got no thrill from fighting Silver, and I don't even remember all of it in truth. Only fragments like the words he said to me, how he was able to maneuver his powers in an attempt to hurt me, and the way his skin felt when I was hitting him. Most of all, I remember how his eyes looked when he was helpless on the ground, not even holding his arms up to defend himself, and not even raising a finger to hit me in return.'

"Why didn't he just hit me!"

I heard shuffling from around the corner of the block I was walking on, and in a blind panic, I jumped into the yard and left the white picket fence to hide my body from the people about to pass by.

"Did you hear something Tails?"

Although I couldn't see them, I recognized his voice. The same voice that taunted me with guilt all night. Why is he walking right after the beating he took from me?

"And more importantly, what the hell is Tails doing with Silver?"

[writingrenna]

Grusha x GN!Reader

"There for the Fall (Pt. 1)"

A story where you insist on being friends with Grusha, and it actually works. However, he grows worried about you when he realizes just how wild you are

Takes place over the course of half a year/a year or so, so a slow burn. More of an overview of key moments where Grusha's opinion of you shifted in different directions. Therefore, the vibes are different to what I usually write. Hope you enjoy!

Tone/Ending: Sweet, Angsty at parts, Open-Ended

Warnings: A bit cringy on purpose at some parts. You injure your wrist in part 2, but it isn't shown how. Also, like before, Grusha notices you're probably an oddball for a reason. He puts a lot on the line cause you're weird and he loves you

Continuity?: The prequel/sorta sequel to "Descent to Reality"

Word Count: Over 7,000 (Overall)

--v-Vv-

The man looked out onto the horizon. He had decided to take the rest of the day a bit slower than usual, sitting down next to his Cetoddle near the boat docks at Porto Marinada. Cetoddle was there to support him, both physically and mentally, but he really did love her the same as all his other Pokémon. And she feels the exact same way towards him.

She wasn't always meant to be his therapy Pokémon.

Before, she would just follow him around whenever he came outside until one day, she helped him get back on his feet when his injury started acting up. Nobody else was around. He then started passively teaching her to be by his side when he left the house, to help with getting around. She even started learning how to ground him when he mentally shuts down, adjusting her methods whenever he's triggered by different things. She, of course, took a bit of time to train, what with her wandering off from time to time at first. But they managed, and now, she never leaves his side, despite him telling her it's Ok to from time to time.

He gave her a little pat, causing her to happily trill to herself. He smiled a bit at this, eyes not leaving where the beautiful blue sky met the rolling ocean as he felt a certain peace wash over him.

This peace was, however, broken when he heard the sound of a Falinks.

Fighting types. They've got quite the advantage over ice types such as Cetoddle, so he was always on-edge whenever he was near one.

Turning around, he saw someone commanding them.

Or, well, trying to.

"Yeah, I mean it! If we all hit a stall, we can save time on auctions! What sounds better, getting them all out the way now, or wasting time if we lose some by going one-by-one?"

The Falinks were all in a V-shaped formation, silently staring up at their trainer, who held determined fists up awaiting their answer. He huffed, trying not to laugh at the sight, although he was still slightly annoyed by the disturbance.

'This is bizarre...' he thought to himself, shaking his head as he turned back toward the view.

The Falinks eventually cried out again, their weird chattering making their trainer upset.

"But... WHY NOT!? You don't have to worry about the cash! You can, like, let me pay when you're done if you know I have enough. See? Don't even have to have the money on you!"

He heard another cry, followed by a groan and a "Fiiiiine." It was only then that he realized he was smirking. He didn't mind it, however, seeing it as just a weird little occurrence during his down time.

He didn't know just how important that trainer with their Falinks would be to him later down the line.

--v-Vv-

He was in Zapapico, getting out of a flying taxi with Cetoddle now out of her travel Pokéball. She was helping him get down, handing him his walking stick as she did so.

"Thanks" He nodded toward the driver, giving him a tip as he nodded back.

"And you-" He softly said to his Cetoddle, dragging the 'you' out a bit. "I hear those imported Poké Puffs are back in stock here, think we should get some?"

Cetoddle's eyes visibly shone, jumping around a little in excitement. He chuckled before making his way toward the store, her following closely behind him with a smile.

They grabbed the variety package, two Deluxe Puffs of each flavor, as well as a case of Pokéblocks for her to have later. It was shaping up to be a pretty uneventful day when he suddenly heard a Falinks.

"What?"

He turned toward the sound, only to see a trainer. The same trainer he saw a month or so back, in fact.

You spot him, eyes going wide and waving.

"Oh, hey there!"

Oh brother.

"Hello."

You sprint toward him, Falinks trailing slightly behind you. His Cetoddle greeted them, and they respectfully greeted her back as their trainers conversed.

"Are you Grusha? That super tough gym leader?"

His face briefly flashed with heat at that casual compliment, but he responded without hesitation.

"Well, I suppose? It's really about strategy once you get good enough."

He takes a moment to tilt his head to the side and eye your uniform. An academy goer. He doesn't remember you having that on when you were at the marketplace, but you were probably just wearing a lighter one. You came here bundled up, after all. Besides, he was too distracted by your... peculiarities.

"But trust me when I say... I don't hold back."

You gulp, taking this comment seriously.

"Oh, yeah, I believe it. For now though, I'm just chilling, taking it easy."

You look at what's in his hands.

"Oooh, Deluxe Poké Puffs! Fancy. My Falinks are fans of Poffins themselves, ain't that right!?"

You had turned to them, prompting an enthusiastic response. His head is still tilted to the side, eyeing them before sitting back up, looking at the person in front of him.

"Rather weird to comment on what someone brought."

You freeze.

"Oh, sorry! I-I just- I dunno, yeah."

He scoffs.

"Interesting."

Your eyes widen. He feels like he was a bit too aggressive.

"Sorry, just... not a good day."

That was a lie. His day was fine, he just suddenly didn't want to deal with anyone. Maybe it just wasn't a good day mentally.

"Huh. No, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were-"

He raises an eyebrow.

"Moody? Sarcastic? Yeah. That's me. Mean 'ol Grusha."

He felt like getting that out of the way so you don't get your hopes up. Everyone always does. Even now, when he tries to be sociable, his old habits come back to the point where he stopped calling them old. It's just how he is.

You look back up at him, shaking your head.

"Doesn't bother me in the slightest!"

He, for the first time since they met, pauses.

"...oh really?"

"Yeah! You seem chill, just a little rough around the edges. Nothin' wrong with that!"

He... doesn't know how to respond to that.

"Ah, I... see."

The two of you stand in silence for a moment before Falinks cries out, snapping you out of it.

"Oh, sorry! We were actually about to settle down at the Zapapico Inn. But we gotta get some grub first, it ain't easy feeding an army..."

You glance at Falinks while delivering your punchline before smirking at Grusha, who struggles to seem unamused when your super obvious joke not only didn't land, but also somehow sounded so dumb, he almost laughed. Almost. But he succeeded in stifling it. With a tinge of amusement in his voice, he carried on.

"Uh-huh."

"So yeah! Gonna get some foods now. I'll be seein' ya! Probably! Ok, bye!"

And with that, you waved at him, walking off toward a quaint little (literal) hole-in-the-wall restaurant nearby. He hears you tell your Falinks you'll pick up some Poffins on the way back to your room, and Falinks responding with excitement.

You seem nice enough.

--v-Vv-

Grusha is standing in front of a café in Montenevera. Hot chocolate in-hand, he walks back down the hill and toward another part of town. Cetoddle was right there with him, making sure he was alright going down the slippery stairs when she cried out, grabbing him by the waist protectively.

"Huh? What's wro-"

He spots you, frozen in place, Falinks marching over to catch up with you. You had stopped in the middle of a sprint, so you looked like a cartoon character. He scoffs.

"Where you about to come barreling through here?"

You give no answer.

"Uncool, that isn't safe for you, or the people around you."

You stare at him, before standing straight up, now glaring.

"For your information, I have these trekking boots on. Besides, I wouldn't just run into people. That's weird."

He isn't swayed by this response.

"Those aren't fool-proof. Trust me, even professional equipment can't stop nature from being dangerous."

You groan.

"I know, but like, a village? If it's so unsafe, why live here?"

Now he's feeling heated. His response is slightly strained, but his volume is low and even.

"You don't get it, it's still-"

Cetoddle pulls at his sleeve, blankly staring at you as she does so.

"...you know what? Whatever."

He starts walking away back up the hill, anything to get away from you. You feel incensed at his audacity.

"What do you MEAN 'whatever'? You started this!"

Grusha tunes you out, choosing to ignore the conversation entirely.

--v-Vv-

Later that afternoon, after a leisurely day of not being called to any duties, he starts to make his way back up the mountain when he hears your voice right outside of town.

"No waaay, that's not a 'last resort', that's a 'bored on a Tuesday'!"

He has a feeling you aren't talking to a person.

He turns to you, seeing you surrounded by nothing but Pokémon. He was right.

You're having a heated debate with your Falinks, who already seem somewhat worried about the things you're implying. There are also a few Cetoddle, a Snover, and a Cubchoo crowding around you, all looking fascinated by the conversation.

Interesting. For real this time.

"I mean, think about it! The hardest part is sticking the landing, and that's IF conditions aren't optimal. You can't tell me you wouldn't be able to do it without a second thought if you were, say, saving a life, right?"

They seem to consider this before giving out a noncommittal cry. You grin deviously at this "maybe".

"Ah-hah! See!?"

You gesture toward them, causing the wild Pokémon to all react in awe at this conclusion.

'What a weirdo.'

Grusha didn't even notice he was staring at you until he saw you turn towards him. You put a hand up to your mouth in faux shock.

"Oh! Well if it isn't sir grumps-a-lot."

"Lame." He simply responded.

You tut.

"I don't care, because I'm RIGHT! See??"

You gesture toward your boots. You were, in fact, still standing.

"I'm FINE!"

"Yup." He nods before shaking his head and responds. "But that isn't what I meant. The stairs are still slippery in this climate. Civilization won't stop a force of nature from doing its job."

You tut again.

"Um, heated stairs?? Wham! Problem solved."

He... actually considers this. But only because it's technically a solution that would work, not because they'd spontaneously do it. The costs, the closing off that part of the mountain, the coordinating the best days to do it, working against the weather... but he wasn't here to argue the logistics of your rebuttal.

"...I suppose you have a point there." He concedes. "But that doesn't solve every problem, you know."

Your eyes light up as you wildly nod.

"I know! Isn't it great?"

He isn't sure how to respond to this.

"This conversation is going in weird places, but I guess that's what I get for engaging with you even after the marketplace incident."

"Hah! Yeah, I- wait, what?"

He feels weird, remembering something you don't seem to, but he continues.

"Yeah, I remember you and your Falinks, trying to get them to go to auctions for you. Hard to forget someone so... peculiar."

You don't respond to this directly, instead asking him something.

"Wait, were you that long haired person? With the Cetoddle? I think I saw you at the docks!"

"Yeah, I was. You're telling me you saw someone with my exact hair, and a Pokémon I'm always with, but didn't know for sure if it was me?"

You shrug.

"I don't like assuming things. Besides! I had to go catch a Kilowattrel, so I decided not to ask."

"Mm-hm." He says, eyeing you.

Talking to you is oddly easy, despite how unpredictable you are. He can't quite place why yet, but he probably isn't going to be thinking about it too much. At least for now.

"Oh yeah, forgot to mention! I finally started making my way through the gym circuit again, so uh, you better watch out. I'm gettin' pretty good."

He wasn't at all worried, but he was somewhat curious.

"Oh really? How many badges you have so far?"

"Five! All I gotta do is beat Ryme, Tulip, and then-"

You aggressively point at him, saying a drawn-out 'you' in a deeper voice. Obviously as a joke.

Grusha doesn't react. He doesn't even flinch, simply staring at you.

"I see."

'This is a strange person.' he thinks to himself.

"Alright. This entire conversation has been a mess. Let's try this again, shall we?"

And yet, he prolongs things.

"Sure?" You shrug.

"Okay."

And then it hit him. He doesn't even know your name.

"Oh, um, what's your name, by the way?"

You introduce yourself. He repeats the name you gave, commenting on it before offering his hand. You take it, shaking it firmly.

"Brrrrr... cold..." You say. He smirks under his scarf.

"See? Nature's gonna nature."

You start walking toward him.

"PSSHT! Whate- WUH-"

And with that, you abruptly sink down, having stepped on a loose patch of snow. Falinks jump up in unison, crying out in a panic and anxiously jogging in place, looking toward Grusha, who was already planning on aiding you.

He rolls his eyes before gesturing for Cetoddle to help you out. She does so, picking you up and placing you down on solid ground. You're trembling now.

"Lesson learned." He shrugs.

"Shh-sh-shut i-t-t." You reply, teeth chattering.

Good thing he knows of the best places to warm up around here.

--v-Vv-

The two of you seemed to be forming a casual sort of acquaintanceship, but the place where you first met face-to-face seems to be turning into a recurring spot for you to see each other.

Here he was at Zapapico again. He came here quite often, usually to get imported goods without needing to travel too far. But this time, he stood in place when he noticed you staring intently at a wall. Cetoddle looked at you, then up to him to see what he'd like to do. He looks at her, before looking back to you, completely quiet. The two of them silently decide to head over to you and your little army.

"Funny how we keep running into each other here, eh?"

You jolt, turning around to look at him, eyes lighting up once you realize it's him.

"Oh, hey! It's you!"

His face heats up underneath his scarf upon seeing your excitement. He instinctively pulls it up to hide this.

"Actually, why do we keep running into each other here? Weren't you going to challenge Ryme or Tulip or something?"

"Oh! I dunno, I just like this place. It's neat! The buildings remind me of ancient cities."

You turn back in order to stare up at the trim on the wall again. He smiles a little.

"And that's why you... stare at them so hard?"

"Huh? Oh, no- hah! Actually, I was just imagining this place with some nice wall art. It'd look really pretty I think!"

He thought about this before remembering; "Hm, sounds like Alfornada."

You freeze before turning to him.

"Tulip's town?"

"Yup."

You seem to think this over.

"Okay! I'll head over, then!"

"What, like, right now?"

"Yeah! For sure!"

He thought about it for a second.

"Okay. How are you planning on getting there?"

You look around.

"Taxi, probably? Or maybe I can walk there from Cortondo?"

The way you just randomly decided to take a trip based on a vague "suggestion" got to him. Did you always throw yourself into things like this?

"Wow, Ok."

He wanted to fight the urge to say too much, but he couldn't help but ask.

"What about your Pokémon? If you went in the suggested order, you still aren't strong enough to face Tulip, so you're probably not strong enough for the wild Pokémon there, either."

He felt an intense urge to make sure you didn't die. For some reason.

"I'll be fiiiiine, I got a... OOH! I got a few bug types in boxes! I can bring some out if I need to."

"I... doubt they'd be strong enough. Type advantages aren't everything, you know. It's strength, typings, and strategy working together that carries a team."

You frown.

"Ok, so I shouldn't go?"

"I'm not saying that, I just mean not right now."

"Hah! But- but, what if, what if the wild Pokémon aren't that strong? What if I can-"

"Look, if you really want to go, I'll go with you. Just to show you how in over your head you're being right now."

You actually look very excited at this prospect, something he wasn't prepared for. A part of him was hoping you'd get offended at the offer and turn it down, but going with you isn't... the most terrible thing in the world.

But he's thinking ahead now. You didn't even give your-

"Yeah! That'd be great, actually! If you're really fine with coming on such short notice, of course."

--v-Vv-

The two of you land in Alfornada. He almost can't believe he actually went through with it, taking his jacket off and loosening his scarf as you get out. He doesn't know where you've gone, but he has to bring Cetoddle out.

As he readies her Pokéball, he sees a hand reach out to him.

It's you, offering to help him down.

His mind blanks out for a second, not expecting you to come around and offer help (especially considering you were so excited to land you had to be held back for your own safety), but he accepts it, albeit hesitantly.

"...thanks..."

As usual, he tips the pilot, although it's usually not before summoning Cetoddle.

Cetoddle herself seems to notice this, excitedly popping out with a little chirping bellow, only to look confused seeing him out of the taxi already. He motions toward you. You're turned away, summoning Falinks.

Cetoddle looks at you, then back at him before smiling wide.

To most, it looks like a normal Cetoddle smile.

But he knows there's a devious undercurrent to it.

She's thinking about him, plus you, and the fact that he's softening up towards you.

"No." He says forcefully as she lowly coos in amusement, eyes searching his now blushing face.

He always gets defensive over you, always insisting you're just a weirdo he keeps bumping into.

But a weird part of himself actually wants to get to know you more, despite the fact that you argued during your third meeting. Despite the fact that you were oddly intrusive during the second. Despite the fact that he thought you were basically insane when he first laid eyes on you, trying to get your Pokémon to bid on your behalf. He'd have to ask you how that'd even work later on, if you were still in his life, that is.

Yes, you get into trouble a lot, and you're kind of- well, very weird. But he still tries to be around you. Because he could sense an earnestness to you. You were a bit sarcastic and defensive around him, but so is he, around everyone, and he can tell you're not being malicious with it, just like him. Besides, you being a bit crazy makes him feel more sane. At least, that's what he's telling himself, because deep down, he finds your weird insistence to be around him despite his hesitance and your crazy way of being sort of... comforting. As if your strangeness made him feel at-ease quicker.

He shakes his head, blush now faded.

"Alright. What do we do first? See the sights or crush your whole world?"

--v-Vv-

"WHAAAAAAA!?"

You dramatically point to a wall with colorful hanging plates, turning to Grusha with wide eyes. You look positively crazy, but he can't help but suppress a smirk.

"Told ya this place has some good art. Surprised you didn't already know about it."

"I didn't! I was sorta going through the treasure hunt surprised by all the things I'd see, but this!? This scratches that itch I felt in Zapapico, for sure!"

You tilt your head at him, eyes bright and full of sincerity.

"Thanks for bringing me here."

This time, he has no way to hide the light shade of red forming on his face. He looks away, but it's certainly too late. You had to have seen that, right...?

But yet, when he calms down and looks back at you, you show no signs of being ready to pick on him for it. You noticed, face giving it away as if suppressing an intrusive question, but you kept your thoughts to yourself.

He coughed.

"It's nothing, really."

You smile.

"Well, it means a lot. I think I wanna see one last thing, then you can crush my dreams, okay?"

He shook his head.

"No, it's... it's alright. There's no need to crush your dreams anymore, just..."

He doesn't continue, but you seem to understand him. He's relieved. He'd really rather not spell it out for you.

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll keep training my team. I'll be able to breeze right through next time I come here, just you wait."

He nods.

"Good."

And with that, the two of you made your way up to the top of the observatory. He had to convince you not to walk up the sides, but he managed to (literally) talk you down. Do you ever feel tired?? He hasn't seen it yet. Grusha takes a few moments to sit down on a ledge at the very top, letting you run around and... hold your arms out in the middle of the battle court.

He watched as you stood there, head up, still as a Sunflora statue, looking like you're praying to the sky. It was certainly odd, but he's already decided odd was simply your default. But he had to speak up when you finally did move, only to get down and lie on the ground, Falinks immediately swarming to protect you from the world on all sides.

"Um. What?"

"Huh?" You call back out to him.

The observatory is massive, so you basically had to shout at each other.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh! Lookin'."

He looks around, thankful you're both alone, waiting for you to elaborate. You don't.

"...good answer."

"It's comfy! Come down here!" You offer as you raise an arm up.

"Mmm, how about I don't?"

"LAAAME!"

He shakes his head in mild amusement.

"Well, one of us has to be sane here."

You lower your arm at once.

"Sane? More like... like... lame!"

"Good enough."

You sit up, having gotten your fill of admiring the architecture, Falinks getting back into formation next to you. You turn, still seated, about to say something, when you realize he's sitting down, too.

You decide to wait, not wanting to rush him.

He notices. He saw the way your face went from excited, to calm in an instant, mouth ready to form the words that would send you both on your way, only to just... not.

How considerate...

If he knows you even a little (and he thinks he's starting to), he knows you're probably somewhat bored, having taken in everything you wanted to up here. But no, you slow down, for him. And you act distracted as to not give away your intentions.

But he can tell.

He closes his eyes for a bit, taking in a breeze blowing through.

'What even is this relationship?' He ponders to himself.

He considers maybe labeling it as something more than just an acquaintanceship. But he felt that openly calling you a friend at this point was a few steps too far.

What's holding him back?

He thinks for a bit, face scrunching up in deep thought when he feels someone's presence looming over him.

He takes a peek next to himself, only to see you staring at him with a blank expression. Despite expecting this, he jumps a little, gripping his chest.

"Good-ness! Do you do that often??"

"No?"

You continue staring, so he stares right back. You're... oddly good at this. He feels a huff of laughter coming on, but he doesn't let it out. He keeps his cool.

"Okay! I think this has gone on long enough! I'm backing out."

He turns away.

"There, see? You win. Now what do you want?"

"I waaaaant... mmmmmmm... nothing."

You quickly sit up and look away, eyes closed. You're smiling as if you did something.

"Wha-? Okay, then."

The two of you sit in silence yet again. It seemed like peaceful moments with you were possible, you just happened to get bored easily, and also be really, really weird.

He smiled, a small exhale escaping his nose.

Weird didn't necessarily mean bad. In fact, he actually couldn't help but find your presence sort of... nice. You did crazy stuff, but you got the job done, which he could respect. He wishes you wouldn't try and rush things, but you're determined, headstrong.

Just like him.

"I'll break down your walls, Grusha Lastname."

This time, he couldn't help but let out a quick laugh, being caught off-guard by the weird comment. He responds in an even yet slightly elevated tone, however.

"Oh really? How so?"

"I'll keep bugging ya. Uh-huh!"

You nod, eyes getting wider as you got in his face. An amused quirk of the lips as he leaned back is all he did in response.

"I'll bug ya so much, you'll grow to love me, so you'll HAVE to consider me a friend then!"

His heart felt an odd pang of... guilt?

"Ok, then. I'll let you try. But trust me, it takes a while for me to even tolerate people."

This was true. A genuine warning even, at least in his mind.

"Okay! That's cool with me."

He clears his throat, looking away from you.

There you go again, with your weird tolerance for his self-enforced social isolation.

You didn't know how deep his wounds went.

And you also didn't know, that deep down inside, despite the physical and mental scars reminding him why he's so closed-off, the man was already charmed by you.

He'll catalog you in the "friend" category in his mind and refer to you as such someday, but only when he's ready.

--v-Vv-

"I'm telling you, we aren't friends."

Ryme's face betrays her, as she isn't convinced in the slightest.

She's right, but he keeps insisting.

"Alright, if you say so. But don't be shocked when you find yourself doin' stupid stuff in the name of looove, baby."

His eyes widen in shock, hands shooting to his hips in indignation.

"Oh, so now we're jumping to love?"

"I know you. You'd have brushed 'em off by now. But no! Here you go, meetin' them in Zapapico and going on a random little day trip to Alfornada like a happy little Greavard..."

G-Rave barks from somewhere nearby as if confirming her assessment. Grusha simply growls at the both of them.

"Whatever, don't make it seem so lame. It's just because I need to go there anyway. Not my fault we keep bumping into each down there."

He purposefully left out the fact that he was the one to approach you this time, but he felt like it didn't matter. Or, maybe he told himself it didn't?

She scoffs, a smile on her face. She saw right through him, details or not.

"And the trip?"

"...well, I just... it was a suggestion, to be nice! People want me to be nicer. I do it, and now you mock me? Uncool."

He turns away, stubborn as ever.

She shakes her head.

"One day, you'll face the music. The symphony of your heart can't be silenced forever! Trust me. Apparently, my mama couldn't STAND my dad when they first met. But with him, she had the best years of her life, you could just feel the love emanating off of them..."

His stomach drops at this, but he can't quite place why. She can tell. Hand on his shoulder, she comforts him a bit.

"Awww, don't worry about it, baby. You just have to go with the flow sometimes."

He doesn't respond, but he listens, taking in her advice.

--v-Vv-

Grusha decides to stay in today. No particular reason, he just wanted to spend time by himself and rest his injury for a bit. Cetoddle sat nearby, getting some well-earned rest as he decided on what to do that day. He quickly realized he was bored, however.

Grumbling, he pulls out his phone. He really didn't want to leave his house (he had to convince himself to even leave the bedroom for any reason), but he needed some form of entertainment.

He'd be ashamed to say he immediately thought of you. At least, at this point he would.

He looked at your name in his recent contacts. You two have never done a call before, but you've texted sporadically, mostly just to update each other on what you've been doing and letting the other know when they're in the area. You once offered to do a video call during Ryme's gym battle against you, but he refused, feeling like it was disrespectful somehow. But he did sort of wish he said yes, just to get the chance to, weird situation or not...

Now's not the time for that, though. He shoots you a quick message;

[Going online, join me if u want]>

He's not too much of a gamer, but he'll play if he's bored at home. And he knew you'd be in your dorm today, because... well, you told him you would be a week ago, after doing some hardcore studying for a few days. Midterms had just passed and you were NOT happy with your scores. Not terrible, but could definitely use improvement.

'Now they'll think I took time off today just for them...' he thinks to himself, suddenly realizing what it looked like.

It wasn't long before he got a response;

<[Bring it, dortbag >:)]

<[*dirtbag]

<[Dang it]

He chuckles a bit at this as he slips his headphones on before logging onto some online game. It was a fantasy game where you live a life in dying lands while slowly working your way out from said settlement to find a better home, fighting tough Pokémon along the way. You could also have your own Pokémon as pets and battle companions, but since Falinks still wasn't (and might not ever be) an option, you just... became one, as you put it. He wasn't invested enough to get a pet, so he didn't even know what options were there.

He only plays it because you suggested doing something together a few months back, and this was your solution. You even started a new save so you two could play at the same pace.

Sub_z3r0

u in?

Waiting4Falinx

Yea

I am

Wait

Sub_z3r0

??

Waiting4Falinx

Hold on i chose tje wrong server

He groaned, head in his hands, waiting for you to change servers. It takes you a moment.

Sub_z3r0

dingus

Waiting4Falinx

DON'Y "DINGUS" ME 😢

U thought what we had was special

*I

In real life, he huffed in amusement at your antics, but in the chat, he refused to encourage you.

Sub_z3r0

please just join

Waiting4Falinx

I did!!

And just like that, you were at his base.

Waiting4Falinx

Sup

?

You dressed your character in armor to look like a Falinks. He always found that funny for some reason. Well, maybe funny isn't the right word, but he refused to acknowledge the one he was really thinking.

Sub_z3r0

waiting for u?

what else?

Waiting4Falinx

I dunno

Enjoying the game??

Sub_z3r0

i only play it because u told me 2

Waiting4Falinx

Dawwwwq 🥰

That's sweet

Ignore the 'q' btw

This really wasn't what he wanted to do when logging in, but he couldn't help but smirk at how abysmally you type while rushing.

Sub_z3r0

can we play now?

Waiting4Falinx

Sure thing weather boy

He was so close to just logging off, but he didn't, so the two of you played for a while, doing the things you'd usually do to progress when you randomly get side-tracked.

Sub_z3r0

y r u doing this

You were trying to glitch up a waterfall.

Waiting4Falinx

You never know!!

Sub_z3r0

never know what?

Waiting4Falinx

I dunno!!!

THat's why I'm trying!!

You actually manage to clip through for just a second before being pushed back out. But instead of taking the hint, you change tactics.

Waiting4Falinx

WHAT IF!!!

INSTEAD OF GOING UP!!!!

I GO THRU!!?

Sub_z3r0

no

But it was too late. You were already trying to clip through in just the right spot. This would be far more amusing if it didn't mean he had to stand there doing nothing while he waited for you to lose interest. Playing this game on his own wasn't as fun as playing with you.

Sub_z3r0

i am begging u, please stop

Your character stops for a few seconds, being absolutely torn asunder by the rushing water above you, but you reply before going back to it.

Waiting4Falinx

But what if I find something cool? Other players find cool stuff, I want a discovery, too!

He pauses. Is that really it? You want to find something nobody's found before?

Sub_z3r0

ok, but y here?

Waiting4Falinx

I dunno, it has promise

And you continue. He starts wandering around without you, looking for something to do. He's... disappointed.

Sub_z3r0

yo

You stop moving in the distance for a second.

Waiting4Falinx

Yo!!

You go right back to your weird attempt at mildly breaking the game.

Sub_z3r0

im going 2 Wintide's Peak

whether u go or not

You stop again to respond.

Waiting4Falinx

Meet you there!!@

*! not @

He sighs, not shocked at all by this outcome.

He makes his way over, standing at the summit for a few lonely minutes. Other players are whizzing by, snowboarding down the mountainside. That was the place's intended purpose, but he wasn't joining in. Instead, he looked out onto the landscape, just sort of letting it act as a backdrop for now as he thought about what to do next.

He doesn't know why he does this. He doesn't know what leads him to digital summits or those feelings he's afraid to confront. He doesn't know why he hasn't logged out or told you off for wasting his time. He doesn't know why he's currently contemplating life while playing a random online game with graphics that haven't changed since 2007.

He takes a moment to label himself as 'AFK' before going off to check on Cetoddle. It didn't take long, maybe a minute or two, but when he came back, he saw-

Waiting4Falinx

YO

I RETURN

Oh shoot

You're afk

lMAO, I'm sorry

But like, be back?

He scoffed.

Sub_z3r0

i was checking on Cetoddle u absolute hypocrite

Waiting4Falinx

ME!? A HYPOCRITE!?!

Sub_z3r0

who ignored me when i wanted to do stuff?

Waiting4Falinx

Lmao

I was on a mission

Sub_z3r0

did u succeed?

Waiting4Falinx

No 😢

Of course. He smiled, but he was slightly annoyed.

Waiting4Falinx

Can I see Cetoddle?

He froze for a moment, eyebrows furrowed.

Sub_z3r0

like txting u a pic of her?

Waiting4Falinx

No, like a video call!

His stomach did a flip. He didn't expect you to ask him that. He's seen you a lot in-person, though, so why does this feel so... intimate?

It's probably because you haven't seen each other's places outside of like, pictures or whatever. Yeah. That's certainly it, for sure.

He takes a deep breath.

Sub_z3r0

ok

And just like that, the two of you arranged for a video call. He wasn't sure if he should press call or you.

[When ur ready]>

<[I am, let's do this >:)]

[Alright]>

He cleared his throat before calling you. You picked up basically right away, hand already up in a wave.

"Hey there!"

He isn't wearing his scarf, but he has a jacket with a turtleneck collar, so he looks down to hide his face when he blushes.

"Hey."

"How are ya?"

"I'm- good."

"Saaame."

This is a totally new thing for you two. You decide to take the lead a little.

"We can still text if you want, but, this could be fun, too!"

"Yeah, it could."

You suddenly remember something.

"Oh yeah! The baby!"

His face contorted into one of sheer confusion until he remembered.

"Oh, hold on."

He walks off-camera for a second to get her. Kneeling down to the mon, he gives her a little head rub.

"Cetoddle, someone wants to see you." He gently said.

She seemed interested, trilling and getting up to follow him.

When she sees you, she lights up, jumping around.

"Hi hi, Cetoddle!"

He watched you two interact, you asking questions and her responding in her own Cetoddle ways. He secretly liked this development. Cetoddle was unsure about you after your (first) little stunt in Montenevera. But you grew on her, just like you grew on him.

"Oh yeah, check this out!"

You moved away from the camera slightly, revealing your Falinks lying in bed. They were all fast asleep. You smile deviously, rubbing your stomach dramatically.

"Mmm-mmm-mm, yum!"

And just like that, they woke up at once. Drowsy, yet interested, they turn to you. You laugh.

"Hah! I-I'm sorry, I don't actually have anything-"

That laugh- Did you always laugh like that? That weird, abrupt... honk?? It was so awful, he actually spaced out trying to remember if he'd heard it before. You noticed after apologizing to Falinks (and promising them a snack next time you go AFK).

"Gru! Grushyyyyy! Grushy Boo-"

"-what? Stop that! Huh-"

He wasn't aware you were trying to get his attention, but you loudly calling his name immediately grated on him.

"Ugh, whatever, what do you want?"

"Play the game, maybe? You looked horrified by something, you good?"

He was, he just didn't know how he felt about that sudden realization.

"Yeah, I'm good. Let's finally do something, though."

The entire game, however, he kept thinking about your laugh, especially hearing it come out more. It was so strange, like a coping mechanism. It didn't feel like your natural laugh, but it also didn't feel forced.

He didn't really know why he analyzed it so much. He also didn't know why he came to find it oddly pleasant by the end of the night. A weird part of him wanted to hear it more often, now that he noticed it.

--v-Vv-

A/N

Crying/j, just realized the initials for this story would be like "TFTF" if written one-to-one

ANYWAY, have a little note about the end of this part!

At this part:

Sub_z3r0

dingus

Waiting4Falinx

DON'Y "DINGUS" ME 😢

He was meant to say "bruh", and you were gonna say not to bruh you back, but I didn't know if that'd be too much since I already went over my "intentional cringe" quota?? I love "cringe", but not everyone does, which is perfectly fine! I kinda imagine he's a bruh type of dude when comfortable with someone, but not like saying it every day. I dunno! Like a few "bruh"s a month, as a treat. I also imagine him being too serious to bruh anyone, but you kinda throw his brain into a tizzy, so who knows! Maybe you're the exception?

The expy is definitely the bruh type though, lmao, the 'don't bruh me' thing was also gonna have a 'bruhzone' joke he'd immediately steer the conversation away from cause he luuuuvs you, but he didn't love you like that yet, but the idea of you not seeing him as an option scared him for a moment. He wasn't really thinking that way yet though, so to him it was just a momentary panic he didn't understand but absolutely H A T E D

I think bruh is pretty funny, but I didn't want the story to stray from being the sorta "general audience/anyone can latch on" type thing I usually do (the reader has an undiagnosed disorder, so it's niche in a sense?? I mean personality/speech-wise), so I kept it to cringy insults/internet/texting antics. I cannot WAIT to open requests to really personalize these things, oh my gosh

[ggukzashi]

Black Pearl Pt. 1

Pairing: Namjoon × reader ft. Ot7

Rating: Adult, Explicit

Genre:NonIdolAu,BodyguardAu,Angst,Smut,Fluff

Word Count:1.3k

Summary: You're with your friends drinking when suddenly your entire life is flipped around. You find yourself trapped in a house with 7 men you don't know and their Alpha gets on your nerves a little too much. What do you do when you realize that you like their leader and you're not supposed to? Can you resist giving in and sticking to your belief of no relationships or do you give in to the temptation?

Warnings ⚠️: Alcohol, Slight cursing, Gunshots

Author's Note: I decided to write this series inspired by Namjoon in a black turtleneck ( yes I'm weak and I know y'all are too). It's my first time writing a series so please do let me know your thoughts and engage with the post.

Click here for Part 2

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

Chapter One

“That was disgusting” you comment, wiping your lips of the trace of the clear white liquid you had just consumed. Laughing at your reaction, Minju picked up another glass and handed it to you. “On the count of three,” she mouthed before bringing a glass to her lips and downing the clear burning liquid.

Bringing the glass to your lips, you plugged your nose with your other hand and gulped the liquid in one go, the burn surfacing on your tongue as you furrowed your brows in disgust. “Another one?” Minju questioned and you nodded. Despite the horrible taste and the unpleasant burn, you hoped the vodka would wash away all your problems.

A couple of shots later

“Yo who is that handsome hunk staring right at you? Another one of your dad’s men?” Minju asked, darting her tongue out against her lips to collect the remains of the vodka she had just downed. You turn around to see a tall man staring right at you from across the dance floor, his gaze fixed on yours. You take a step closer, squinting your eyes a bit, trying to recognize the man but you couldn’t.

“I’ve never seen him,” you say picking up another shot and gulping it. You stumble and grab onto the counter as you turn to pick up another glass. “Woah easy there tiger. I think that’s enough vodka now” Ben says holding your arms and helping you stand properly. You adjust your skirt before turning your attention back to the man. His eyes were still fixed on you, observing everything you do.

“He’s hot” Minju comments and you laugh.

“Didn't you just break up like yesterday?”

“Exactly. The best time to get laid” she exclaims before picking up two cans of beer and giving you a wink. You and Ben laugh out loud as she sways her hips making her way to the mysterious handsome stranger.

As you turn your attention back to the vodka, Ben slowly pushes the remaining shots away from you. You pout and give him your best puppy eyes hoping he’d give in but he remains calm.

“You do realize that vodka isn’t going to solve your problems right?” He sighs, handing you a glass of water instead.

“Okay, Dad. I won’t drink anymore” You raise your hands up in defeat and he lets out a low chuckle.

“I’m just worried about you. You’ve been drinking quite often lately.” He says, a soft smile playing on his lips. His lips. They look soft you think to yourself as your eyes dart back up to look into his eyes, and back to his lips.

You’ve always had a tiny crush on Ben. Probably ever since you’ve known him but you’ve never had the courage to speak up. ‘Relationships aren’t my thing anyway’, you’ve always told yourself but maybe it’s the alcohol in your system messing with your head, you wanted to kiss him in that moment. Your thoughts were interrupted when you hear Minju throwing a can of beer in the dustbin, “Asshole” she mutters under her breath before turning to you.

“What’d he say?” Ben asks, chuckling at the very annoyed Minju gulping down another shot of vodka. “He ignored me” she mumbles and all three of you laugh out loud.

“Are you sure you don’t know him Y/n? He was talking to a couple of other guys and I heard him mention the name ‘Christian’.” She says and it all clicks in.

“That’s my Dad’s code name. His bodyguards call him that. Do you think my dad sent them to watch me?” Minju shrugs her shoulders and you turn to the counter before grabbing the shot of vodka from her hand and gulping it down.

Pushing your hair back, you make your way to the man, who was talking to a couple of other guys dressed in the same black turtle neck and black trousers. As you make your way towards him, it becomes clear how tall and big he is. Wide shoulders and a tiny waist. You notice how the turtle neck hugs his body, his biceps straining through the material.

“Did my dad send you?” you ask and the man turns around, his height letting him practically tower over you. He doesn’t respond to your question, instead, he studies your annoyed expression before turning back.

You look back to see Minju giggling at you. You mentally face-palm yourself for even bothering but you had to know if your dad had yet again sent men to babysit you. “Look I know you’re just doing your job but can you just please talk to me? I just want to know if my dad sent you here.”

He turns back around and pulls his phone out of his pocket and snaps a picture of you. Your mouth hangs open at the action and you attempt to snatch his phone but he is quick to put it back in his pocket. “I hope that answers your question,” he says, his deep, husky, manly voice sending chills down your spine. You gulp down the saliva in your mouth as your throat goes dry.

Quickly turning around you walk back to your friends before making a fool of yourself even more. “He fucking snapped a picture of me” You groan as you sip on water. Minju giggles before asking,” Do you think he sent it to your dad?”

You shrug your shoulders when you hear a sound echo through the club. The music stops and people are running and screaming. Another loud sound is heard before you hear the glasses behind you shatter. “They’re gunshots” You hear Ben yell.

All of a sudden you see a figure running towards you. It was him. The man from earlier. The grabs your hand before pulling you. “We need to go,” he says pointing towards the back door of the club.

At that moment you notice the other men he was talking to approach your friends. You turn your head to look at your friends. “We’ll be fine. Go” Minju says and Ben nods. You turn back to face the man when you see him pull out a gun.

“Who are you?” your voice comes out, a mere whisper. He tugs your hands and you run out of the club along with him. As soon as you run out of the back gate, you see a black car waiting. He quickly ushers you to get in before jumping in and you speed away from the location. In the faint background, you hear another gunshot.

You grab onto the hem of your skirt, your knuckles turning white. “Will my friends be okay?” you ask and he turns towards you, his gaze stern and for a split second it knocks the air out of your lungs.

“They’ll be under the care of my men don’t worry” He replies before turning his gaze back to the road. You hear a buzz before a voice speaks up.

“Alpha do you copy?”

He reaches back with one hand and pulls out a walkie-talkie. Pressing a button he brings it closer to his mouth before speaking,” I copy. Are they safe? Did you get out of there?”

“We’ve made it out safely. Heading to the safe house. Meet you there”

He throws the walkie-talkie to the back seat and grips the steering wheel.

“Who are you?” you ask, hoping he answers this time.

He turns his head, his eyes meeting yours, “I was sent by your father to trail you. My team got your friends out safely. We are now headed to a safe house. Your father has been informed of the situation so there’s nothing to worry mam. Rest assured you are in safe hands.”

You shake your head in disbelief at the information he just gave you. Those men were there for you. Your hands grip the hem of your dress harder as you take deep breaths. You turn to look at the man. His eyes meet yours and for the first time since you’ve seen him, you see the corners of your lips curve up slightly, almost as if he was giving you a reassuring smile.

“You can call me Namjoon”

Taglist: @kookznoona @souryoong @gukkie01

[sugolara]

My dear

ft. K.B x S.T x I.M x fem! reader

Synopsis: After a deadly virus leaks all over the world, every country is forced to close down it's borders and airports to prevent anyone from coming in and out. Though, it's to late for some people. The dead has rose and is looking for revenge. Cw: gore, quirkless! au, apocalypse! au, zombie! au, weapons, death, angst, lots and lots of blood, cannibalism, suicidal thoughts, slow burn

previous || series m.list || next

"Have you left like you always said you would?" Shoto had a hand on his forehead as he leaned further into his palm. His brows furrowed in concentration, but it was to even concentrate with the rotters being killed behind his room and the annoying voices of men who talked aggressively. Completely different from Katsuki.  Since Tomura had officially welcomed him, he was no longer in the small cold room. He now had access to his own room that gave him everything. Well, almost everything.

A week has gone by since he's last seen his friends. He didn't even get to say his goodbyes, though it's not like it mattered as Tomura mentioned they weren't comprehending their situation after the deaths. From his words, the two younger friends—the only ones who managed to survive by his choice—weren't in reality. Thankfully, he heard from them when Tomura had gone by to collect his supplies. His friends were doing good, to the naked eye.

If he played nice and got a spot on Tomura's main men, he'd be able to visit Sorston. With the growls getting louder, he closed his mismatched eyes as tightly as he could. "As much as I want to say I've been doing fine, I haven't. I wish I could tell you that I'm happy, that I'm here with my brother having a reunion and remembering the good old days of when we were both children, but I'm not."

He took in a deep breath with his fingers clutching his hair, trying to ignore the laughter behind his room. It's concerning how someone could just play with rotters as if they were toys. They were once humans. Imagine how they would feel if they still felt emotions.

Then did his eyes open, focusing back to the paper in front of him. He would have laughed. This was the fifth letter he wrote to her. The crumbled papers on the floor was evidence and it wasn't after the second one when he realized why her. Looking back he should have noticed that those weird feelings weren't flu like symptoms. Boy did it take long, but he's come to acknowledge and accept it. However, this would be like all those other times where girls from highschool had their silly crushes on him.

"My brother whom I mentioned to you keeps telling me to wait for the right moment. We don't speak as often since Tomura keeps him busy, but the times we do speak it's not cherishable. I think he knows I've been writing to you."

He leaned back into his chair, his eyes looking at the peg board hanging on the wall in front of him. There were still precious items that had been left behind from the last man who resided in his room. Tomura had mentioned, with a  smile, that the man had been decapitated before being placed on display for his camp to see. All because the man had tried fleeing with his daughter.

And speaking of his daughter, it was undisclosed of where she went. Her drawing that she had made for her father was still on the board and gently Shoto plucked it. Like a kid's drawing, there was a house on a hill and beside that was two poorly drawn stick figure holding hands, lopsided smile on their face.

A soft sigh escaped his lips. The drawing was clutched in his hands as he stared at his dirty white shoes. The faint sounds of laughing were heard until it finally fell silent. "It feels like I have no one here with me."

Hearing a knock on the door, Shoto wiped his eyes and crumbled up the drawing, adding it to the other crumpled up papers on the floor. He then placed a random book on top of his letter before opening the door. Seeing Dabi on the other side, the younger male returned to his desk, "How long now?"

The raven-haired closed the door and leaned on it. His eyes glanced to Shoto's desk where he could see the papers, "Don't know."

Annoyingly, he let out a quiet huff, "You know I can't spend another week here."

Dabi shrugged as his eyes peered out the small window, "It doesn't matter what you or any of your friends want. He'll get his way and your friends dying was just a warm up. Quit writing to them and focus on trying to be on Crusties main squad. There's always room, especially if he thinks you're hiding something."

Shoto huffed again, "You're his right man. Put in a word for me and can't you help me see them? Even if it's just for a short while?"

"No. Doing favors for you will look suspicious for me. Get him to notice you." He then placed his hand on the knob "Hurry. He needs us."

Seeing his brother exit the room, Shoto followed behind with his gun hitting his outer thigh everytime he took a step. He closed the door behind them before walking the cold, ugly yellow halls. "You'll never get these letters, but I hope you'll wait for me."

A bullet flew, lodging itself in a rotter's head just a few steps away. F/n grinned as she placed her sniper rifle down and smuggling looked at Katsuki, "Fourth one down."

The blonde rolled his eyes and lifted his rifle. He looked through the scope, looking for a rotter and upon finding one, he pressed the trigger, the casing fell to his feet while the bullet flew. Though upon seeing it graze the rotter, Katsuki could hear F/n let out a chuckle and sniped the one he missed. He ended up glaring at her, "You're a fucking cheater."

"Sucks, to suck." She shrugged with a smug face.

Before Katsuki could pounce on her, they were both hit with tiny rocks. They looked down below them where they saw Izuku. His arms were crossed as he gave them a scolding look, "You're supposed to be on watch. Quit playing around."

The blonde glared down at him, "It's boring as hell! I'd rather be building the walls than be stuck with her!"

The girl squinted her eyes at him as Izuku shook his head, "Kacchan, you asked to be put up there, remember?"

"Yeah, Kacchan." F/n quietly said as she placed her fist on her mouth to muffle her laugh as Katsuki turned to her with a scowl. "What did you call me!?"

The male below continued to shake his head as he saw his childhood friend furiously shake his partner by the shoulders while she went limp, trying to hide her smile. Speaking of the blonde he glared at her, choosing to ignore that she chose his close friend. He didn't see that coming, but even so, it wasn't like he was going to do anything about how he felt towards her.

"You guys only have five more minutes so please pay attention. Otherwise someone will die." Izuku added before heading to Ochaco, who was on the other watchtower. He climbed up the ladder and stood by her, letting her get rid of the dead while he watched the people below build the walls around the main gate. His eyes then flickered to her, "Hey...can I tell you something?"

She let the rifle rest in her hands as she turned to him, "Sure, what it is?"

He placed a hand on his nape, feeling embarrassed, "I know this is long overdue, but I can't help that a part of me feels...guilty for moving on from you so quickly and leading you on. I even talked about the girl I liked to you, knowing how we felt about each other. Seeing me, with someone who wasn't...you had to hurt."

He glanced at her, seeing her face fall was expected, but he didn't know it would make him feel bad, "And I'm sorry for making you feel that way."

She blinked and turned away, letting out a quite awkward chuckle. She focused on her fingers playing with the hard metal of the rifle, "Izuku...don't make it out like I was in love with you. What I had for you was just a silly crush and whatever happened in the past is the past. I'm not mad at you for moving on. We didn't know if we were ever going to see each other and I'll admit, it did hurt to see you with someone else. The more I watched you from afar, you were happy and I wasn't going to ruin that."

From behind him, she could see F/n snipping the dead as Katsuki looked at her with the same look she once gave Izuku back in highschool, "I wasn't in love with you. I think I only liked you because I admired the way you put yourself out to be."

She smiled, but it wasn;t a true smile, "We don't have to make things weird, Izuku. I get it."

Before he could get in a word, the watch around her wrist rang and she headed for the ladder, "Our times up. You should tell F/n and Katsuki."

Though feeling for her, he climbed down and informed the other two, "what do you guys have next?"

"Oh..." F/n thought for a moment.

"I'm supposed to meet up with Shitty hair and Sparky." Katsuki said, "Pinky had something else to fo, so Pink cheeks coming along."

"You guys are going to the warehouse, right?" When the blonde nodded, Izuku smiled, "I'll come along. You'll need hands."

Quickly, the girl chimed in, "If he's I'm going to. There's nothing to do here."

Annoyingly the blonde huffed as he moved past them, heading home, "Fine. Hurry up and pack! I'll let Pink cheeks and Mr. Nezu know."

The two went home where they packed, "Please, don't be reckless. It's been awhile since we went out to, so be careful."

"Love you." She said, the comment shutting him up. It always worked and he knew it too as he briefly glared at her before placing his ripped bag on his shoulders. Passing by F/n's room, Katsuki took in a breath, trying to not let the romantic gesture get to him. In order to stay, he'd have to endure this.

[this-is-all-unreal]

My Dear Friend

Part 11

Masterlist

    I never realized how quickly time passes when things are going well. It's almost cruel that time seems to move slower when you are experiencing something unpleasant. Dick trying to teach me how to do a backflip is one of those times when time seems to move slower. 

     "Just bend your back, no not like you are trying to touch your toes. like this, make a bridge." He says as he bends backwards effortlessly. I didn't understand how someone could bend like that. 

     "I don't think I can do that. What if my back breaks or my legs or something." I say as I sit on the blue gymnastics mat he's laid out on the floor of the gym. 

      "You won't break anything, come on. If I can teach Jason I can teach you." He says pulling on my arm to get me to stand on my feet. The mental image of Jason trying to do a flip in his creepy red mask while double fisting pistols gave me a pretty good laugh but I didn't think it was funny for too long because the idea of a 6'4 200lbs man jumping through the air while shooting wildly sounded down right terrifying the more I thought about it.

       "I don't need to know this. When has a backflip ever helped you?"

        "It helped me pick up a girl once." He says with a big grin. I attempted the back bend but my arms gave out and I fell on the top of my head. 

      "That was pretty close!" He was always so supportive even when he probably shouldn't be. We practiced for what felt like forever till I was rescued by Tim telling us Bruce wanted to talk to everyone. 

      We were all gathered in the living room closest to the front door. Bruce had a few suitcases with him. I was scared he was going to tell us we were going on another camping trip.

      "I know this is short notice but Alfred needs to help some old friends in England and I'm going as well to lend a hand." 

       "I thought I told you I could handle it, Master Bruce." Alfred said as he walked past the archway, suitcases under each arm. They had a very polite disagreement for a few seconds before Alfred gave up on trying to change his mind. 

        "Dick you are in charge of Margaret and Tim. Jason don't give Dick a hard time. It's only going to be a few days." Bruce says as he hands off his suitcase to Alfred who seems very eager to get going. 

      Bruce pulled Dick aside and whispered something to him. After Bruce and Alfred said their goodbyes and left for the jet. Jason walked off heading to his room and Tim followed up after him.

      "Ohh while the cats away the mice will play. How far is the closest casino do you think?"

      "Wait, we should get around for tonight. We are going to be majorly shorthand without Bruce." Dick said, calling up to the boys. 

       "We can't all patrol tonight. Who's gonna keep her from sticking a fork in an outlet or something?" Jason asked as he pointed down at me. Dick looked over at me for a second before smiling. 

     "She's gonna come out with us."

     "What?" Both Jason and I ask at once. 

     "Yeah. Bruce has been throwing something together for her. You know just in case." Bruce had said I wouldn't have to go onto the family business if I didn't want to. Has he been expecting me to change my mind about it? 

      "No offense Margaret but this is a horrible idea." Tim chimed in as he started to walk back down the stairs. 

      "I can be left home alone, you guys know that right?" It wasn't like I was completely helpless. I'd probably just sleep the whole time. They were completely over reacting. 

        "Yeah, you tell them. With them gone we can see which part of the house burns the fastest."

        "Stop it Felix, that's not funny." Normally I'd ignore him in public so I didn't look crazy but I had to nip this in the bud or he might just try. 

       "That's why you can't be left home alone. Bruce doesn't want you alone for too long with Felix." How long had that been the plan? I wish I hadn't heard that now I'm going to feel like none of them actually want to hang out with me. Dick seemed to realize his mistake quickly. "Not that he thinks Felix is dangerous. He is worried about Felix getting lonely. Ideal hands and what not."

       "Nice save." Jason sneered.  

      "He was thinking the name Magpie suited you well." Dick says as he opens the glass display case.

      "See they are expecting me to act up. Who am I to disappoint."

Everyone went down to the batcave. It hasn't changed much since I was here for the first time. Tim and Jason grabbed their suits to get change. On the very end next to the old Batgirl suit was a black, white, and blue suit. It looked like it had some built in armor to it. It had a long cape that connected to the arms. It was mostly black with accents of white. The underside of the cape was a blueish green. It came complete with a black domino mask. 

       "Do I get a suit? I'm going to be the one doing all the work."

      "I know Bruce is going to be disappointed he couldn't come out with you on your first night but I think he'll understand." I didn't want to do this but what could I do? Run hide? They would just catch me and drag me along. 

         "Please, I want to stay home. I'll sleep the whole night, don't make me go!" Begging couldn't hurt. Dick is a pushover. He frowned for a second but then handed me the suit. 

         "You are going to do great. You are gonna be with me all night. Nothings going to happen." Does he think I'm scared I won't do a good job? I'm scared I'm going to get killed. 

         Against my better judgment I get changed and meet the boys around the Batmobile. 

        "Wow you look um..." Tim was quickly cut off by an elbow in his side courtesy of Dick. "You look great." He finishes trying to cover for himself. The armor in the suit made me look so bulky and the domino mask had a small point at the nose making me look like I was some kind of buff bird.

        "Why is my cape connected like this?" I flap my arms around trying to demonstrate the issue. 

        "It's so if you let go of your grappling hook you can open your arms and glide rather than plummet to your death."

         "Jason what the hell don't say that!" Tim yells.

         "Should I lie to her? I almost dropped my hook the first night it happens." 

       "No no, the cape is not for that. Magpies are birds so you have wings. That's it, don't listen to Jason." Dick says looking proud he covered for Jason's bluntness so artfully. I didn't buy a word of it. 

       "Okay Jason you and Tim go south we will take north. If you run into anything that looks even remotely suspicious give the directions over the coms and we will be there. We play it safe and slow tonight. Worst case scenario I use this." Dick pulls out a watch. "The big guy himself gave it to me. He said it emits a frequency only he can hear. One press of this button and he'll be there."  

      "Whoa no way!" Tim exclaimed looking at the watch. 

       "I know right he gave it to-" the fan boying was interrupted by Jason revving the motor of his bike. 

      "Let's get this show on the road guys." He pulls on his mask and speeds out of the cave. Tim puts his helmet on cursing under his breath and gets on his own bike to chase after him. 

       "I'm so glad you're my partner tonight." Dick unlocks the Batmobile and we drive to the north end of the city. After parking we take to the rooftops. I had to cling to Dick for dear life as he used his grappling hook to climb the build. 

       Heights didn't bother me as much as I thought they would. After being carried by superman over Gotham City a roof top was nothing. Dick was pretty quiet. I could tell he took this all very seriously. The night was mostly calm. Dick would move us around a bit and stopped a few muggings but aside from that the streets were quiet. Tim and Jason seemed to be having a similar night. The sound of the police radio was starting to make me a bit edgy. Dick never let me out of his sight even when stopping muggers he'd look up to the rooftop to make sure I was still there. 

        "They still don't trust you. Can't say I blame them, I wouldn't trust you either. If I kidnapped someone there would be no way I'd let them out again." Felix was getting a tad antsy as well. 

        There was a crash on one of the bridges, something about laughing gas and clowns. The handheld radio came alive with chatter. Jason and Tim had already made it over there but Dick had to be careful when moving with me. He couldn't swing from buildings the way he normally could. We were miles from the Batmobile. He stops on another rooftop and looks down at me. 

      "I need to get over there. Can I leave you here? Just stay put and stay out of sight please." He sounded so worried it was hard not to agree. He was gone just as fast. He swung off into the distance becoming a small dot on the horizon. 

       "Wanna play tic-tac-toe?" I ask Felix as I sit down on the roof and use my finger to push around the dirt to make a board for us. 

         "Do I look like I want to play tic-tac-toe? Let's go see what's happening. I'm bored to tears up here." 

           "I can't leave if I wanted to. I can't use this thing." I say as I hold out the hook. 

      "Stand up, I'll get us down." I didn't like how that sounded but he wouldn't do anything that would jeopardize his existence at least not without provocation. So I nodded and stood up. 

      "Now what?"

     "Do you trust me?"

      "Sometimes." 

      "Just don't scream." I hear him move behind me. My feet started to lift from the roof. Before I knew it I was being dangled by my arms in the air. I stay as loose as I possibly can. I could feel hands under my armpits floating me up and over. Slowly I was lowered onto the street below. My feet touch solid ground again and my arms fall to my sides.

      "I didn't know you could do that!"

     "I wasn't sure I could either but that's a good trick to have up our sleeve eh?"

     I started to walk in the direction I saw dick swing off in. I wasn't sure where I was going but I figured I'd know when I was getting close. I ran past an alley and heard some kind of laughter coming from it. 

       "Stop" Felix said flatly as he pulled on my cape. I looked back at him to see what he wanted. "Something is down there."

       "So? It's a dark alley alot of things could be down there!" I say as I yank my cape away. Felix normally didn't get fixated on something like this. It sent a chill through me when the laughter seemed to get closer. Out of nowhere Felix started to laugh a little. 

        "Something isn't right." He said as he chuckled it was eerie to say the least. I started to fumble with my tool belt and found a small flashlight. I pulled it out and shined it down the alley. A man with his back turned to me was just standing there. He swayed a little as he stood. His outfit seemed familiar. It looked to be a tacky purple suit of some kind. I knew this wasn't good. I pressed my finger into my ear like I saw Dick do but I realized I wasn't even given a com. It was like a nightmare. Feeling so helpless all the while Felix was still laughing like a mad man. The police radio said there was some kind of laughing gas. Maybe this guy needs some help.

         "Hello?" I call out softly as I take a step closer to the tacky man. My heart pounded in my chest so fast it felt like if not for this armor on my chest it would leap right out. "Sir? Can I call someone?"  I froze in place. I didn't want to get within grabbing distance but he wasn't responding. I wasn't sure what to do.

[leviathanverse]

Chapter 4: Nightmares and

Hallucinations

You cried as you watched the people you knew get slaughtered, not able to speak or do anything to help them as you watched with terrified eyes as their throats got slit by knifes as sharp as the sharpest object on earth. You stared at the scene play in front of you like a movie, the people to blame set houses on fire and killed the children in so many gruesome ways. They had dragons, and not just any dragons: Goretrappers.

A single drop of their venom was strong enough to take 4 000 lives. The flames that had been fired from the dragon that symbolized death ate away at the houses, hungrily tearing the beautiful roofs and walls with hot flames that melted bone itself.

You had tried to move, but a force prevented you. You felt so helpless to watch your home get destroyed again, a memory you had buried in a grave at the back of your head. Locked away and to be never seen or remembered again. Or, that was what you thought.

" Mom! Dad!"

You turned your head, watching with terrified and shocked eyes as your younger self coughed. There were burnmarks on your past self's skin. The beautiful pink-ish marks giving your skin more colour, patches of hair burned and hardened like plastic.

" Mom! Dad! Help me! Please!"

You could only watch, fear paralyzing your entire being as you could only look at your younger self struggle to move forward, coughing from the thick clouds of smoke that they- YOU breathed in. You saw tears form in your past self's eyes, feeling yourself tear up as the memories continued to plague you.

" Mom! Dad! Where are you?! I'm scared!"

Your past self's lips trembled, and you could only watch yourself get grabbed by Sakura before a knife penetrated your head. The red dragon head symboled on the shirt the only thing that stood out the most.

A Goretrapper charged at past Sakura, and she dodged it. She held your younger self in her arms protectively. She glared at the one that had tried to kill you.

" Attacking a village that had done nothing but live in peace?! That is a lowlife move! How about you leave this area with the rest of the Dragon Head members before things get messy?"

The person only laughed and it wasn't a kind laugh. It was dark, dry and only made your smaller self cry harder. He spoke, voice so deep and dark.

" I don't think I want to leave just yet. Give me the kid and we'll be on our mary way."

" Like hell I'd do that!"

She put your younger self down, the Goretrapper standing next to the man that wanted to kill you.

" Run, little one. Run until you can't run any longer."

She had gotten into battle stance, and your younger self followed her command and ran like it was the end of the world. You stood in one spot, the scene changing as you could only watch yourself run away and into the forest your parents had warned you to never enter.

The scene changed drastically, the memory had spat you out of itself and into another memory. Or so you thought. You dangled, swaying as you tried to get a grip to what was happening before looking down.

You dangled above a smile that had extremely sharp teeth with blood from previous victims. You watched, and screamed when you realized that it was the dragon.

" DON'T KILL ME! PLEASE-! I BEG YOU! I DIDN'T MEAN TO TRESPASS INTO YOUR HOME!"

You were only greeted with the teeth parting, strings of saliva connected from the upper jaw to the lower jaw, a reptile tongue sticking out of the jaws that anticipated your feeble body to enter. Ready to greedily pull you inside.

You fell into the jaws, and got swallowed.

---

You woke up, gasping for air as you sat up. Tears formed in your eyes, breathing ragged and shaky. You didn't focus on calming yourself down until you felt your dislocated shoulder throb with pain. You took deep breathes, trying to get your breathing back to normal before you could start to relocate your shoulder.

You took in a shaky breathe before turning your attention to the dislocated limb. Lifting your hand, you placed it on the shoulder. You felt pain spread in the dislocated limb as soon as you touched it. Bracing yourself, you relocated it. The pain was immeasurably. There weren't words to describe the pain. The best way you could describe it was that it felt like liquid gold burning your skin but ten times worse.

You grit your teeth, the pain quickly gone as soon as it had started. Atleast that was one of the more serious wounds taken care of.

" I hope the dragon isn't waiting... Hopefully it forgot about me already..."

You got up, but immediately collapsed. Right... The bullet in your leg... You forgot about it...

You sighed before looking for your backpack. It was only a few feet away from you. You got down and crawled towards it. You were thankful to have packed pliers inside for if something like this were to happen.

You sat up and zipped it open, rummaging through it and pulled out the pliers. Putting the backpack aside, you moved your leg with both hands and started to pull the bullet out. It wasn't easy and it was one hell of a pain in the ass to pinch the bullet with the pliers.

The pliers finally pinched the bullet and you pulled it out.

" Finally. Fucking hell."

Blood oozed from the wound the bullet had created, and a groan left your throat. Sighing, you began to tend the wound after getting bandages from your backpack. The white straps tinting slightly with dark red.

" That should do it. Now..."

You turned around to look at the area you had landed, slowly getting up.

" How the fuck do I get out of the forest alive?"

You grabbed your backpack and zipped it, slung it onto your back and made your way to the entrance of the den- you assumed that it was a den from the way it was formed. There was no way that it was formed naturally. It would be impossible.

Sighing and bracing yourself, you began climbing the steep entrance. As if you were rock climbing but with smooth and powdered rocks. It wasn't like you haven't done this before. You have done multiple rock climbing in your years of being part of the Hidden Assasin squad.

You slipped a bit but got your footing just in time. You didn't want to fall all the way back down and cause the dragon to stay a bit longer. To figure out how to get you out of your safe spot and consume you like those guards from the previous night- was it night? Or was it day? You didn't dwell on it as you breached the surface, bright light greeted you with open arms in an unpleasant way. You hissed slightly and turned you head away from the light.

You waited for your eyes to adjust before scanning your surroundings. There was no dragon in sight. Maybe it was a trick to make you think that it had left.

You expected the dragon to be hiding, but the longer you awaited anxiously for the beast to come and grab you, the more it became apparent to you that it might have given up on you and left to find other easy meals.

" ... I don't trust this one bit."

But being the stubborn and the most observant person you were, you didn't buy it. You didn't think that a dragon would pass up an opportunity like this. Not when the meal was right in their territory.

You hesitated and got halfway out when you saw the dragon. It went for you and you instantly let yourself tumble back down inside the safety of the den.

" I knew it! Why did I think that it was gone!"

You yelped as you landed on your back at the bottom of the tunnel that led to the den. You huffed.

" Great. Now I am fucking stuck here in this forest with a dragon that not only wants to capture me, but fucking have me as a snack too! Putain de dragon!"

You were pissed, but knew better than to yell at a creature that was physically stronger than you. And even more superior than your race. It would only anger the creature and cause it to try everything in its power to get to you. It wouldn't matter if its attempts had failed, it would only try again. Dragons were known to never give up on something once it had eyes on the prize or when it was after prey.

You were that prey, it seemed. You were the prey and it was the predator. A wolf ready to kill the deer.

You closed your eyes. It was only for three seconds when you opened them, frightened. You saw dragon claws try to get to you, and whimpered. Tears escaped from the walls that prevented them to fall.

But you didn't know that you were hallucinating things. You weren't aware that those dragon paws were everything but real. It was all in your head. You sat up and scooted away, pressing yourself against a dirt wall in an attempt to put distance between the paws that tried to reach for you. The overwhelming fear caused you to pass out. The emotions too much for your body to handle.

...

You jerked awake and shook, terrified from the nightmare you had. It was the same nightmare like before after the memory. You didn't want to have another death experience. Not again. You weren't ready. You were too young to leave the earth.

You sat there, still traumatized from both the memory and duplicate nightmares.

" I don't want to die... I don't want to leave them behind... I'm not ready..."

You mumbled, gripping your hair with your hands. It almost as if you were trying to cover your ears. You closed your eyes and cried, sobbing. You were stuck in a nightmare within a more realistic and terrifying nightmare, a loop you never wanted. You knew that you would possibly die in the home of the dragon above the ground. Just waiting for you to come out when you thought that it was safe. It was a gamble between life and death, predator and prey.

" Please... to any God that might be listening or up there, please don't let me die... I'm scared..."

And you weren't lying. You were really scared of your fate. Hopefully the creature wasn't going to eat you. Maybe it was just trying to protect its territory from unwelcomed visitors? Yeah! Maybe that was it! Maybe this was all a big understanding! But you couldn't go outside to face the dragon. It would most likely not listen to your reasons for entering its territory. You curled up and continued to shake.

You didn't know what fate had in store for you.

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