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explorevenus · 2 years ago

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piercing porcelain, crimson sap ♡ vampire!steddie x reader (pt. 1)

recommended listening - dracula (nate sees cassie) - labrinth

this part is generally sfw but the bulk of this series will be nsfw (18+) - so minors dni !!!!! or i will call ur mom

word count - 5k

description - in a fantasy world, reader is from a small, remote village. for many years you have been drawn to the mysterious mansion in the woods, the very same mansion you were warned against visiting for so long. you’ve tended to the neglected garden since you were young, growing attached to the strange, abandoned structure, only to one day find out the mansion isn’t as vacant as you’d thought...

tags/warnings - vampire!steddie, dark!steddie, innocent!reader, fem/afab!reader, pet names, no use of (Y/N), stevie is a lil cold at first but he warms up i promise, eddie is v manipulative lol, implied hypnosis, no smut yet but i promise it’s coming, fantasy elements obvi

a/n - ok i know this premise is done to death and like somewhat out of left field for a fucking stranger things fic but HEAR ME OUT. HEAR ME OUT OKAY. i am a SLUT for sexy mysterious vampire boys and i’ll be DAMNED if i don’t turn steve and eddie into sexy mysterious vampire boys at least once before i die. thank u for understanding and if u see this and it flops no u didn’t ♡

taglist - @urlbitchin

my masterlist ♡

part 2 coming soon ! lmk if u want to be added to the taglist :)

fic below the cut, thanks for reading and i hope u enjoy ♡

-venus ♡

Growing up in the woods, you were always taught to avoid the decrepit old mansion that hid away in the shadows of the tall trees, a warning you would heed with great caution as a child, but not so much as you grew into your teenage years.

You were 15 when you first felt the urge to rebel, or rather when you first failed to fight it off. Restricting yourself to only the outside of the property, to make yourself feel better about your choices, if anything, you had set off along the overgrown path that winded northeast and just down the valley, into a remote corner of the wilderness where the decaying building loomed tall, quieting the forest around it.

Based on all the horror stories you'd been told over the years, you expected to find the place teeming with evil spirits, or perhaps grotesque monsters; but, it was silent as could be, utterly vacant by the looks of it, and at first, rather underwhelming. You thought to yourself that maybe that was the point of all those hyperbolic cautionary tales that the elders passed down, to build up this great big image of what evil might be hiding away here, only for the purpose of letting down those expectations later. You were ready to give up and walk home, disappointed by your findings (or lack thereof), when you caught sight of a beautiful jungle of plants out of the corner of your eye-- they were bursting through the gaps in an old iron fence. It was a long forgotten garden, and as luck would have it, plenty of the plants there were invaluable for your alchemical endeavors.

Every now and then you would slip away and return to the garden, mindlessly sifting through the salvageable ingredients, and as the years went on you'd made a habit of tidying up the weeds where you could, too. Your interest in alchemy hadn't fully extended to an interest in gardening, so you weren't the most experienced by any means, but it was amazing what the smallest loving touch could do for a long forgotten place. Not to mention, the ridding of the weeds allowed the more sought after plants to properly flourish. It became your own private place, your own little slice of heaven, untouched by anyone but yourself. You loved the community you'd grown up in, but you felt an immense comfort near that strange mansion.

In your adulthood you only began to spend more time at the property, caring for the precious plants and dreaming that the mansion was yours, dreaming that you were not a village witch thieving ingredients for a living but the mistress of a beautiful household, gardening for pleasure in her overabundance of free time. It wasn't so much the material that you wanted, no, but the freedom-- freedom from the dangers of the woods, freedom from that constant worry of being unable to provide for yourself, for your village. It was nice to fantasize sometimes.

On this particular afternoon, it was overcast when you were readying yourself to leave the village, so you saw it fit to bring an umbrella. The prospect of rain didn't bother you a bit, or change your plans to visit the mansion at all-- it had been too long since the last rainfall, so both yourself and the plants were sorely needing it anyway. You lifted the hood of your soft cloak over your head and stepped outside, flower basket in-hand and toting a leather backpack full of various gardening supplies.

Cutting through the trees to that fading old pathway, little rocks and twigs crunching ambiently beneath your boots, you looked up at the grey sky above to see that it was only continuing to darken on the horizon. Thick black clouds loomed in the distance, swallowing up every last bit of sunlight and visibly unleashing buckets of rain upon the northern end of the mountain range, and they were barreling closer at a rate highly noticeable to the naked eye. You briefly considered turning back, but decided to stick to it anyway, given the worst case scenario was having to walk home drenched.

That old iron fence creaked loudly in greeting as you entered, even louder than usual due to the moisture in the air. You closed it softly behind you and made your way over to the patch of nightshade that you'd been tending to. You propped your umbrella up on the stump of a nearby tree, crouched beneath it, and got to work pulling up weeds as little droplets began to fall around you. The petrichor was delightful and comforting, and the rainfall softened the earth enough to make it just a little easier to uproot things. It didn't take long for you to settle into a comfortable autopilot mode as the droplets became gradually larger, and more plentiful.

Eddie and Steve liked this kind of rain.

Any kind of rain was favored, of course, but today was unmistakably a treat. The clouds were so dense and blackened with excess that no sunlight could hope to shine through. There was much excitement to be had on darkened days such as these, for a creature of the night-- the ability to roam during waking hours provided an entirely new insight into the lives and routines of their prospective cattle, and as a bonus, the moisture in the air tended to strengthen certain scents.

But, in a more wholesome light, it was quite nice to reminisce in the long faded memory of their own mortality, to pretend, if even just for one afternoon, that their hearts may beat with vitality as they once did, that their bodies might once again hunger for fruit or pastries instead of thick red blood. It was a perfect day for a stroll, Eddie thought, and if they were to happen upon something suitable to dine on in the process, well, that's all the better...

Unfortunately, for his own skeptical reasons, Steve didn't seem to agree. He felt that it was too much of a risk to be seen by anyone, that it would blow their cover, and perhaps his paranoia was not entirely unfounded, though Eddie hesitated to give in. Not only had it been a while since the last good rainfall like this, but it had certainly been far too long since they'd found a new plaything, and Eddie was becoming... rather restless. The last few cattle they'd brought in hadn't really wowed him, as they were chosen more out of necessity and convenience than pleasure, and in turn, it took hardly any time at all for him to grow bored with them. Eddie needed something new, something exciting to keep him entertained for much, much longer than that. The weather provided the most enticing opportunity to stalk around, it was a shame that Steve was so adamantly against it. He could really be no fun sometimes.

Eddie was sulking around the mansion while Steve worked away in the upstairs office-- he had taken the additional waking hours as an opportunity to get ahead on his obligations, which was quite characteristically responsible of him, but Eddie couldn't bring himself to sit still, knowing that such a golden opportunity was being wasted. He could only rearrange the liquor cabinet so many times, let alone the furniture-- the exterior of the mansion was to remain untouched, to maintain the illusion of vacancy. With each passing second, the temptation to slip out for a bit to hunt while Steve worked was picking away at him.

Tossing the idea around, just for fun, of course, Eddie approached the nearest window and drew back the heavy red curtains for a peek outside-- just a scan of the property couldn't hurt, right?-- and as his mocha eyes followed along the treeline surrounding the property, he didn't see anything out of the ordinary, but he froze in place as he picked up on an intriguing scent. Curiously, Eddie cracked the old window open, letting in a draft of the cool, fresh air, and just as he'd hoped, it carried with it the sweet smell of living flesh. The stars couldn't have aligned more beautifully-- there was a human nearby.

To avoid alerting Steve, Eddie quickly sealed the window shut once more, slinking away up the stairs for a better view from the windows in the master bedroom. They were bigger than the ones in the hallway, had a much higher vantage point, and more conveniently, faced the single overgrown path that led to and from the property. Truthfully, he hadn't expected to find much-- Eddie didn't really consider himself lucky, and he knew that the powerful scents carried by the humid air could sometimes be deceiving.

Still, just as he'd done before, he drew back the curtains and cracked the window, peering outward, noting that the human's scent was stronger here. It was floral and saccharine, like fresh lavender and juicy peach, laced with ribbons of intoxicating iron. Eddie's lashes fluttered as his eyes slid shut in delight, and he allowed himself a moment to breathe in deeply with an open, slightly watering mouth.

His eyes opened again and immediately caught sight of movement on the ground below. Eddie couldn't believe his eyes at first; crouched beneath an umbrella in the garden was a pretty little witch, muddying her slight hands in the thick weeds with no evident knowledge of the mansion's occupants. She wore a pale pink cloak that matched her boots and her umbrella, the white frills of her dress poofing out from beneath it, pointed elven ears peeking through her hair. Eddie could hardly fathom leaving the girl out in the rain-- after all, she must be freezing...

Eddie briefly considered asking Steve for his opinion, but had a sore feeling that he knew what he would say, and it wasn't likely to be in his favor. Deep down, he knew that it might be a reckless move, but the aroma in the air was all too enticing. With every passing second he was losing grasp of his better judgement. The temptation was far too much, and so it was that he gathered an umbrella of his own, and decided he would rather ask for forgiveness later. His sleek black dress shoes went from tapping elegantly across the hardwood floors to sinking into the wet earth. While he wasn't exactly thrilled that his expensive shoes had been exposed to the elements, he knew that the reward could be well worth it. Conveniently, too, the softness of the ground masked the noise of his movements, allowing him a bit more time to observe the girl in her relaxed state. Eddie approached the little elf slowly, not wanting to frighten her. She was so absorbed in her work that she hadn't even looked up.

In all honesty, the girl's unmoving focus and lowered guard brought a little smirk to Eddie's face. Finally, he asked aloud, "My, sweetheart, aren't you cold?" His voice was so warm and sweet, but somehow chilling, too.

You startled, freezing in place as your eyes raked up the length of his body before you-- he was so tall, with long legs clad in nice black slacks that fit him sinfully well, and contrasted to his pale white skin in a way that gave him a nearly unnatural glow. His alabaster face was framed by wildly curly, dark hair, tucked into a messy low bun behind his neck. You couldn't find the words to speak-- he was certainly stunning, a sight for sore eyes, but you had definitely not expected to see anyone out here, let alone in this weather, and it was even weirder that he was able to sneak up on you.

"Oh, you poor thing, you're shivering..." The mysterious man frowned, crouching to your level, fingertips tracing along the underside of her jaw. Little did you know that he was feeling for your pulse. "Why don't you come inside and warm up, hm? We'll get you out of this rain and into some dry clothes."

Inside...? You were only puzzled further-- as far as you knew, this mansion had been vacant for decades, and it certainly looked the part. The garden was far from the only section of it that had fallen into disrepair. The circumstances of this situation were overtly suspicious, but there was something about him that just made it so hard to say no. The mysterious man was equal parts haunting and alluring, comforting and hazardous. Before you could say anything, he reached forward to wrap an arm around your shoulders and then began to usher you indoors.

Shutting the heavy oak door softly behind you, the man rested a hand on your shoulder from behind. "May I take your umbrella?" He kindly asked.

"T-Thank you," You blushed, shakily handing your umbrella over to the man, suddenly being washed over by a feeling of guilt for dripping water all over the beautiful hardwood flooring. "I-I'm so sorry, I didn't know anyone lived here--"

"Shh, it's quite alright, angel," He soothed, hand sliding from your shoulder to your collarbone as he stepped forward, and twisted around to face you. Every movement he made was so enchanting, so graceful, you nearly tripped over yourself as he was stepping out of his muddy shoes. "I appreciate the company. It's not often we get visitors out here."

You were then given absolutely no time to ponder the implication of the word 'we' as the man asked for your name. Somewhat warily, you gave it to him. He hummed contentedly, testing the name out on his tongue, and he was very much pleased with how it felt.

"How pretty," He mused. "And how sweet of you to take such good care of our garden... it's nice to meet you. I'm Eddie."

You were immediately flustered at the praise, cheeks flushing bright pink as your eyes darted somewhere else, drinking in your surroundings-- perhaps the outside of the mansion was falling apart, but the inside was truly beautiful. Dark, but beautiful. Intricately carved wooden furniture decorated the space, fine paintings adorned the deep blue walls which flickered a warm orange with cozy candlelight, and the ceilings were so high that it made you feel particularly small. It looked almost regal.

Eddie gently reached for your hand, bringing you swiftly back to reality. "Why don't you come upstairs and we'll get you out of those wet clothes, hm?" He asked, but he was already leading the way-- again, there was something unnaturally persuasive about him, and it went far deeper than his unparalleled beauty. You rounded a corner and began to ascend the winding staircase, the fine wood creaking softly beneath your steps.

Clearing your throat nervously, you finally mustered up the courage to speak. "Do you live alone here?"

Eddie shook his head, leading you down a hallway at the top of the staircase. You followed obediently. "I have a roommate, an... old friend, named Steve," Eddie explained over his shoulder. "He's working away in his office, but I hope we see him soon. I would love to introduce you."

Of course, Eddie was well aware that your scent would soon breach the door to Steve's office, that it was only a matter of time until he'd follow it through the house until it led him to the both of you. He knew Steve would be angry with him, but he also knew Steve would have a hard time saying no to such a pretty meal laid out just for him. Eddie was willing to take that risk.

One of two thick oak doors creaked open before you, revealing an immaculate master bedroom. The windows were blocked with heavy black drapes which matched the dark, plush bedding, complimented by the stained wood floor. The walls were painted a deep, navy blue, shrouding the room in darkness save for the soft light of a bedside lamp crafted of Tiffany glass.

"You have a beautiful home," You spoke softly, eyes fixated to the many intricate details of the space that seemed endless, every flick of your eyes uncovering new treasures to be admired-- paintings, trinkets, candles long burnt down and dripping hardened wax down their bases.

Eddie chuckled, gazing at you out of the corner of his eye as he rifled through the closet for something you could wear, though it was hard for him to make a decision. You looked so adorable in your soft colored clothes, even drenched in rain and speckled with earth, and he sadly didn't have anything that matched your gentle appearance.

"Thank you, doll. You're very sweet," He finally replied, and as the words left his lips he noticed your polite manners. You observed your surroundings quietly, hands clasped in front of you as you made the noticed choice not to overstep, not to touch anything without permission, not to look too closely at any one thing.

It came as a surprise to him when he felt his cold heart swell. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt such a way about someone he'd tricked into his home for a quick meal.

He brought his attention back to the closet, giving up on his own side and choosing instead to rummage through Steve's-- yet another decision he might come to regret, but at least Steve was more likely to own something soft and colorful. Almost immediately his eyes landed on a thick yellow sweater that would surely warm you up. Eddie plucked it off of its hanger and turned to hand it to you.

However, you were lost in an oil painting on the wall, wide eyes glassy with wonder as you looked over each brushstroke of a glowing crescent moon over a stream of rushing water. Eddie and Steve had acquired that painting so long ago that Eddie couldn't even remember where it came from or who painted it, but just how mesmerized you were by the piece was art enough for him.

Eddie cleared his throat to gather your attention, holding the sweater out for you. "Here, this should help you warm up," He smiled, careful not to bare his teeth. He didn't want to scare you off now. Only moments ago he simply wanted to bleed you dry, but now he found himself wanting to taste you, savor you, perhaps even keep you.

Oblivious, you took the garment from him with a smile, amazed at how soft it was. You thanked Eddie quietly before turning around to shed yourself of your dress, undoing the thin ribbons that secured it in the back before letting it slip gently down from your shoulders. You stepped out of the soaked piece carefully, thankful to your past self for choosing to wear tights and thin shorts beneath it, and as you pulled the cozy sweater over your head you delighted in the near immediate warmth that came with it. Shortly after, you gathered your dress from the floor and turned to face him.

"Thank you. Is there somewhere I can hang this to dry?" You asked.

Eddie tried to conceal his smirk as he answered you, "Well, I would say you could hang it on the clothesline, but..." He gestured toward the window which was concealed behind the thick drapes, but the sound of fat rain drops pattering against the glass was clear. "You should stay inside until the rain lets up, hm? I'd be happy to light the fireplace for you."

"I don't know... I should probably get back to the village in case the storm gets any worse," You spoke reluctantly, casting your gaze to the floor in disappointment, a move that was not lost on Eddie. "I might need to help cover the crops. I don't know what we'll do for the winter if our harvest is flooded."

Your disappointment communicated a couple of things to him-- one, you truly wanted to stay and spend time with him, and two, it was likely you'd be easy to convince to do just that. Of course he understood your plight, though he hadn't really considered the struggles of everyday, living, breathing people in a long time, but selfishly...

"Well, how many people live in your village, sweetheart?" He asked. You looked up at him, tilting your head quizzically. He chuckled, clarifying, "I don't get out much. I wouldn't know."

You had to think for a second-- you'd never really counted-- and when you landed on an estimate you were comfortable with, you obliged. "I don't know exactly... 45 or 50, maybe?"

Eddie hummed, crossing his arms casually. "That's a lot of hands. I'm sure they'll fare just fine without your help for a few hours, yeah?"

You pondered for a moment, just beginning to part your lips to accept his offer to stay for a while when another voice cut through the air, disapproving and materializing out of nowhere: "Eddie... What do you think you're doing?"

While you startled at the unexpected voice, jumping slightly where you stood, Eddie could only grin, turning slowly around to face the man in the doorway.

Only logical, you surmised this was the 'friend' Eddie had told you about earlier-- he was tall and athletic, square jaw and long lashes with fluffy brown hair that wisped over his face. The top two buttons of his white shirt were undone, revealing a thatch of dark hair over his strong chest. Your mouth dried-- the two of them were strikingly, devilishly handsome, especially together, and suddenly you felt your cheeks heating up with confusion over your own feelings and embarrassment for causing a problem.

Eddie's response cut your internal dialogue short. "Stevie! There you are," He greeted innocently. "Remember how you mentioned the garden looked like it was coming back to life? Well, I found the culprit," He joked, gesturing to you as he introduced you by name. Your face burned even hotter.

"...And you found the culprit wearing my shirt?" Steve asked.

You felt your heart sink into yourself. "I-I'm so sorry, I didn't know-" You stammered, but Eddie raised his palm to quiet you and spoke for you instead.

"Come on, Steve, look at her... Poor thing got soaked in the rain! Besides, doesn't she look adorable in yellow?"

Suddenly you felt hot for a different reason. You looked down to the floor to hide your face-- little did you know they could both hear your heart pounding. Still staring at the floor, you spoke up again, a little louder this time. "Um, I'm sorry for intruding... You can have your shirt back and I'll just go. I didn't mean to cause any problems."

As you looked up to make your way toward the door, you accidentally locked eyes with Eddie. An unexpected wave of calm washed over you, stopping you in your tracks.

"Nonsense, sweetheart," Eddie said. "You're not intruding at all."

Steve gave him a look that missed you completely, a look you wouldn't have been able to read anyway in your trance-like state. You couldn't really manage to speak, let alone interpret the silent communication between two men who were obviously so close with each other that the most subtle physical cues could speak a thousand words.

Eddie put a hand on your shoulder. It was cold.

He smiled at you confidently. "Would you mind giving us the room for a moment, doll?"

Your feet were carrying you to the door before his words even fully sank in. Your gaze lingered on Steve for just a moment as you passed by him on your way out-- he was intently watching you go, arms crossed as he leaned against the door frame. You weren't sure how to feel about that.

Plopping down to sit at the top of the staircase, you tugged at the sleeves of the yellow sweater and wondered what kind of conversation they were having. It was overtly obvious Steve didn't want you there, but Eddie seemed quite sure of his ability to change Steve's mind. Having just met him less than an hour ago, you didn't know him well enough to trust his judgment on that.

A tall grandfather clock ticked rhythmically down the hall, echoing each passing second. You picked idly at your tights just to pass the time, hoping Eddie's offer to light the fireplace for you would still be in the question, should Steve decide you could stay. You could faintly hear the timbre of their voices muted by the thick wooden door, but you couldn't make out what was being said or even discern the emotion behind it. All you could do was sit there, practicing your patience. Part of you wondered if you should just leave the sweater in your place and go, if it weren't for the fact your dress was still in the bedroom and you had no idea where Eddie put your umbrella.

You were too absorbed in your thoughts to notice the hallway had quieted. Apparently you were also too absorbed in your thoughts to notice the sound of the bedroom door opening.

"You do look rather cute in that sweater," A voice startled you from behind. Clutching your chest, you turned to face the source of it, surprised to find Steve. He was noticeably calmer and offering you his hand to help you up. "I might just have to let you keep it."

Shocked, you blushed as you took his hand, rising gently from where you sat. His hand was cold too. "T-Thanks," You stuttered. "I'm sorry if I caused any problems-"

"You didn't," He cut you off with a warm smile. "I promise. The apology is mine-- I'm sorry for coming off the way I did. You didn't do anything wrong."

"There you go, Stevie," Eddie chimed in from the bedroom doorway. You were beginning to sense a pattern that they had a unique ability to sneak up on you. "See? I knew you could play nice."

Steve shook his head, giving you an exasperated look that communicated quite well to you that Eddie was no stranger to successful persuasion such as this. "Let's get that fireplace lit, shall we?"

Guiding you down the stairs by your hand, Eddie trailing close behind, Steve led you to the parlor and encouraged you to make yourself comfortable as he knelt before the fireplace, stacking nearby logs of firewood into the soot-stained enclosure. Eddie was quick to replace Steve's hand with his own, leading you over to the couch. He offered to brew some tea for you, which you eagerly accepted, and as he made his way to the kitchen you found yourself sinking into the soft couch and watching Steve turn the gas valve at the bottom of the fireplace, striking a match to set the lumber alight at last.

Steve sat on the couch to your left, leaned coolly against the arm. The light from the fire cast a flickering orange glow over his handsome features.

He asked you about how you'd found yourself here, what measures you'd taken to revive the garden and what your village was like. He seemed hesitant to tell you much about his own past, other than that he came from a family in the city that he wasn't particularly close with. You let it slide, figuring there was much more to it than that, and you didn't feel comfortable prying.

Soon Eddie returned with a hot cup of tea, cautioning you to be careful of its temperature before he handed it off to you. You hadn't asked what kind it was, but it smelled delightfully earthy and herbal and a little bit minty, sure to chase the chill from your bones. You thanked him with a polite smile as he sat on the couch to your right, cradling the warm porcelain in your hands.

The three of you continued to chat, learning more about each other as you all became comfortable and opened up a bit. You learned that Eddie plays guitar-- he promised to show you sometime. You learned that Steve used to be an incredible athlete. You learned that the two of them met in school, that they hated each other at first, but have since been inseparable for a longer period of time than either of them could recall. You told them about your family, about your aptitude for horticulture. You promised to teach them how to care for their plants.

The conversation came to a comfortable break, the parlor draped in silence other than the pleasant sound of wood crackling in the fireplace. You were a sip or two away from finishing your tea when Steve leaned forward, tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear as he asked, "Do you believe in the supernatural?"

It was an odd question that seemed to come out of nowhere. You nodded slightly. "I mean... yeah. Living in the woods for so long, I know quite well that there are many things on this Earth that nature couldn't possibly explain." You quietly sipped your tea.

"Does it scare you?" Eddie smirked, planting a cool hand on your knee. Suddenly you were feeling nervous under the pressure of their attention. You finished the last of your tea, leaning forward to set your empty mug on the coffee table.

"Not really," You replied, eyes focused on the fire. "Everything in nature requires a balance. Light and dark, hot and cold..."

"Predator and prey?" Eddie added.

You tensed a little bit, nodding. "Sure, that's a great example. It's all Gaia's will."

"Even if you were the prey?" Steve asked.

"Y-Yeah, I mean, of course," You hummed, wishing now that you hadn't finished your tea so fast. You needed something to fidget with. "It's all Gaia's will," You repeated.

Eddie's hand repositioned from your knee to your thigh so smoothly that you almost hadn't noticed. "Hmm... What about pain and pleasure?"

Steve's yellow sweater was beginning to feel rather hot on your body. Your breath hitched in your throat. "Absolutely," You answered innocently, although your voice shook. "It all contributes to a delicate balance."

You weren't stupid. You knew where they were going with this... or at least you thought you did. Oddly enough, as you'd answered just moments before, you weren't scared.

Maybe if you'd really known what you were in for, you would have been.

#stranger things #steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #steddie x reader #steddie x you #steve harrington x reader #eddie munson x reader #venustext #vampire steddie #vampire steve harrington #vampire eddie munson #sintext

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duvetfawn · 7 days ago

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CHAPTER III

A/N: Hello people. Sorry for updating so late, I've been a bit busy. I made this chapter longer as an apologise. Thanks for all the likes and reposts, it means a lot <3. (Oh, and in case I made some grammar mistakes, I truly apologise, English isn't my first language.)

PAIRING: Professor!Benedict Cumberbatch x fem!reader

WARNINGS: Some eventual swearing. Nothing in particular.

WORD COUNT: 4.1k

“There’s no way you actually went to see him.” Cassie was drinking her third shot, but not even alcohol was helping her relieve the shock. It’s not like didn’t want you to join, she knew you loved poetry, but at the same time she considered it a suicide. She didn’t want you to cry during nights like she did because of Cumberbatch.

“You’re a graphic student, why on Earth would you want to take some lessons about poetry?!”

Your friend was too drunk to have a civil conversation, but you knew Felix wasn’t approving that either.

“She has a point, Phoebe. You don’t know him.” Your guy friend tilted his head to the side, perfectly convinced you weren’t understanding the situation.

They really cared about you, and since they knew how much of a twat Cumberbatch could be, they simply didn’t want you to make the same exact mistake. That professor was the only one who could make Felix cry over a grade, and he was always careless about school. The man really drove both of your friends crazy. They were just trying to save you, but only God knew how much he intrigued you. It was the danger – that intrigued you, actually. You started to see it as a challenge; you wanted to prove to your friends that getting good grades with Cumberbatch was possible.

“He’s not that bad.” Your friends almost choked on their drinks before quickly putting the glasses down.

“Not that bad?!” they exclaimed in unison, unable to believe what you had just said.

You leaned back in your chair, thinking about the professor. The way he challenged your friends, pushed them to the limit... It wasn’t about being nice; it was about respect. And maybe that’s what you liked about him. It wasn’t something your friends understood. But you didn’t care.

“You guys don’t get it. He doesn’t just hand out grades. He makes you earn them. You don’t know the whole story. Trust me, there’s more to him than just being tough.”

“Like what? He secretly loves kittens?” Cas joked, while glancing at the “attractive” (that’s how she considered him) waiter. She won’t sleep at the flat tonight. – you thought.

“No, but... maybe you’ll find out soon enough.”

You weren’t sure what those words meant, you were sure you were going to get at least an A with him though.

The night had wrapped up, and the pub was slowly emptying out. You watched as your friends chatted, laughing and poking fun at each other, while you stayed mostly quiet, still thinking about the conversation you'd had about Cumberbatch. It wasn't like you to get so defensive, but there was something about the challenge he presented that pulled you in.

Cassie wasn’t the type to back down from a challenge either, though her challenges usually involved something a little more... adventurous. You saw her give a sly glance toward the waiter—tall, dark-haired, with an easy smile. She had always had a way with people, especially when she was in the mood for something more than just a casual conversation.

As the hours passed, the energy in the pub shifted. The music grew louder, the conversations more animated. You couldn’t help but notice her making her move. A few teasing words, a laugh, and suddenly, the waiter was sitting with her, sharing a drink. It didn't take long before they slipped away, disappearing into the night.

You didn’t think much of it at first. Cas was always unpredictable, and you’d learned not to be surprised by anything she did. But as you stood up to leave, you noticed her phone buzzing on the table. She hadn’t come back to grab it.

You grabbed it, sending her a quick text saying you were heading back to the flat. But then you paused, a little hesitant. There was a message from the waiter, something about meeting up later. It was more than casual—it was flirtatious. A smile tugged at your lips despite yourself.

The walk back to the flat was quiet. The city streets were empty now, the late-night crowd thinning out, the cold air biting at your skin. You slipped into the building, climbed the stairs, and unlocked the door to the flat, feeling the familiar warmth of home.

Inside, the silence felt odd. Your roommate wasn’t back yet, and there was a strange stillness in the air. You dropped your keys onto the counter, stripped off your jacket, and made your way into the living room. You tried to distract yourself by scrolling through your phone, but your mind kept wandering back to the night. Cassie and the waiter. What had really happened after they left the pub?

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and she walked in, her face glowing in a way that caught your attention. She looked... different. It wasn’t just the way she carried herself—it was more like she had a secret, something she wasn’t sharing just yet.

“You’re back late.”

“Yeah, I lost track of time.” She tossed her purse onto the couch. Her eyes sparkled with something you couldn’t quite place, but you weren’t sure if you wanted to know. “And you? How was the walk of shame?”

“It was fine.” You gave her a sidelong glance, but she didn’t seem to be paying much attention. She was too busy scanning the room, like she was looking for something—or someone.

You opened your mouth to ask if she was okay, but then stopped yourself. There was no need to ask. You could already see it in the way she moved, the way she kept glancing at her phone, the slight flush in her cheeks.

As you grabbed a glass of water, she finally spoke up, her voice light but with an edge of mischief.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you what happened.”

“Try me.” You leaned back against the counter, crossing your arms, still a little curious but not sure if you wanted to hear the full story.

She looked at you for a second, considering whether or not to say more, before a laugh escaped her lips. “I might have gone home with the waiter. And... It went really well.”

You raised an eyebrow, trying to keep a neutral expression, though a small part of you was surprised by her candour. She didn’t usually share details unless she wanted to.

“Really? How well?”

She gave a mischievous grin. “Well enough that I stayed over.” She stretched her arms above her head, clearly amused with herself. “I think he might be a little smitten. Let’s just say it wasn’t just a one-time thing.”

You didn’t respond right away, just sipping your water. Part of you wanted to be sarcastic, to joke about it, but there was something else—an unspoken understanding between you. You knew her well enough to know when she was being serious, and right now, she seemed to be savouring the moment, letting it sink in.

The mood shifted slightly as you processed what she’d said. You both had your wild nights, but this felt... different. Maybe because you had no idea how to process what she had just done. It wasn’t about judgement, just the realisation that your world was shifting, ever so subtly, and you weren’t sure where it would land.

“So, what now?”

She shrugged nonchalantly. “We’ll see. For now, I’m going to take a shower and figure it out.” She turned away, leaving you alone in the living room, the weight of the night pressing down on you.

You stared at your phone again, but this time you weren’t thinking about the professor. You were thinking about Cassie —and whatever happened with the waiter, you had a feeling it wasn’t going to be the last secret she kept from you.

The flat was quiet. The soft glow of the desk lamp flickered gently in the corner of the room, casting long shadows on the walls. You had intended to spend the evening reading, to dive into the worn copy of Notes from Underground that you’d picked up a few days ago. Dostoevskij had always intrigued you, his exploration of the human psyche—its contradictions, its darkness, its beauty—had always felt like something you could connect with, in some way.

After your conversation with Cas earlier, you'd promised yourself that tonight would be different. You’d push aside the distractions, the thoughts of Professor Cumberbatch, and focus. You needed to focus.

You sat on the couch, tucking your legs underneath you, the book open in your lap. The first few pages were filled with the usual musings of the Underground Man, his bitter, self-loathing observations about society, about himself. You tried to focus on the words, the rhythm of Dostoevskij's sentences, but as you read, your mind began to wander again.

It had been a simple request, really—just a quick meeting to discuss whether you could join his course. But when you walked into his office, something in the air had shifted. It was as if you’d entered a different world entirely, one where rules were set by him and only him, where even the smallest gesture seemed significant.

His eyes, so sharp, so calculating. That slight frown when you spoke, as if every word you said was being measured against some invisible standard. His voice had been cold, as it always was, and yet there was something else in it—a hint of something that couldn’t quite be defined. Was it curiosity? Or was it just the way he viewed everyone: as another puzzle to solve, another enigma to dissect?

You tried to shake off the memory, but it clung to you like a shadow.

You forced your eyes back down to the page of the book. The Underground Man, now deep in his musings, was reflecting on his own alienation from society, his frustration with his inability to act on his desires. It should have been comforting. After all, you were feeling a similar sense of frustration—not with society, but with yourself. With Professor Cumberbatch.

It wasn’t just that he was cold or distant—it was the way he saw people, the way he seemed to know exactly where their weaknesses lay. The way he had looked at you that first time, his eyes narrowing slightly, his lips barely moving as he gave you the approval to join his class. It was as though he had known you weren’t like the others, and that made you both anxious and… intrigued.

The Underground Man’s internal dialogue, so full of self-hatred, was suddenly too familiar. You could almost hear his voice—“I want to be everything, to be admired, to be desired. And yet, I remain here, on the outside, watching, always watching, but never truly seen.”

You felt that way sometimes, too. Like you were watching from the outside, never quite allowed in, never quite understood. But with Cumberbatch... it was different. You weren’t just watching. You wanted to be seen by him. You wanted to break through that cold exterior, to make him see you as more than just another student, to make him notice you in a way that was beyond grades or lectures.

You sighed, closing the book with a snap. The words of Dostoevsky had faded, now irrelevant in the face of your own swirling emotions. His coldness was beginning to consume you, a constant, nagging presence at the back of your mind. You didn’t know what it was, exactly. Was it admiration? Or something darker, something more dangerous?

You glanced at the clock on the wall. It was late—too late to be thinking about him so intensely, but you couldn’t stop yourself. The idea of him lingered, wrapping itself around your thoughts like smoke. Why did you even care so much? You couldn’t say for sure. You didn’t want to care, but every time he spoke, every time he looked at you, you felt the pull again.

You tried to read, but the words just wouldn't stick. You couldn’t escape him, not even in the pages of a book. You closed your eyes for a moment, the silence of the room swallowing you whole, and all you could see was Cumberbatch’s sharp gaze, that unshakable calm, as though he was always five steps ahead of you. Maybe it was the challenge that drew you in, you thought, the way he made you feel like you were always trying to catch up, always striving to prove yourself. Maybe that was it. But deep down, you knew it wasn’t just about proving anything. It was about him. About how his coldness made you feel like you needed to be more than what you were.

You had read somewhere that the most intriguing people were often the hardest to understand. That the more distant they were, the more fascinating they became. Perhaps that was what it was. You couldn’t stop thinking about him because you were trying to figure him out, trying to decode him like some impossible puzzle.

But you also realised, with a twist in your gut, that maybe you were trying to decode him for an entirely different reason.

You shook your head, pushing the thought aside, but it was no use.

The silence of the flat was suffocating, the kind of silence that made your thoughts feel louder than they should be. You had tried, really tried, to focus on the book in your lap. The weight of it seemed heavy in your hands, but not because of its content. No, it wasn’t the book that weighed on you—it was the battle raging inside your head.

Every time you read a sentence, every time you tried to immerse yourself in the Underground Man’s bitter rants, your mind would drift back to that man. His face, his voice, that cold, assessing gaze that had been burned into your memory since the first time you’d met him.

You hated that you couldn’t push him out of your mind. You had tried so hard. You had closed the book, shifted on the couch, taken deep breaths, even tried to replay the dull, comforting monotony of your day to drown out the thought of him. But it was useless. His image crept into your thoughts like smoke, seeping into every corner of your mind, twisting everything around.

Focus, you told yourself. Focus on the book, on the Underground Man’s cynicism, on his contempt for the world. Focus on something that makes sense.

But it was impossible.

The thought of Cumberbatch lingered like a shadow, taunting you. What was it about him that had you so utterly captivated? You barely knew him, for God's sake. You knew nothing about his life outside of class, nothing about his personal history. And yet, there was something about the way he carried himself, that air of indifference mixed with intellect, that had gotten under your skin in a way you couldn't explain.

You shifted uncomfortably, your heart racing for reasons you couldn’t quite name. You didn't want to think about him. You really didn’t. The thought of liking him—of feeling something for him, something other than disdain or annoyance—made you feel… dirty. It wasn’t right. He was your professor, after all. The power dynamic between you two was something you couldn't ignore, and yet your body had betrayed you, repeatedly, in ways you couldn’t control.

Why was it so hard to just stop thinking about him?

You hated this feeling. It wasn’t admiration; it wasn’t respect. It was something else. Something that made your stomach twist uncomfortably, as if you were standing on the edge of a precipice and couldn’t quite bring yourself to step back from it.

Why couldn’t you just leave it alone? Why did your thoughts keep drifting back to him, like he had some magnetic pull over you?

The mere idea of him—of liking him, of being attracted to him—made you want to crawl out of your skin. You could feel the shame creeping up your neck, heat spreading across your face.

This is ridiculous, you thought, clenching your hands into fists. He’s your professor. He doesn’t care about you. He probably doesn’t even see you as anything other than just another student—just another face in a sea of faces.

But no matter how hard you tried to convince yourself, the discomfort wouldn’t go away. The thought of him lingered like a taste you couldn't wash from your mouth, sweet and sour all at once.

You stood up abruptly, pacing the small flat. The low hum of the city outside the window seemed to taunt you, as though the whole world was moving forward while you were stuck in this strange mental loop. Every time you thought you’d gotten rid of him, he'd slip back into your thoughts.

I need to sleep, you told yourself, desperate for some escape from the dissonance swirling in your mind. Sleep is what I need. Forget about him. Just sleep.

You grabbed your book and threw it on the nearby desk, suddenly unable to stand the sight of the pages anymore. Your breath was shallow, your hands trembling slightly. This wasn’t like you. You weren’t one to obsess over things like this. You weren’t someone who let a professor—someone who barely even noticed you—take up so much of your mental space.

But you were. And it scared you.

You moved toward your bedroom, your steps heavy with exhaustion. The night had dragged on far too long, and you felt the weight of your thoughts pressing down on you. You undressed quickly, too tired to think, and crawled into bed, pulling the covers tightly around your body as though they could somehow shield you from the storm of emotions raging inside.

You lay there in the dark, staring at the ceiling, eyes wide open, the silence almost unbearable. You tried to clear your mind, but each time you closed your eyes, his face appeared. His eyes. That voice.

You squeezed your eyes shut, as if that would banish the thoughts away.

The sunlight filtered in through the blinds, casting soft stripes across the room. You woke up to the familiar hum of the city outside, the world moving on without pause. Your head ached a little, not from the usual hangover, but from the weight of your thoughts, which had stayed with you throughout the night. But for now, you pushed them aside.

You rubbed your eyes, stretching under the covers, still half-dazed from the lack of sleep. It was Saturday, which meant you had the luxury of a lazy morning. The apartment was quiet, save for the faint sound of Cassie moving around in the kitchen. You could already hear her talking, her voice cheerful, full of that easy energy that always seemed to fill the space. As you dragged yourself out of bed, the familiar scent of coffee wafted through the apartment—one of the few things that always made you feel more awake. You walked into the kitchen, where your friend was sitting at the table, sipping her coffee with a mischievous grin on her face. There was a spark in her eyes that was impossible to ignore, a knowing glint that made you immediately suspect what she was about to say.

“Morning,” you muttered, rubbing your eyes one more time.

“Good morning!” Her voice was bright, almost too bright. She leaned back in her chair, casually stirring her coffee, her gaze never leaving you. “So, how was your night?”

You winced slightly, a quick flash of discomfort crossing your face. You hadn’t exactly planned on this conversation. The night had been quiet for you, spent in a dazed attempt to avoid the things swirling in your head. But Cassie had clearly been up to something more exciting, and there was no way she wasn’t going to talk about it now.

You sat across from her, trying to feign casualness, but the unease you felt about last night’s thoughts—about the guilt you couldn’t shake—was hard to ignore. Your fingers wrapped around the mug of coffee you’d poured for yourself, its warmth a small comfort in the still-chilly morning air.

“So, uh, how was your… night?” You asked carefully, trying to sound nonchalant. You really didn’t want to get into the subject of Cumberbatch, not now, not when you still hadn’t figured out what the hell was going on with you.

Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous grin. "Oh, it was quite something," she said with a dramatic pause, leaning in slightly, as if sharing some kind of inside joke. You raised an eyebrow, dreading the details, but bracing yourself for them nonetheless.

“I told you that waiter was cute, didn’t I?” she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. “And we had such a fun time talking, you know? He was so easygoing, not like those uptight types we usually meet. And then… Well, we ended up spending the night together.” She shrugged, completely unapologetic. “It just sort of happened. Nothing too dramatic. I think he’s a little younger than me, but it was fun—completely spontaneous. I don’t know, I just felt like doing something different, you know?”

You nodded, still processing her words. For a moment, you just stared at her, feeling that strange sense of disconnection. She seemed to take everything so easily, while you felt like you were being buried under a pile of guilt and confusion. You weren’t even sure what you wanted anymore—everything felt foggy.

“Wow, sounds like quite the night,” you said softly, attempting to sound encouraging without delving into the details.

“Oh, you bet,” she replied with a playful smile. “I’ll tell you everything later, but not while you're giving me that look.” She winked at you, obviously seeing through the facade you were trying to maintain.

You swallowed hard, a sharp pang of self-consciousness running through you. You hadn’t exactly expected to be interrogated about her night with the waiter, but the more she talked about it, the more it reminded you of how distracted you had been with your own thoughts. Thoughts you couldn’t even fully acknowledge yet.

You bit your lip, trying to keep your focus on Cassie words and not on the uncomfortable knot forming in your stomach.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that,” she said, catching your glance. “You’re making it sound like I did something bad. We’re adults, you know.”

It wasn’t that you judged her at all—really, it wasn’t. But there was something about the way she was so carefree that made you feel even more self-conscious about your own internal battle. You suddenly felt so small, so inwardly conflicted. There you were, stuck on a man you couldn’t have, with thoughts you couldn’t control, and all she seemed to care about was whether her spontaneous hookup had been fun or not.

You shifted in your chair, trying to focus on your coffee, as if it could provide some kind of escape.

“Yeah,” you said, forcing a small, half-hearted laugh. “You always know how to have fun.”

“Of course I do,” she replied, her grin widening. “You know me.” She paused, studying you for a moment, her expression softening slightly. “But, you are okay, right? You’ve been a little... off lately. You know you can tell me if something’s bothering you.”

You hesitated, looking down at your coffee. You wanted to tell her everything—how you couldn’t stop thinking about the professor, how the thought of him made you feel weird, like you were betraying some unspoken rule. But no, you couldn’t. Not yet. Not when you still didn’t understand what was happening to you.

You forced a smile, hoping it looked more convincing than it felt. “I’m fine,” you said quickly. “Just tired, I guess. Nothing to worry about.”

She didn’t seem entirely convinced, but she didn’t press you any further. Instead, she shifted in her seat and grabbed her phone, distracted by a new message.

“Anyway, I think I’m going to see him again,” she said breezily, glancing down at her screen. “Maybe we can all go out next week. You in?”

You nodded absentmindedly, lost in your own thoughts again. The idea of hanging out with her and the waiter seemed like a distant thought now—almost too simple, too light-hearted for what you were feeling. The weight of everything you couldn’t say pressed down on you.

“Sure,” you managed, your voice quiet, far from the enthusiasm you were trying to fake.

You couldn’t bring yourself to ask about the details of her night any more than she had pried into yours. And for the rest of the morning, you sat quietly, trying to pretend that everything was just as it had always been.

But in your mind, all you could think about was the crushing, relentless feeling of wanting something you couldn’t have, something that you knew, deep down, would only complicate things further.

And you weren’t ready to deal with that.

#bbc sherlock #benedict cumberbatch #benedict cumberbatch smut #benedict cumberbatch x reader #sherlock #sherlock fandom

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totowlff · 1 year ago

Text

chapter thirty-eight — on the cover

➝ check now the new issue of karriere by der standard magazine!

➝ word count: 2,6k

➝ warnings: none

➝ author’s note: well, the hiatus is over. after a few turbulent months in my personal life, with a layoff and a hiring involved, in addition to depressive episodes, i am finally back in front of the keyboard to continue writing my stories. i appreciate the kind messages i received from everyone who still wanted to read more about elisabeth and cassie. they were of paramount importance for me to go ahead. i hope you like this chapter.

SEPTEMBER, 2017

A Flower Blooms On The Asphalt

Toto Wolff and Elisabeth Lauda talk about business, family and the next step in the relationship that rocked the world of Formula 1

By Rosa Winkler-Hermaden

They say that first impressions are lasting impressions, and the first impression one gets when watching Elisabeth Lauda and Toto Wolff together is that they are not your average couple. Both possess a presence that's impossible to ignore, courtesy of his tall stature and her piercing blue eyes, and the sense of poise and seriousness both of them exude, even in a setting as relaxed as this one.

Watching the two settle down on the sofa for the conversation, held in the couple's penthouse located in the Innere Stadt, it's hard not to not get the impression that the two of them are indeed “Austrian motorsport’s royalty”, a nickname given to the couple by the reporter Ted Kravitz, of Sky Sports F1. Considering who we're talking about, it's a very apt way to describe the couple, even though they vehemently deny it.

“It's a definition that I find funny, but I don’t necessarily agree with it. Neither Elisabeth nor I expect things to be done for us, let alone have figurative roles on the team. We are two completely normal people, we work and strive to provide the best working environment for everyone on the team”, Toto says, while holding his partner's hand.

“I think who my father is lends itself to the description, but I don’t really think it’s an accurate view of who Toto and I are as people. Like he said, we are completely normal people. We were just lucky enough to find each other in the middle of all this mess”, Elisabeth tells me, which makes Toto smile, his dark eyes glued to the small diamond sparkling on her left ring finger. The mess she is referring to, of course, is Formula 1, a world that today is the backdrop for, according to magazines and newspapers across Europe, “the greatest love story in sport to date”.

It’s a story that all starts in downtown Vienna.

Mixing business with pleasure

As her surname suggests, Elisabeth Lauda is the youngest daughter of three-time Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda and his wife of over 40 years, Marlene. With her beauty inherited from her mother and the acerbic personality of her father, she grew up between Austria and Ibiza, with a period in Italy in the 1990s when Niki worked for Ferrari. With a life between the Spanish island and her home country, as well as a few years studying at the Lycée Français in Vienna made her a polyglot. In addition to her native German, she speaks Catalan, Italian, French and English. “We're even on this one, we both know five languages apiece”, Toto comments, with a mischievous smile.

With two business degrees and an MBA from the University of Vienna, Liesl, as Toto calls her, was never interested in the world of motorsport. She says that she always preferred to work together with her father in his business outside of racing; the management of airlines and other investments he’d made in the early 2000’s.

“My father always said that, for matters related to Formula 1, he was in charge. I was never even tempted to delve into that world, that was something he did with my brothers. Things started to change when he received an invitation from Daimler to buy shares in Mercedes-Benz GP, which meant he would take the position of non-executive director of the team. He asked me if I wanted to help him with the project, and so, Formula 1 became another business interest of mine”, Elisabeth says.

Unlike his partner, Toto Wolff fell in love with speed in his late teens. He didn’t grow up watching racing, despite the fact that he does recall watching his father-in-law compete on television. After watching Philipp Peter, a friend of his from Vienna, compete in German Formula 3, the young man became convinced that this was what he wanted to do with his life. However, his reality was quite different.

Growing up in an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Vienna, his life changed drastically when his father, Sven, was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. It wasn't long before the business went bankrupt and his parents separated. Joanna, his mother, was left having to care for Toto and his sister, Lili, as a single mother. The dream of being a driver seemed distant, especially with his family’s financial difficulties. However, by pooling the savings from some Christmas and birthday gifts, Toto was able to buy (ironically) a SEAT Ibiza to start racing in Austria.

However, his fairy tale was short-lived. After a few unpromising seasons in Formula Ford and without the support of his main sponsor, who pulled out after the death of Roland Ratzenberger in 1994, he found himself taking another path.

“I entered university in a Business course, but ended up dropping out after I got an internship at a bank in Warsaw. I thought I would learn more in the real world, so I dove in. It's not something I really recommend, but, at the time, it seemed like a good idea. I learned a lot about investments and how to read the markets there, so that was a good thing” ,Toto says. He built some wealth by making lucky investments in early tech startups, which gave Wolff the chance to fulfill another dream: owning a Formula 1 team.

He became an investor first in HWA, a motorsport supplier that ran the Mercedes DTM factory team, which eventually led to him investing in the storied Williams F1 team. His work with Williams caught the eye of Wolfgang Bernhard, part of the board of directors of Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes, in the summer of 2012. Mercedes had re-entered Formula 1 in 2010 after taking over the Brawn GP outfit, and struggled in its first two seasons back in the sport. After a meeting with Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board, he was invited to buy shares, along with Niki Lauda. “The turning point”, according to Wolff.

The couple's first contact was in September 2012, at a dinner at the Edvard restaurant, in downtown Vienna. Elisabeth laughs as she remembers arriving at the place with her father after an unexpected delay, as well as the moment she saw Wolff for the first time.

“My father arrived at the table, started greeting everyone and I started to ask myself why I was there, since I didn't know anyone, I hadn't participated in any meetings, I wasn't directly involved in the operation. Until he”, Elisabeth says, turning her head toward Toto. “He got up to talk to my dad and all I could think about was how beautiful his smile was”.

Wolff is more direct about his first impression of Elisabeth. "I'm a bit of a pessimistic man and particularly skeptical about love. I've been married and divorced once, so I figured the whole “romance” thing wasn't for me. And then she walks into the restaurant and it's like my heart said 'wait, I think we can try again'. And I decided to give it a try".

Although they didn't really talk much during that first dinner, they did get a chance to grow closer over lunch in Singapore. “The way he told me about his life, the details, the twinkle in his eye, that enchanted me. It felt like I was talking to someone I had known forever. There was a feeling of familiarity, of comfort. It was like I had finally found my home”, Elisabeth says, as Toto kisses her on the hand.

However, the couple took a while to get together. There was some hesitation on her part, especially considering her involvement in the team’s operations, given who her father is. “I feared how our involvement might look to others, especially investors. As much as we had a known and public friendship, at the negotiation table it could sound as if we were in collusion, which was not true”, she says.

That hesitation meant that each of them stepped back from their burgeoning relationship. Toto even had an affair with a French model in the meantime, but it didn't last long. “I couldn’t get Elisabeth out of my head,” Wolff explains, a shy smile on his face. Shortly thereafter, the two kicked off their relationship, which was surprisingly well-received by both of their families.

“Everyone’s reaction was something between 'finally' and 'I already knew', so I think we were just postponing something that was going to happen one way or another all this time", Elisabeth says. “You were putting it off”, Toto says, as Elisabeth shakes her head. “I wasn't”, she replies, while Wolff smiles mischievously.

The harmony between them is visible, even when they disagree on something. And that is a key element for the results that this partnership has achieved.

Communication as the key to success

Since 2014, the team commanded by the couple has won the Formula 1 constructors’ title three years in a row. The championship for individual drivers — the World Drivers’ Championship — has been won by a Mercedes driver since 2014 as well. At this point, history is set to repeat itself, though both Elisabeth and Toto deny that it is a certainty at this point.

“The results of the last few years have been incredible, but that doesn't mean we have everything in our hands, this year was proof of that. We weren’t as consistent during the first part of the season as in previous years, which cost us points in several races”, Toto says. "Ferrari did an excellent job this year and we had to fight to recover, especially after what happened in Monaco with Lewis’ car".

When asked if she agrees with her partner's assessment, Elisabeth smiles. “Yes, at this point, I agree. Nothing we have achieved came on a golden platter, it is the result of the effort of more than two thousand people in Brackley and Brixworth. The results belong to everyone, not just to those on the podium with the trophy”, she says. They seem to be mostly in agreement on everything, a picture of teamwork and harmony. I ask about it.

“Definitely not all the time”, he says, stifling a laugh. “Toto likes to say that he fell in love with the most headstrong woman in Austria, which is accurate, I think. Contrary to what many people think, I have firm positions on things. I'm not easily influenced, especially when it comes to business”, Elisabeth explains. Despite sounding like a source of conflict, the two cite their ability to communicate as their major strength together.

“Elisabeth and I had very different lives and paths until we met. It's completely normal and expected that we have different opinions and views on things, but we talk a lot and we always try to reach a middle ground”, Toto says. “Of course, when it comes to Mercedes, given the fact that Elisabeth is a representative of her father and not necessarily a shareholder, sometimes the conversation needs to be with Niki and not with her. But we always work with dialogue, on all fronts”, he completes, while his companion nods positively.

Of course, they can’t avoid all conflict, and Elisabeth confirms this herself. “We are still a normal couple. We argue, we try to understand each other, and we try to put our best vision on the table. But the fact that we managed to make our relationship work both in the workplace and at home is a sign of our maturity, I think”.

When asked if dialogue is the key to the team's success, the couple looks at each other, smiling. “It's difficult to attribute all the success of recent years to a single factor. But, I believe that communication, not just between the two of us, but within the organization, is extremely important”, Toto responds.

At this point, Elisabeth says that she wants a cup of coffee, and offers one to her partner and me. Toto refuses, giving his partner a good-natured jab about her caffeine intake. “I only appreciate the finer things in life”, she replies, planting a kiss on his cheek before getting up and heading to the kitchen.

A bright future

As we enjoy an espresso together, the couple talks about housekeeping and decorating. I ask about the pictures on the mantel above the fireplace. There are pictures of the couple by themselves, pictures of Toto’s two children from his previous marriage, and pictures of the Lauda family. Looking at all of it at once, it is impossible not to admire how the two of them have created a brilliant professional and personal life.

But, what about the future?

“We both intend to stay at Mercedes for a few more years. It's a long-term project, for both of us”, Elisabeth responds. "We renewed our contracts at the beginning of this year, until 2020 at least, then we will remain in the paddock for a few more seasons".

“We're both on the same page in that regard. We both have ambitions and desires in common and we know that, together, we will be able to achieve them”, completes Toto. When asked what those ambitions might be, he smiles. “We want to take Mercedes to the top, make everyone recognize it for the greatness it has. The brand has spent a long time away from Formula 1 and we both want to recover the lost decades. So far, I think we’re succeeding”.

They have more intimate, family-related desires as well. “We want to provide the best environment for them”, Elisabeth says, pointing to one of the photos of her stepchildren. “Have the best experiences and be happy. We make a great effort to have as normal a family life as possible, considering their routine, their mother's and ours. Fortunately, we are also having success”.

However, it is not their only wish. “We're also thinking of expanding the family”, Toto comments quietly, as Elisabeth jabs him with her elbow. Laughing, he explains. “If it were up to me, we'd already have a little boy running around the house, but Liesl is more traditional. First love, then marriage, then the baby”, Toto says, while Elisabeth blushes.

Asked about motherhood, she gives a shy smile. “I have a big family and I already have two nephews, so having kids has always been on my mind. After my stepchildren came into my life, I felt that desire grow even more. But it's not something immediate, especially considering our routine”. “And the fact that we aren’t married”, Toto adds, smiling.

When I ask about the ring on Elisabeth’s finger, she and Toto look at each other with knowing smiles, almost as if they were deciding whether or not to share the news. “Yes, we’ve taken the first step. We are engaged”, Toto finally responds. “Personally, I never imagined that I would be engaged after forty, but life hides some admirable surprises, and one of them was Liesl”.

When I ask her about the proposal, Elisabeth gives me a smile. “It wasn't traditionally romantic, but it was extremely meaningful for both of us”, she says. “I had thought about proposing during the days we spent in Ibiza, but I ended up not getting it. It ended up being here in the penthouse, inside the office, which was still meaningful for us”, Toto says, his thumb stroking the skin of her hand.

They don’t yet have a date or venue in mind, but both of them agree that it will be a small, private affair. “It's something we agreed on regarding the event. No crowds or spotlights. It will be something private, for us to share this moment with the ones we love, nothing more”, Elisabeth explains.

Asked if they feel that is the logical step to be taken in the relationship, Toto is adamant. “Yes. There is no one else I would want to be with in this world”, he replies, before putting his arm around her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

It is impossible to doubt him.

#toto wolff #formula 1 fic #f1 fic #f1 fanfic #formula 1 fanfic #wlffog #formula one fanfic #scwlff

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kyber-crystal · 11 months ago

Note

Okay bestie how about Christmas HCs where Obi-Wan is spending Christmas with you and your strange family ❤️

HI YES OKAY

also i'm so sorry if my writing seems off, i'm lwk rusty from not having written anything in a FAT minute. anyway enjoy some festive obi-wan!!

you and obi-wan were born on complete opposite ends of the galaxy, on different planets

this meant different cultures, different traditions, different ways of life

obi-wan doesn't remember much of his childhood—he can barely recall who his family was and only has a few fading memories of them—while you remember your loved ones in great detail

so when he hears you talk about your family and sees how your face lights up when you do, it's very bittersweet for him

now, life day (i believe this is christmas in star wars terms lol) is quickly approaching but you had been too busy throwing yourself into teaching an introductory sparring class for the younglings, along with your personal training, to realize it

if it were up to master windu's doing you wouldn't be getting as long of a break

but it's master yoda in charge here, and he grants you a long weekend to rest—which you and obi are incredibly grateful for as you've gotten a combined 6 hours of sleep in the past 3 days

(pathetic, you know...especially when it's drilled into your heads from day 1 of being in the temple that rest is the key to a happy, fulfilling life)

your family stories are always filled with lots of laughter, vibrant colors, and more love and compassion than he could even describe

so when you invite him to come to your home planet with you he's obviously excited

though outwardly he expresses how he feels a bit nervous

they've all heard about your best friend and wise master, but have never spoken to him in person

"it'll be fine, trust me! i have a big family but i promise you they're the nicest people you'll ever meet."

so he agrees, and you fly out that following morning

you can tell he's nervous as you get to the front door

so you intertwine your fingers together, giving his hand a squeeze

it's your silent way of telling him it's going to be just fine :)

and your family instantly LOVES him

of course, you're first bombarded with the classic "are you two married?" "when's the wedding?" "y/n, this is the first time you've brought a man back home!" "he's so handsome!" and whatnot

meanwhile, obi stands there with flushed cheeks...

the older women of the family—your mother, godmother, grandmothers, aunts, etc—instantly love him since he offers to help you out in the kitchen

in the meantime, you sit in the living room with your siblings, cousins, and the rest of the men

"where is the ring on your finger, y/n?" your favorite uncle asks you. he has this GIANT grin on his face and he's wearing THAT "ugly sweater" with a pink loth cat on it

ever since you got it for him, he's made it a yearly tradition to put it on at every holiday gathering

so it's hard to not laugh at first when you're trying to respond

"uncle ted, you know jedi can't get married!"

"who said you had to follow the rules?" he raises a brow at you and you laugh again

"y/n," your dad adds on, "he's right. you should be getting married soon..."

"but the jedi code!"

"it's not a crime if they don't find out, right?" your oldest cousin, cal, says

...and all the men murmur a "yep" or "touche" at that

obi wan catches part of this conversation and comes over, "who's marrying who?"

"she's marrying you!" your younger sister, layla, exclaims with a giggle

and now it's time for both you and obi to get extremely flustered

"SORRY," you quietly tell obi in your mind. "my family can get a bit...chaotic."

"it's okay, don't worry about it," and he smiles at you

while you're eating dinner, you catch him looking around the room—at your family, the eccentric decorations on the fridge and walls (courtesy of layla, cassie, and cal), the most stunning tree standing tall in the corner, the golden stockings with hand-stitched names of each cousin hung above the crackling fireplace—and your heart swells with warmth

in all his years of living so far, obi-wan has never felt so much at home as he has now, with you by his side

even amidst the chaos of the day, he tells himself he wouldn't want to be anywhere else, & he means it

later, you're making gingerbread houses together (apparently obi has never heard of this tradition before, so you take it upon yourself to teach him all about it)

but despite knowing little about it, he ends up making the best house out of everyone

you come in close at 3rd place, though you're sure your house is only one breath from falling apart

there's frosting all over your hands

and on your chin, apparently, but obi wipes it away with a quick sweep of his thumb

the longing look in both your guys' eyes doesn't go unnoticed by the rest of your family

long after everyone has gone to bed for the night, you stay by the fireplace together with glasses of warm milk on the coffee table in front of you

"you're really lucky, you know," he tells you. "to have a family you can remember and spend time with when you can."

"i really am..." you agree, "but obi-wan, you're always welcome to come over. my family loves you. i know it's only been a day but they already want you to be a part of the family."

(neither of you realize that he's taken ahold of your hand and started to gently brush over your ring finger)

and just around 4 short months later, you wake up one morning to find a sapphire ring on that exact finger

"just so you know, i'm saying yes," you squeeze his shoulder before going off to continue with the rest of your day

(how the council doesn't suspect anything, you have no idea. but you're grateful for it lmao)

ok i'm so sorry idk what i was doing with the ending there but I HOPE YOU ENJOYED &&&& merry christmas & happy holidays!!!'

tags (once again, this list hasn’t been updated in a while so apologies if it seems off haha): @voguesir @fl0ating @lady-elena-adeline @katelynnwrites @freeshavocadoooo @buckysbeloved @kelieah @kaleidoscope1967eyes @lam-ila @amelia-song-pond @unstablecaffeinatedmind @elenavampire21 @joyfullyswimmingface @arkofblake @hellotherekenobi

#obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan kenobi #star wars imagine #obi wan kenobi imagine #obi wan fic #obi wan imagine #obi wan imagines #obi wan x reader #star wars prequels #star wars oneshot #obi wan kenobi x you #obi wan kenobi x y/n #obi wan x you #christmas #holidays

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bluejaysandblackbats · 4 months ago

Text

Hair Trigger

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam, YJ98

Summary: A junior at Gotham University, Jason finds it difficult to conceal his worsening mental health from his family and his friend, Jon Lane Kent. Family secrets are revealed and boundaries are pushed as Jason and Laney struggle to navigate through school, their romantic feelings, and their trauma. Could the reintroduction of Laney Kent be more trouble than it's worth, or is it just what Jason needed to confront the demons of his past?

I will also do trigger warnings for chapters and if there is smut I have the chapter(s) tagged so you don't have to worry about nsfw in the fic if you're just here for the story itself.

Chapters: 18/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Jonathan Lane Kent, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Cassandra Cain, Tim Drake, Conner Kent, Natalia Knight, Jonathan Samuel Kent, Cassie Sandsmark, Chris Kent, Bart Allen, Original Character(s)

Relationships: JayLaney, Clois, TimKon

Additional Tags: University AU, No Powers AU, Sharing A Bed, Romance, Angst

Chapter Eighteen: Overwhelm

"If you know the words to this one, feel free to sing along," Conner spoke softly into the mic before the band started playing, "I Want You To Want Me," and Laney yelled in celebration. Jason wasn't much of a dancer, so he stood there swaying until Laney started dancing with him.

Laney grinned as Jason started to loosen up, and it seemed like he was really enjoying himself. Jason chuckled at the reality of what was going on. Jason admitted to himself that Laney is the only one who could've gotten him to dance in public like that. As the night went on, the songs slowed in tempo gradually, allowing Jason to share a few slow dances. "They're doing a great job," Laney whispered in Jason's ear.

"They are, and you're standing on your tiptoes again—."

"Am not," Laney grinned.

"I'm looking at your feet right now," Jason laughed, and Laney shook his head.

"Lie again," Laney laughed, and he looked up into Jason's eyes, waiting for a kiss.

Jason smiled and pressed a kiss to Laney's lips. "I love liars," Jason whispered. Laney stopped standing on his toes, not even noticing that the band's set was over.

Sylvia ran into Laney on her way to the bathroom, and she tapped Laney's arm. "They're amazing!" she exclaimed. Laney hugged her. "Will you tell my dad that I'll meet him at the car?"

Laney shook his head. "I'll ask the girls to wait for you," Laney offered. Sylvia smiled and cocked her head.

"Mel's coming with me," Sylvia replied as she pointed to a tall girl with dark makeup on. Laney smiled and nudged her.

"Is that your girlfriend?" Laney asked. Sylvia nodded. "I like her look. Okay, I'll tell your dad to meet you at the parking lot if I see him." Jason took Laney's hand, and they went to the little area behind the stage to talk to the band. "Conner, look this way," Laney commanded as he took out his phone and took a picture of Conner.

"No, I know I looked gross. I'm sweating," Conner complained. Laney showed Conner the picture. "Oh, actually... I look kind of cool."

"Now, let me get one of all five of you," Jason added as he took out his phone. They all stood together, and Jason took a few pictures.

"You guys did great."

"Is no one willing to say it? I'm starving," Tim replied. Jason chuckled.

"We're all gonna go to Lane's," Conner reminded him as he was startled by a pat on the back from Laney.

"We'll see you at my place in a minute," Laney smiled before Jason took his hand, and they walked back to the car.

Jason got in the driver's seat, and Laney's whole body relaxed, and he closed his eyes. "Tired?" Jason asked.

"No, I'm relieved," Laney replied, "Our brothers did pretty good tonight, huh?" Jason made an affirmative noise. "What are you thinking about? Is it something I did?"

"Did you have fun?" Jason asked.

Laney smiled and nodded. "I think I know what you're really asking. This could be our first date," Laney whispered. Jason smiled and nodded. "You're so pretty when you dance." Jason shook his head with a smile on his face, and they drove all the way to Laney's apartment.

They took the elevator up, and Laney let him in. Jason washed his hands and started to set the fold-out table in the middle of the room. "I didn't know you had a fold-out table," Jason whispered.

"I don't. How many people are we setting the table for?" Laney asked.

"You, me, our brothers, the rest of the band, Sylvia, and her dad," Jason replied.

"You forgot Sylvie's girlfriend, Mel... How do you figure we're gonna seat-." Laney counted on his fingers. "Ten people. Fuck, how is Noah gonna feed ten people?" Laney asked. Someone knocked on the door. "I've got it." Laney walked over to the door and opened it and the band piled in, each of them carrying a fold-out chair.

"We just saw your roommate on the way up. Also, we stole from you guys' school," Tim announced. Jason smiled.

"Good, and hey um... Be nice, I've never met my roommate's dad before, and I'm sure she'd appreciate it if everyone was nice to him," Laney requested. Everyone nodded.

The door opened once more, and Sylvia walked in with Noah and Mel, talking about a fishing trip they had a few years ago. Noah washed his hands in the sink and turned the oven on to heat up the food. "Be honest, did either of you peek?" Noah asked. Jason and Laney shook their heads.

"Conner, can I see you in the room really quick?" Laney asked. Conner nodded and followed Laney to his room. Jason sat at the table next to Bart and across from Tim.

Bart dug through his pockets frantically, and Cissie walked over and gave him his phone. "You were scared you'd lose it, so you gave it to me," Cissie replied. Bart relaxed his shoulders.

"Thanks," Bart replied. Conner and Laney came out of the bedroom, and Conner put something in his jacket pocket and whispered something to Tim, and Tim smiled.

Noah opened the oven and took out the food before asking for everyone to bring their plates. While he served everyone, Sylvia poured everyone a glass of juice, and they all sat down. As dinner went on, Jason seemed to grow quieter and quieter until Jason offered to wash dishes and clean the table. Jason seemed to be lost in thought as he stared emptily ahead of himself.

He was startled by Laney's hands on his waist, and Laney whispered, "You okay?"

Jason nodded as he tried to put together something to say, and Laney started drying dishes on the rack as if Jason had already explained himself. Once the plates were put away, Laney said goodnight to everyone and went back out to the car. Laney took the keys, and he stood outside the car for a moment. "You're not okay, are you?" Laney whispered. Jason got in the passenger's seat. "I just wanna know what's wrong—."

"Lane, I'm tired," Jason snapped. Laney nodded and started driving back toward Jason's apartment, leaving the car in complete silence. "Laney, I'm sorry... I don't know. Maybe I'm just overwhelmed."

"That's fine. I can sleep on the pullout couch until—."

"It's not you. I hate to say today was a lot, but it was for me... I had fun, but now all I want to do is take a shower and lay down with you," Jason whispered. Laney nodded and didn't say anything else until they got back to Jason's apartment. Jason went to the bathroom and took a shower while Laney turned the tv on. He turned the volume down as low as possible. Jason came out of the bathroom and stood still for a while, trying to pull himself together.

Laney turned around and looked at him. "Jay?" Laney whispered as he got up and walked toward Jason and held him. "You don't have to talk, okay... Go sit down, and I'll make the bed."

Laney left Jason alone in the living room while he put Jason's sheets on his bed, and he made a detour over to give Jason a kiss on the cheek before taking his shower and getting dressed in his pajamas. When he stepped out of the bathroom, he stopped at the couch to ask Jason if he was ready to go to bed. Jason got up and walked back to the bedroom, taking his sweater off. After Jason got in the bed, Laney went and plugged his CPAP into the wall, and he climbed into bed.

Before Laney could sit up and grab his mask, Jason leaned over to kiss him. "Hey... No, okay?" Laney whispered. Jason nodded. "I know what you want, but I know it's not the right way to go about things." Laney took off his shirt, and he put on his CPAP and placed his arm over Jason's chest.

"I don't know why I feel like—."

"It's okay... I feel the same way sometimes, so I get it," Laney reassured him. "Jason, I understand."

Jason placed a hand over his face and clenched his teeth as a few tears rolled down his cheeks. "I'm sorry—."

"It's okay," Laney interrupted as he took off his mask, and he sat up. Jason lay there crying, covering his face with both hands, and Laney pulled his hands out of the way, and he pulled Jason up into an embrace. "I've got you."

Without thinking, Jason started to sob harder than he ever had in someone else's presence. After a while, he couldn't cry anymore, and Laney kissed his shoulder affectionately. "Laney?" Jason whispered. "I'm so embarrassed."

"Don't be. Listen, I love you so much. I just want to be here for you. That's all I want," Laney whispered. He and Jason kissed, and Jason touched Laney's lower back. "Whoa, listen... I don't want to right now." Jason nodded and took a deep breath. "We've got the rest of the weekend, but tonight I think we need to just sleep." Jason waited until Laney put on his CPAP mask to lay back down. Jason went to sleep, and Laney did as well.

Laney got up once to go to the bathroom, and he tripped over Jason's slippers and cursed, waking Jason out of his sleep. "Are you leaving?" Jason asked. Laney shook his head.

"Gotta piss," Laney mumbled, half-asleep, and he stumbled to the bathroom. When Laney came back, Jason was curled up facing Laney's side of the bed with his eyes half-closed.

"Thank you, Lane," Jason whispered. Laney smiled and got comfortable once more.

They slept peacefully for the rest of the night, and as soon as Laney woke up, he turned his machine off and just lay still next to Jason. "I used to suck my thumb on and off, and I stopped this last time right before my birthday," Laney whispered.

"Are you sleeptalking?" Jason mumbled, startling Laney.

"I thought you were asleep," Laney chuckled.

"Resting my eyes..." Jason smiled.

"Are you okay?" Laney asked. Jason nodded.

"I'm okay now," Jason whispered. Laney smiled before going to brush his teeth, and Jason followed after him to use the sink. "Mm... Lane, do you have Bart's number?" Jason asked.

"Yeah, it's in my phone. Gonna take my advice?" Laney asked before rinsing his mouth out.

"Mhm," Jason answered, "I might." Laney smiled a half-smile as he pressed a kiss to Jason's cheek and slipped out to Jason's bedroom. Jason rinsed his mouth out and dried his face on a towel as he followed Laney back to the bedroom, and they kissed. Jason lay back and allowed Laney to pin his hands above his head before being interrupted by Jason's laughter.

"What?" Laney asked. He let go of Jason's hands as he continued to laugh.

"I'm sorry. No, I'm sorry," Jason laughed until he was near breathless. Laney lay next to him.

"Can I ask you a personal question if you promise not to get upset?" Laney asked.

"I mean, yeah, you can," Jason replied hesitantly.

"When did you know for sure?" Laney asked.

"I was nine. It wasn't a big emotional thing. I just remember there was this boy in the neighborhood, and he had the prettiest brown eyes... And every day I could, I would wait for him.

I never even spoke to him, but one day he finally stopped and asked me if I wanted to come with him to the pool," Jason answered.

"What did you do? Did you say yes?" Laney asked.

"I turned around and ran home," Jason laughed. Laney chuckled.

"Really?" Laney laughed.

"Yeah, I panicked," Jason half-yelled as he started to laugh.

"We're more alike than I imagined," Laney smiled, "What did you think when I ran?"

"I thought you were repulsed by me or that you were gonna go and tell everyone I kissed you," Jason replied, sitting up.

"If I thought you were repulsive, I would've told you that. And I never would've been mean enough to tell someone you kissed me... Conner saw you and me that night. He told me himself when we got home, and I wanted to deny that it happened, but he wouldn't let me," Laney confessed, "But no... I never thought you were repulsive. I really hoped that I would get another chance to kiss you, but the time never felt right."

"You could've kissed me whenever and I would've let you. I was crazy about you... I'm still crazy about you," Jason smiled. Laney grabbed Jason's arm and pulled him a little closer.

"I'd like to kiss you now," Laney whispered. Jason chuckled as he pressed kisses all over Laney's neck and face before Laney cupped a hand against Jason's cheek and led him into a kiss.

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hey-michael-young-history · 1 year ago

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CageBlade Week is over but I have this fanfic of a fanfic that I really like 🙈

It's part of a bigger omegaverse story, the kombatants are still kombatants but in this AU, Johnny is a famous movie star, a badass defender of Earthrealm, and also studied biotechnology to help Jax recover and win Sonya's heart

I love CageBlade, I just don't get to write them much.

A Lover of Beautiful People

"He's... nice."

Johnny Cage sat up and made space as Sonya Blade eased herself on the futon. “I understand now. Why you wanted to see him again.”

God, has she always been so beautiful? The answer was yes, of course, but the postnatal afterglow was making her radiant. Ethereal.

A goddess.

Her hair was so thick that she couldn’t comfortably tie it up in her typical ponytail. It cascaded, caressing her face, brushing her shoulders, hugging her waist. And her pheromones. A gentle musk that pulled Johnny in without him even realizing. He couldn’t imagine the effect they had on Bing-Yun.

“It’s actually refreshing how honest he is,” Sonya continued. “And he really likes you.”

“Yeah,” Johnny said, unsure of what else he could add.

“And he trusts you. It was interesting. He wanted to see pictures of Cassie.”

“Did you show him?” Johnny asked.

“Just a few,” Sonya said. “It’s not like I have a lot.”

Same old Sonya. But God help him, he loved her just the way she was. “He loves kids.”

“Did you learn that when he was your patient? Or when he became your fuck buddy?” Sonya asked.

“Hmm. Maybe while you were in labor with the child you told me you weren’t having,” Johnny quipped.

She narrowed her eyes. “You’re seriously going to hold that over me? Like you were gonna just give up your Hollywood lifestyle? Johnny, you couldn’t even come to the first appointment.”

“We were cleared to shoot months ago. But I told you, I’d call break–”

“If I wanted, you said, huffing and pouting. Like it was a fucking chore. The poor, scared Omega can’t bear to go to a fucking doctor on her own,” Sonya snapped.

“Yeah, sorry if I was still a little freaked out. I just found out that I was having a kid with the one person in the world who ghosts me after a date,” Johnny snapped back.

“The one person in the world who doesn’t fall to their knees to swallow your self absorbed bullshit.”

Johnny grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the house. She pulled away, but he kept walking. “I don’t want you waking Sleeping Beauty. He’s still recovering.”

“Wow. So you aren’t just fuck buddies, you actually–”

He turned and faced her. “It’s not. At all. He’s my patient.”

“Jax was your patient too and you weren’t fucking him,” Sonya accused.

Johnny laughed. “It’s okay for you to tell me to fuck off and never come back but if I actually do move on–”

“Get off it, Cage,” Sonya scoffed. “I was doing you a favor.”

“Well, do me another and stop assuming you have me all figured out, okay?”

“What’s there to figure out?” Sonya asked. The pleasant maternal pheromones were starting to sour. “You came, you saw, you conquered the one Omega who has the nerve to turn you down.”

“Jesus, Sonya, you are the only person who gives a shit about your secondary sex!” Johnny yelled, throwing his hands up.

“Fuck you, Cage,” Sonya spat back. “Don’t you dare act like you know what my life is like as the fucking weak sexes! Especially when you’re a fucking male Alpha fucking another male Alpha!”

Same old same old. A month ago, Johnny would have given his left nut to get a chance to talk to her. And now he was screwing it all up, just like the last time they spoke.

What would Bing Bong say if Aibing was this pissed… he had to suppress a smirk. He couldn’t even imagine Bing-Yun raising his voice. “You’re pissed because the guy I’m helping is the exact opposite of you. Tall, dark, male, and an Alpha.”

“You said I was your type,” Sonya protested and Johnny could see, beyond the curt finality of her tone, that it was a statement rooted in hurt. “And I fell for that bullshit.”

“It wasn’t bullshit. Johnny Cage is a lover of beautiful people. I’m kind of shallow like that,” he explained, giving her a cheeky grin.

Her lips twitched as she shook her head. “I can’t believe I ever…”

“Hey, if you never fell for me, we wouldn’t have cute little Cassie Blade,” Johnny pointed out.

Sonya closed her eyes and sighed. “Her last name isn’t Blade.”

“Cassie… Briggs?” Johnny guessed.

“My God.” She tented her hands over her eyes. “It’s Cage. Cassie Cage.”

Johnny stared off in the distance as a grin crept across his face.

“Okay, before you read too much into that, you have no idea how aggravating it is to be unbonded and pregnant. I thought Jax taking me to the hospital would help but apparently bonding makes you smell like your partner so everybody knew he wasn’t my Alpha. Giving her your last name was the only way to get everybody off my back.”

#mortal kombat #johnny cage #sonya blade #cageblade #omegaverse #tw a/b/o

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duskys-dreams · 1 year ago

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I was replaying Minecraft story mode. It was supposed to be episode seven, but things were a little… different.

The team and I went in the manor, finding LDShadowLady, DanTDM, and StampyCat. I knew we were supposed to be finding Cassie Rose, so I led everyone around, trying to find her.

We came into the room that would later be the one that Lukas was tricked by the white pumpkin. Knowing the secret, I immediately punched the picture frame, revealing a startled Cassie Rose.

We chased her through the secret tunnels, eventually landing in a large room that had a river. Cassie Rose did a villainous monologue, and Petra stayed right by my side, protecting me.

Outside the game, I thought to myself about how I’ve always been exposed to Jesskas in the fandom, but this was why I loved the Jesstra ship. They aren’t as lovey-dovey, but they still care deeply about each other and would defend the other with their life.

I paused the game and wrote down a ship dynamic thing like the one I saw on Tumblr, about the smart popular girl and the brooding tough girl. I think I wrote it with a blue SmartBoard marker, because it was really hard to write down neatly.

I came back to the game. Cassie Rose kept going on her spiel about how she was greater than all of us and was going to trap us all here while she went to freedom. She was cut off by a skeleton standing in the river that shot her in the face.

Lukas pulled off his elaborate skeleton costume and yelled at us to run. We ran outside, and saw a second huge dark oak wood manor floating in front of the one we just came out of. It was on a one-block-thick plain about three blocks off the ground, and it was incredibly tall.

Lukas and Petra stayed back to guard while I explored the place with Dan, Lizzie, and Stampy.

We went down a winding spire, and Lizzie shrugged and told us that there clearly wasn’t anything here, and we should go back. Stampy agreed, as the entire manor was giving him the creeps. I wasn’t having it though, and I broke the north wall, revealing a secret office room with the Warden sitting at a desk, waiting for us. We all tackled him.

He surrendered immediately, and I broke the wall behind him, revealing a huge room with a giant unfinished nether portal. It had iron bars framing where each block should go. I suddenly remembered seeing a strange enclosed room outside when we were entering the manor, this must’ve been it.

Dan, Lizzie, and Stampy told me to finish the portal. I was in creative mode now, and tried to add obsidian to the unfinished parts. Something told me this wasn’t right.

The Warden was calling out the word “blue” repeatedly, and I eventually came over to ask what that was all about. He just told me “blue” again, and I stared at him. He sighed and told me to use warped tree logs. I finally realized that this was a puzzle, and went back to work, but not before placing polished andesite all around the hole that led to the portal room. I didn’t want the Warden jumping in and ruining everything.

The obsidian I had placed changed to warped planks once I held it in my hands. I kept placing, then decided that polished andesite wasn’t enough, replacing it with obsidian. The Warden said “yup,” as I replaced it, understanding my caution. I thought for a second, then placed bedrock outside the obsidian to make extra sure he couldn’t break out. He said, “yup, thanks for that.” Then I finally went back to placing.

I had worked my way to the other side of the portal before I heard blocks breaking behind me. Then, the Warden zoomed into my line of sight and swung three times at me, killing me instantly.

I respawned outside with Lukas and Petra, who asked me what happened. I told them that the Warden killed me, which was weird because I was in creative mode. This wasn’t how the game was supposed to go.

Since Cassie Rose had messed with the plotline, I decided that I would, too. I donned my elytra, along with Petra, and we flew behind the original manor. Right behind it, the world ended, and there was a layer of oak planks one block beneath it, barely enough for us to squeeze through.

Petra and I flew back through it and found the spot where the climax of the story was supposed to happen, the pit filled with Endermites. There was a large hole in the wooden planks, lined by red nether bricks, that went down to the room where Cassie Rose kept the real flint and steel. Petra and I agreed to come back later and take it, then storm the floating manor.

We went back and explained the plan to everyone, everyone being Dan, Lizzie, Stampy, Lukas, and about a hundred random people that were in the original manor, apparently. Everyone was on board, and we gathered our weapons.

I went back and stole the flint and steel as everyone else marched outside to confront Cassie, who was floating in front of her manor. Apparently she had admin powers now. She laughed at us and flew inside, and we chased her.

In the floating manor’s ginormous living room, Cassie’s own army waited for us. We clashed.

I had an unenchanted netherite sword, and it took three swings to kill a person. That wasn’t very good, considering how almost everyone else had more powerful weapons. Even so, I held my own, killing Cassie’s soldiers left and right.

I found a person that had a stiff wrist, but a sword that looked like an enchanted gold katana. I killed him, then took his sword. It was enchanted with Wrist II, which assisted with the user’s wristwork. Even with this enchantment, the other guy was not very good at moving his sword.

I attacked a nearby soldier in full plated armour, and the sword cut through it like a hot knife through butter. They dropped immediately.

I clashed swords with another person, and their sword became horribly dented after hitting mine. I struck their sword again, bending it further, and then killed them.

My army was doing well. We were steadily gaining the upper hand. Then, I spotted Petra, cornered by four people. Technically three, as the fourth one was unarmed and a few feet behind their comrades, gloating. I killed the one in the back, and that brought everyone’s attention to me. I gestured for Petra to run, and she did.

One of the fighters, who resembled something of a small giant, started stomping, causing sonic damage. I mimicked him, jumping in sync with my more powerful sonic attack. This killed the other nearby enemies, and eventually the giant.

The battle came to a standstill, and I met with Luna from My Little Pony at the kitchen table. She told me that we were losing and we needed help, and she knew where to find it.

She took out some sort of kit and explained that she would call the creatures that little ponies feared. The horrible creatures from folktales, like Discord and a harpy. She started singing Confrontation of Jekyll and Hyde, and they started gathering in the kit. I noticed that they all looked like plastic toys, and a good chunk of them resembled my dragon figurines. I pointed this out to Luna, but she didn’t seem to care.

More and more toys started to appear, and I noticed two Discords who were identical, except for the shape of their eyes. I knew that his right eye was red and his left was yellow, but it was harder to see on one of them. Less so on the other, and his eyes looked more angry.

Eventually, I got impatient and grabbed one of the toys, a harpy, and threw it across the room. Everyone had found a hiding spot by now, terrified of what Luna was summoning. Once it hit the ground, the harpy came to life, and attacked our enemies. I tossed another toy, the Discord with the angry eyes. He came to life, growing larger and ready to kill.

I looked back at Luna and told her that I didn’t think we needed this many, there were barely any enemies left. She couldn’t stop at this point, and I even noticed Nightmare Moon in the pile. I wasn’t expecting Luna to want to summon her of all people.

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nymphthroughthestargate · 1 year ago

Text

Overload Part Two

a Pooka fic by mushroom

Cassie watched as the fear took over her dear friend. she knew that him holding back his shifting wasn't good for him, but he had waved her off and ignored her. obviously, Pooka turning into a terrified shadow creature proved that Cassie was right to worry. she grabbed Celise, and made the girl look her in the eye.

"try your best to calm him down, I'm going to get Bjorn!"

Celise nodded, and turned to the entity that she knew as her brother. "it's alright, bubby. we're not going to hurt you."

Cassie burst into Bjorn's home, the residents already standing up ready into investigate and/or fight whatever was out there.

"it's a long story," she started, speaking quickly, "but that creature out there is Pooka. he's a shapeshifter, genetically modified. I promise he won't hurt anyone on purpose, and any attack will make him worse because he's just scared. he hid his talent - that's what it is, a talent - because he's terrified of people being scared of him. we just need to calm him down, and Bjorn, I think you need to be the one to do it."

Bjorn pointed at himself, surprised. "me? why me?"

"because he loves you." Cassie said bluntly. Pooka didn't have time for tact, and he was just going to have to forgive her for outing him.

Bjorn looked starstruck. obviously, Pooka's feelings were requited. when he got outside, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a stone that sparkled like the night sky. mica, Pooka had called it when he excitedly picked it up that afternoon and chattered away about the implications of mica on another planet. Bjorn brandished the stone as high as he could reach (which was quite high because he is very tall) and called out to the creature before him.

"Pooka!" he bellowed. "I have never feared you, and I never will!"

~ • ~ • ~

darkness. fear. memories.

this was all Pooka could see, until a voice calling his name felt like an anchor into reality.

"I have never feared you, and I never will!"

was that true? Pooka blinked, looking down at Bjorn who was holding up a small rock in his hand. he had picked up that rock on their walk that day, and had handed it to Bjorn. had he really been carrying it this entire time?

Bjorn was walking closer to him. didn't he know he could get hurt? he didn't want to hurt him.

a warm hand was on his constantly shifting arm, and it felt so nice. so comforting.

"I will never fear you, Pooka." his voice seemed to come from everywhere, drowning out the shouting in his memories. "because I love you."

oh.

Pooka felt like he could start to breathe again. he could feel his shape settling down, could feel himself shrinking back down to his usual size. however, as the fear and shadows drained away, he could feel his energy draining as well.

~ • ~ • ~

Bjorn had said it out loud. he had said he loved Pooka.

and it seemed like that did the trick. the creature stopped thrashing about, and while making eye contact started to shrink down. he had to catch the small man, who had fainted from the energy the overload had taken from him. Cassie came running, and saw Bjorn carrying an unconscious Pooka in his arms.

at least he was back to himself.

Cassie waved at Bjorn to follow her. "we can help him, but we need to get him through the gate. can you do that?"

he just nodded, and followed Cassie while carrying Pooka in his arms. Celise jogged up beside them.

"Hey, I know he looks like a whole child right now, but he is 29." she told him with a knowing look. Bjorn wondered why she felt the need to tell him that, especially when he had already had that conversation with Pooka.

on the other side of the gate, Cassie started barking orders as soon as she had reintergrated.

"mom! mom, we need you!" she cried out to Dr. Fraiser.

"what's wrong, Cassie?" Janet asked, worried.

"it's a long story, but Pooka is unconscious. I don't think he's hurt, but we should get him to the infirmary as soon as possible."

as Cassie was talking, Bjorn came through the gate. Janet looked over at the unconscious shapeshifter in his arms, and waved Bjorn over to the waiting stretcher.

"put him down on there, honey, we've got him."

Bjorn listened and gently placed Pooka on the stretcher, and watched as the medical team wheeled him away. Cassie put a reassuring hand on his arm, because she couldn't quite reach his shoulder.

"he's going to be ok, and they'll let us know when we can see him."

~ • ~ • ~

Pooka woke up in the infirmary, still quite groggy. he looked over and saw Cassie leaned back in a chair, Nymph cuddled up on Cassie, and Celise straddling one of the uncomfortable chairs probably stolen from the cafeteria. he smiled sleepily at his family, then recounted.

one... two... three...

so who was holding his hand?

his head felt as heavy as a bag of bricks, but he still managed to turn to see Bjorn resting his head on the bed, holding his hand. Pooka shifted, trying to figure out what was going on and how they all got there, when Bjorn stirred and woke up.

"oh, you're awake. good, I was worried about you." Bjorn flashed a warm smile and Pooka returned it. their movement had woken up Celise, who noticed Pooka was awake and threw a pillow at Cassie and Nymph.

"the boy is alive!" she joked when the other two had stirred awake from the thrown pillow.

Pooka mustered a small chuckle. "wow, Ce-Ce. I'm feeling the love."

"you really worried us, bud. you've been out for-" Cassie checked her watch. "17 hours. they were about to use the Daedalus and grab your mom."

Pooka's eyes widened in shock. seventeen hours? it didn't feel like that long - but he supposed it wouldn't, with him being asleep the whole time and all. his stomach rumbled, and he remembered that he didn't finish his dinner last night.

"can you get me a snack or something?" he asked, unsure if he'd have the energy to eat it.

"sure, I'll see if they have a sandwich." Cassie gently pushed a still-sleepy Nymph off of her and got up to go to the mess hall.

some memories of what happened started to come back, including what Bjorn had said to him. Pooka turned to him.

"so, you really love me?"

Bjorn startled a little, then smiled sheepishly. "yeah, I do."

"I do, too. love you, that is! I mean, self-love is important, but like-"

Bjorn leaned over and kissed Pooka mid-sentence, and the traitorous heart monitor started beeping faster and louder. when he pulled away, Pooka just stared at him. he felt another set of eyes on the two of them, and leaned over to glare at his sister.

"whaaaat? I'm not doing anything," Celise droned, a smirk on her face that could rival that of a supervillain. Pooka rolled his eyes.

"sisters, am I right?"

"I'm sure my brothers would react the same," Bjorn laughed.

"yeah, how many of those guys are actual brothers and how many are like friends you adopted?" Pooka asked, raising an eyebrow. he knew he considered all three of the girls his sisters, but he wasn't sure how Bjorn's culture worked in that aspect.

"it's hard to tell. I'm pretty sure some came from another village altogether, but we raise them as our own."

Pooka knew how that felt. there wasn't a single member of his family that was from the same planet.

Dr. Fraiser walked in to check on Pooka, followed by Cassie with that sandwich.

"hi, Auntie Janet."

the doctor scowled at him. "that's Dr. Auntie Janet to you, mister. what do you think you're doing, holding back your shapeshifting? you could've gotten very sick or even died. we still don't know everything about it."

"yes, ma'am." Pooka stared at his twiddling thumbs. he knew she was scolding him because she loved him. he also knew she was right. "can you please take out the IV so I can try shifting?"

Janet nodded, locked the tubing, and started taking the bandages off his hand. Pooka turned to Bjorn.

"don't believe the movies, ripping one of these out by yourself hurts like hell." he joked.

"what's a movie?" the viking asked, just as Janet pulled out the IV with a slight pinch.

"ah. yeah, we gotta fix that." Pooka rubbed the spot on his hand, and took a deep breath. he was anxious about shifting in front of Bjorn, but he remembered that he had already seen him at his worst, and any controlled form would be better than that thing he was last night.

"so, what would you like to see? a crow? a dog? little kitty cat?" Pooka asked, procrastinating.

"could you become a small fox?" Bjorn asked. his eyes lit up in anticipation.

"one little fox coming right up."

Pooka shifted into a fox, golden eyes staring right at Bjorn. the hospital gown he was wearing had fallen onto the bed, meaning it was real fabric and he had to remember to shift into clothes when he became human-shaped again. banishing that embarrassing thought from his mind, he pranced around the bed and shifted into a sparrow and flew onto the curtain rod around the small area, where he shifted into a little spider monkey and jumped back onto the bed. he flashed a human smile at Bjorn when he settled down, wearing a button-up with avocados printed on it, and black high-waisted skinny jeans. Bjorn was amazed, and even clapped and cheered. Pooka, being the theatre kid he was, bowed dramatically and winked at him.

"thank you, thank you. oh, thanks Cassie."

Cassie had handed him that sandwich she was holding onto during his little show, and he tore into it without realizing just how hungry he was.

"so, when do you think I'll be able to go home, Auntie Janet?" Pooka asked with his mouth full.

"I'm not that comfortable with you going home alone, especially with us not really knowing what happened to you."

Pooka opened his mouth to say it'd happened before, and he'd been fine, but Bjorn spoke first.

"I could go with him."

Pooka nearly choked on his sandwich. "uh, what?"

"I'll watch over him, he can teach me how to reach you in case anything happens, and maybe I'll figure out what this movie thing is."

this was a disaster. he did have a pull-out couch, and he would like to spend time with Bjorn, but how would he get an alien viking into his apartment complex?

"that sounds like a good plan, Bjorn." Janet smiled, and pointed at Pooka. "and you, no driving for at least a week."

"you do realise who you're talking to?" Pooka retorted.

"come on, mom. I tried to teach him to drive once, and after two minutes he pulled over, turned into a bird, and flew out the window. I had to drive the car home." Cassie smirked, which made Pooka blush from embarrassment. his sisters were such brats, he counted himself lucky he didn't have any baby pictures for them to brandish.

after much argument and planning, Pooka and Bjorn were in the back of a military escort vehicle headed to his apartment. he wondered how they were going to get in, seeing as he had no idea where his keys were and he only used his front door on occasion for appearances. maybe he'd turn his finger into a key. maybe there'd be a bobby pin on the ground and he could pick his own lock. both solutions sounded kind of sketchy the more he thought about it. and then he remembered the hide-a-key above his doorframe for if his family needed to get in.

"well, this is it. my house." Pooka said awkwardly as he legally opened the door. "I can turn on the TV, and we can watch something."

he looked down at his phone, where he was texting his sister.

pookaboo

thegirlfrompegasus

he closed the chat, and showed Bjorn how to call Janet if anything happened. then he turned on the TV and put on How To Train Your Dragon, hoping Bjorn would find it funny and cute, not drastically inappropriate.

Bjorn did end up loving it, and the two of them fell asleep on the couch halfway through the sequel. Pooka was in his dog form the entire time, showing just how comfortable he was.

Pooka woke up to a thread of texts on the group chat.

thegirlfrompegasus

no1believesme

thegirlfrompegasus

<httyd>

no1believesme

ispeak4datrees

thegirlfrompegasus

<it's a wonderful date movie>

ispeak4datrees

<😶😶😶>

<that's brave>

thegirlfrompegasus

pookaboo

thegirlfrompegasus

ispeak4datrees

no1believesme

pookaboo

Pooka looked over to see Bjorn staring at him with curious eyes.

"what?"

"what are you doing?"

Pooka held up his phone, chat still open. "Oh, this? I'm texting. uh, I put words onto my device, hit a button, and my words appear on Cassie, Celise, and Nymph’s devices because of a signal."

"that's amazing."

"that's the internet for you."

Bjorn still looked curious and amazed, which made Pooka chuckle. he remembered the first time his mum had shown him a computer, his face looked pretty much like Bjorn's did now.

pookaboo

no1believesme

pookaboo

ispeak4datrees

thegirlfrompegasus

no1believesme

Pooka laughed at how synchronized they were. "they say hi. hey, do you wanna send them a selfie?"

"what's a selfie?"

"here, I'll show you."

Pooka turned on the front-facing camera, and leaned into Bjorn.

"say cheese!"

it wasn't the most flattering of pictures, but it did the trick. soon after, the girls sent selfies of their own. he knew that Nymph and Celise were together, since they shared an apartment, so it didn't shock him when those two shared a picture. Cassie threw up a peace sign and a silly face in hers. Pooka showed the pictures to Bjorn, who laughed and asked him to show him what else the phone could do.

they spent hours scrolling through memes and playing silly puzzle games and watching stupid videos. it made them forget that they were from two separate planets, and really separate times. they were just together, and laughing, and having fun.

part one

#i know way too much about ivs from experience #yes i know janet isnt supposed to be there but consider this #its an au i can reverse any character death i want #also they use discord to text just saying #pooka x bjorn #pooka my precious boi #nymph the floaty baby #celise baird #cassie fraiser #bjorn the viking boyfriend #after this they go to the thrift store and get bjorn some earth clothes #because pooka doesnt own any (shapeshifts all his clothes) and even if he did they wouldnt fit bjorn #because pooka is a 5'5“ noodly twink and bjorn is a 6'3” buff viking

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silriven · 2 years ago

Text

K.A. Applegate’s Letter to Fans

Animorphs is making the rounds again thanks to an article on Polygon that talks about ways you can read this twenty-year-old series now so I thought I’d signal boost my favorite part: Applegate’s open letter to fans who complained about the last book. I think the reason why this hits me so hard is because I was one of those young fans who didn’t understand at the time why the series ended in the way that it did and stumbling across this response as an adult finally provided catharsis. It’s a really funny and dark and deep series about a teenage resistance to an alien invasion and I highly recommend reading it.

Big spoilers for Animorphs under the cut.

This response was posted on Morphz.com by the co-owner Jeff Sampson, who had kept in touch with K.A. Applegate during the run of the Animorph series.

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

Hi, everyone. I remember when the last Animorphs book first came out how there were some people who really hated it. Their negative posts really brought me down, because I loved the last book, and I was compelled to respond to all of the posts.

Apparently, K.A. felt the same way.

So, here it is for you, a letter from her to the fans explaining exactly why she ended it the way that she did, a response that will undoubtedly annoy some people. Be warned, the following does contain spoilers, don't read if you haven't read the last book!

- Jeff Sampson

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

Dear Animorphs Readers:

Quite a number of people seem to be annoyed by the final chapter in the Animorphs story. There are a lot of complaints that I let Rachel die. That I let Visser Three/One live. That Cassie and Jake broke up. That Tobias seems to have been reduced to unexpressed grief. That there was no grand, final fight-to-end-all-fights. That there was no happy celebration. And everyone is mad about the cliffhanger ending.

So I thought I'd respond.

Animorphs was always a war story. Wars don't end happily. Not ever. Often relationships that were central during war, dissolve during peace. Some people who were brave and fearless in war are unable to handle peace, feel disconnected and confused. Other times people in war make the move to peace very easily. Always people die in wars. And always people are left shattered by the loss of loved ones.

That's what happens, so that's what I wrote. Jake and Cassie were in love during the war, and end up going their seperate ways afterward. Jake, who was so brave and capable during the war is adrift during the peace. Marco and Ax, on the other hand, move easily past the war and even manage to use their experience to good effect. Rachel dies, and Tobias will never get over it. That doesn't by any means cover everything that happens in a war, but it's a start.

Here's what doesn't happen in war: there are no wondrous, climactic battles that leave the good guys standing tall and the bad guys lying in the dirt. Life isn't a World Wrestling Federation Smackdown. Even the people who win a war, who survive and come out the other side with the conviction that they have done something brave and necessary, don't do a lot of celebrating. There's very little chanting of 'we're number one' among people who've personally experienced war.

I'm just a writer, and my main goal was always to entertain. But I've never let Animorphs turn into just another painless video game version of war, and I wasn't going to do it at the end. I've spent 60 books telling a strange, fanciful war story, sometimes very seriously, sometimes more tongue-in-cheek. I've written a lot of action and a lot of humor and a lot of sheer nonsense. But I have also, again and again, challenged readers to think about what they were reading. To think about the right and wrong, not just the who-beat-who. And to tell you the truth I'm a little shocked that so many readers seemed to believe I'd wrap it all up with a lot of high-fiving and backslapping. Wars very often end, sad to say, just as ours did: with a nearly seamless transition to another war.

So, you don't like the way our little fictional war came out? You don't like Rachel dead and Tobias shattered and Jake guilt-ridden? You don't like that one war simply led to another? Fine. Pretty soon you'll all be of voting age, and of draft age. So when someone proposes a war, remember that even the most necessary wars, even the rare wars where the lines of good and evil are clear and clean, end with a lot of people dead, a lot of people crippled, and a lot of orphans, widows and grieving parents.

If you're mad at me because that's what you have to take away from Animorphs, too bad. I couldn't have written it any other way and remained true to the respect I have always felt for Animorphs readers.

K.A. Applegate

Source

#animorphs

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merciedblood · 2 years ago

Note

"How do you bare it? Losing everyone over and over. Having places you've been forget you were ever there?"

@bxrningblack has been going through it

"Oh, sweetie." The truth is? She isn't sure. That answer won't help right now though, true as it feels. It won't ease away Cassie's tears or stop the place from shaking with her loss. Althea can't fix this, as much as she desperately wanted to. But she could gently pull the younger down onto the couch with her, and wrap her arms around her tight.

"You know," she started softly. "Once, I didn't." Althea lessened her grip and let Cassie sit with her back to her chest, softly running a hand through her strawberry curls. "When my daughter died, I stopped interacting with the world. I didn't see the point anymore. My world was shattered. Like it cracked when her heart stopped, and just fractured more when we put her in the ground." The fact Diana had seen it coming didn't mean anything. No prophecy would have ever prepared her to actually face the day. Nothing ever would have. It's unnatural for parents to bury their children, and there's few griefs that will rip you to your bones like it. "I withdrew into myself so much that I didn't really exist in the world for almost two decades. No medicine practice, no midwifing, no friends, no romance, no love- and, Cassie, it's not worth it. We're only human, and we need relationships. Hard as they are, or painful as they might be. They're worth it." Bittersweet- always- but worth it.

"Starting over is hard, but you're more resilient than you think. You just need to breathe." The spirals Cassie's mind would go down made her powers spiral too. And she's seen this story before. It didn't have a happy ending. Cassie deserves a better one, but who really knew if it'd be what she ended up with.

"Places don't really forget me. Not completely. There's still traces in books, in photos, in the family lines that are still here because I helped, in family stories that got passed down until they turned into a tall tale or legend."

"You're not as forgettable as you think you are. Your world feels so small because that's how your father wants it to feel. It takes away your power, it makes you feel like you have no where to run, but I promise you the world is so much bigger than you think, and no one is insignificant in it. Especially not you."

#*waits for my impending disco yelling from mak*#bxrningblack

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teenslib · 2 years ago

Text

Here's the text of Applegate's letter to readers:

Dear Animorphs Readers:

So I thought I’d respond.

Animorphs was always a war story. Wars don’t end happily. Not ever. Often relationships that were central during war, dissolve during peace. Some people who were brave and fearless in war are unable to handle peace, feel disconnected and confused. Other times people in war make the move to peace very easily. Always people die in wars. And always people are left shattered by the loss of loved ones.

That’s what happens, so that’s what I wrote. Jake and Cassie were in love during the war, and end up going their separate ways afterward. Jake, who was so brave and capable during the war is adrift during the peace. Marco and Ax, on the other hand, move easily past the war and even manage to use their experience to good effect. Rachel dies, and Tobias will never get over it. That doesn’t by any means cover everything that happens in a war, but it’s a start.

Here's what doesn’t happen in war: there are no wondrous, climactic battles that leave the good guys standing tall and the bad guys lying the in dirt. Life isn’t a World Wrestling Federation Smackdown. Even the people who win a war, who survive and come out the other side with the conviction that they have done something brave and necessary, don’t do a lot of celebrating. There’s very little chanting of ‘we’re number one’ among people who’ve personally experienced war.

I’m just a writer, and my main goal was always to entertain. But I’ve never let Animorphs turn into just another painless video game version of war, and I wasn’t going to do it at the end. I’ve spent 60 books telling a strange, fanciful war story, sometimes very seriously, sometimes more tongue-in-cheek. I’ve written a lot of action and a lot of humor and a lot of sheer nonsense. But I have also, again and again, challenged readers to think about what they were reading. To think about the right and wrong, not just the who-beat-who. And to tell you the truth I’m a little shocked that so many readers seemed to believe I’d wrap it all up with a lot of high-fiving and backslapping. Wars very often end, sad to say, just as ours did: with a nearly seamless transition to another war.

So, you don’t like the way our little fictional war came out? You don’t like Rachel dead and Tobias shattered and Jake guilt-ridden? You don’t like that one war simply led to another? Fine. Pretty soon you’ll all be of voting age, and of draft age. So when someone proposes a war, remember that even the most necessary wars, even the rare wars where the lines of good and evil are clear and clean, end with a lot of people dead, a lot of people crippled, and a lot of orphans, widows, and grieving parents.

If you’re mad at me because that’s what you have to take away from Animorphs, too bad. I couldn’t have written it any other way and remained true to the respect I have always felt for Animorphs readers.

K.A. Applegate

So I found the letter that the Animorphs author and trans ally K. A. Applegate wrote after the series ended and I’m FLOORED

I mean

#animorphs #k.a. applegate

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infernalodie · 2 years ago

Note

Hi, I wanted to make a request for a Maddy x male reader story. The reader is Cassie's and Lexi's younger brother (he a year and a half younger than Lexi) and he's not a popular guy. He's really kind, sweet, sensitive and really shy, but he's never had a girlfriend and his only friends are Rue, Fezco and Lexi. His face is really similar to Cassie's, but he's tall (like 6 feet), really skinny and has a deep but soft voice. He loves music and he's a great guitarist and singer, and he plays the guitar in a grunge band.

Anyway, back on topic, he's been really in love with Maddy for a long time and he decides to confess his feelings writing a song for her. Maddy feels the same, so they kiss (by the way, it's the reader's first kiss) and then he loses his virginity with her. Maddy would be the dom here, but really careful and loving with him. It will end with the reader falling asleep cuddling to Maddy.

I can already feel the fluff potential reading this!

𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 || 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐳

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶“

Inspo: JVKE - golden hour

Pairing: Maddy Perez x Howard!Male!reader

Summary: She was your golden hour...

Warnings: teeth rotting fluff and passionate smut. Dom!Maddy Perez, Sub!Reader, and petnames.

Words: 2689

DNI IF YOU’RE YOUNGER THAN 18!

“Do we know when he’s done signing stuff with fans?” Maddy inquired rather impatiently. She along with Cassie, Lexi, Rue, Jules, and Elliot were in the back hallway of the venue you and your band had somehow managed to secure. A rather impossible possibility having come true after taking a chunk of your savings and renting the venue out for the night. Practically pleading with your friends to attend as you hadn’t wanted your money to go to waste. “If you guys come, my money was well spent,” were your words to be exact.

Your two sisters, sporting your band’s merch, and makeup done for the vibe of the night, looked at their friend. “He’ll be done in a few, then we can go back and drink,” Cassie reassured, lips twitching into an amused smirk. “And it’s starting to sound like you just want to see him after drooling the entire time watching him sing.”

Maddy’s cheek had unintentionally flushed at the comment. Her attention was directed down to her hands where a few of the rings that you had given her were cuffed around each digit. Deciding to have worn them tonight as some sort of support to you. Her entire outfit was all of your band's merch from the baseball cap on her head down to the socks she wore. But these rings were personal, so she wanted to wear them for the last show of your mini tour.

For most of Maddy’s junior years, she had been friends with Cassie. That had then extended to Lexi and finally to you. But out of the three of you, something about you seemed far more interesting. Maybe it was the fact that you were a stuttering and quiet mess whenever you talked to her. Or the fact that she had walked in on you wrapped up in your blankets listening to music and staring up at her with the most innocent eyes she had ever seen be worn by a guy. Such a cute thing you are.

“I just want to get out of here and he promised me some food after the show,” Maddy stated half-heartedly, not all denying your sister’s previous observation. Because, in all honesty, Cassie was completely right. Maddy had indeed been drooling as she watched you perform on stage with such elegance and some sort of twist of sexy bravado. She couldn’t explain it down to a T. But what she did know was that seeing you grinning wickedly with your hair soaked from water and your shirt long discarded, left your body to be on show with each curve of each muscle being defined. It was enough to turn her brain to mush. And the fact that you shredded every ounce of anxiety she had seen when you were up there only improved the experience.

A set of footsteps could be heard down the hall, everyone turning to see you. Leather jacket on with no shirt beneath. A cigarette hung lazily out the corner of your lips as you rubbed your eyes tiredly. But the sight of you sent a warm and electrifying feeling through Maddy. She’s had feelings for you since she first heard your voice and has truly loved you since your eyes met hers without any anxiety.

“Good show tonight, Y/n,” Rue yawned. “But I will say, I am about ready to home and sleep.”

That comment caused you to laugh as Jules slapped her girlfriend's stomach. “I’m beat as well. But thank you all for coming out tonight. It means a ton.”

“Okay, what’s happening with vehicle transportation? Are we taking Rue and Jules whilst Maddy takes you and Elliot?” Lexi inquired.

But as your lips parted, Maddy cleared her throat. “Umm, how about you guys take everyone and I’ll take Y/n?” She suggested, looking to her friends, hoping they would catch the hint. It took them a minute, as they saw your body visibly tense up as your once long-forgotten nerves had returned, but Elliot was the first to speak.

“Oh, yeah, totally,” he dragged the words on with a large grin, waving them to follow. “C’mon, kiddos. It’s bedtime.”

The rest of the group grumbled curses towards the boy as Maddy and you followed slowly in tow. Maddy had noticed how your gaze frequently fell onto her, cigarette having been crushed under your air forces as you stuffed your hands in your jeans. Trying to not make it obvious that your nerves were shot.

But she noticed.

Stepping out into the rather warm night, the group bid farewell to you and Maddy before all huddling into multiple vehicles. You followed Maddy to her vehicle, catching her gaze when she looked over her shoulder. “You were really good tonight,” she praised, causing a warm flush to appear on your cheeks. An involuntary smile, meek and sweet, appeared on your lips.

Maddy couldn’t help but huff with a bashful look on her face. You may have never intended it, but you looked adorable. Whenever she saw you, the way your eyes scrunched up with a smile, the dimples in your cheeks, you looked so cute, and it frustrated her. Constantly wondering where you have been all her life and how someone could be so innocent.

Because you really were. The innocence you kept from your childhood still carried on into your teen years. Leaving you sheltered from the horrors (for you at least) that kids your age did. You never did drugs, you never drank alcohol, you had dated but they were merely innocent and never divulged into anything, and you’d never had sex. The last one Maddy wanted to expose to you and show you exactly what you were missing out on.

“I’m glad you could come,” you told her softly. “Although, I don't see why you had to buy every piece of our merch.”

She looked down at herself, smile falling slightly as she looked back up at you. “Do I not look good?”

That caused your heart to stutter as your lips parted in shock at the question. “I- What?! Y-You always look good! I was just surprised that you decided to dress up as much as you did. I mean, I’m grateful-” Your rambling was stopped when Maddy placed one of her hands over your mouth. A laugh fell from her lips as you stared down at her with saucers.

“I was only joking, Y/n,” she reassured, pulling her hand back and shrugging as she continued walking to her car. “But you look so fucking cute when you’re flustered. I almost let you keep going.”

You grumbled, hands stuffed into your pockets as the two of you got into her car. Maddy’s keys jingled as she started the vehicle and began to pull out of the parking lot. But although you were flustered and nervous, you reached into your pocket and pulled out your phone. Maddy noticed but didn’t say anything, allowing you to connect the Bluetooth.

“I- Um, I made a song I wanted you to hear,” you managed to get out, slightly stumbling over your words. Maddy glanced at you, lips widening into a soft smile.

“Am I getting the exclusive first listen ever?” She inquired, teasing you. You laughed, nodding as you went into your audio files and opened the mp3. Breathing in deeply and holding it for a second.

Just do it. Do it. Worst that happens, she kicks you out of the car while it’s moving.

Pressing play, you placed your phone down and clasped your hands together tightly to hide the faintest shake. Yet the repetitive keys of a piano did ease you, slightly. It wasn’t enough to hide the nervous look you had on your face as Maddy glanced at the stereo system and at you for a moment.

“It was just two lovers. Sittin' in the car, listening to Blonde. Fallin' for each other,” you muttered the lyrics, eyes still shut. “Pink and orange skies, feelin' super childish. No Donald Glover. Missed call from my mother. Like, "Where you at tonight?" Got no alibi. I was all alone with the love of my life. She's got glitter for skin. My radiant beam in the night. I don't need no light to see you.”

The progression of the song built up into a pause before the chorus came in. Shine. It's your golden hour. You slow down time. In your golden hour.” You held a soft smile on your lips, becoming lost in the keys and adlibs. Becoming transported into a makeshift world that held you and Maddy only. A possibility that you had dreamt of before making this song. “We were just two lovers. Feet up on the dash, drivin' nowhere fast. Burnin' through the summer. Radio on blast, make the moment last. She got solar power. Minutes feel like hours. She knew she was the baddest, can you even imagine. Fallin' like I did? For the love of my life. She's got glow on her face. A glorious look in her eyes.My angel of light.”

You hadn’t noticed, but as the song winded down, the car had come to a slow stop on the side of a random street in Highland. With your eyes closed and still lost in the song, you had not known what Maddy was doing. But when the song finally came to an end, your eyes flickered open. Looking to Maddy about to speak, but was stopped when her lips pressed against yours suddenly. It knocked the wind out of you, body tensed up in shock at such an abrupt action.

Her hands held your face, sighing softly against your lips. As shocked as you were, you soon melted into the kiss, holding her wrists gently. It was awkward for a kiss as this was your first time, but Maddy was taking her time. Slowly guiding and showing as to what to do. Good thing you were a quick learner because you were soon replicating her actions, tongue clashing against hers. She parted just a breath away, a soft chuckle falling from her lips as she looked up at your closed eyes.

“I love you to the moon and back.”

“Maddy, I-” You groaned, head rolling back onto the plush pillows supporting your head. You weren’t even sure how things had escalated at the rate they did. They had seemed sweet, you and Maddy holding hands the entire way back to your place. But as the two of you burst through the door, she was leading you up the stairs and towards your room. And now, you were lost and rather nervous.

Nervous might not be the right word, but it was somewhere in that realm. Especially with Maddy kneeling between your legs with her lips wrapped around your cock. Head slowly bobbing to a rhythm that she had set the moment she took you into her mouth. But since then, you’ve been battling your deepest desires of just letting go. Now, you would if it didn’t result in you looking like an idiot. So, you were balling handfuls of your sheets and eyes clenched shut in an attempt to fight off the knot that was tightening each lap of her tongue over your crown.

“Y/n, relax, baby,” Maddy’s quiet and soft voice comforted, making you take a daring glance up at the girl. She had one hand propped beside your head with her other hand stroking you. It may not have felt the same as being inside her mouth, but it still sent shivers down your spine.

You couldn’t help but think of how many other guys she had done this to. How much practice she had before you were now part of her body count. Or how many times she’d had sex with Nate Jacobs. Judging by how long she had dated him and hooked up with other guys, she must’ve had way more experience than you realized-

Maddy’s hand cupped your chin and shook you from your thoughts. The once comforting gaze was now stern, hardened like the grip she had on the tip of your chin. “Baby, focus.”

“I-I am,” you replied shakily, swallowing the lump in your throat. Maddy hummed, leaning down and kissing your neck. Smiling against your flesh when she felt you twitch in her grasp. Tongue peeked out from between her plump lips and licked a short stripe before laying a gentle kiss on the wet patch.

“No, you aren’t,” she finally said. “I need you to focus on me, sweetheart.” Her words were softer now, lifting from her position and finally letting go of your cock. Snickering in amusement as she heard you whine in protest. “Just lay there, puppy. I got you.”

Although you were a nervous and flustered mess, you believed her and trusted her. Allowing your eyes to take in the glory of Maddy shedding her shirt that had no bra underneath. Her pebbled nipples make your mouth salivate with the whole idea that her breast being in your hands could be enough to make you finish.

Reaching behind her, she softly grasped your cock and angled it with her dripping heat. As much as you were flustered, Maddy was double that. She had been waiting too long to do this with you. To slowly guide you through the motions and make you hers. And all the fantasies she had dreamed up never lived up to reality. Because you laid out beneath her, face flushed with those sweet little whimpers falling from her lips made her heart palpitate.

Slowly, she sank down onto your cock with a cat-like growl. Her eyes shut with her lips pulled into a large grin when hearing you moan. “So fucking good,” she moaned. “So much better than my fingers.” Hearing that caused your face to go beat red as you avoided the girl’s lustful gaze.

Holding her hands out, you hesitantly took them just as she interlocked them. Leaning forward, planting your hands above your head and just enough that her breasts were in your face as her hips rocked back onto your cock. Sending shockwaves of bliss through your body as you choked on a moan, eyes rolling back.

“There we go,” she muttered, eyes flickering shut when your lips needily wrapped around her nipple. Sucking on the bud with your other hand squeezing her neglected breast. She was in bliss. A mindless, ethereal, lewd, and salacious state that caused her mind to turn to mush. Only focused on the way your cock felt inside her and your tongue flicking over her sensitive bud. “Just focus on me, baby.”

Maddy sat against your headboard, staring down at your sleeping form that was curled in blankets. Arms curled tightly around her waist with your head resting on her stomach. Her fingers curled into your hair where she scratched at your scalp gently. A resting smile on her stomach as she felt like every little dream she had for you was slowly becoming true.

She didn’t deserve you, honestly. From all her past exes, notably Nate, she never thought true love ever existed. Whatever she thought she had with them never compared to this. The butterflies you gave her when finally bringing the passion out of you during sex. Or your warm touch to her skin, goosebumps erupting across her body. The way her heart skipped a beat when you whispered her name. It all felt real and not something forced or taken for granted.

Yet, you brought her closer and closer and made her feel like she was worthy of your time. Worthy of your love. You should’ve been suspicious of her intentions or maybe rejected her for her dating history. She would’ve understood and let herself live with the pain of not receiving your love. But here you, naked and pressed against her body in hopes of receiving her warmth. It was strange how things had turned out, but Maddy wouldn’t have changed it.

Leaning down, she placed a kiss on the crown of your head, smiling when you shifted and pulled her closer. “Love you, baby.”

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