#(if you're open to listen to people different from you)

[aislinregin]

I don't like getting political anymore. I have too much to protect, too much that leaves me and people I love profoundly vulnerable in the current climate. But I feel like I have to say this, so I'm going to do something that makes me sick to my stomach: I'm going to censor myself.

I have always told myself, my partners, my friends, my children that when you're getting the measure of someone, you should definitely trust your gut. Or your pet, whichever gets there first. Animals have a keen sense for danger, and your gut is just the part of you that doesn't realize you're supposed to be a civilized human. But also, possibly even more importantly, people always tell you who they are eventually. It might take a while, they might put on a good show for years. But sooner or later, people always tell you who they are and what they want to do. That can look different in different people. Let me give you an example.

When I was seventeen I started dating a guy I worked with. He was 19, so only a little older, but where I lived he was a legal adult so there was definitely a power dynamic at play that I was not equipped to navigate safely. This guy said all the right things, made all the right moves, for months. And the whole time my gut was whispering "this isn't right, something is wrong." But I could prove it, not even to myself, so I told myself I was imagining it. I was not imagining it. One day I was riding in the backseat of a car with this guy and he wanted to go to a friend's party. But it had been a long day for me and I was tired and I knew his friends were the type who would want to drink a lot of beer and act foolish and I was just not in the mood. So I said that was fine but he could go by himself because I wanted to go home and read a book. He said "no, we're going to the party." And I said "No, you can go if you want but I'm going home."

And then he slapped me across the face.

He did it once. I think it surprised him how little I reacted (it wasn't the first time I'd been slapped, it wasn't even the hundredth). I looked him in the eye and I remember very clearly that my gut was suddenly louder than a bullhorn: "YOU KNEW THIS WAS WRONG, AND NOW HE'S SHOWN YOU HOW."

So I smiled, all coy and sweet, and unbuckled my seatbelt to scoot over like I was going to cuddle up to him and "apologize." Then I unbuckled his seatbelt, reached across him, opened the door of the car, and shoved him out of the car. It was moving, slowly through a neighborhood, and the driver was so shocked he slammed on the brakes while I closed the door and locked it. The now ex boyfriend was screaming like he'd been shot (he was fine, was barely bruised). I told the driver that if he didn't drive me home right then I was calling the cops.

All that to say that people will always tell you who they are and what they want eventually. If they're being honest, what they say won't change much over time, just as they grow and evolve. You can track those changes, be part of them. But if they're lying or putting on a mask, sooner or later they'll slip up and then you'll know. What you do next will tell them a lot: it will tell them if you're going to let them be who they really are, if they can continue to use and abuse you. Trump has never been anything but brutally honest about who he is. He has been telling us from the start who he is and what he wants. And the whole damn country or even world has been scrambling to assure us that it's fine, he can't do those things, we have all these things that protect us (Congress, police, the military, the Constitution). But I have been listening to Trump and his people. I've heard everything they've said. They've told us who they are. And when people tell you who they are, the trick is to take them at their word. Believe them. So you know what? I believe him. But I can't shove him out of a moving car. I can get out of the car though. It's happened before. It's happened before here. We have a secret history no one wants to talk about, one with mass graves under residential schools less than two hours from where I sit right now, chemically castrated queers, non consensual lobotomies on autistics and other neurodivergents, internment camps and forced migrations and outright fucking massacres. What Trump and his puppeteers want is not out of line with this country's soul. This is not new. This is what this country has always been. It's time to believe it. It's time to get out of the fucking car.

Let's connect some dots here

The Trump administration kidnaps and sends hundreds of people to a prison camp in El Salvador with no due process (meaning they never have to prove these people committed whatever offence the Admin claims)

The Administration sets the precedent that anyone, up to green card holder and naturalized citizens, will be subject to this for practicing free speech in a way the Administration doesn't like

The Administration puts out two Executive Orders, one which says they believe trans people and parents of trans children are all sexual offenders and another that anyone who criticizes Israel is a terrorist

The President puts out a statement, in public, saying he wants to find ways to send US citizens to those foreign prison camps

The Administration directly defies 2 different SCOTUS decisions that say anyone who is deported must get due process and (this one a unanimous decision) they must return a wrongfully deported man

The US President now tells the President of El Salvador, again in public, that they will need to expand their facilities because he wants to start sending "homegrown criminals" to El Salvador very soon

We aren't even in boiling the frog territory any more, we're in a flash frier.

Like I hate sounding like a fucking tinfoil hat nutjob, but it's clear as day, right? He's saying exactly what he wants to do. And no one is doing anything about it. They're just saying "hey that's illegal!" and then letting it happen anyway.

[lottiesdolly]

anything for you

♡ shauna shipman x reader

The snow never really melts out here. Not even when the sun dares to peek through the trees and paint fake warmth across your face. The cold's permanent now, settled down into your bones. Just like Shauna has.

She wasn’t always like this, you would have remembered. Mean, colder than the air, and dangerous in ways that weren’t obvious until they were. You used to know her laughter. Her secrets whispered in the dark under shared blankets, limbs tangled, her pinky brushing yours when she thought no one was watching.

Now? She's watching everyone.

Except you, she watches you differently.

“You’re not going anywhere with them.” Her voice cuts through the clearing.

You blink, confused. “I was just going to help Natalie—”

“No,” she snaps, stepping closer. “Let Natalie help herself. You stay with me.”

You catch the flicker in her eyes. It’s not jealousy. It’s possession. Like she’s already imagining you walking away from her, and it kills her. Like it can’t happen. Not again. Not after Jackie.

“Shauna…” you murmur. “You don’t need to—”

“I do,” she interrupts, almost too quickly. “Don’t make me explain it. Just listen to me, okay?”

Later, you feel her watching you by the fire, her gaze heavy, even while she sharpens the blade of that old hunting knife. Her fingers are steady. Too steady.

She still touches you the same way when no one’s looking, slow, almost reverent. But there’s a new edge now. When she kisses you, it’s like she’s trying to brand you. Like she needs to prove you’re still hers.

“You’re the only thing out here that’s real,” she says one night, curled around you in the dark, voice thick with emotion she never shows anyone else. “If they try to take you from me... I won’t let them.”

And you believe her.

Shauna doesn’t sleep much anymore.

She just stares, at the ceiling of the cabin, the fire, the shadows between the trees. At you. Sometimes you wake up to her face inches from yours, eyes wide open, hair hanging loose and feral, like something pulled from a nightmare.

“I just like to watch you,” she says once, voice soft, like that makes it okay. Like it's sweet.

One morning, you try to step outside without her. Just for water. Just for air.

When she finds you, barely ten steps from the cabin, her voice is eerily calm.

“Are you bored of me?” she asks, as if she’s asking your favorite color.

“What? No, I—”

“You don’t need to lie.”

She steps closer. There’s blood on her sleeves, old and dry. You're not sure if it’s hers. You're not sure if you want to ask.

“You’ve been quiet lately. Looking at people too long. Laughing at stupid things Mari says,” she lists, tilting her head. “Makes me wonder if you’ve forgotten who keeps you safe.”

You try to explain, reassure, but she cuts you off with a kiss that feels more like a claim than comfort. Her fingers dig into your waist like she’s afraid you’ll vanish, dissolve into mist and snow.

“You don’t get to leave me,” she says, forehead pressed to yours, eyes too wide. “Not now. Not when I’ve already killed for you.”

You freeze.

She smiles.

“I’d do it again.”

[angeliteeyes]

Genshin Love Letters and Confessions - feat. Ganyu, Kokomi, Chiori, Shenhe, Jean, Sara, Ayaka, Keqing, and Hu Tao (in order)

Follow-up for my Genshin Love Letter event, in which these sweethearts sent you a love letter, but forgot to sign them. Still, you know them well enough to figure out who sent each and every one. Now, it's time to go and visit them in person. Shall we?

-Ganyu-

Your heart aches with sympathy at each written word as your eyes trail downwards. Even without a signature, you'd spent more than enough time with your half-Qilin companion to know of her... unique sleeping habits, as well as the vivid dreams that often accompanied them. Honestly, it's a miracle that she even survived this long, given how indiscriminate her choice of napping spots is.

You smile gently at the final words of her letter. As if you could ever say no to her.

Liyue Harbor was world-renowned for several different reasons, from the bustling businesses lining its streets to the gorgeous Glaze Lilies that bloomed along the edges of its landscape. Still, though, as your gaze falls onto Ganyu anxiously playing with a piece of her hair, you deduce that the city itself pales in comparison to the beauty of its inhabitants.

"Did you wait long?" You lean closer to her, making her blush from the proximity.

"Not at all, actually. I had planned to come here earlier, but... there were some last-minute issues I had to attend to." Her eyes shut for a moment, the very mention of work seemingly exhausting her. You nudge her in the direction of the nature-dense trail up ahead.

"Well, you're here now. How about we just leave all that work stuff behind for the night?" She softly exhales, letting the tension exit from her body, before agreeing.

It doesn't take long for you to notice her uncharacteristic quietness. Sure, she may act shy often around others, but with you? It was as if all of the words that yearned to escape from her lips during the day flooded out the moment she was with you at night. As her ramblings began about lazy coworkers or stressful workloads, you'd always been there, strolling by her side to listen. And yet today, you hear nothing. You shoot a glance to your side only to find her looking at the ground.

"Ganyu...? Did your dream scare you that much? You know I'd never actually hate you."

She nods pensively. "I know. Don't worry. I did ask to see you because of that, but that's not... the reason why, exactly." Your ears perk up as you silently wait for her to continue. She takes a deep, heavy breath before turning over to you. "It's just that—well, you know me. I've always felt this barrier between me and most other people, especially with my lineage. I've never... I've never known someone that I've been so scared of losing before."

Her footsteps come to a halt. Before you can question it, her hand reaches out to hold your own. As you look into her eyes, a flash of determination marches across them as she peers directly into your own.

"So that's why I want to be with you for as long as I can. Would you be willing to go out with me?" Her eyes squeeze shut and her hand, intertwined with your own, reverberates like a shivering rabbit. You clasp them gently in return.

"Of course."

-Kokomi-

As you slowly push the door to Kokomi's secret hideout open, her words come rushing back through your head. "I feel at ease with you around, and I know I can let my guard down and not stress about social expectations." Seeing her sleeping form slouched on top of her messy desk, you believe every word.

"Wake up, sleepyhead." You gently tousle her hair, earning a groggy whine from her in response. She stirs and looks up at you with a blank expression, processing your arrival, before snapping awake.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I'm the one that called you here, yet here I am nodding off." She throws in a nervous giggle before falling silent, playing with the ends of her sleeves. "So, you read it...right?" As she peers up at you with timid eyes, her expression brings to mind the image of a scared bunny. The thought—along with her sincerity—brings a smile to your face.

As much as you feel sympathetic to her fears... admittedly, this is far too perfect of an opportunity to tease her; besides, hearing those words from her lips would be much nicer than just reading a piece of paper. And so, you look down at her with a grin.

"Read what, exactly?" A shocked look—followed shortly by a glaring, blushing one—blanketed her face.

"Are you really going to make me say it out loud? It's too embarrassing..." She hesitates to bite the bait you laid out, yet you're not ready to give up just yet. Tauntingly, you lean in closer.

"Come on now, Kokomi. You're a master strategist, and you're telling me you didn't see this coming?" At this, her eyes widen and her hands move to cover her face. For several moments, no words are exchanged between the two of you—you patiently waiting for her to give in and her seemingly incapable of doing so. At least, that's what you think at first. But then slowly but surely, a tiny, muffled voice cracks through her shielding hands.

"...I like you..."

You pat her on the top of the head.

"I like you too, silly."

-Chiori-

A flash of rosy red coats your cheeks as you digest her words. When you saw that you'd received a letter, you couldn't possibly have imagined just how bold of one it would be. Still, though, you can't say you're too surprised by the idea that Chiori would write something like this; it's not like her public image came out of thin air.

Now that the weight of what you're holding is starting to sink in, oddly enough, you feel a sense of relief wash over you. Maybe it's just because she took on the hard work of confessing first, or maybe it's the way she hardly even considers the possibility that you'd reject her (good observation skills on her part). Or maybe it's just the fact that you finally get to know that your crush likes you back. Regardless of which one it is, she deserves to hear your own feelings.

"Chiori? Are you still working?" As you step onto the floors of the esteemed Chioriya Boutique, a whiff of her signature perfume alerts you to her presence. With a loud groan, she gets up and walks over to where you stand.

"Finally, you're here. Perfect timing actually; I didn't have time for lunch, so I'm rather hungry. So, tell me, what are your thoughts on that bakery I mentioned?" Her words rush out of her mouth so fast that you stumble over your own.

"Hey, wait! Aren't we going to talk about... you know... everything else you said in the letter?"

For a brief while, confusion scatters across her expression. Your stomach starts to feel queasy in anticipation, wondering what she'll have to say next. Despite how frequently she spoke her mind, its inner workings still remain a bit of an enigma to you. And then, at last, she continues.

"What is there to talk about? We like each other, and now we're both on the same page, so what's the issue?" Her words carry a strong, bulldozing attitude, as they always seem to. Yet, a slight blush envelops her face. You relax a little at the sight. Even the most confident of people can still get embarrassed, it turns out. You laugh a little, the action causing her to frown.

"Hey! What's so funny?" You shoot her a giddy smile in an attempt to reassure her.

"It's just nice seeing you be the one getting flustered for once, y'know?"

With that remark, her redness only increases more and more, until she looks like a bomb about to explode. She clicks her tongue at you before jutting her hand out to yank your wrist, dragging you outside into the city's streets towards the aforementioned shop.

You have a funny feeling that your life's about to get much, much more eventful now that she's claimed you as her own.

-Shenhe-

"I promise that I'll keep you safe from any dangers that dare threaten you while I'm around."

Reading the letter's final line brought you back to the first time you had met Shenhe. While you had been enjoying the scenery of the Liyue mountains, you'd unfortunately gotten lost and wound up in hostile Fatui territory. The situation rapidly went from bad to worse when they'd falsely assumed you were a spy or something... Really, if she hadn't shown up and rescued you, you're not sure what would've become of you that day. But there's no need to worry about that anymore; if anything, maybe it was good luck that happened. After all, it gave you the chance to see her in a positive light. Nothing like the scary rumors passed around back home.

It didn't take long before you grew fond of her and actively started to seek her out, always bringing along whatever gifts you could find. Thankfully, her unique taste in food meant you'd often spot favorite plants of hers along the way, so it didn't take much effort. Still, she always seemed so surprised by the presents. It made you wonder how many... or how few, you should say, that she'd received beforehand.

All that to say, you'd long since grown aware of her loneliness, of her unfamiliarity with human social customs, and how it's contrasted by her deep desire for connection. And you knew that you never, ever wanted her to be alone like that again.

As you drew near to her home out in the mountains, you breathed in the fragrant air. Looks like she's already gotten started on one of those herbal soups she's so fond of. Admittedly, you found them to be... a bit too unique for your tastes at first. Now, though, your taste buds have grown accustomed to them, to the point where you actually have started to crave those flavors... or maybe it's just that you associate them with her bright, expectant eyes eagerly watching you try out her favorite recipes, along with her subtle yet warm smile when you tell her you enjoyed them.

Despite not knocking on her front door yet, it was hurriedly thrust open by Shenhe, who was now standing in front of you. It's a rather endearing quirk stemming from her superior senses that you've noticed ever since you started coming over—the way she'd rush over to you so fast, yet pretend to act nonchalant when you met face-to-face.

"Oh, you're here. Dinner's almost ready." She turns to walk toward her kitchen, but before she can make it, you reach out your arms to latch onto her. You bury yourself deeper into her backside and let your emotions seep out of your body and soak into her skin. A distinct sound of her breath hitching makes its way into your ears. You clear your throat.

"I promise, I'll stay with you forever and ever, Shenhe."

Her body relaxes into you as she reaches her hands up to cover your own. Even in the silence, you can feel the weight of her doubts being lifted off of her shoulders and dissipating into the air and clouds. If her worries ever do return, though, it'll be okay. You'll be right by her side to dispel them as many times as it takes.

-Jean-

From the moment you walked into the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, hushed murmurs and barely held-back giggles made their way into your ears. Seriously, what is up with everyone today? They can't possibly know about Jean's letter to you... right? Right? But then again, knowing her weird ideas about responsibilities and burdens, you're not so sure that she would've confessed to you without an outside push. You sigh before opening her office door.

"Jean?" You take in the strange view in front of you. She's sat in her usual spot, yet her typical orchestra of carefully organized papers is mysteriously missing. Looking at her, you notice that her hands are abnormally empty and resting—or shaking, more so—on her thighs. Realization hits you. "Wait, are you not working on anything?"

A flash of panic stirs through her as she rushes to explain herself. "It's not that I don't want to work, it's just—oh, how do I say this..." She fake coughs, attempting to regain composure. "The others may have caught wind of the letter I wrote you and, well, by the time I got back..." She gestures to her vacant desk space.

Ah, so that explains the weird energy of this place. Not to mention the wink Lisa threw you when she'd spotted you coming over here (then again, that may have just been her being her normal self). An awkward air fills the space between you two, as blushes rise to both of your faces. You decide eventually to break it, albeit with much embarrassment.

"So, uh, how long are they planning on holding your precious papers hostage for?"

She sighs and looks longingly at the door. "They said that I'm not allowed to work for the rest of the day. The only reason they didn't kick me out entirely was so you'd be able to find me faster."

You laugh at the images coming to mind of how that whole scenario must've went down. Even without being there, you can still perfectly hear Jean's complaining and failed attempts to argue ringing in your head as if you were. With a grin, you walk over to her side.

"Well then, let's make the most of this free time together." You grab her hand in yours as she looks up at you pensively.

"Does this mean you accept my confession?"

You press your lips into the top of her overheating head, a little blessing that you hope may bring her peace of mind. "Of course I do."

-Sara-

The miniature clock on your wrist glares tauntingly at you as you sprint towards your destination. 5:10 p.m. You didn't normally show up to your mandatory training with Sara this late, honest. It's just that work ran a bit longer than expected. That's all (and definitely not because you got distracted by a food vendor). Still, your muscles are already tensing at the scolding you know she's about to bombard you with.

It's odd, really. You're not even a part of the Tenryou Commission—or any job that requires physical training, for that matter. Yet all the same, Sara had abruptly waltzed into your life and demanded that you begin training with her. Apparently, it was something about you "needing to be able to defend yourself when she's not around" or whatever other weird things she'd bark at you when you slacked off or expressed any complaints.

Once you finally made it to your designated spot, you began to slow down, panting like a dog in summer's heat. You weren't given any chance to relax, though, as a stern voice pierced into your skin.

"You're late." Looking up timidly, her glare and harsh scowl came into view. Normally her reprimanding was subtler and layered with drawn-out speeches and explanations, but not today. She knew that both of you were already well aware of your error.

"I know, I'm sorry. Work just ran late and—"

"I don't want to hear it." She groans while looking you up and down. "Looks like I was right to make this decision after all."

You pause in confusion. "What decision?"

"This training isn't working out the way I thought it would. I had expected you to treat your safety as a top priority and give it your all, but clearly that's not happening. You're still much too weak for my liking." The urge to argue with her burned at your throat, yet you bit it back, just barely allowing her to continue speaking. Still, if she wanted to give up on training you, she could've just said so.

"So, in order to keep you as safe as possible, we will remain at each other's side every day. That way, I'll be able to protect you and ensure that you're never late to a training session again."

An empty silence lingers for several seconds as you process her words.

"So... like dating?"

Her face goes blank, like she's a broken machine failing to register commands. "What? No, we're just going to move in together and be with each other each day. That's perfectly normal."

You have to forcefully wrangle your facial expression under control at the absurdity of her obliviousness. The worst part is that you know she's completely serious. Before meeting her, you likely never would've believed anyone could be this unintentionally obtuse, but... well, here you two are.

Well, whatever. Maybe as time goes by, she'll begin to realize how awfully romantic your future living situation really is, or the meaning behind her constant blushing as your skin bumps into one another during practice. Until then, you'll happily remain by her side for as long as her confused heart demands.

-Ayaka-

Sakura bloom tea.

The sweet, fragrant aroma wafts all around you, originating from the twin teacups you and Ayaka are sharing. For some reason, she's begun to offer this kind exclusively during your visits. The cause of her actions eludes you, yet based on her attentive looks she throws your way each time the cup draws towards your lips, perhaps it holds more meaning than simple kindness. Today, the flavor is especially strong.

"Thank you for being willing to come over on such short notice. It really means a lot to me." Her voice peters out a little at the end of her sentence, a tranquility exuding from her form.

"Of course. It sounded like you had a lot to say, so I couldn't just ignore you."

She presses her cup back down onto the flat surface. "Yes, I did—if you're alright with hearing me out." You nod affirmatively and watch as her lungs fill up with air and determination, before exhaling. Her eyes bore into yours, a newfound intensity brimming within them.

"I'm well aware that many outsiders view me as extremely fortunate for my position in the Kamisato Clan. I can't say they're entirely wrong, but... they don't see the extent that it affects my entire life. They don't have to sit and listen to others converse with each other so happily and carefree, only to switch to formalities the moment I come over. They didn't have to watch the other children play outside together, only to be rushed over to another lesson on mannerisms. This position is a blessing, yes, but it's also a prison." Despite her somberness, a gentle smile stretches her lips from each side.

"You, though... When I'm with you, I feel free of those shackles. You treat me like a friend, like I'm more than just a person with a grand title."

All of a sudden, she disrupts her own speech. The once-silent room around her becomes filled with jarring thumps and thuds as she gets up from her seated position and strides over to you, slamming herself down by your side. You're about to open your mouth and question her, when her lips press themselves into yours. It's a bit harsh at first, but soon melts into a more timid softness.

She eventually pulls away, but only slightly. With a whisper, she speaks again.

"Can we be more than friends?"

Before long, the tastes of your pair of sakura bloom teas meet and become one once again. A simple, wordless answer, yet somehow, it communicates more than anything else you two could say to each other.

-Keqing-

Most of the time at work, Keqing was a permanent, thundering, and pervasive force throughout your day. Whether it was to pester you over some work with a tight deadline or to bring you little treats from the break room—the ones she claims she just happened to grab too many of—her presence was a permanent fixture in your daily life. And yet, today, she was nowhere to be found.

"Keqing? She said that she's in a meeting right now, I think."

"Oh, Keqing offered to go out and grab some office supplies. She's not back yet."

Over and over, time and time again, your questions got those same sorts of replies. Strange, since this has never happened before in your long time of being coworkers. You bite your lip and ponder. There's no way you're about to go home and leave her feelings unanswered. And so, you settle yourself into the seat at her desk and wait.

It isn't until nightfall that she returns. When she walks in, she nearly doubles over from the fright of seeing your shadowy form and shrieks violently.

"Don't scare me like that! Why are you here anyway? You're supposed to be home by now." You push yourself out of the seat.

"I wouldn't have to be if a certain someone hadn't been running around all day. You're the one that told me not to procrastinate telling you my feelings." At the mention of her letter, she stiffens and slowly deflates like a balloon. Her eyes drift to the side, far away from you.

"...I already told you not to respond. I know you don't like me like that anyway, so don't bother." With that, she turns away and starts to move her hand over the door handle. But before she can actually use it, you reach out to her.

"Keqing, wait."

You gently rest your hand on her shoulder, making her breath hitch. You continue to speak.

"I don't know what's making you think I don't like you, but I do. I really do."

After a few moments of silence, she slowly turns to face you. With a flash of concern, you notice two trails of tears making their way down her cheeks. Her lip is stained with trace amounts of blood, likely from biting it so hard—a nervous habit of hers. She locks eyes with you.

"Do you actually mean that?"

You cup her face with both hands. As much as you try to brush off the tears, more and more seem to replace them.

"Yes, I promise. And I'll prove it to you, no matter how long it takes."

-Hu Tao-

You've showered countless times. You've furiously scrubbed at each patch of skin you could reach. You even grabbed a wad of tape and started pressing and peeling it all over, but to no avail. The glitter enclosed in that stupid letter is still stuck to you like neon glue, regardless of how much effort you put into making it not so.

You had to get revenge.

Up ahead, Hu Tao is busy taking care of some funeral parlor work. Seeing her like this, you'd think she's an innocent, hardworking businesswoman, but you know the truth. You're literal walking proof of her more playful side and of just how cruel of a prankster she could be. It's alright, though; soon, she'll look exactly like you.

Seems like she's finally taking notice of your arrival. As she spins around to face you, a wide, bright-eyed grin makes its way onto her face.

"Hey there, looks like you received my present. Did you like it?" Her eyes narrow mischievously, probably hoping for an entertaining reaction out of you. You, though, simply smile back.

"I sure did. So much, in fact, that I got you this."

Her joyful expression falters after you speak. "Wait, what do you—"

A stream of bright, colorful rainbow glitter interrupts her words as it splashes onto her, making her yelp. You made sure to aim it for the exact same spots that her gift hit you. For a little while, she fails to even react, but soon after she quickly melts into a puddle of booming laughter. So much so that, by the time she's done cracking up, there's a well of tears stuck in her eyes. A high-pitched exhale escapes her throat as she meets your gaze.

"Now see, this is why I like you so much. You're always so fun to be around." She leans closer to you. "Say, how about you go out with me?"

You furrow your brows at her.

"Is this another one of your pranks?" She giggles a little, before making a solemn expression you've only ever seen her wear a handful of times. It's one exclusively saved for the most serious of moments with her, the kinds that leave no room for jokes or lighthearted quips.

"No, I really mean it. I like you. So, what do you say?" She presses herself even closer, talking in a faint, melodic tone. Her eyes watch you expectantly, as if she already knows what answer you'll give. And you know it too.

"Yes, I'll go out with you."

Her face beams with gleeful delight and quickly, she grabs you for a tight hug. Wait...

"Stop rubbing the glitter off on me!"

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

Author's note: Good lord was this a long one, easily my longest post to date. Apologies for any mistakes, there ain't no way I didn't mess up somewhere in this 4.1k words, long as hell mess T-T still, I hope y'all enjoyed it <3

Taglist: @cmiru final post for the Love Letter event!!!! Thank you (and others, you know who you are mwa) for the support. It really means a lot to me :D

[lemotmo]

This person did not help the counter argument 🤣

Q. I do think it's super insulting for the media and many fans to basically say well we can all pretty much see where this train is heading and if you have a problem with it then you're sexist and homophobic. No. They're written as best friends, strong bonded, life long best friends, but only friends nonetheless. Oliver and Ryan skewing the acting towards the narrative they think the show should take is not the same thing as writing them with romantic undertones. I need people to be so serious right now because you all look ridiculous. They could both have other relationships if the actors stopped sabotaging their other relationships. Lou tried, he tried hard, but he got zero help from Oliver. Fox clearly wanted Taylor to be Buck's endgame, but once again they got zero help from Oliver. Ryan didn't even bother trying with anyone not named Devin so what did they expect to happen?! They could have chemistry with other people if they would allow themselves to put even half the effort into their other onscreen relationships as they do with the Buck and Eddie thing.

A. Listen, and this is me being so serious right now, your argument is non-existent. People are saying it's sexist or homophobic or biphobic or bigoted because it is. There is not a single valid argument that exists within the narrative of the Buck and Eddie storyline that supports the weakness of 'they've only ever been written as friends'. That's a non-existent, non supported by the facts argument. Chimney and Hen have only ever been written as friends. Chimney and Eddie. Chimney and Buck. Only ever written as friends. And no one ever confuses those relationships as anything else. The problem with your argument, anon is that it's disingenuous. You're not mad that they're written and acted with romantic undertones. You're mad that Oliver and Ryan just allowed their natural chemistry to be what it is without forcing 'bro code behavior' on it to make it more heteronormative. That's what really bothers you all. Just own that. If you truly believe you're valid in that belief then own it. Say it out loud. Their relationship makes you uncomfortable because you don't understand how two men, who have not publicly identified themselves as not straight, could be so comfortable being open, vulnerable, playful, and flirty with another man because you yourself would not be comfortable doing those same things with a member of the same sex. That's why people call your argument bullshit because it is.

We don't know how long Buddie was in the works before FOX ultimately stepped in and stopped it. We have no idea how long they were building towards that initial get together. So a lot of the acting choices from seasons 3 and 4 could, and in fact probably are, most likely tied to that initial relationship build up. Everyone loved that Jennifer came in and immediately declared that Maddie should be with Chimney. Jennifer and Kenny get a voice. Everyone loved it. Everyone loves that Angela and Peter get a say with what happens between Bobby and Athena. Aisha and Tracie get the same treatment with Hen and Karen. Everyone loves how they all get a voice. Why should Ryan and Oliver not get an equal voice in their onscreen endgame? Why do you believe they should have to play by a different set of rules than the rest of their cast mates? None of you all can answer that question. That's why your argument gets dismissed. It's not coming from a valid place to begin with. Lou did not try to sell the ship because he had a deep love for the ship, don't even try to make that statement. He tried to sell it because he liked the attention it brought him. Period. Any chance he got he made sure to emphasize his straightness, and he was clearly uncomfortable filming anything remotely intimate in nature. So that argument is also disingenuous.

Chemistry is tricky. It either exists or it doesn't. It's hard to fake. Yes, both Oliver and Ryan have far better chemistry with each other than they ever had with any other onscreen love interests. But they did have chemistry with a few. Oliver and Meagan had great chemistry when Taylor first showed up, it absolutely fizzled out before the end but they initially had lovely chemistry. Oliver and the actress who played Ali had nice chemistry. He even had cute chemistry with Connie in season one. He had no chemistry with Lou, no matter how hard you all try to declare otherwise. They were clearly uncomfortable with one another. Ryan had great chemistry with Devin (Shannon). He played the Ana stuff perfectly because she was supposed to lead to his initial gay awakening. He had no chemistry with Edy, their first few scenes, much like Oliver and Lou, were nice but once they paired them together it didn't work. That's okay. It doesn't mean Oliver and Ryan sabotaged anything. Do I think there's a genuine conversation to be had about how long Oliver and Ryan have been playing it a certain way, sure. But there's nothing wrong with playing up the chemistry. Their chemistry naturally exists. They don't have to put effort into it. It's the same when they do interviews. It's just what exists between the two of them and that's the real problem you all have with it. Instead of bro'ing down and over correcting, they allow it to be what it naturally is. And that makes you uncomfortable. Well that's a you problem. I would argue that Peter and Kenny have a similar kind of chemistry for that matter.

Thank you Nonny!

Well, what an utterly nonsensical question was that? Garbage filled with terrible ideas and opinions from beginning to end.

You cannot just 'force' to have chemistry with someone. Natural chemisty is one of the greatest things two actors can have. It's either there or it isn't. All the great 'will they won't they' ships had great chemistry. Some of them weren't even supposed to end up together, but the chemistry was so good they decided to change the writing for the characters and put them together.

I honestly don't think Buck and Eddie were ever planned to end up together, but because Ryan and Oliver had such great on screen chemistry the writers recognised 'lightning in a bottle' and went with it until FOX told them to stop.

Anyway, I agree with Ali.

IMPORTANT! Please don't repost this ask and/or a link that leads straight to my Tumblr account on Twitter or any other social media. Thank you!

Heads up! For anyone who is giving me the shifty eyes for reposting Ali's updates instead of reblogging. Read this.

Remember, no hate in comments, reblogs or inboxes. Let's keep it civil and respectful. Thank you.

If you are interested in more of Ali’s posts, you can find all of her posts so far under the tag: anonymous blog I love.

[ameliahiatt]

Molly feels the shift in energy before it happens, like a dam about to break. Their words say they're okay but their body feels tense against her own. Molly can't say she's feeling so at ease herself. The last person she did anything intimate with was her ex-husband and their last cavort was going on six years ago. She didn't know how to do things with other people. She could only hope it was like riding a bike and muscle memory would just take it away.

As their foreheads rest together Molly doesn't release her grip around their neck. She wants to pull them closer. All of the sudden, they're working up to a reveal. And something bad? Molly couldn't imagine it. It wasn't to say she was so naive, she was quite the opposite, actually. Often Molly's intuition was too good. And nothing about Metzli up to this point had given her bad vibes.

Sure, there was a part of her that knew she may become too eager when the time came to get back on the horse. Her sister had repeatedly told her that her first time after needed to cheap and easy, after a night out at the bar. Molly had replied with a good old fashioned absolutely not! And followed up with something about how there was no way she could just do it and not feel a damn thing. She didn't know anything else. Besides, Molly was a romantic and in return, liked to be romanced. She wasn't sure she was capable of a one night thing. She's want to text them the next day.

But Metzli was so kind and gentle. They were careful with Molly already and they had only just met. How on Earth could they have done something so horrible?

And there it came. Their big revelation. Molly listened intently, her own eyes shut as their foreheads stuck together. A sketchbook. Something deeply personal, revealed to someone who couldn't imagine it in the possession of their own child. Metzli had poured out their heart in the only way they had known how - much like Molly and her journals. God, she'd be mortified if her mother had found her journals. She probably would've pushed her away too. She thought any teenager would've. Adults weren't supposed to see inside of their minds and hearts, not vividly at least. Molly couldn't imagine being a parent to a teen.

And she couldn't imagine how Metzli felt. She watches as they lean back, tensing and attempting to calm themselves. Holy shit. The thought that pours out following their speculation. The fucking guilt that they must feel, weighing on them. And this happened when they were the same age that Molly was when she started dating Roger. The two scenarios were not simpatico, it was very different to think you might've accidentally harmed someone, fatally even, vs choosing who you thought was your partner for life who would end up breaking your heart.

But a monster? That was the last thing Molly would call them. If there was one thing Molly could do, it was empathize with young people and their lives were fucking hard. Metzli had endured trauma beyond belief. And yet, they were still here.

They crossed the threshold into her house. Molly didn't think that was something a monster could do. Not with her open arms. "Metzli.." was all she manages, voice soft and sad for them, and grip strong now on their shoulders. She keeps her position on their lap, though she's prepared to roll off to give them space, she doesn't move. What does a person say in response to a revelation such as this? When all they want to do is bring them close. So, that's what Molly does. Her hands move from their shoulders and instead continue to wrap around their shoulders, pulling them back together. "You're not a monster.." Molly finally breathes, eyes watering, heart breaking for them. "And you're good enough to be here with me." There was no way they'd believe it, but Molly meant it. They deserved to hear it.

Relief washes over Metzli when they hear Molly humming. A sure sign of content that they don't expect from their first experience with intimacy, but they'll take it. "I'm feeling okay, yeah." They nod once, stealing a kiss. "Feeling good, actually. Like...like it's easy."

Which is something that seems unreal. Metzli always thought inexperience would lead to an awkward interaction, and they'll admit they had a few bumps leading to Molly's living room, but the hiccups didn't get to them. None of the anxiety the usually have did, in fact. Something completely washed it away, and that something--that someone is Molly.

Her weight rests comfortably on Metzli, and they sit there in silence while their eyes follow the patterns they begin to trace up and down Molly's arms. That tremor from before returns, the bitter taste of the truth burning their throat. Metzli knows it's guilt crawling back. It dug in the same place Molly rests her hands on their neck, raking down the length of her body pressing against them. They can't go forward, can they? Not until she knows what Metzli is. Letting someone bed evil without telling them is cruel.

"I..." Metzli begins, shifting uncomfortably beneath Molly. Just say it, they yell at themself. Just say it! Their breathing slowly becomes labored and tense, and they're grateful to not have a clear view of Molly's eyes with her forehead pressed to them. It makes it easier when they start again. At first it comes out as an indiscernable whisper, growing into small, trembled croak.

"I--she...before anything, I have to..." They swallow, "I left home at sixteen because I did something bad." Hazy bursts of the memory flash behind Metzli's eyes, blurring their vision with tears. They shut them tight, unable to stop a few tears from creeping down. "She found it. My-my sketchbook. It--there was a girl, and it wasn't right. She..." Eyes remain shut, body filling with tremors and their tongue souring with the acrid truth.

"My room was torn apart and she was ready to lock me up after..." They didn't want to say it, hoping the pause and the what little information Molly has was enough to imply what would come. "I-I-I...she grabbed me and I pushed her. H-hard. She fell and hit her head." Metzli finally pulls away then, hands retreating to their chest to massage the ants that bit into their fingers. Their eyes avoid Molly completely, and they hammer in the final nail. "I think I killed her, but I...I ran without checking. I ran and you...I-I should...You think I would want to leave for having a past, but you didn't--you aren't a monster like me. I'm sorry for not telling you and kissing you, and making you believe I could be good enough to be here. I'm not. I'm sorry." Eyes shut tightly, ready for the exile. "I'm sorry."

[writingpandagoth]

Severus and y/n are in secret relationship. What if they have a big fight. It end that they didn’t talk to each other few days, sleep in a different chamber. The students and other Hogwarts staff started to notice because Severus is getting a lot meaner and y/n doesn't laugh as much as always.

Here it is!

I am sorry this took longer than expected.

I hope you like it!

Stubborn Hearts

The fire crackled low in the sitting room of Severus's chambers, casting long shadows over the walls. You sat curled into Severus’ side on the worn sofa, your legs draped over his lap, his hand tracing slow, absentminded circles against your thigh. It was quiet, peaceful — rare.

Moments like this made hiding worth it.

Almost.

You sighed, feeling the thought rise in your chest before you could stop it.

"My love…," you said softly, tilting your head to look up at him. "Have you ever thought about... not hiding anymore?"

His fingers stilled, resting heavy and still against your skin.

He looked down at you, dark eyes unreadable. "Why would we change anything?" His voice was careful, almost cautious. "This is good. Isn't it?"

You shifted, sitting up a little, suddenly needing to move. "It’s good, yes. But… it could be better. I’m tired of pretending we’re just colleagues. I want—" You hesitated, heart pounding. "I want to hold your hand in the Great Hall. I want to kiss you goodnight without checking if anyone’s looking."

For a moment, Severus didn’t answer. His hand dropped from your leg.

"And why," he said slowly, "would you want that?"

You stared at him, confused. "Because I’m proud to be with you? Because I love you?"

He pressed his mouth into a thin line, looking away.

The hurt started as a flicker — a warning — deep in your gut.

"Severus," you pushed, voice shaking a little, "why are you acting like it would be some terrible thing?"

He stood abruptly, pacing toward the fire. His hands twitched at his sides, like he wanted to grab onto something — or someone — but didn't.

"Because it would be," he snapped. "You know what they're like. Whispers. Judgment. Pitying looks. Mockery."

"You think I care about that?" you shot back, standing too now, your heart climbing into your throat.

"You should!" he barked, turning on you, eyes blazing. "You're foolish if you think this would end with anything but chaos."

You flinched at the venom in his voice. You opened your mouth — to say what, you didn't know — but he cut you off, voice dropping into something quieter. More dangerous.

"There is no need for anyone to know." he said. "it's better if people don't associate you with someone like me."

The room tilted. You staggered back a step.

And just like that, the tiny flicker of hurt exploded into rage.

"So that's it, then?" you said, voice trembling. "You don't want to be seen with me? Are you embarrassed by me? You don’t want people knowing because you don’t want them to talk about you?"

Severus' face twisted, frustration radiating off him. "Don’t put words in my mouth," he snapped. "You are not listening and twisting everything."

"Oh, I’m twisting it?" you laughed bitterly, crossing your arms. "You’re the one acting like being with me is some shameful burden you have to keep secret!"

"It’s not about you!" he thundered. "It's about—" He stopped, chest heaving, searching for the words. "It's about what this world does to things it doesn't understand. About how it breaks beautiful things just to prove it can."

"And you think keeping me hidden, like a dirty secret is better?" you shot back, tears burning your eyes. "You think locking us away in the dark is keeping this save?"

"You don’t understand," he hissed. "You never have."

"Because you don't let me!" you shouted, stepping closer. "You shove everyone out before they can even get close! Including me!"

For a moment, you both just stood there, breathing hard, the fire snapping between you like it could taste the anger in the air.

"I thought—" you choked, voice cracking. "I thought I meant more to you."

Severus' jaw clenched so hard you thought his teeth might crack.

"You do!" he said, low and furious. "But you are not listening to what I am trying to tell you"

"Then what the damn point of this!" you screamed.

The words hung there, too loud, too raw.

Severus stared at you, chest rising and falling fast.

You turned away before he could see you cry. You grabbed your wand, your cloak, your pride — and fled.

You didn’t see him sag against the mantel, fingers gripping the stone until his knuckles went white.

You didn’t hear the whispered, broken "I don't want you regret being seen with me..." he choked into the empty room once you were gone.

The slam of the door still echoed in your ears as you threw yourself onto your bed in your own chambers.

You still couldn't understand why he was so against it.

All you knew was that it hurt.

You both didn’t speak to each other after that night, not like you usually would after an argument.

Not the next morning when you passed him in the Entrance Hall. Not when you caught sight of him storming through the dungeons during break. Not when you both showed up at the staff meeting, sitting as far apart as possible at the long oak table, pretending the other didn’t exist.

Whenever you saw him, you turned on your heel and walked away — sometimes with your head high, sometimes with your hands shaking. And Severus, for all his scowling and glowering, never stopped you. Never said your name. Never pulled you back like you desperately, secretly wanted him to.

No words. No notes. A cold spot on the left side of your bed. You slept alone now, bundled in blankets that felt too big and too empty without him.

And Severus — well, Severus became a nightmare.

By day three, the students were whispering about it openly. He prowled the halls like a feral thing, robes snapping behind him, face like a brewing storm. Students scurried away at the mere sound of his footsteps.

He docked points for the most mundane things. His sarcasm, once almost entertaining, turned brutal. He barked at first-years until they burst into tears. He sneered at seventh-years until even the Slytherins ran out after class terrified.

You weren’t much better.

The life had drained out of you, like ink running out of a quill.

You barely spoke at meals anymore, eating quickly and escaping the Great Hall before anyone could corner you. When colleagues tried to chat — even sweet Pomona, even gentle Filius — you made polite excuses and left, claiming lesson plans or grading. You didn’t smile, not even once, and your laughter — usually a regular, warm thing filling the staff lounge — was completely absent.

You avoided Severus like he was a ghost haunting the corridors. But Merlin, you still felt him everywhere.

You passed each other sometimes — cold shoulder brushing cold shoulder — and though you never looked at him, you felt the way his gaze clung to you, desperate and guilty all at once.

Neither of you gave in.

Neither of you apologized.

Neither of you said a damn word.

The whole Castle noticed.

By the end of the week, the everyone felt the tension like a low buzzing in the walls.

Students started tiptoeing around the two of you like you were cursed artifacts. They whispered in corridors — "Have you seen Professor Snape? He's worse than usual." "Have you seen Professor (Y/L/N)? She looks like she’s going to cry any second."

They noticed you didn’t sit beside each other at meals anymore. They noticed Severus staring daggers across the Great Hall when you leaned a little too close to Lupin while laughing quietly at a joke — the first laugh you’d managed in days. They noticed you fleeing like a frightened bird the second you caught Severus looking.

It wasn’t a secret anymore. Not really. The castle practically reeked of heartbreak.

--

The fire crackled in the staff lounge Friday night, filling the room with soft light and the faint smell of burning wood. Minerva sat stiffly in her armchair, her tea untouched and forgotten in her hand. Her mouth was pressed into a tight, furious line as she glared into the flames.

Pomona sat across from her, sipping her own tea, looking equally grim. Filius perched at the edge of the sofa, fidgeting restlessly with his sleeves.

None of them spoke for a long time.

Finally, Minerva slammed her cup down with a sharp clink, making both Pomona and Filius jump.

"Enough," Minerva hissed. "I've had enough of those two acting like bloody children."

Pomona nodded fiercely. "They’re absolutely miserable. And they’re making us miserable too!"

Filius sighed, shaking his head. "It’s gotten out of hand. Entire classes are on edge. The Hufflepuffs thought Severus was going to hex them into next week over a spilled cauldron."

"And (Y/N) barely even talks anymore," Pomona added sadly. "She used to light up the whole room."

Minerva scowled even deeper. "They're stubborn as mules. Both of them. Too damn proud to apologize."

At that moment, the door swung open and Remus walked in, carrying a book.

He stopped dead at the sight of the three of them, the heavy atmosphere hitting him like a physical force.

"...What's going on?" he asked cautiously.

Pomona immediately launched into it. "It's Severus and (Y/N)! They’ve stopped speaking! They're sulking about like heartbroken teenagers and it’s driving everyone mad."

Remus frowned, setting his papers down. "I thought they were just… keeping to themselves?"

Minerva gave him a look so sharp it could have cut through steel.

"Remus," she said, voice dry as sandpaper, "they're in a relationship. Or they were, until they both decided to be complete idiots about it."

Remus blinked. "Wait— they were together? Since when?"

"Since always," Filius said, throwing his hands up. "We’ve all known for months! It was about as subtle as Peeves with a megaphone! You'd have to be blind not to notice."

Pomona snorted into her tea. "Honestly, the way Severus looks at her — like she hung the bloody stars."

Remus raised his eyebrows, still trying to catch up. "Alright, alright, but maybe it’s not that bad. Maybe they just need some space to—"

"Severus took fifty points from a Slytherin — his own house — for breathing too loudly and then another ten when they blinked at him" Minerva interrupted.

"And (Y/N)," Pomona chimed in, "cried while bottling Potions ingredients yesterday and tried to blame it on allergies."

There was a beat of stunned silence.

Remus slowly sank into the nearest chair, dropping the book he was holding onto the side carelessly.

"What's the plan?" he asked simply.

They leaned in, scheming like a group of schoolchildren plotting a prank.

Minerva, the sanest among them, proposed simply trapping them in a room together until they talked. Flitwick eagerly offered to enchant the door to only open with a "sufficiently affectionate display".

It was decided — they were going to intervene.

One way or another, Severus Snape and (Y/N) (Y/L/N) were finally going to talk.

If not on their own.

Then with force.

--

You were halfway through grading essays in your office the next day when a soft knock came at the door.

You looked up to see Remus leaning casually against the frame, a pleasant (and suspiciously innocent) smile on his face.

"(Y/N), could you help me with something real quick?" he asked. "Just a bit of sorting in my classroom."

You blinked, frowning slightly, but nodded. "Sure. I could use a break anyway."

You followed him down the corridors in comfortable silence, the castle humming around you with its usual low magic. When you reached the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Remus opened the door and gestured you inside.

"Hang on, I forgot something I need," he said, backing away before you could respond. "Just wait here a moment."

You watched him leave, the door swinging shut behind him, feeling a strange prickle at the back of your neck. Still, you shrugged it off and wandered slowly around the room, idly examining the new spells he had chalked on the blackboard.

As times passes you start to slowly wander around the room before nervously tapping against a desk.

That's when the door finally opened again.

You turned just in time to see Severus being shoved — unceremoniously and not gently — into the room by Remus and Minerva. Behind them, Pomona and Filius hovered, beaming.

Before you could react, the door slammed shut again with a thud, followed by an unmistakable click of a locking spell.

Remus' voice floated cheerfully through the door: "You’re not getting out until you sort it out. Talk."

You and Severus both stood frozen, staring at the door like two cats trapped in a broom cupboard.

The classroom seemed suddenly much too small. Much too hot.

You swallowed hard and slowly turned to face him.

Severus looked... wrecked.

His hair was messier than usual, shadows carved deep under his eyes, mouth set in a grim line. He stared at you like a drowning man seeing land for the first time in weeks.

You wanted to speak. You wanted to run.

Neither of you moved at first.

Seconds stretched into minutes, weighed down with everything unsaid between you.

Finally, you broke, your voice hoarse and trembling.

"I’m sorry," you whispered. "I shouldn’t have tried to force you into making our relationship public. I should’ve realized you didn’t want people to know about me."

That made Severus moved faster than you could blink. In three strides, he was in front of you, hands cupping your face, holding you like you might disappear.

"Stop," he said fiercely. "You’re wrong. This is not at all what it was about."

Your breath caught.

"I was never ashamed of you," he rasped. "Never. I was scared." He pressed his forehead against yours, his voice low and urgent. "Scared that you would start to agree with what they say about me and I didn’t want them to make you regret loving me."

Tears prickled at your eyes. "Severus—"

"I’m sorry," he murmured against your skin. "I’m so sorry for making you feel unwanted. I never...wanted to make you feel that way. I love you with everything I am and just don't want to lose you." He pulled back just enough to look you in the eyes, and there it was — the raw, aching truth written all over his face.

"I love you too," you whispered.

He didn’t hesitate — he kissed you, deep and slow, like he was anchoring himself to you, and you to him.

The door swung open mid-kiss with a loud creak.

You broke apart just enough to see Minerva, Sprout, Flitwick, and Remus peering in, all of them grinning like they'd won a prize.

"Finally," Minerva said briskly. "Took you both long enough."

Flitwick gave a little cheer. Sprout dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. Remus chuckled looking thoroughly pleased with himself.

Severus didn't release you. If anything, he tightened his grip, scowling. You, however, laughed—a real, free laugh that you hadn't felt in days.

"You all knew?" you said incredulously.

"Obviously," Minerva said with a sniff.

"You two were about as subtle as a Hippogriff at a tea party," Flitwick added cheerfully.

Severus growled lowly, but you just leaned into him, grinning. He tightened his arms around you, glaring half-heartedly at your "rescuers."

"Well," Remus said, looking smug, "I'd say this mission was a success."

"Now," Sprout said with mock sternness, "no more moping around, you hear me?"

"Understood," you said, giggling.

"Will all of you kindly mind your own business from now on?" Severus drawled, though the tight way his mouth twitched, gave him away.

"You'll thank us later," Minerva said primly, before the four of them turned and strolled away, chatting like they hadn’t just staged an emotional intervention.

Severus kissed your forehead softly, murmuring so only you could hear, "Never letting you go again."

You smiled against his chest, heart full for the first time in days.

"You’re stuck with me" you teased.

He kissed the top of your head, holding you tighter.

"Good."

Neither of you moved for a long, long time.

--

On Monday the atmosphere in Severus Snape’s dungeon classroom was... tense, to say the least.

Students sat rigid at their tables, quills poised, eyes wide and terrified — ready to either flee or fake their deaths if necessary.

After the week they had just survived — a week of hex-level glares, unjust point deductions, and verbal lacerations sharp enough to wound egos permanently — no one knew what mood Professor Snape might be in today.

The man himself swept into the room, black robes billowing dramatically as always.

But something was... different.

He didn't slam his books onto the desk. He didn't immediately demand silence with a sneer. He... stood there.

Silent. Still.

And then he spoke.

"I owe you all an apology."

There was a collective gasp loud enough to echo off the stone walls.

A Slytherin at the front dropped her ink bottle, A Gryffindor in the back visibly recoiled like he'd been hit with a hex, A Hufflepuff almost fell out of her chair in shock.

Severus continued, voice unnervingly calm, "My behavior over the past week has been... unacceptable."

More stunned silence.

One brave Ravenclaw cautiously raised her hand.

"Sir?" she squeaked. "Are you—are you feeling alright?"

A muscle in Severus’ jaw twitched but to everyone's mounting horror, he nodded.

"I was... dealing with personal matters," he said stiffly. "Poorly."

Several students glanced at each other like they were witnessing a Dementor trying to sing a lullaby.

Severus took a slow breath through his nose, clearly regretting every moment of this.

"I will endeavor," he said, voice clipped and strangled like the words were physically painful, "to be less... insufferable going forward."

Complete silence.

Someone coughed nervously.

Someone else might have prayed for deliverance.

"That being said," Severus added, eyes gleaming dangerously now, "do not mistake this moment of mercy for weakness. You are still expected to perform at an acceptable level, or I will happily resume making your lives a living hell."

The students relaxed just a little — this at least was familiar territory.

Satisfied, Severus gave a sharp nod and turned to the board, flicking his wand to write out today’s lesson.

The class sat in a stunned, almost reverent silence for the next hour, not daring to speak above a whisper.

Later — much later — word spread like wildfire through the common rooms:

Professor Snape had apologized.

Voluntarily.

Without being cursed or Polyjuiced.

And then, just when the students thought the world couldn't get any stranger —

They saw it.

In the courtyard, right after dinner, with no warning at all.

Professor Snape — the walking embodiment of sarcasm and nightmares — was standing with Professor (Y/L/N).

And he was holding her hand.

He was actually leaning into her, his free hand brushing against her back in a way that was almost... affectionate.

At first, students just stared, unsure if their eyes were playing tricks on them.

Then it got worse.

Professor Snape said something — something soft — and she laughed. An actual laugh. Out loud.

And then He smiled.

Not a smirk. Not a sneer.

Smiled. A real, soft, 

genuine smile.

Wide-eyed horror spread like wildfire.

A few students froze mid-step, staring like they’d witnessed a ghost duel.

Then — the final nail in the coffin — Professor Snape leaned down and kissed Professor (Y/L/N) in full view of everyone.

Slow. Soft. Real.

The courtyard exploded into silent, paralyzed chaos.

One student tripped over their own robes and faceplanted into the grass. Several first-years fled the courtyard, shrieking about love potions and dark magic. Some stared up at the sky as if expecting the sky to fall down any second. A small group of Hufflepuffs tried very hard to pretend they hadn’t seen anything. One tripped over a bench in the process.

A Slytherin immediately started writing a letter home, convinced the world was ending while their friend just sat down in the middle of the courtyard and muttered, "I'm dreaming. This isn’t real. I'm still in Potions class, someone wake me up."

Two Ravenclaws pulled out spellbooks, frantically flipping to the "Curses and Hexes" section.

For many students, it was the most terrifying thing that had ever happened at Hogwarts.

But you and Severus didn't notice.

All you could see was each other.

[prussianmemes]

you should kill yourself if you spend 12 minutes sorting around your notes on your desk, making sure they look messy but also the prettiest ones are on top, posing your textbook open and having the most "academia" looking web page or lecture slides on your laptop screen before taking a picture and posting it on your social media story while quietly scrolling through songs to put with it.

[adulthumanproblem]

Rewatched this yesterday

and now I really want to read "White Tears, Brown Scars" again. It's really a very good book, highly recommended

[nataliedecorsair]

I wanted to give you some of Pticenoga's Borderlands AU backstory, how she was raised by Shade and before starting her shenanigans with Vaughn.

Plus a bonus comic about how she decided to set up a meeting for Vaughn and Shade, but didn't tell Vaughn who is supposed to be there x) Mostly because Vaughn has met Shade before in his macabre World of Curiosities museum and thought that Shade is too weird for him. Well, that's the kind of person that would raise a feral harpy siren, gotta deal with it!

When she was very young, nothing bothered her much as she was just a wild baby exploring the world x) And Shade was a good father figure to her. However, as she grew older, she realized that she doesn't really "fit in": yeah, Pandora is a crazy planet, but not every person there is crazy. There are plenty of "regular folk" like Shade or other people from their town - and many others. And she was frequently called a monster, a mutant and many other things by the regular kids and even adults. She was wild though, could bite them or fight with them in a pretty feral manner, and, even though she protected herself, it didn't help the situation much. She wasn't crazy enough (and too small) to fit in with the psychos or bandits, was "too human" for actual monsters living on Pandora, and for a long time she had no idea she was a Siren, as even for Sirens she looked too different. Only when she hit her teens, she was able to confirm that she is one, started using her powers, and in her human form she could see the full extension of the glowing pattern she had on her skin. She still, however, didn't know why she wasn't born "normal", and there were no older Sirens around.

At some point, she decided to become independent and live on her own. Her "wild" upbringing was helping that a lot, and she felt fine being away from people. She'd still visit Shade frequently, of course, and at some point she'd even met Zer0 and could hang out with him for some time. As Zer0 is a mystery himself, they had some common ground between them (though constantly listening to his haiku were exhausting xD). Sadly, Vault Hunters attract attention, not always positive, and that was the reason why she got spotted by a big bandit gang (could be the beginning of Vallory's gang, but before she took over). And local scientists like Tannis already declared that there may be some connection between Sirens and the Vaults. And they noticed that she's a Siren, but also pretty young (and dumb). After the first Vault on Pandora was opened, there was plenty of weird and valuable stuff around, but it wasn't so easy to get it when you're just regular bandits. And when Eridians, the aliens that are guarding the Vault, are everywhere. The Sirens like Lilith were too strong for them, and hiring a Vault Hunter is expensive, so they decided to wriggle into her favor and use her to gain access to the area. She didn't know she was dealing with bandits first, she naively thought it's a rare case of nice fellows just wanting to be friends and such, plus the Vault could have answers about her origin, and the new "friends" confirmed it.

At some point, she realized she was being used, and got into a fight with the bandits - and lost, as there were too many of them, and she had too little experience, and they knew about Shade. She got kidnapped and told that she'd do everything they told her to do, or they'd kill Shade, so she had to obey. She helped them to fight the way to the Vault and get some of the riches, and during the process she felt that she really does have a connection with Eridians - they boosted her powers and helped her to get free, and kill every presenting member of the gang. She was worried about Shade though, so she left immediately to find him before the remaining members found out what happened and could harm him. But she was too late - the water source in their town of Oasis was poisoned, and every single person there died. Except Shade though - he lasted longer, but dehydration made him insane, and he turned corpses into the stuffed dummies he could talk to (though she didn't have much of a problem with this part). As she was gone for at least several months, he didn't believe she's real, and she had to adapt to the new reality.

She never got back to the Vault after that as she felt it was a source of more trouble than anything good (in her view, the price was too much for a bunch of physical stuff).

That lasted for years, and became a bit easier as her powers, enhanced by the Eridians, wasn't only serving the destruction,  but could eventually "heal" some part of Shade's mind, so the moments of clarity became more frequent (she didn't know it's the reason, though). And you still need money, whether you like it or not, so, when Shade decided to use his World of Curiosities as a spot of illegal deals and smuggling, she didn't resist, but would watch over him in the shadows in case something goes wrong.

Eventually, she calmed down and just embraced herself. And, after some time, she met Vaughn, whose personal struggles she could sense right away, as she had to experience "being different" herself.

[starfruitii]

cws & notes. fluff. post-timeskip. iwaizumi hajime x gn!reader, + special guest appearances from the seijoh 4 because i love them. 800+ words.

“Wait. Wait a second.” Oikawa squints at you, then at Iwaizumi, then back at you again. “Something's different.”

“First time we see you in almost a year, and you're already acting weird.” Iwaizumi rolls his eyes, pulling out two chairs for you both to sit down. “Nothing's different.”

“Glad to see leaving Japan hasn't changed you, Oikawa.” You chime in, sliding into your seat. It was a nice little cafe, not too crowded, but not empty either. The table Oikawa had chosen was tucked away in the back, right by a window overlooking the street, giving you a perfect opportunity to watch the people walking by.

“No.... no, something is definitely off.” Oikawa looks over to the other two occupied seats, searching for some sort of agreement from his companions. “You two see it, don't you? Something has definitely changed since our last meet-up.”

“Our last meet-up was last September. I think it would be weirder if we hadn't changed a little since then,” Matsukawa laughs, waving him off. “I mean, look at Makki's haircut.”

Hanamaki looks thoughtful for a moment, nodding at Oikawa. “Nah, I think he's got a point. You two seem a little—Wait, what do you mean? What's wrong with my hair, asshole?”

“Hey, I didn't say it was bad! Just... different.”

“So, different in a good way?”

“Uh... sure, if that's what you want to go with.”

“You—”

“This isn't about Makki's hair!” Oikawa interrupts, pointing an accusing finger towards Iwaizumi. He looks up from the menu in his hands, glaring back at Oikawa. “It's about them. Something happened between you two, didn't it?”

“Maybe they got engaged.” Hanamaki suggests.

“They have to be dating before they get engaged.” Matsukawa pauses, realization on his face. “Wait, is that it? Did you guys actually start dating? Do I owe Makki ¥2000?”

“You're all imagining things.” Iwaizumi says bluntly. “Now, are we going to order or not?”

Oikawa's suspicion doesn't waver, but the mention of food distracts him enough to begrudgingly let the topic go. He waves over a waitress, ordering drinks and snacks for the whole table. Once she is gone, the conversation shifts to Matsukawa's work, then Hanamaki's lack of work, then everything Oikawa has been up to in Argentina.

Throughout the visit, you sit back and relax, chiming in with your own anecdotes and comments every now and then. For the most part, you keep quiet, content with listening to your friends as they catch up. Ever since graduation, when you all went your separate ways, reunions with all five of you were few and far between, so you were just happy to be together once again.

You barely notice the time passing at all, until Oikawa is five-minutes deep into a rant about his new team. Iwaizumi looks at his watch and balks, standing up from his seat.

“It's already five.” He says, cutting off Oikawa's voice. “I gotta get going soon.”

“Me too,” You sigh.

“Already?” Matsukawa groans.

“Both of you?” Hanamaki asks, raising an eyebrow. “You have plans you'd like to share?”

“He's my ride home.” You shrug, gathering up your things. “It was great seeing you guys though. We'll have to hang out again when you're all free.”

After your goodbyes, the two of you leave the cafe and walk the short distance to Iwaizumi's car. Once you're alone, you settle into a comfortable silence, accompanied by the quiet sounds of the city in the background. Without your friends' scrutinizing gaze, Iwaizumi walks a little closer to you, until your shoulders lightly brush. The slight touch sends a shiver down your spine, but you make no effort to move away.

“So, Oikawa seems to think something is up.” You say casually, watching Iwaizumi frown at the mention of his friend.

“He can think whatever he wants to think.” He rolls his eyes, holding open the side door of his car. “We don't owe him anything.”

“We do have to tell them at some point, don't we?” You continue, as you climbed into the passenger seat. “You of all people should know he's not going to shut up about it until we do.”

“Of course I know that.” Iwaizumi grumbled, as soon as he was sat in his own seat.

“So...?”

“So what?” He adjusts his mirrors, glancing over at you.

“Is he right?” There's a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. It's clear you find it much more amusing than he does. You lean closer, whispering the words like they're a grand secret. “Is something different, Hajime?”

Iwaizumi shakes his head a little, but can't hide the small smirk on his face. His hand reaches out to grasp your chin, tilting your face upwards so he can press a slow, sweet kiss to your lips. As he leans back, there's a light pink dusting his cheeks. “I don't know. Has something changed?”

You laugh lightly, savouring the taste of his lips on your own. “Nope. Nothing at all.”

do not copy, repost, translate or use my work to train ai. reblogs are appreciated <3

[dazedantics]

Mark knew he'd mess up his chances at some point. He wasn't prefect. In he fact he was always messing things up for himself.

But did it have to be now!?

Right now when you were sitting oh so closely on his lap, kissing him breathless in a way you hadn't before. God, he could spend days here, hands squishing you softly as you pushed him back onto the bed. You were so warm, and you smelt so good, tasted good. Everything was just so good about you. He hoped you thought the same about him.

Wait, what was that? You were saying something. He's not sure what though.

But he knew he liked that thrill running through him as you whispered in his ear, kissing sweetly down his neck, hand dragging down his chest.

His eyes were shut, smile steady as he took deep breaths. He couldn't get enough of this feeling.

You grabbed the hem of his shirt, kissing his lips once more, sucking in a way that had him unconsciously gripping the sheets.

This was heaven. This was what he was gonna remember right before he dies. This was ... this was amazing.

You hand was under his shirt, rubbing the second layer cloth separating his skin from yours and laughed breathily. God that laugh ....

You pulled back, saying something again before lifting up his first shirt.

He raised his arms to help you out.

Hm? Wait ... did you stop? But why? You were so close ...!

"Hey, what's wrong?" He breathed out, looking at you finally.

You were looking down, hands still holding up his shirt to his chest. You looked ... shocked?

Why? What'd he do?

"Wha-"

"You're Invincible."

He froze.

"Wh-what?"

"You're Invincible." You iterated again, meeting his eyes. "You're the Invincible!"

Uh oh ...

He quickly pulled his shirt back down to hide that familiar suit of blacks, blues, and yellows. He had completely forgot that he wore the damn thing underneath all his clothes.

"What? No, no, I'm not. It's just uh ... uhm ... I-I'm just a big fan! Yeah ... yeah. But I'm not Invincible!"

His voice had reached an embarrassing falsetto in some points. Face pink for different reasons now.

You grabbed his chin, forcing him to look back at you. Your eyes were wild with ... well, he's not entirely sure what. But he hoped it wasn't something bad.

"Yes, you are!" You exclaimed.

Then you took your other hand and raised it up to cover the upper part of his face.

"Yes you are!" You insisted. "Where's your mask? Lemme see!"

He sighed. Guess the best thing he could do was just tell you the truth and hope you'd understand.

Much to his disappointment, he guided you off his lap, stripped -in a not so sexy way- and put on the final piece of his costume.

"Listen, I know it's kind of a big secret to have kept from you, but please try to understand why I did it. There's so much that people don't know goes on with heroes and I just ... I couldn't ... I didn't want to risk you getting caught up in it ... I ...."

He was being his most sincere. Prepared to say more to try and convince you to forgive him, to give him a chance.

But you didn't really seem to be listening. Covering your mouth with both hands as you stared at him.

"Mark." You said.

And he felt himself deflate, like a puppy about to get reprimanded by his owner. He opened his mouth to say something else.

But you cut him off with a grin, giving happy little hops before running up to circle around him.

"Mark! Do you have any idea how cool that is? You're Invincible!"

He held a finger to his lips, brow sad and worried behind his mask. "Don't say it so loud."

"Sorry. But Mark!" You were sparkling.

And that really confused him.

You started going on and on about something or other about his heroic side. While he was preparing himself for that switch, for the prank to come in, the sting of your anger and hurt for lying to you for so long.

That never came though.

Just a gasp followed by a, "Can I try it on?"

What?

"I'm sorry? Should ...? Shouldn't you be like ... planning to dump me or something?"

"Why would I do that? If I said you were stuck with me before, I really mean it now. I got a superhero boyfriend!" You whisper yelled the last part.

Then you gasped again, running over to the book shelf, pulling out some comic, flipping through the pages and pointing to the images.

"We should totally act out this scene at some point!"

What?

"You're not ...? Mad?"

"What? No! Why would I be? Mark we should totally do this scene too!"

You went on and on, explaining some other thing the hero did after their partner got saved.

Your enthusiasm would've been quickly picked up and drawn out by him had this been a different time. But he was so ready for the worst reaction, he was a deer in headlights after getting the best.

"You're ... not messing with me right now?"

"Huh?" You watched him for a moment, seeming to notice his reaction now, then went over with a soft smile.

You put the book down then took off his mask. "Mark, if you think your gonna give me the biggest surprise ever and think I'll be upset, then you got a few screws loose in there."

You ran your fingers through his hair, the action causing him to close his eyes and lean into you. "Sure, there could've been a better time to have told me, but I would've been excited either way. I mean, how often do you think I get the chance to be the hero's love interest? Never! Wouldn't you be happy too if I said I was a hero to my ordinary boyfriend?"

"Yeah ... I would." He murmured.

He rested his chin in your shoulder, arms wrapping around your waist in a familiar motion. It was a comforting action that always made his worries melt away. He smiled, taking in that nice scent that he knew belonged to you.

"Exactly."

You stood there for a moment, quiet and content under the streaking moonlight coming from beyond the curtains.

He couldn't have asked for a better you. Maybe now he wouldn't have to feel so guilty for needing to reschedule all of your plans. And since you know his secret, there's no reason he can't use his powers to surprise you even more. Maybe now he could fly you out to that niche little shop in that far off country you've been talking about this weekend. And maybe you could start acting out all of those romantic scenes you two read about.

"Mark?"

"Yeah?" He loved when you weren't mad at him.

He felt your fingers tracing along his hips. "Don't you think you should still take this off though?"

... Woah ...

Maybe he didn't ruin his chances tonight after all.

[greenwitchfromthewoods]

don't tell him. l Joel Miller

Summary: you tried to hide an unpleasant situation from Joel

Warnings: angst, attempted sexual assault, aggressive behavior, Reader feels guilty, violence, swearing; Ellie, Tommy, Ann, and Elliot appear

A/N: .

your feedback is very important to me and I thank you for all the reblogs, comments and likes. 🖤 sorry for all the mistakes

short stories from life. [masterlist]

Your footsteps echoed quietly in the hallway of the building that served Jackson as a sort of town hall. You knew you would find Tommy there and you were right. When you pushed open the door, he looked up from the map and was surprised. He wasn't expecting a guest and your appearance gave him the impression that something was wrong.

"What’s up?" he asked, "Patrol went wrong?"

You adjusted the strap of your rifle that was still hanging over your shoulder and bit your lip, feeling your heart still pounding. Eventually, though, you nodded. “I don’t want to go on patrol with Elliot anymore. I’m sorry, Tommy, but I refuse.”

He frowned and looked at you carefully, getting up from his chair. "What happened? This was your third patrol together. Did he do something irresponsible?"

He noticed you looking away, but after a moment your eyes landed on him again. “Yes, he did.”

The third patrol with Elliot was no different. All patrolling personnel had to be able to cooperate with each other, so partners were swapped from time to time. Shane took on another partner for a while, and you agreed to take Elliot. It was fine. Until that day.

You should have set the boundary from the start, but this time your faith in people failed you. Comments that seemed strange to you and made you feel uncomfortable kept falling from Elliot's lips.

"They're just compliments, honey." he said when you gave him a warning look. "Anger hurts beauty."

Neither Joel nor Shane had ever spoken to you that way. But patrol was the most important thing and that was what you decided to focus on, so you ignored the red flags that were popping up in the back of your head. And he probably didn't like it.

“Listen,” he began as you put the thermos away after your meal and slowly prepared to return to Jackson. “I know you know I like you. I saw the way you looked my way.”

"What?" you looked at him surprised. "I didn't..."

"You did. At the bar or when we saw each other in town." he stepped closer.

"Listen, I think you misunderstood me." you replied trying to turn it all into a joke. "You know perfectly well that me and Joel..."

"Joel." Elliot snorted. "Please, will he protect you? Will he keep you safe?"

The words died in your throat as you noticed the change in the man's eyes. The gentle gaze darkened. Instinct told you that you should back off, not provoke him, because that was apparently how he perceived every reaction you made to his words.

"Let's go back to Jackson." you said trying to ignore Elliot's strange behavior. You threw your backpack over your shoulder when you felt him grab your arm tightly.

"I'm serious, honey." he hissed. He was standing close enough to make you feel threatened. "You're pretty and smart, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Here-" he looked around the forest surrounding you "Here everything will stay between us and..."

"Let me go." you interrupted him sharply. "You have no right to talk to me like that! I don't know what you've got in your head, but it's fucking sick!"

"You keep tempting and provoking me, don't tell me that..."

You yanked your arm away and stepped back abruptly. Elliot had barely taken a step when you pulled a gun from your belt and aimed it at him. "Give me a reason." you said.

You were terrified, but you didn't want him to see it. Eventually, he just shrugged, muttered, "Bitch!", and picked up his backpack, then started walking without even looking back. It was only then that you realized you were holding your breath.

Tommy looked at you with a mixture of disbelief and anger, but he didn’t doubt any of your words. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered when you told him everything. “I wanted Shane to go with him, but Elliot asked you to. He said you liked each other and he’s already talked to you about it.”

"He said that? Jesus."

Tommy walked around the desk and approached you. Concern was written all over his face. "I'm sorry, he'll never go on patrol with you again. I'll talk to him. Fuck! When Joel finds out..."

Your eyes widened in an instant. That was why you came straight to Tommy.

"You can't say anything to Joel." you said, and seeing Tommy's surprised look, you added "You know what he can do. Joel... That guy you caught when Sam and Anthony died... I don't want him to do something like that again because of me." 

You didn't know what Joel did back then, but you weren't stupid and you weren't fooling yourself. That man disappeared without a trace. You didn't feel any regret about it. Were you a bad person? Probably, but you didn't want Joel to get furious and do something stupid.

Tommy leaned in slightly toward you. "He's my brother. I should keep you safe."

"Nothing happened. Just make sure I don't have to see Elliot on patrol anymore."

Tommy shook his head, but eventually sighed in resignation. "Fine. I won't tell him. What about you? How are you feeling?"

"Better now."

You had your reasons for keeping Joel out of what happened. It was between you, Elliot, and Tommy, and you just tried to forget about it. Things were really good between you and Joel, and you didn't want something unpleasant to happen to change that, and Elliot definitely could.

For a few days you wondered if maybe you had actually done or said something that would make him feel like you were interested in him, but you had found nothing. Nothing beyond the normal greetings or exchanges of words that you had with other residents of Jackson. But the guilt quietly churned in the back of your mind.

Tommy, as he promised, moved Elliot to other duties and soon you went back to patrolling with Shane, which you welcomed with great relief. You were ready to forget about everything.

For the past few weeks, Joel had seemed worried about something, but every time you asked him about it, he would say, “It’s nothing, honey. Just… thinking.” And then he would kiss your forehead or temple and pretend nothing was wrong. You asked Ellie and Tommy about it too, but they would just shrug—for them, everything was normal.

"Maybe he's getting more grumpy with age?" Ellie once said, so you dropped the subject before she could say anything more. Things were good between you, so you didn't want to look for problems.

However, when Ann showed up at your door that evening, you knew something was wrong. She had a flushed face and seemed very concerned about something.

"Something with Elijah or Shane?" you asked, getting up from the couch and putting the book aside.

"Why didn't you tell me?" her voice was shaking. "We're friends after all."

"Ann, I don't understand." you replied, walking up to her "What happened? Where's the baby?"

"With Shane." she threw out casually, but her hand quickly grabbed your arm. "Shane told me. About Elliot and what happened. Why didn't you tell me?"

Shit. In an instant, you felt like the ground had dropped from under your feet. Tommy had promised you. Did he really...

But Ann must have noticed your surprise and calmed down a bit, or at least enough to speak a little quieter. “Shane was at the Tipsy Bison today. Elliot and a few other guys were there too. He…” she took a deep breath. “He said some really nasty things about you. Shane wanted to react, just tell him to shut up, but then he heard him talking about your last patrol…”

"What did he say?" the words just poured out of your mouth.

“Nothing specific.” Ann frowned, trying to remember her husband’s exact words. “Something about how you’d been seducing him for so long that he’d suggested a quickie but you got scared. That you and Joel were bullshit and you’d come to him soon.”

"Asshole!" you groaned, feeling tears welling up in your eyes, and the lump in your throat hurt more and more.

“I know!” Ann groaned, folding her arms across her chest. “Shane didn’t believe it either, he thought Elliot was just talking nonsense. But then… He remembered Tommy telling him that you asked him to so you wouldn’t have to go on patrol with Elliot, and he got a little scared. Honey, what happened?”

How were you supposed to tell her? You didn't want to go back to it, you wanted to forget, but at that moment you felt like you were really to blame for everything. Ann was looking at you, waiting for some kind of answer, so you gave it to her.

But as the words left your mouth, and her face grew even more terrified, you told her the same thing you had told Tommy. "I beg you, don't say anything Joel. He can't..."

Ann's eyes widened and her face tensed as she looked over your shoulder. You had no chance of hearing Joel's footsteps. You were so focused on your friend that you didn't hear him come in through the back door. He must have heard it all because when you looked at him, you were terrified. Eyes darkened, his jaw tensed. He looked at you in a way that made you feel like your legs were about to give out.

“Joel…” he moved, but it looked more like a wild animal preparing to attack. This wasn’t your Joel. “Joel…” you repeated, trying to touch him, but your fingers only grazed his shirt as he quickly walked past you, running out of the house and slamming the door.

Tipsy Bison was filled with people. Conversation and music filled the air, and almost no one noticed when Joel entered. He wasn't thinking. Emotions had completely taken over his body and he wasn't going to fight it.

When he got home he wanted to speak, but he heard Ann's worried voice so he just went to the door. What he heard completely shocked him.

Elliot. The same guy he had talked to a few times, the one he had seen in Jackson. The same one who seemed to be just polite to you. Joel didn't see him as a threat. Were his instincts starting to fail?

Joel's brain was producing visions of what could have happened, and it only made him more furious.

He swept his gaze around the inside of Tipsy Bison and soon spotted his target. Elliot was sitting at one of the tables with a few other men. The man didn't notice him, and when Joel reached him, he had no chance.

A strong hand gripped his shirt and pulled Elliot, forcing him to stand up. "What the hell?" escaped him, but he didn't even hear the answer as something hit him hard in the face.

The force of the blow was so strong that he tripped over a chair and fell to the floor with it. His companions stood up, surprised by what had happened, but Joel was already leaning over him. More blows fell, splitting Elliot's eyebrow and breaking his nose. Blood began to pour from his mouth. He had no chance to defend himself when Joel attacked with such force and fury.

"Enough! Enough!" a scream rang out.

Three pairs of male hands grabbed Joel, with difficulty tearing him away from the man lying and whimpering on the floor. Tommy looked at the bloodied Elliot in horror, and then at his brother. "We're leaving. Now!"

Joel didn't even protest. Adrenaline was pumping in his ears, his heart was pounding in his chest. He knew that if it weren't for Tommy and the others, he probably would have beaten that guy to death. He could do it. He wanted to do it.

The cold air swept over his face as they exited the building. "What was that?!" Tommy growled. "What are you-"

"I know what he did to her." Joel interrupted, noticing his brother's hesitation. "You know what I'm talking about, right?"

Not without hesitation, Tommy nodded. "I know. She told me. That same day."

Joel's blood began to flow faster again. "Why didn't she tell me? She should have!" he growled.

"That's exactly why!" his brother gestured to the Tipsy Bison door, where people were probably trying to help Elliot. "She wanted to avoid this! She was thinking about you!"

Tommy knew that Joel's head must be a real mess right now. He didn't hide the fact that he supported what he had done, Elliot should be happy that they managed to get Joel off of him so quickly. But Tommy felt sorry for him too, and for you. He loved you both, and his heart broke when he saw how this world treated you.

"How did you find out?" he asked, a little calmer now.

Joel sighed. "By accident. I heard her talking to Ann."

"You talked to her?" Joel shook his head. "Then do it. Damn it, she loves you and I know you love her too. She was the victim, don't forget that. She didn't tell you about Elliot to protect you. Even then, she only thought about you."

Joel didn't answer. Something tightened painfully in his throat, and his right hand was starting to hurt. Tommy didn't stop him as his brother started walking towards the house.

When the door opened again, you instinctively stood up. You didn't know what to expect. Joel left in such a state that you were afraid of every possibility. Ann wanted to stay, but you convinced her that it was pointless, she couldn't help you, she couldn't do anything.

"Come here." he said quietly, and when you came closer he just spread his arms.

You snuggled into his chest, hugging him tightly. Tears were pressing to your eyes, but when Joel hugged you, you felt safe. The steady beating of his heart was soothing, his warmth enveloping you. "You should have told me, baby." Joel didn't sound angry, rather sad and worried. "I should have known."

"I didn't want to worry you. I thought if I solved it myself, I'd forget about it..."

“And that didn’t happen?” He held you tighter. You sank deeper into him. You’d never needed anyone as much as you needed Joel. The silence was enough. His chest heaved with a deep breath. “It wasn’t your fault, baby. That asshole got lucky anyway, because if it wasn’t for Tommy…” he sighed. “Elliot will never look at you again. I promise you.”

And you knew that Joel Miller always kept his word.

She quietly closed the door and took off her shoes so as not to make any noise. But after a few steps that Ellie considered unusually quiet, she heard a familiar voice coming from the kitchen. “Good thing you know where you live, huh?”

The girl sighed and followed Joel's voice. The kitchen was barely lit, and he was finishing a glass of water he'd come down from his bedroom to get. It was almost midnight. Joel had never told her to be back at a specific time, only to make it a reasonable hour.

Ellie leaned against the doorframe and shoved her hands into her pants pockets.

"What?" he mumbled, looking at her sly smile.

"Nothing." She shrugged. "I heard what you did. Good job, dude."

Joel rolled his eyes. Ellie snorted.

"He deserved it. And it was your duty, after all." Joel frowned. "You're her man, right? You're supposed to defend her honor or something."

He nodded. "Sometimes I wonder how to protect you both, you know. This world is so fucking messed up."

“What if things were like they used to be?” Joel looked at Ellie in surprise, but she just smiled. “If things were like they used to be. Without the infected and the Riders and all that crap? Do you think you and her would meet? Or the two of us? I don’t think so.” Ellie yawned and stretched. “I’m going to bed. Good night!”

"Good night, kid." Joel mumbled.

He stood in the kitchen for a moment longer, listening to her slow footsteps as she climbed the stairs, then the slam of the door. In the room across from Ellie’s, you were sleeping peacefully in your shared bed.

For a moment, he felt like he was truly home. And even though deep in his heart he still mourned the life he had, this new life was with him and he wanted to be a part of it. Joel felt better as he lay down next to you, put his arm around you, and snuggled against your back, kissing your shoulder.

"Ellie's back?" your voice was quiet and sleepy.

"Safe and sound, baby." Just like you.

☆☆☆☆

Thank you for your time.

taglist, i think: @picketniffler @orcasoul @bbyanarchist @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi @somedayheaven @underneath-the-sky-again @callmebyyournick-name @hiroikegawa @

[jeonginsleftcheek]

Dolly III

~ part 3 of the Dolly series

pairing: lee felix x afab!reader

genre: smut, fluff, elements of horror

synopsis: as a rare doll collector, a unique sex doll piques your interest and you have to own it.

wc: 8.2k

warnings: mentions of bruises, blood and needles, some violence, haunted dolls

nsfw warnings: grinding, praise, lots of kissing, body worship, handjob, cum tasting, oral (m and f), unprotected sex, creampie

~ divider by @bunnysrph

"Good morning, Matilda. Prudence, how do you do? Ah, Mr. Avery. Looking particularly swell today." the dolls stare at you with their big eyes and smiling faces while you greet them just like every day.

Whistling about the kitchen as you prepare breakfast, your life companions are always there to listen to you and bring you comfort.

"You know, we have an exciting new family member arriving to us today. I'm expecting all of you to act polite and give him a warm welcome to his new home." you point your spatula at the dolls that were decorating the kitchen.

"I mean all of you!" you yell out, chuckling after.

"We all know what happens to naughty dolls. You don't want to experience the same scorching punishment they did." you smirk at them and though they are usually silent, it seems like they're even more quiet now.

Alive in your mind, they've heard you and are now shivering in fear but anticipating the arrival of the newest addition to your precious collection.

You really do expect them to be on their best behavior.

Not long after breakfast, your package arrives.

You practically rip open the huge box and tear off all the covers and bubble wrap, throwing them carelessly behind you.

"Oh!" you gasp.

"My my, you're just such a beauty, aren't you?" you smile at the doll staring at you from the box.

"You look like a little angel." your hands cup his cheeks.

"So soft. So sweet. You're going to be perfect for us." you look at him fondly. "Welcome home, Felix."

You lean down to kiss his cute nose, observing the freckles on his face.

He is just stunning, every little crease on him looks perfect and most importantly; he looks alive.

Yes, people might be creeped out by your love of dolls, collecting them, playing with them and hanging out with them but you never cared.

They were everything to you ever since you were a little girl so you spent so much money on getting the most rare and unique dolls you could, even getting a few ones that were supposedly haunted.

The thought of that exhilirated you, and you were convinced all of them were alive especially after you'd find them in different places or hear them giggle and whisper.

You loved that, respected the dolls and their needs but you always let them know that you were the head of the house.

It was going to be the same with this special doll.

As soon as you saw the ad, you wished you could buy all eight of them and have the rarest and craziest collection ever but they were so expensive so you settled on getting only Felix.

He just seemed so sweet and innocent to you, out of all 8 of them, you thought he looked the most doll-like and would go perfectly with your porcelain doll collection; just one of many you had.

You didn't care much that he was a sex doll, but seeing him now up close made you understand the appeal for that too.

You grabbed the manual to skim over it, not really caring about what it says, you were more interested in the letter that was in Felix's hand.

You slowly picked it up and opened it.

Hello,

my name is Felix and I am your comforting doll.

I love cuddles, hugs and kisses, sweets (especially chocolate). And videogames!

Please always keep me close to you as I love to feel your warmth, and no matter what you do with me always end it with a sweet kiss.

"You're a little cuddlebug, hm?" you pout at him. "You're just becoming cuter by the second!"

Finding another paper tucked in the pocket of his jeans, you pull it out and open it too.

My darling!

I'm ready for our first cuddling session!

I hope you bring fluffy pillows and enjoy our first night together.

"Ah! So adorable!" you squeal. "Let me introduce you to everyone." you add, quickly grabbing him and lifting him up.

"Fam, this is Felix, a very special doll. I expect you give him a warm welcome and help him feel at ease here. This is now his home as much as it is yours and I will not tolerate any sour behavior!" you say.

Of course, it's quiet but you know that they've understood you.

One of the ventriloquist dolls lips open and you chuckle.

"Yes, Parker. I know he's pretty. Now close your mouth or you'll catch flies." you chuckle, standing up and making your way to the doll.

With your fingers on its chin, you gently close the wooden doll's mouth.

"Now, where were we? Ah, yes! That outfit is atrocious. But don't worry, sweet Felix. I already prepared clothes that I know will fit your pretty face perfectly." you smirk, hoisting Felix in your arms and lifting him up.

Once you make it to your bedroom, you gently lay him down on your fluffy bed and open your wardrobe, looking at the neatly hung up outfits you had ordered online right after ordering Felix.

The dolls on the shelves all stare at him as you whistle a tune, picking out his outfit.

"This should do it." you grab one of them and make your way towards your bed.

"Let's get you out of this... whatever it is." you grip the hem of his shirt, slowly lifting it up and gasping when you notice his abs.

"Interesting." you poke his stomach and then his side. "I bet you're ticklish." you add, sliding his arms out of the shirt and tossing it aside.

"Oh!" you gasp again, noticing a few freckles on his chest. "You're so precious, Felix." your finger traces his beauty marks gently, almost making you hypnotized.

You snap out of it and unbutton his jeans, pulling the zipper down and feeling your face flush when you realize your touch had aroused the doll.

"Did you get excited, precious dolly?" you giggle at him, before looking around at the other dolls who were fixated on Felix.

"It is rude to stare." you chastise them, but they continue looking as you slide his pants down and toss them on the floor.

"I think you need help with this, Lixie." you chew on your lip as you hook your fingers in his boxers.

As soon as you slide them down, a wave of embarassment washes over you as you stare at his hard cock, glistening at the tip.

It seems that there are a few freckles on his length too and your thighs press together involuntarily.

It's been a while since you've been with someone, most people you tried to date couldn't understand your obsession with dolls and there was no way you were going to choose them over your doll family.

But, seeing that Felix was a doll and a sex doll at that, you didn't see harm in using him for what he's made for.

"We can help each other, but you can forget about putting that inside me." you warn, lifting your dress up and pushing your panties down.

"This will have to suffice, my little Lixie." you giggle as you throw your leg over him and press your wet core against his cock.

Slowly, you start grinding against him, your arousal coating his cock and balls, little whimpers leaving your mouth as you close your eyes and throw your head back.

It really has been so long, and Felix is so warm and pliant, laying under you taking it.

You speed up as you feel your high building up, you look back down at him and notice that his cheeks are rosy, making him look even cuter.

You whimper as you stare at his pretty face, his tip catching onto your clit a few times and almost slipping inside.

"Don't be naughty, Lixie. Or I'll have to punish you." you whine as his cock catches on your entrance, the tip twitching inside you.

It's as if something flashes in his eyes and you whimper loudly, cumming all over his cock and riding your high against his throbbing erection.

"You didn't cum yet?" you pout, remembering there was something about that in the manual.

"Ah, yes, you like having your hair pulled on." you smirk and continue grinding against him, your fingers now tangled in his hair.

"Cum for me, my angel." you pull on his hair and his cock twitches against your wetness before he explodes on his abs, the warm liquid pooling around his belly button and making you more wet as you grind on him once again, his cum smeared on your cunt.

You look at him as you stop your movements, your heart beating fast.

"Look what a mess we made, Lixie." you shake your head before getting up and heading to the bathroom, the dolls chilling in your room still with their eyes fixed on Felix.

You come back after cleaning yourself up to clean him too, so you can dress him in the clothes you bought him.

It's a bit of a struggle but you get a feeling that Felix really wants to cooperate.

"There, now you look like a real angel." you smile as you lean back, satisfied with the white loose pants and the white shirt, embroidered with golden flowers.

"I have some work to do on you yet." you sit him up and then grab some of your makeup.

You gently work on his face, putting some light gold eyeshadow on his eyelids, a few sparkles under his eyes and he seems to be pouting.

"You think I forgot to give you a sweet kiss, don't you?" you smirk. "I didn't, don't worry."

You finish up on his eye makeup then grab a pink lipstick, opening it up and applying it on your lips first.

"A finishing touch." you lean in, holding his face before you press your lips into his heart shaped ones, kissing him gently.

You giggle as you lean away, removing the smeared lipstick and repairing what stayed on his lips with your finger as he practically stares at you.

His eyes seem shiny and warm, something deep and dark inside them too and you can't look away.

"My sweet Lixie. So good for me." you kiss his nose and then his cheeks, making sure to kiss his pretty freckles.

You almost get completely lost in him, forgetting about the dolls watching you until one of them falls down onto the floor with a loud thud, making you jerk away from Felix.

"Jonathan! You startled me!" you reprimand the wooden doll before standing up and coming to it.

You take him in your arms and look at him.

"Are you jealous?" you ask as you gently put him back in his place, fixing his shirt and hat.

"Don't worry, I love you all equally." you pat the doll's head before turning to look at Felix.

You have a feeling that might change soon.

-

You take Felix to your workshop, a small room where you dedicate your time to repair dolls, sew their torn clothes or make them new outfits, sometimes even making a few dolls of your own.

"Welcome to my workshop, Lixie. I spend lots of time here so I guess you will too. Now, I should've started with this, but you... distracted me." your eyes fall down to his crotch before you look up at him.

"I will make sure you have everything you need and I will always treat you well, but of course I expect that to be reciprocated. Which means you are to behave well in this house, listen to what I say and be good to your brothers and sisters. If you ever do something to break the rules, there will be repercussions. And trust me, you don't want to get on my bad side." you wave your finger at the doll and it seems like he's listening intently, his eyes seemingly fearful as you sit across from him, making eye contact.

"Don't be scared, Lixie. I have a feeling that you're a good boy and that you'll be obedient. We will have no problems, you and I. I'll even reward your good behavior." you smirk at him, caressing his soft cheeks.

You lean in to press a kiss on his lips before you turn to your table and start working on your broken dolls.

Felix stares at you from where you left him, his hands tucked in his lap and eyes fixed on your hunched frame.

You almost forget about his presence as you concentrate on your work, every detail you sew into their clothes, the love you pour into them, in a way giving them a soul of their own.

Your hands seemed to dance as you kept working, until you felt a sharp pain in your neck.

"Ow!" you mutter and sit up, realizing you've been hunched over for too long, your shoulders tense, pain throbbing in your neck. "Time for a break." you announce, your stomach growling after that.

"And food, I guess." you turn to Felix, finally acknowledging his existence.

He looks to you like he wants to say something, even though he is sitting still.

"What is it, Lixie?" you lean in closer, looking right into his eyes.

He stays silent.

"Ah, you're shy. You'll come around. I'll wait for you to show yourself to me." you smirk, kissing his nose, your fingertips tracing the pretty freckles on his face.

After giving him a little kiss, you take him to your garden, which was thankfully surrounded by a tall wooden fence, hiding you away from the rest of the world.

"Sit here and I'll be right back." you sit him down on one of the fancy chairs, brushing away the hair that fell into his face.

You bring a few of your other dolls, sitting them down on the other chairs, bringing all of them a set of china; plates, cups and everything.

It's all themed with pink flowers, making everything look even more proper and fancy.

"Socialize." you wave your hand before disappearing into the kitchen, preparing a quick lunch for yourself.

You walk out into the garden some 15 minutes later with a plate of food for yourself and a glass of juice.

"I hope you're being nice to Felix." you say as you sit down, eyeing the four dolls sitting around the table, Felix being exactly across from you.

He looks a tad timid, and you're 100% sure that the expressions on his face keep changing, you know you're not just imagining it because other dolls you own have changed expressions or positions, some even giggled and whispered.

With your doll experience, Felix doesn't scare you, quite the opposite, you're waiting for him to start talking.

You make small talk with your dolls, about this beautiful day, how sunny and warm it is, how good lunch turned out.

As you continued talking, suddenly one of the cups started shaking and you look at the porcelain doll sitting next to Felix.

"Jenevieve. Don't do that! Behave." you warn but it's too late, the cup flies right into Felix's side, hitting him hard before crashing onto the floor, pieces of it flying everywhere.

Anger bubbles up in your veins as you take a deep breath in.

"You little bitch." you almost growl at the porcelain doll before standing up abruptly and grabbing a fistful of her hair.

"That's it, you're getting punished!" you seethe, walking back into the house as you carry her by her hair all the way down to the basement.

"You're gonna think long and hard about your behavior. And after you do, you will apologize to Felix. Like it or not he is family now." you say before laying the doll in a box and locking it.

"I know you're claustrophobic. So this will be a nice lesson for you never to misbehave again." you smirk before making your way back upstairs.

You quickly run to Felix, gasping when you notice a single tear running down his cheek.

"I'm sorry, angel." you wipe it away quickly, kissing his cheek after.

"Let's see the damage." you undo his shirt and sure enough there is a bruise forming on his side.

"For this, Jenevieve will get a week in the dungeon." you say angrily, your fingertips brushing against the bruise. "I'll take care of you, sweet Lixie. I promise that'll never happen again."

-

The same evening, you brought Felix to your bed, stripping him out of the shirt so you could take care of his bruise.

You flip through the manual seeing the warning about not bruising the doll and anxiety washes over you, hoping he wasn't now damaged in some irreparable way.

You rummage through your bathroom cabinet, finding a cream that was used for bruises, skipping back to Felix.

"Well, you're warm, you can blush, bruise and cry. And... cum." you giggle quietly. "So I guess this would help you?" you purse your lips before taking some cream out and gently applying it on his bruise.

"There-" you pause, seeing a bulge growing in his pants. "Really? You're so sensitive." you tsked, your hands on his thighs, gripping the flesh shortly.

You look at Felix's face and melt.

He's blushing again, his cheeks rosy followed by the tips of his ears becoming red.

"You're such a cutie." you coo at him. "But you're gonna have to wait a bit. I have to take off your make up and brush your hair. I want you to be all comfy in bed." you nod to yourself, getting up to retrieve makeup wipes and a brush.

You start gently removing his makeup, leaving little kisses on his cheeks and nose, pressing your lips into his plush ones.

After cleaning him up, you take the brush and sit him up more comfortably so you can start brushing his hair.

"Oh you really like this." your eyes widen as you notice him twitching in his pants. "Like your hair played with, my pretty angel?" you twirl a strand of his soft hair between your fingers.

"Give me three minutes." you hurry to your bathroom to get ready for bed before skipping back to Felix excitedly.

"I'm here sweetie." you grab his face and crash your lips against his.

The way he was made, his lips seemed to be kissing back, so soft and sweet against yours.

You kissed him for some time, already addicted to his taste before you started leaving kisses on his jaw, all the way to his ear.

He only seemed to become even more red, the color seeping onto his neck and chest.

"My shy Lixie." you giggle, leaving kisses on the column of his neck.

He feels so soft and smells so sweet, making you want to do this forever, just kiss him everywhere as he lays and takes it.

You liked being in control, it made you feel powerful as your hands roamed all over his body, his skin so soft like a baby's, you couldn't stop touching him.

Your lips covered every inch of Felix as you kissed his chest, his arms, his stomach, his hands.

Taking your sweet time to worship him.

You slid his pants off, getting up to put them on the chair where you've already left the shirt.

Felix was blushing profusely and he was very warm as you touched him, his cock throbbing, the tip red and angry, glistening with his wetness.

"You're working yourself up, dolly. You need to calm down a little or I won't give you what you want." you smirk, sliding your hands on his supple thighs, up to his balls where you lightly grazed them with your fingertips.

His cock twitched in protest, his face even redder now.

"If you act naughty, I'll leave you like this all night. Don't test me, my little prince."

Felix's lips seemed pouty at that and you waited a little, only gently caressing his smooth arms, the redness of his face and body subsiding slowly until only his cheeks were rosy like before.

"Good boy." his cock leaked and twitched at the praise.

"Ah, my dolly likes to be praised?" you giggled delightfully, smoothing out his hair.

"I'll keep that in my mind." you winked at him, fingertips grazing against his length before you finally wrapped your hand around him.

"Good boys get rewards." you coo at him, thumbing at his wet slit.

Felix's ears become red again.

"I'll take care of you, sweetie. Don't worry." you whisper as you lean down, leaving kisses all over his skin as you start moving your hand.

You play with him for as long as you want to, torturing his cock as you alternate between fast and slow movements, at times using only one hand and then both or fondling his balls, your lips never leaving his heated skin.

You explore him with your tongue, swirling it around his nipples and noticing how he got even more wet because of it.

"So sensitive. Cute." you kiss his lips, your hand tangling in his hair.

"You wanna cum, dolly? Ah, I wish I could hear you beg, I bet you'd sound so sweet all desperate for me." you coo at Felix, gripping his hair and pulling it back as you jerk him off faster.

He explodes all over your hand and himself, making you gasp from the amount that spurted out, curiosity taking you over as you scoop some of it on your finger, licking it up.

"Mm. Are you strawberry flavored?" you chuckle, swirling your finger in his cum to lick at it again.

"Maybe cotton candy?" you giggle again before kissing him sweetly.

You clean Felix up and cozy up to him, curling your body around his as you wrap your arms around him.

You hope that from that day on, everything goes smoothly; without any more incidents.

The following week passed by just as you expected, with no incidents, the dolls now on their best behavior after they've witnessed Jenevieve being dragged down to the basement.

Felix became an obsession of sorts, you just couldn't keep your hands off of him.

You've never owned a doll like him, and to say that you're infatuated is an understatement.

Constantly kissing him and touching him made you equally as aroused as it did him.

You wanted him in every way, but you didn't want to use all his capabilities on your own, instead you wished he'd snap out of it and do it by himself, participate and react to your touches more than just heating up, blushing or twitching.

You felt sad every day you had to leave for work, leaving Felix alone with the other dolls.

You warned them not to try anything or you'd burn them to a crisp.

But as you finally let Jenevieve out, hoping she had learned her lesson, you had no idea how it would actually make all hell break loose.

"Now, Jenevieve I hope you're sorry for what you've done and that you understand why it was wrong. This can never happen again, okay?" you told her before putting her back in her place.

You sat Felix on your bed, caressing him and kissing him for some time.

"Be a good boy, Lixie." you kiss his forehead.

"And all of you too. Behave or else." you give Felix one last kiss before leaving the house.

It was obvious that some of your dolls felt neglected.

This was their home and in their eyes Felix was an intruder they had to get rid of.

He was taking up all your time, soaking up all your attention, getting all your love.

There were dolls that didn't agree, they liked Felix and thought he was sweet just like you did.

Some were just scared to share their opinion, afraid of being locked in the basement, smashed to pieces or burned into ashes.

The neglected dolls had come up with a plan.

They were going to destroy Felix so by the time you come home, there is nothing left to salvage.

-

"I'm home!" you announced cheerfully as you entered your house, a bag of groceries secured in your arm.

Whistling, you made your way to the living room but stopped dead in your tracks when you saw a few drops of red liquid on the floor, something that looked like blood.

You stood in shock for a moment before dropping the bag of groceries on the floor, as they made a loud thud sound, the apples you bought rolling around your living room.

With a gasp, you started running up the stairs, all of them painted in little red dots, anxiety building up with each step you took.

When you reached your bedroom, a shriek escaped your lips, echoing off of the walls.

Felix was thrown on the floor, his body and face bruised and cut up, the outfit you dressed him in torn into pieces.

What was most concerning was the blood dripping out of his wounds.

Your heart started beating fast in fear.

Noticing Jenevieve standing in the corner together with some of your other dolls made your blood boil, your body starting to shake with rage as your eyes blurred with tears.

With a loud growl as rage took you over completely, you ran downstairs to grab your sledgehammer.

"I told you. I told you to behave!" you screamed at the culprits, lifting up your weapon and smashing the first doll that was nearest to you.

"How could you do this?" you cried, continuing to pound your sledgehammer on the dolls, damaging your wall and furniture in the process.

Jenevieve was last and you smirked at her.

"Goodbye, bitch." you said before smashing her into pieces, the sound of porcelain breaking was so satisfying in your ears.

"Do any of you have anything to add?" you looked at the other dolls coldly, the ones that didn't dare move from their designated place.

"Didn't think so." you added, fresh tears sliding down your cheeks as your eyes caught sight of Felix again.

"Shit!" you exclaimed, falling down to your knees and grabbing his face gently.

He was crying.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry I left you alone with them Lixie! I will make this right, I promise!" you cried as you held onto him.

You ran to your bathroom to grab a first aid kit, running back to Felix as fast as you could.

You tended to his wounds, tears falling down your face onto his cheeks and mixing with his own.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." you kept whispering as you took care of him, worry growing inside you when Felix became colder to the touch.

"I think this one needs stitches." you noticed a gash on his hand. "How did they do this? I'll never let anyone hurt you again, Felix."

That night, you brought Felix to your workshop, sewing up his wound and hoping that he would heal just like the bruise from his first day here was healing.

You didn't want to look at your dolls, opting to take Felix to the guest room, the only empty room in the house, getting him all comfy in your fluffiest blankets before you joined him under the covers.

"I love you a lot Lixie. Even though it's only been a week. You're my favorite doll ever." you kissed his cheek before cuddling him, holding him close to your body as you felt him warm up.

A smile spread on your face.

He's going to be okay.

Over the next few weeks, Felix's wounds have healed nicely.

You've asked to work from home so you could be with him all day.

It was quiet in your house, all of the other dolls were now even more afraid of you, after your little sledgehammer revenge.

You cuddled Felix a lot, holding him close whenever you could, playing with his soft hair and doting on him the entire time.

His face seemed to change throughout that time, from an expression of sadness and pain back to happiness and his rosy cheeks.

Once he was fully healed, you decided to bake a chocolate cake to celebrate his recovery.

Of course, he was in the kitchen with you, watching you work on the sweet treat.

You had more than one sweet treat in mind, you thought, giggling to yourself as you swiped some chocolate cream on your finger.

"Mm. So tasty." you smirked, looking directly at Felix.

"You wanna taste?" you took some more, coming closer to him and pressing your finger on his lips.

"Come on, I know you want it." you smirked. "I'll let you taste something even sweeter later."

He didn't react in the way you wanted him to, but his face was quickly becoming red.

Sighing, you leaned back and continued making the cake.

Once it was finished, you decided to let it cool down and take Felix to your living room.

"Look at that. I didn't even touch you." you giggled, the bulge in his pants evident.

He was finally all well and healed so you let yourself explore his body with your hands and lips.

It didn't take long for you to strip him, your eyes glued to his pretty cock, all hard for you.

"You make me wanna do things I usually don't." you sighed, gently stroking him.

"But you've been so good for me, so I gotta reward you." you laid Felix down, kneeling between his legs.

You kissed his thighs, lightly biting into his skin and noticing how he twitched at that.

You wanted to taste him and have him in your mouth which is something you were usually uncomfortable with but Felix made you want to do all those things you thought you never would.

"My good boy." you praise him, your lips pressing gentle kisses into his leaking cock.

Felix's body flushed as you kept kissing and licking at him, your hands sliding slowly on his soft skin, mapping him out.

You kissed his tip, tasting his pre-cum, sweet like cotton candy and you couldn't wait anymore as you wrapped your lips around him.

Your tongue tingled from the sweet taste as you swirled it around his head, a moan escaping your lips and making him leak even more.

Felix's fingers twitched on his side and your eyes widened a little as you took more of him in.

Hoping he would move again, you started bobbing your head faster, taking him in deeper, moaning around him and creating vibrations around his throbbing cock.

His fingers twitched a few more times, every time his tip hit the back of your throat it seemed to make him move.

Determined to snap him out of whatever trance he was in you gave it your all, drooling around his length as you sucked him harder, your hand squeezing his sensitive balls.

Taking you by surprise, Felix came, filling your mouth up with his cum and making you sputter as you didn't expect it.

You managed to swallow some, the rest making a mess out of his crotch.

You knew he was supposed to cum only after you pull on his hair so how did this happen?

Now, you had an even bigger inkling that Felix was alive.

A smirk spread on your lips as you stared at his reddened face.

"D'you want a taste, angel?" you giggled, your hand between your legs.

"Yeah, you do." you added, gathering some of your juices before bringing them up to his lips.

You pushed your finger in his mouth, making him taste you.

"I know you like that, my pretty prince."

You gave him a few kisses before cleaning him up.

"We can eat some cake tomorrow." you told him as you laid him down in your bed, the guest room now becoming your room.

As you cuddled up to Felix that night, you had no idea that he would finally wake up while you slept.

-

Felix's eyes widened as he fought for breath, his heart beating hard against his chest.

He gripped at the sheets, fisting them in pain as his whole body hurt.

You were sleeping peacefully on your side, facing him and for some reason he was terrified.

Felix saw what you did when you got angry so he didn't want to upset you in any way even though you treated him well, so well that he knew he loved you as much as you loved him.

But with confusion and fear running through his veins, he decided not to wake you up, instead he got up quietly in search of food and water.

He knew that if he took something from the fridge, you'd know he was awake so Felix made his way to your pantry, his feet padding on the floor quietly.

On his way there, his knee collided into a chair and he cursed quietly, his eyes widening as he looked back to the direction of your room.

Felix gulped, listening for some time and after deciding it was safe he entered the pantry.

He found some cookies and in his hunger he devoured most of them, accidentally leaving the wrapper and the crumbs behind.

After drinking some water, Felix returned to bed, deciding to let you sleep and maybe tell you that he's alive tomorrow.

-

Waking up the next day, you started the morning like any other, kissing Felix's sweet face.

But, something was different this morning.

His eyes were closed.

"Hm." you looked at him and he seemed to be breathing but it was so early in the morning that you thought you had dreamed it up.

Suddenly, your phone rang, scaring you out of your thoughts.

"Hi, Jackie!" it was your childhood best friend, the only person who tolerated your obsession with dolls.

She didn't mind it much and she loved you for who you were, the two of you grew up together, going through all the ups and downs with each other.

"Hey, y/n! I'm in town this weekend so I thought we could catch up." she said cheerfully.

"Of course, I'd love to!" you sat up, momentarily forgetting about Felix as you made your way to the kitchen with a smile on your face.

"Great, I can't wait to share all the tea I have." she said and you giggled before noticing something weird.

There was a glass you didn't touch on the counter, and your pantry door was open so you walked towards it as Jackie yapped in your ear.

As you turned the light on, you noticed half eaten cookies on the floor, the wrapper pulled apart seemingly with teeth.

"What? Do I have rats in my house?" you chuckled.

"I'm not a rat." a deep voice said behind you and you shrieked, turning around, your phone almost slipping out of your hand.

"Y/n? What's wrong?" Jackie asked.

"I'm gonna have to call you back." you said as you hung up, staring at Felix as he stood before you with his eyes wide, a timid look on his face, his cheeks rosy and lips pouty.

His hands were clasped together as he played with his fingers.

"F-Felix?" your eyes welled up with happy tears.

"It's me." he said, the depth of his voice shocking you once again, you didn't expect your sweet angel would have such deep vocal chords.

"Oh!" you laughed in delight, throwing your arms around him and hugging him tightly.

Felix gasped at your onslaught of love as you squeezed him so tight that you knocked his breath out of his lungs.

"I knew you'd come to me eventually, my angel." you gently took his face in your hands, your thumbs moving back and forth on his cheeks slowly.

"Y-you're not mad at me?" he asks cutely, blinking at you.

"No, no, not at all! Though, you left a mess." you shake your head and his face becomes redder.

"I'm sorry, I will clean it up." he says timidly and you giggle.

"Oh, you are so adorable!" cuteness aggression takes you over completely as you pinch his cheeks and kiss his plump lips repeatedly, making him giggle.

His stomach growled and he looked at you embarassingly, his face red and you chuckled.

"You need a proper meal." you said, deciding to make the classic eggs and bacon combo.

You took his hands and led him to the chair, sitting him down.

"Let me help you." Felix beamed at you.

"It's okay, Lixie. I like taking care of you."

"I know, but I want to do the same for you."

You melted instantly, kissing him again, it was hard to be apart from him.

The two of you made breakfast together, albeit clumsily as he was still confused about everything.

After eating, the two of you sat in the garden, you with your cup of coffee and Felix with his cup of hot cocoa, two slices of the chocolate cake you made last night served on the fine china.

"What made you wake up?" you asked.

"I- I'm not sure. I tried doing it before, I only managed to move my fingers or toes slightly, sometimes my eyes. It was honestly like I was imprisoned in my own body. I wanted to- to reciprocate, hold you properly and take care of you like you do to me." he said, looking away as he blushed once more.

"Ah, you are so sweet my prince. Just how I imagined. I knew you were alive, I was just hoping and waiting for you to break out of the hypnotized state."

"You think I was hypnotized?" Felix tilts his head at you.

"Do you remember anything before coming here?" you ask, reaching out to touch his hand gently.

"I remember this big cold room. And water. So much water. And there were others but I can't remember their faces. We were all there in the big room. There was a voice talking to us, I- I don't know what it said. But I think it was giving out commands." the more Felix talked about his past, the more worked up he was getting, his hands shaking, a thin sheen of sweat covering his forehead.

"Hey, hey it's okay. You don't have to tell me everything right away. It must be upsetting." you quickly stand up, holding his face and caressing him.

"I don't wanna go back there."

"You won't." you smile, sitting in his lap.

Felix freezes, his eyes wide and lips falling open, his face taking on the familiar rosy color.

"Y/n." he looks up at you cutely and you lean in, kissing him lovingly.

"You're no longer just my dolly. You're my boyfriend now." you giggle and he smiles the most beautiful bright smile you have ever seen.

"Oh! I am?"

"Mhm." you nod and lean in to kiss him again, your tongue licking at his bottom lip and he opens his mouth, letting you explore him properly now that he's awake, your hand tangled in his soft hair.

"I love you, Lixie." you kiss the tip of his nose.

"I love you y/n. Thank you for everything. For being so good to me and helping me heal when those dolls..." he shivers.

"Of course. Sorry if I went a little crazy. I know I can be insane sometimes. It's just when I saw you like that on the floor, I felt my heart break. I needed to smash them into pieces so they can never hurt you again."

"No, I'm glad you did that. If I could, I'd fight back."

"I know you would." you smile, shifting on his lap as you caress his face.

Scooting closer to him, you feel him press into you.

"I'm sorry." Felix whimpers, looking everywhere but at you. "I know you don't want to... you know."

"I do. Now that you're awake." you nod and his eyes widen.

"Oh?"

"Let's go inside." you giggle at his shocked expression.

"W-what do I do?" Felix looks at you unsurely as you sit on your bed. "Usually you're in charge..."

"You can take the lead, angel. Whatever you had in mind all this time, you can do now." you smile at him, taking his hands in yours to reassure him.

"I wanna worship you like you do to me." he blushes profusely and you chuckle.

"Of course." you say, the two of you starting with loving kisses, layers of clothing slowly coming off.

Felix lays you down gently, looking panicked for a moment, like he doesn't know what to start with, and as his eyes travel all over your body, the redness on his face spreads to his ears and neck.

Ultimately, he decides to do what you did, leaning down to kiss your neck first.

You throw your head back, giving him space as his plump lips gently travel on your skin.

You close your eyes as Felix's worships you, his lips so sweet on your hot skin, his hands caressing you gently as he slides them on your arms, then to your waist and tummy before slowly going up to cup your breasts.

"L-Lixie." you whimper as he plays with your nipples before leaning in to kiss them, his tongue darting out to swirl around the sensitive bud before his pretty lips wrap around it, sucking gently.

"Ah!" you moan, arching into him, arousal dripping from your core.

Felix whimpers when his finger touches your warmness, feeling how wet you got just for him.

He finds your clit, gently rubbing it in circles with his fingertips as he continues sucking on your breasts.

"Want you." you whine and he lifts up.

"C-can I taste you?" he asks, licking his lips and you nod eagerly.

Felix leaves kisses on your tummy all the way down to your core where he presses his lips against your clit.

"Mm, angel." you moan, making him moan too.

His tongue darts out as he starts licking at you and your eyes roll back.

He groans into your core, already addicted to your taste as he spreads you with his thumbs, pushing his tongue in eagerly, as deep as he can.

Your legs tremble a little, your hand ending up in his hair as you hold him down.

Felix keeps grunting into you, his deep voice sending vibrations through you as he laps you up, his button nose pressing perfectly against your clit.

Being sensitive, you can't hold it in too long as you explode, your juices spilling on his lips and chin.

"You taste so sweet." he looks up at you, licking at his lips.

"Come here, I need you." you make grabby hands at him and Felix giggles as he slides up, slotting himself perfectly between your thighs.

"Are you sure?" he asks and you nod.

"Please."

"Anything you want, darling." Felix whispers.

You feel his tip caress your folds and you whine, wrapping your legs around him as he sinks in, slowly opening you up just for him.

You embrace each other, your bodies moving together as Felix makes love to you until you're crying and trembling in his hold, your nails digging into his back as he finally releases his warm cum inside you, filling you up to the brim.

That night, Felix got to embrace you just how he always wanted.

The next few days pass by in perfect bliss.

You and Felix are attached at the hip, always together, always in each other's arms, lips constantly touching.

You took him out on so many dates and he loved being outside, seeing other people enjoying their day too, feeling the warm sunlight on his face, the gentle breeze caressing his hair.

You'd never been this happy before, never having someone who had seen you at your worst and still loved you for who you are.

Felix also loved helping you around the house, giving you massages and doing everything he can to make you feel comfortable.

He even told you of the dolls who were always nice to him so you'd take them out in the garden to hang out with you and Felix on a nice picnic date.

Even your friend Jackie was happy for you, first asking you to explain how the hell did he go from a doll to a human.

"So, basically, you were alive the whole time?" she scratched her head, as the three of you sat in your garden.

"I guess I was."

"So, do you remember how you were made? Like, are you human or?" Jackie asks, her eyes widened in wonder.

"I honestly have no idea. As I told y/n, I only remember that there was a room and that I was suspended in water."

"It's all so peculiar." you shake your head. "But it doesn't matter. What matters now is that Felix is alive and he is safe here." you kiss his cheek and he blushes instantly.

"If you're happy y/n, I'm happy too." Jackie smiles at you.

"Thanks, J." you giggle.

The rest of the afternoon Jackie fills you in with all the drama that happened in her life since you last saw each other, both you and Felix entertained after getting a scoop.

That night, Felix falls asleep quickly and you stay up just for some time, caressing his face and admiring his beauty.

"Good night, my sweet Lixie." you kiss his forehead before nuzzling into him and falling asleep.

Felix's night is filled with nightmares, after opening the topic of his past with Jackie today, memories started flooding in his mind.

People in white suits, their faces unrecognizable. A huge ceiling with big silver pipes. Water tanks with bodies floating inside them all in fetal position. Connected to a machine with a steady beeping sound echoing off of the walls.

The feeling of dread creeping up his spine.

Felix woke up with a loud gasp, covered in sweat, his heart almost leaping out of his chest.

"Lixie? What's wrong?" you sit up quickly as he jostled you awake.

"I- I had a nightmare." his lips tremble, tears sliding down his cheeks.

"It's okay, it was just a dream." you embrace him as he nuzzles into your neck.

You caress him until he calms down.

"It was about that place, wasn't it?"

He nods at your question and you sigh.

"How about we eat some ice cream?" you try to cheer him up and Felix nods quickly, a small smile already appearing on his face.

The two of you are in the kitchen when a loud banging on the door scares you both.

Both of you exchange a fearful look.

The banging starts again.

"Don't." Felix shakes his head, his hands trembling.

"It's okay." you reassure him, making your way to the door.

When you open them, you see five men in suits standing on your doorway, all their faces devoid of any emotion.

"Are you y/n l/n?" one of them speaks in a monotone voice.

"Yes, I am."

"So you've purchased Felix, the comforting doll?"

"I did. What is this about?" you ask confusedly.

"We are here to take him. There's been a malfunction and we need the dolls back at our company."

You scoff at them.

"No." you cross your arms.

"Miss, it's in your best interest to cooperate with us."

"Who the fuck do you think you are to know what's in my best interest?" you frown as two of the men exchange unimpressed looks.

You groan and in an attempt to shoo them away, you lift your leg up and kick one of the men right in his shin.

He doesn't even budge, doesn't make an expression or a sound that would indicate he was even hit.

"Get her out of the way." the man in the very back says and two of them grab your arms as you start screaming and kicking.

Three of the other men walk inside just as Felix runs up to the corridor, hearing your screams.

"Y/n!" he yells out, as the men grab him.

"Felix!" you kick around, tears sliding down your cheeks as you try to tear away from the men but to no avail.

"Let him go! He's alive! I love him!"

"Please don't take me away from her!"

Both of you scream but nobody listens to you.

One of the men takes a big needle out of his suitcase and before you can react he pushes it into Felix's neck, injecting him with some kind of liquid.

You scream as his body goes limp and they lift him up, walking out of your house.

"You'll get your money back, don't worry." the last man says and you scream at him, your tears flowing like a wild river.

"I don't want it! I want my Felix!" you cry, running after them but they've already pushed him into the backseat.

One of the men holds you back as they all pile in the car, leaving quickly as you fall down to your knees and cry.

Your heart hurts for breaking your promise of keeping Felix safe.

Your mind races with a thousand thoughts.

What are you going to do now?

Taglist: @moonchild9350 @janepg @velvetmoonlght @hwanghyunjinismybae @jehhskz @porangporangmeong @laylasbunbunny @laughatdanger @jeonginslefthand @sapphirewaves @simpforleeknaur @s3ungm1nxxl0ve @painterhyunjin @starlost-mochi-x @saintcosette @juskz @quokkacidal @chuuyaobsessed @whatdoyouwanttocallmefor @lixies-favorite-cookie @thelostprincessofasgard @linocvp1d

[split-spectrum]

YOU'VE GOT TO LEARN

Pairing: Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Tags: extremely dubious consent, non-con elements, explicit sexual content, exhibitionism, age gap, established relationship, jealousy, possessive!joel, softdom!joel, unprotected sex, alcohol, hair pulling

Length: 3.3K

Summary: At a client's house party, you catch yourself getting jealous of other eyes on Joel. Joel pulls you aside to show you exactly what he thinks of that.

This is my first time writing for Joel Miller, so please go easy on me <3

☆☆☆

What is it about Joel that makes him most attractive when he's stuck somewhere he doesn't want to be?

You tip back the last of your whiskey sour, gazing at the tight creases in the corners of his eyes as he nods along with the blond guy who's been talking for twenty painful minutes about the crypto market. Joel is leaning back, arms folded over his chest, his big shoulders pushing at the seams of his denim shirt.

He once told you that no one besides you could tell his emotions on his face. You'd laughed and called bullshit at the time, telling him every thought in that pretty head of his showed up plain as day on his face, but right now it doesn't seem to matter. He's been looking like he'd swallowed glass since this guy started talking, and it doesn't seem to make a bit of difference to him.

When Joel had asked if you wanted to come along to the holiday party one of his clients was having at his house, you'd said yes even after hearing that the guy was 'kind of an idiot' and you'd probably be 'bored to tears'. Joel would have skipped it, but unfortunately it was one of his biggest clients, and the invitation wasn't one he could politely decline.

Right now, though, you're sort of wishing you'd listened to him. The party stopped being fun somewhere around the second MLM scheme that had been pitched to you, and you're now counting the minutes until you'll hit the mark Joel set on the drive there: "Least a couple hours - then we can head out."

The guy takes a short pause, then launches into another tirade on bitcoin, and you realize you're going to need another drink to get through it. Joel's arm slips from around your waist as you pull away.

"Be right back, fellas. I'm going to get a refill."

Joel's brows lift as you leave him behind. "Now hold on there. Wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I let you get your own drink-"

You wave him off, trying to hold in a smirk. "No really, I need to take a lap. Stretch my legs."

He licks his lips, looks off to the side for a second before calling after you, "Grab me one on your way back, will ya?"

You smile innocently. "You got it."

After your host declines your offer to get him something, you head to the kitchen, making a little chit chat on your way to the well-stocked fridge. You decide to get Joel's beer before you return to the open bar to ask for another drink of your own. You hook your knuckles around the neck of a Modelo, no sooner closing the door to the fridge before you glance back in Joel's direction, seeing he's been joined by a few more people.

It isn't surprising. Joel's the type of guy who tends to draw attention, and not just because of his looks. He's the guy who's in charge, even when he's not in charge. People gravitate toward him; just something about his presence that makes him the most interesting thing in every room.

In spite of that, your attention isn't on him at the moment. It's on the girl making moon eyes beside him. She's tossing a long, shiny ponytail behind her shoulder and grinning ear to ear despite the fact that bitcoin boy hasn't stopped talking.

Picking up a bottle opener, you pop the cap off the beer in your hand by muscle memory, not able to tear your eyes off of them. Joel's attention is still on the host, but when she says something to him, you watch him pull his chin back to nod, holding her in the corner of his eye to give a quick smile.

Kelly, you remember. That's her name. She's the receptionist at the client's office, and she's probably seen more of Joel this month than you have.

You watch as she cranks up her smile another thousand watts, laughing at something one of the other guys in the group has said. Kelly, you think. No. Probably spells it with an i. Kelli. Probably dots it with a heart.

Your face is starting to warm up, and when someone on the other side of the kitchen counter gently asks if you're alright, you clear your throat, then reply that you're fine as you quickly open the fridge for a second Modelo. It's time for you to slow down on the whiskey.

As you make your way back to the group, you catch Kelly/Kelli's eyes and give her a subdued smile. She blinks and smiles back, suddenly looking very shy.

"Now what did I miss?" you ask, when the men dissolve into laughter.

Henry, one of the contractors under Joel, shakes his head. "It ain't worth repeating in the presence of a lady."

The host interjects, "So what do you call Kelly?"

Henry puts an arm around her shoulder. "Aw, she's heard it all before, haven'tcha?"

"That don't mean she wants to hear it from you!" one of the other men shouts, and there's another round of laughter while you bite your lip, watching Joel's eyes as they dip to Henry's arm.

You wrap your lips around the tip of the bottle in your hand, letting the taste of the beer give your mouth an excuse to look sour. Henry's hand is dropping from Kelly's shoulder down to her waist, and while the conversation carries on, Joel leans in close so that only Henry - and you - can hear.

"Cool it, Henry."

"Huh?" comes the slow reply, as he pretends not to have understood him.

Joel just lifts his brows, and that's all it takes for Henry to back off, looking a little sheepish as he unwinds himself from Kelly, who looks more than a little relieved.

Henry turns to you, suddenly trying to make small talk, to save face. "Have you two met? This's our girl Kelly. She takes good care of us, don'tcha, sweetheart?"

You give a polite smile. "We've met. Nice to see you, again. Both of you."

"Uh huh," Henry answers half-heartedly before he wanders off, perhaps to join another conversation, or just to find another drink.

Kelly gives you another polite smile, then as the host starts to back away, bringing the rest of the group with him, she goes along with the crowd. Before she leaves, though, she softly murmurs to Joel, "Thanks for that."

He answers with a stiff nod, but it's more than enough to put the stars back in her eyes as she walks away, leaving the two of you alone.

You're biting your lip again, practically chewing on it, as you dangle Joel's beer by the throat, handing it over to him.

"Thank you," he says, then tips it back immediately.

You don't reply, lost in thought, but pretending nonchalance as you watch the group leave.

"Meant what I said, though," Joel adds in your silence. "Shoulda let me get it. I don't like to have you wanderin' around on your own. Not with this bunch of degenerates."

You smirk. "What, like Henry?"

"For one, yeah," he says, turning to face you now that the sounds of the party are fading into the background. "Lookin' the way you do, won't be able to keep their eyes or their hands off ya."

You laugh him off, but can't pretend that his voice isn't settling right in the bottom of your stomach. He's standing a little closer, now, and you can smell the alcohol on his breath, mixed with the spice of his cologne. Something about him talking this way puts some boldness into you, and your words come out a bit more reckless than they should.

"Well, maybe you should have asked Kelly to get your drink, then."

He looks dumbfounded for a moment, and you widen your smile to show you're joking.

"I mean, I'm sure she would have," you go on, digging yourself deeper even as your heart kicks up faster. If you'd switched to beer two drinks ago, you probably would have explained yourself better. You would have insisted it was just a joke, because she so clearly has a crush on him. But your words are just swimming in all that whiskey.

"Cute little thing like that," you say, shrugging. "Probably don't mind her 'taking care of you', do ya?"

Joel's eyes are fixed on you, voice easing down into his chest when he asks softly, warningly, "What did you just say?"

He's turned all the way toward you, and all at once the room feels so much smaller, your face so much hotter. He's waiting for an answer, and your breath is caught high in your throat. "I-uh... it was just... nothing."

He's very slowly setting down his beer, looking down to a side table. "Wasn't nothing; I heard it." He looks back up at you, pinning you hard where you stand. "Now repeat it. Wanna make sure I heard you right."

You swallow, mouth dry. "I nn-nothing, I just said..." You force a crooked smile that you know he isn't buying for a second. "Y'know... she's- she's pretty cute, and maybe you... maybe she oughta... 'cause maybe you want her to..."

Your babbling doesn't impress him. He's just staring at you under a darkened brow. He opens his mouth to say something, but the motion of someone else entering the room catches your eye and you snap defensively before he can say anything.

"Joel, I didn't mean-"

He follows your gaze, then turns away and shuts you up with a wide, heavy palm sliding to the small of your back. "C'mere," he says. "C'mon." And the way he breathes it as he guides you out of the room and down the hall, you don't argue.

He finds a bathroom and pushes you inside. While you're looking over his shoulder to make sure no one sees you going in together, he's staring straight ahead, and he closes the door with one hand, still holding you with the other.

"I'm... sorry," you confess as soon as the door closes. "That was stupid. I don't know why I said it."

"Yeah," he grunts, crowding you up against the closed door. "You do."

The way he has you held close, arm around your waist and words warm against your mouth, you'd normally try to kiss him right about now. But looking into his eyes, you know there's no kiss waiting for you on his lips.

He's mad, and you're a little scared. Not scared of him, but scared of what he might do at a party where people might hear. People that he has to work with on Monday.

He isn't drunk, but he's had a few, and your fear ratchets up when his hand slides to your backside, gripping your ass and kneading it as he growls, "You think I give a goddamn about some teenager?"

Despite the way he's manhandling you through your dress, you can't help but roll your eyes. "She's not a teenager."

She isn't really that much younger than you are. And with Joel in his fifties, the thought has crossed your mind that he might just be keeping you around because he got a thing for younger women. You'd just never said anything out loud. Until tonight.

He stops, pulls back. "Alright, guess I'm not bein' clear enough."

He takes you by both arms, pushes you against the sink so you're looking at yourself in the mirror. Behind you, he starts unbuckling his belt.

"Joel..." you whisper, heat pulsing through you just from the sound of the metal clinking. You know you should ask him to stop - is the door even fucking locked? - but you can't get any other words out besides his name.

He slides a hand under your dress, pushing it up and over the swell of your ass. He doesn't slow down, doesn't even run his hand over your skin. He just pushes your panties to the side, pressing the head of his cock right up against your pussy, holding it there as he grits against your ear, "Guess I gotta show you where I want to be."

He pushes the thick head inside you, wrapping one arm around your stomach to keep you from falling forward. His other hand is flat on the sink, not playing with you, not easing anything. He doesn't give you any prep, just shoves in slowly, his cock stretching you all in one go.

You hiss, brow pinching. He didn't even let you get wet enough to take him. You can feel every damn move he makes inside you as he shifts his hips closer to pin you hard against the cold edge of the sink. When he's all the way in, you watch your mouth pop open in the mirror as you take a few panting breaths. The stretch is almost unbearable, but feeling so full of him, you don't want to stop.

He eases out, just a couple inches to coat himself in your slick, then presses back in even harder. You feel like your lungs are going to give out from how tight your gasps are getting.

"Fuck, Joel... hurts," you whine.

He slowly slides you off of him, then feeds it right back in.

"I know it does, honey," he breathes against your neck. "I know it does."

His deep voice makes you pulse around his cock and he drags his big, calloused hand down to the front of your dress, lifting it up just far enough to see your pussy, stuffed full of him. You're leaking down the sides of his cock, glistening in the dim light of the bathroom.

"See that?" he asks, unmoving. "That's where I wanna be. You hear me?"

Giving a shaky nod of your head, you whimper, "Yes."

He starts to piston in and out of you, and you can only watch. You close your eyes tight when he speeds up a little. "It's... mm- it's too much."

He doesn't change his pace. "Ain't about feelin' good. You've got to learn."

He groans when your pussy clenches around him, and you follow with an answering moan as the tension in your muscles starts to fade. You're soaking down both sides of your inner thighs as he opens you up further.

When you've dissolved into whimpering his name, he hooks one arm around your leg from behind, lifting it up so that you're spread wider. His other hand is still holding up your dress.

"Look at that," he grunts, making an obscene display of his cock fucking into your pussy. "Look how fucking hard you make me, baby."

You whine again, struck dumb by how good he feels with every snap of his hips. "God, feels so good... please..."

He's dragging his teeth against your neck when he replies, "Please?"

"Please, Joel. Feels so fucking good," you repeat, eyes closed.

You want him to fuck you properly, to bend you over and make you take him, to use his fingers - to let you use yours - anything; it doesn't matter. You're so worked up, you just need a little more.

"M'not gonna give you what you want, darlin'," he answers. "Don't work like that."

You can't help but loose a plaintive moan, even knowing you deserve it. "Baby, please-"

He drops your knee, letting your leg come down to the floor as he bends you over the sink. When he starts to fuck you for real, you can't hold it together anymore, softly pleading and whining for more, begging him not to stop, opening your eyes to watch him in the mirror as he starts to lose himself, too.

Until a knock at the door jars you right out of it.

"Is anybody in there?"

Joel doesn't even slow down. Just flattens his palm along your lower back to bend you back over after you jolt up.

"Joel-" you hiss. But he keeps giving you exactly what you need, and your eyes roll back.

"Hello?"

He slides a warm hand down the open neckline of your dress, kneading your breast as he looks at you in the mirror. His brown eyes are stern and steady. "Answer."

He keeps feeding you his cock, and you hiccup, legs shaking as you whisper, "I- I don't..."

"Go on and tell 'em. You're busy."

Fuck fuck fuck. "Uhh, s-someone's in here!"

Your voice comes out strained and airy, and you wait for the reply while Joel kisses the skin of your shoulder, sliding the front of your dress down.

"Joel, it's... somebody is..."

"Nothin' in here that I wanna hide," he growls, pushing his hips right up against your ass as he circles a thumb around one of your nipples.

"Fuck, Joel..." The silence outside has been long enough that the person is probably gone, but your pulse is still pounding, and he's making it so fucking hard to think. "Oh my god, yes..."

He's quietly panting, lifts his head long enough to say, "Understand now, pretty girl?"

"Mm..."

"This here's right where I wanna be. Nowhere else," he grunts, pressing his weight down on you, the squelching sounds between your bodies getting louder than your moans. Your eyes are drawn up to the mirror, watching the veins in his neck tighten as he fucks into you harder and harder. "You got it?"

You frantically nod, desperately near the edge of coming. "Fuck, yes, mhm..."

"Maybe I oughta fill you up right here, leave you with somethin' to think about."

"N-no," you stutter, almost sounding like you're sobbing your words. "P-please, I get it. I heard what you s-said."

He has to let you come. You don't care that you were acting up, making something out of nothing. You don't care what got him mad at you. All you can think about is how flushed his chest is beneath the open collar of his shirt, how tight his grip is, how stiff his jaw is set. You just want to listen to that throaty growl, feel him mercilessly fucking you a little while longer. That's all it would take. Just a little bit...

"Fuck-"

Joel pulls out, hand tightening into a fist around himself. You slump against the sink.

"Goddamn, baby. Almost got me, there."

You're on the verge of tears, shuddering with wild breaths. "No, fuck, Joel, please please please-"

He grips a handful of your ass, fingers brushing through your wetness and making you whimper.

"Told you, I ain't giving you what you want."

You hear him zip up his jeans, and then his hand is back at your ass, but this time he's pulling your panties back into place and tugging your dress down.

"Never gonna learn that way."

You whine pitifully, knowing you brought this on yourself, but still pleading under your breath, face drawn tight with frustration.

He helps you stand up properly, giving you his arm to steady yourself. You straighten your dress, cleaning up your appearance in the mirror, and eventually you're able to leave the bathroom, walking out on trembling legs.

He gives you a smirk as you leave the hallway, and something in you finally snaps. Maybe it's a little unfair, but you know exactly what to say to knock that smirk off his face.

You lean in and whisper in his ear, "Guess you didn't want me that bad after all, or you would have finished."

And all of ten minutes later, you're in the cab of his truck. You're screaming his name as you come all over his cock, hands fisted in his hair, tugging it hard while he pumps you full of his cum, cursing you the whole time.

Turns out, he's the one who's never gonna learn.

--

A/N: Thanks for reading! I don't have a taglist for Joel, but I'll add one if I ever write for him again. Hope you enjoyed! :)

Masterlist

[acid-ixx]

brutus: both arms cradle you now (villain au concept)

ft. yandere! harley quinn (brief mentions of the poison ivy and catwoman) x gn villain! reader

— masterlist !

reblogs and interactions are encouraged and appreciated.

"so, you're saying you hate the batman, for personal reasons, cupcake?"

you've never expected to have a therapy session with one of your mentors who took you in.

harley quinn, the girl who took you into her abode right after she found you bloodied and laying in a crimson bath of your own one faithful night; death your only comfort.

she, alongside her other company, are well-known people within gotham's criminal gallery. she's known to be obsessed with her ex back then, chasing after his toxic love despite hers being consistently thrown away, she's been seen fighting, or even sometimes helping your father when he's wearing the cowl just to find the joker, she dons clown makeup and displays athletic talent for combat—

she's not the type you'd expect to be well-versed with a person's mental health, with her playful attitude and bouncy steps, but with the way she notices your uncomfortable body language whenever you stumble upon the bat, or how you simmer in silent rage watching him care for his vigilante partners during times they get injured; you'd have to admit she's more than qualified to ask you sensitive questions nobody ought to ask a violent criminal like you.

you don't know it, but you share far more similarities with the girl than you thought; chasing after love never once reciprocated, she has every right to know what makes you so triggered seeing the vigilante every damn time he's within the vicinity.

she has every right because she's the one who saved you when you thought your life would be all over.

when you believed that that day would be the time your soul would leave your body, you'd suddenly awoke to her gentle coos and her retelling her company on how she stumbled upon you. and another woman's palms are on your heated forehead, an unnatural shade of green, yet she helps swipes away your hair for your head as she listens intently to harley's story; she gazes at you just as softly as the other. she's seated right beside a familiar face, too, with cropped, jet-black hair and cat-eyes. it was her expensive duvet that you lay on.

it was there that they coddled you collectively.

they've been your saviors then, and your mentors ever since. it's what you've never asked for, to be cared for by criminals who fought on the opposite side from your fathers, but you've been craving affection your entire life that you'd never once complain about.

now, in the same apartment, her question lingers in the back of your head, you feel goosebumps rise on the topmost layer of your skin, and your heartbeats hasten against the cage of your chest.

despite that, she merely looks over at you, her eyes held a calculating gaze. it's not exactly nerve-wracking like batman's whenever you had your occasional encounters with him, but you can tell she's psychoanalyzing every aspect of your being.

like a therapist for most, but to you, she does so because you know she cares.

gone was the ditzy smile she likes to wear on her playful lips, or the active, bouncy lilt she has whenever she sits upon the swivel chair to talk to you. she stares at you, with piercing blue eyes and furrowed brows, nitpicking every reaction you conjure.

it seems like now's the time she wants to open up with such a sensitive topics.

especially right after the incident where you cried after watching batman speak to the youngest robin, with the sweetest, most poisonous tone you've ever heard from the man. it makes you want to vomit watching it, makes you wish to shrivel outside-in your costume and burn until you're mere embers.

you ask yourself, 'do i hate him?'

truth is...

god, you wish you do. but you're different now.

you have new people to care for you, now and you'd rather throw away that heart wrenching life you had back in the past. batman is nobody to you now, you wish you could lead yourself to believe that he was just your usual opponent, nothing more, nothing less.

yet you merely shift on your cushioned seat, ignoring the blaring telltale signs in your head to stay silent, and reply to her albeit the unsureness in your tone. your words taste bitter, sour, salty, and no way sweet. every unpleasant flavor swirls in your tongue in a cacophony of emotions; and you wish to cry the longer you speak, tongue-tied and wishing to will away the ache in your chest.

"i don't hate him, harley, at least not anymore... it's different, i don't know what to feel about him. maybe it's rage, maybe i want to exact petty revenge on him because of my past with him. don't know. it's all complicated..."

"if it's not hatred, then it's something else, no? you feel something deep within for him, don'tcha, sweetheart? you can't lie to me, you're hurt, and scarred, because of him and his other vigilante partners, i can tell."

she replies, quicker than you do, with empathy and comfort laced in every syllable of her words, and you're taken aback at the kindness and understanding. your eyes flutter away from her worried ones, and you look down to your clenched palms and feel the callouses from all the harsh training you've conditioned yourself to endure, dismissing the way she stands from her chair to walk over to you.

hurt... that's true. you're hurt, and all the emotional scars that lay within you are still open, bleeding, and it aches deeply. every time you build new memories with these people, the pain of the past overpowers whatever improvement you make in life; as if it's haunting and taunting you.

when she kneels down to the level of your lap, just right beneath your vision so you could see her beyond the layers of hair that cover your watery eyes, you see her soft gaze and find her dainty fingers holding your palms, ones you didn't notice dig nails deep into skin until the rivulets of blood escape.

when she squeezes your hands, you follow along the patterns of inhaling and exhaling through her squeezing, a silent session with her to help you calm down from your foreboding emotions; your hastened breaths and brimming tears. you've been so used to ignoring all your emotions that you forget what panic attacks felt like in so long, not until you discover that you've been having small bouts of it every day; not until you realize how it's always your mentors comforting you through every one of your silent sufferings instead of ridiculing you for it.

"calm down, cupcake... i just wanted to know why, so i, alongside the girls, could help you through your emotions. what type of mentors are we if we can't help you, no? you've been so tense lately, we couldn't even see your cute, little smile these days. so don't forget you're still allowed to cry, sweetie... let all your emotions out, 'kay?"

she speaks, with a gentle timbre in her voice, and you allow her to embrace your form, one you didn't realize was shivering until now. yet you still bury your head further into her body without shame and allow yourself respite for once; allow yourself autonomy to be controlled by repressed pain and sorrow you've tried to bury deep into the marrows of your bones and the cages of your heart.

and now you realize why, why you're all crying all the same like last time, and you simply cry for longer at the realization.

because what contrasts with love, was indifference, and never hatred. you once loved batman, bruce, with all your heart because you're his kid, and your momma taught you to love without any expectations. but he sees you with indifference, with nothingness. no care, no emotions or opinions about you, unlike harley's who holds you in her arms and comforts you throughout your lengthened crying.

he doesn't even look at you. the thought bothers you more than ever.

"it's— you're right," you whisper through your hiccups, burying your head further on her stomach as her right hand plays with the strands of your hair, scratching your scalp in a comfortable pattern. she hums as a reply, and allows you to continue.

"i'm hurt, harley... it's so painful just thinking... thinking about how much i'm in pain because of him... but he's, he's—"

"shh, you don't have to force yourself to open up anymore, sweetheart."

when she releases her hold on you, you let out an embarrassingly loud cry, hands swiftly trying to pull her back to embrace you; too desperate to let go, too paranoid that this is all a dream, you wish to sink into her warmth forever.

but she holds you back, just as quickly with her warm palms at your wet cheeks, and looks at you. like you're her savior, her peace, and her everything.

her next sentences satiate the foreboding hunger in your heart, one too starved, one that craved and wished to take what it never have.

she feeds you with love and affection too sweet that it rids the bitter taste in the back of your throat and the bile that slowly rises every time you reminisce.

"i get'cha, sweetie. you wanted something from him you can never have, and when he didn't give you that, it destroyed you entirely you felt like you can never pick yourself right back. been there, done that—"

"—but look at where we're both at now! living the best of our lives, doing fun, risky heists and making ourselves happy with what we think is good for us, no? you get where i'm getting at, right?"

you don't. you feel like melting into her hands and never leaving. she gives and you take, take, and take everything she offers you.

and she knows you don't understand, so she continues rambling knowing you'd grasp into every word she says, not once breaking eye contact with you. she stares fondly, you gaze back reluctantly, unaccustomed to the affection your mentors shower you with. but you don't pull back, she becomes sad and sulky when you do.

you want her to be happy.

"sweetheart, i'm telling you the past is past! get him away from your mind and throw all the thoughts about him away! if you were nothing to him, then he should be nothing to you, easy as pie."

"you deserve better people in your life, like me, and pam, and selina. i can tell you're rough around the edges but that doesn't mean you should strip yourself away from any privilege to be cared for and loved for by people who love you as much as you love them. he's nothing to you now, alright? it's painful, but you can move on from him. i trust you can— you know why?"

harley questions you, with all the confidence in her tone, taking your head to lay it on her body again, positioning it so you could hear the buzz heartbeat, you bury yourself deeper into her warm body and nuzzle into fabric. your heart hastens, but it wasn't panic, it wasn't even fear or hurt, but a drive and motivation that burns deep inside of you; that this is what you always wanted, and needed to protect, and what she generously provided.

all her words echo through your head like it's the truth, your holy grail.

"you have us now, sweetheart. to love, to guide, and to protect you. we're everything you need now."

and you believe her like she's god.

just this once, you do. you're allowed to hope, to dream, and to finally feel special. to be embraced like the fantasies you had in the past, to be held and comforted through every gut wrenching experience, just as she does, now.

for once, you allow yourself to be loved, even if it means it's by the same hands that stain itself with blood, all shed in the glory of your name.

a/n: happy halloween! i was laying in bed and suddenly had thoughts about this. i don't like this drabble at all ngl erm 😭 this post is related to events prior to the out for blood chapter (idk if i should make it canon to the plot or not) and what i said in this fanart post. despite this not being my favorite piece of work, i like writing about other charactersn too though, especially when they're so soft to the mc. so yeah! if you guys like more of this, please do comment since idk what to feel about this.

[adamnablelittledevil]

I love Assad's method because if we have more information BTS stuff, we can know what they were filming and theorize a bit haha.

it's so much fun to me to see how Jacob and Assad approach their respective character playlists bc you've got Jacob literally using the 'copy to new playlist' option from his private library (and ik bc that's the only way all of those songs from all those artists will be added at the exact same time. for cohesiveness) slapping an image on that bad boy and releasing it into the world meanwhile Assad's like hmmm. i add these songs. i come back and add new ones. ooooh look here's another. finally i will make this public no image just the autogenerated cover made from the album art of the first four unique tracks you are actively seeing the process. let the 'date added' label seduce you this is what makes you fascinating