#- but i will also be happy in the future too!

[marvelstoriesepic]

Change your mind

Pairing: College!Athlete!Bucky x College!Reader

Summary: Natasha drags you to an NYU baseball game. And despite yourself, one player catches your attention.

Word Count: 6.5k

Warnings: Bucky’s charm; Bucky being flirty; Bucky showing off; Reader checking out baseball players lol; Reader not being interested in baseball (at first)

Author’s Note: I've been craving some flirty college Bucky after all the angst I've been writing. So that’s what I came up with. It is also meant as a little celebration fic because I've got over 1500 followers and that’s so amazing! Thank you so much!! Hope you enjoy! ♡

Divider by @thecutestgrotto ♡

Masterlist

You haven’t been to a single game since the semester started - since any semester started, to be real. And honestly, you have been content with that. Satisfyingly so.

Your time is better spent attending to assignments, slogging through your part-time job at the library, or doing literally anything else besides sitting in the stands and watching a bunch of guys chase a ball around a field, or whatever the hell this sport even is about.

Baseball isn’t your thing, it never has been and it never will be.

You’ve been complaining about it the whole way here. Dramatically so, but you didn’t care. Your best friend can handle you and your antics.

“You know, I can think of at least a dozen things I should be doing right now instead of this,” you grumble, trailing behind her as she weaves through the crowd in search of seats.

Natasha sighs sharply and throws you a glare over her shoulder. “God, would you quit whining? This is good for you.”

“I fail to see how,” you shoot back, adjusting the strap of your bag as you begrudgingly follow her.

But Natasha just smirks. That dangerous little smirk that means she’s about to say something you won’t have a comeback for. “You know,” she muses, eyes darting playfully in your direction. “I didn’t think I’d have to twist your arm to come watch a bunch of hot guys running around out there.”

A brow of yours lifts. “Alright, hold on-” you jab a finger in her direction “-I never said I was against that part.”

She scoffs, clearly pleased with herself, and you grin, nudging her with your elbow as the two of you settle into your seats.

“Besides,” you continue, voice dripping with amusement. “I don’t think you should be making comments like that when we both know you’re here for one guy in particular.”

Natasha only shrugs, all nonchalant, but the corner of her mouth tugs lightly upward. “So what if I am?”

You snicker. “I mean, nothing. I just think it’s cute how whipped you are.”

She rolls her eyes, but her lip is still twitching. Natasha and Steve have only been dating for a few weeks, but you see the way she looks at him. And as much as you complain about being dragged here, you suppose watching your best friend fall stupidly in love is kind of entertaining.

Even if you have to suffer through a baseball game to witness it.

You lean back against the hard metal bleachers, arms crossed as your gaze falls across the field.

It’s a decent night, warm with just enough of a breeze to keep the air from feeling stifling. And even though you’d rather be anywhere else right now, you can’t deny that seeing Natasha like this - light in her eyes, a weird softness in her expression - makes the whole ordeal slightly less painful.

Steve is out on the field, stretching with his team, and Natasha is watching him with this reserved kind of smile. The kind that sneaks up on a person when they don’t realize they’re doing it. You smirk to yourself. Yeah, she’s got it bad. But honestly, you are happy for her. They look good together, and she certainly deserves someone who looks at her the way Steve does.

Natasha must catch you watching her because she suddenly turns, an all-too-knowing glint in her eye. You don’t like that look.

“And who knows,” she says, spreading her legs out in front of her, voice hinting at humor, “maybe your future husband’s down there right now.”

You snort, rolling your eyes so hard they might get stuck. “Oh, yeah, sure. He’s just waiting for me to sweep him off his feet in the middle of a stretch.”

She smirks. “Could happen.”

You shake your head. “Yeah, no thanks. I'm all for watching a bunch of hot guys get all sweaty and run around in tight pants, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” You gesture vaguely toward the field. “That’s just spectating. Everything else is a hard pass.”

Natasha quirks a brow, tilting her head at you. “Oh, come on, Y/n. It’s not that bad.”

You shoot her a look. “Nat, the last guy I went out with, Peter Quill, you remember?-” You don’t wait for her nod “-he told me, verbatim, that he doesn’t believe in seasoning his food. And the guy before that showed up to our date in cargo shorts and a fedora and spent two hours explaining why The Wolf of Wall Street is the peak of cinema.”

She winces. “Oof.”

“Yeah. So forgive me if I’m not that eager to throw myself back into the trenches.” You pause. “Also, I’m super busy.”

Natasha laughs, shaking her head as she turns back toward the field. “Well, if you ever change your mind, I’ll be sure to put in a good word with one of Steve’s teammates.”

You scoff. “Wow, generous and delusional. I’m so lucky to have you as a friend.”

She nudges you with her shoulder, smirking. “The luckiest.”

Huffing, you sink deeper into your seat. Well, at least there is one upside to all of this. If nothing else, you can at least appreciate the view.

Your eyes wander over the team as they move across the field, warming up, adjusting their gloves, casually tossing a ball back and forth.

And yeah, you can admit it - objectively speaking, they look good. Athletic builds, toned arms, legs that fill out those pants just right. It’s a nice view, even if you’re not about to go throwing yourself into the dating pool again, so soon.

Your gaze drifts back to Steve, mostly because he’s the only one you actually know - if only a little. But before you can really focus on him, someone steps into your line of sight, half-blocking the blonde from view.

The number 17 fills out your vision.

Your head tilts instinctively, curiosity sparking before you know it. The guy in front of Steve is tall, broad-shouldered, with an easy stance that suggests he’s completely at home out there on the field.

His uniform fits him in a way that makes you annoyingly aware of just how well built he is - jersey stretched firm across his upper back, the sleeves tight around his biceps, pants snug in all the right places. His chestnut hair curls slightly at the nape of his neck underneath the baseball cap he is wearing, and he stands so casually confident that it makes it impossible to not look at him.

Have you maybe seen him around campus before? You should have, right? Someone like him doesn’t just blend into the background. Maybe in the halls, in one of those massive lecture rooms, passing by in the library, maybe when you're on shift. But you are sure, that if you saw that guy, you would have remembered him.

“See something you like?”

Natasha’s smug voice snaps you out of your thoughts and you catch the smirk she is throwing your way.

Scoffing, you tighten your arms around yourself and glance back at the field. Number 17 is still standing there, talking with Steve, completely unaware of the fact that you’ve just spent the past minute analyzing every inch of his backside.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” you deny, keeping your tone even.

Natasha snorts, bumping her knee against yours. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“For what?”

She nods her head to the field. “For dragging you here. For the eye candy. For giving you the opportunity to meet your future ex-husband.”

You huff out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll see.”

Inevitably, your eyes move back to number 17, and you can’t help but think that if you haven’t seen him before, why it feels like you should have.

He’s turning.

Wait, he’s turning.

Your breath hitches and stays stuck in your throat uncomfortably, and suddenly he’s looking at you. Did he feel your eyes on him? Does he somehow know that you eyed him up like a complete creep? But just as the heat of panic can spark in your chest, you realize he’s not even looking at you.

He’s looking at Natasha.

Your shoulders loosen slightly. Steve also has turned his gaze toward the stands, his affective smile directed at your friend as well. He probably told the brunette that she’s here.

Number 17 lifts a hand in a casual wave, movement smooth, and even that simple gesture kind of looks way hotter than you want to feel right now.

Natasha only gives a small, lazy nod in return.

You expect the brunette to turn back around after that, to go back to whatever pre-game thing they were doing. But he doesn’t.

His attention shifts. To you.

Your stomach makes a flip before your brain can decide how to handle it.

His eyes are sharp, the exact color lost to the distance, but it seems to be something blueish. His expression is unreadable, his head tilting slightly as if assessing you. The stadium lights cast a glow over his features, highlighting the sharpness of his jaw, and the way his mouth seems to settle into something just shy of a smirk.

Immediately, you whip your head around to Natasha, eyes wide.

“Do you know that guy?” you ask, trying to sound more casual than you feel.

Natasha doesn’t even bother looking at you. She’s still watching Steve, her lips curving higher as if knowing what she’s doing.

“He’s Steve’s best friend.”

You blink. “Steve’s best friend?”

Your gaze falls back to the field against your better judgment but Number 17 has already turned back to Steve, talking to the blonde who now is sporting a smirk just like Natasha’s.

“You never mentioned him before,” you comment, though it comes out a little too measured.

Natasha of course picks up on it immediately.

“Should I have?” she counters, dragging the words out just a little.

You narrow your eyes at her but she only continues smirking.

And again, your gaze falls back to Number 17. God, why can’t you stop checking him out. The white baseball pants of his do absolutely nothing to hide the strength in his legs. His hair at his nape is slightly messy from running around and you wonder if it would feel soft if you put your hands on it.

You shake that thought right off again.

It’s not like it matters.

Still, you shift in your seat, arms tightening. “I just think it’s interesting that you never brought him up before when he’s his best friend.”

Natasha exhales a laugh through her nose, finally glancing over at you, her eyes glinting with something mischievous. “I mean, I could have.”

“And you didn’t because…?”

“Because,” she says sultry, shrugging one shoulder. “I figured you’d meet him eventually.”

There is something pointed in the way she says it, something deliberate, and you don’t like that it sends a small tingle of anticipation through you.

“So, what’s his deal, then?” you keep going, not even knowing why.

Natasha hums, stretching her limbs languidly. Her voice is sly. “His deal?”

“You know,” you press, trying not to sound too interested, although, fucking hell, you are. “Like, what’s his major? Have you seen him around before?”

She turns to you again, and oh, that look on her face is entirely too smug. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

You huff. “Nat.”

Her smirk only deepens. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

Before you can answer, she looks past you, over your shoulder, down the steps.

Her expression doesn’t change but her smirk gets a little too satisfied, a little too wicked.

You quickly follow her gaze and, oh shit.

A heavy beat thuds against your ribs before your heart remembers how to move properly as your eyes follow the unmistakable figure making his way up the stairs.

Number 17.

And he is coming right toward you.

You inhale sharply, sitting up a little straighter, trying to act like this isn’t throwing you off balance. His steps are easy and unhurried as if giving you the time to check him out some more. And even though you should know better, you do.

His uniform is wrinkled from warm-ups, the fabric clinging in ways that are frankly unfair, and his dark hair curls enough to look annoyingly good.

He reaches your row. And despite the fact that Natasha should logically be the person he came up for, he isn’t looking at her when he speaks.

His eyes land directly on you.

“Steve sent me up,” he says, voice low and smooth, a pleased drawl rolling through his words. “Said he forgot his water bottle or somethin’.”

You blink and try to shake off what his voice does to your body. Crossing one leg over the other, you feign indifference.

“Yeah,” Natasha says, sounding way too delighted. “She’s got it.” She slaps your arm lightly with her hand.

You turn to her confused. “Huh?”

“I asked you to put it in your bag since mine’s smaller.” She raises an eyebrow.

“Didn’t know it’s Steve’s,” you mutter, then glare at her for a second before reaching down to retrieve the damn thing.

Natasha looks triumphant.

When you pull the bottle free and hold it out to the guy standing in front of you, he takes it with his fingers brushing against yours in a way that feels very intentional.

“Thanks, doll.”

His tone is silk spun into sound and hell, it glides over your skin, making it prickle underneath your sweater.

He has the bottle now but doesn’t step away yet. His eyes linger on you.

“Never seen you ‘round here before,” he remarks, studying you with open interest. His lips tug a little as if he is holding back a full grin. As if he is pleased.

You meet his gaze and swallow, keeping your expression open but neutral even as something sparks under your skin. “Yeah, it’s my first game.”

His lips press together like he’s trying not to fully smirk. “No kiddin’.” There is something about the way he says it that you can’t place.

You lift a brow and tilt your head slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs, feigning innocence. “Just figured I woulda noticed you before, is all.”

Oh.

Oh, damn.

You know flirting when you hear it. And that was flirting.

You clear your throat, but a smile is trying to makes its way over your mouth. “Do you say that to all the girls in the stands?”

He doesn’t hesitate. “Nah. Just you.”

Heat winds through your stomach. Because there is an easy, matter-of-fact kind of confidence in his voice.

Biting his lip, he studies you some more. Eyes intensely on you. “So you ain’t much of a baseball fan, then,” he hums. His voice is a low timbre.

You scoff, but can’t help the amused smile lifting your lips. “Not quite my thing.”

“Maybe I can change that.”

You almost choke on your next breath, because oh. He’s good. And hell, that came fast.

Natasha cackles. You ignore her.

Your fingers play with the fabric of your jeans. “Smooth,” you assess, unable to help the wry lilt in your voice.

He grins. Lopsided. Charming. Devastatingly handsome, oh god so help me. “Yeah? That workin’ for me?”

You roll your eyes, but it’s all for show. “Debatable.”

Natasha snorts.

His smirk is deep. There is a twinkle in his blue eyes. He stares at you like that for a second.

“I’m Bucky.” His voice is softened a fraction. His tone is genuine.

“Nice to meet you, Bucky.”

His head moves to the side a little, the corner of his mouth twitching. “And you are?”

You tell him your name and his gaze lingers, his smirk edging into something thoughtful.

“Huh,” he muses.

You frown slightly. “What?”

He shrugs, still watching you, maybe even looking a little bashful. “Dunno. Just- I like it. Suits you.”

That somehow feels worse than the flirting.

You feel your face heat and you hate that Natasha can probably see it.

There is a shout coming from the dugout. “Barnes, get your ass down here, now!”

That must be their trainer Fury.

But Bucky stays standing there, looking at you for a beat longer, biting his lip and scratching the back of his neck. Then he takes a step back, spinning the water bottle once in his hand. “Guess I’ll see ya next game, doll,” he charms.

You blink, eyebrows up. “That’s a bold assumption.”

He just grins, throwing you a wink. “Nah. I got a feelin’.”

And just like that, he turns, heading back down toward the field, leaving you sitting there slightly dazed.

It takes a moment for your brain to start working again.

You feel Natasha leaning in but are not ready to meet that sly expression.

“We both know you’ll be here next time.”

Infuriatingly, you know she is right.

“I hate you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The game kicks off, but you are not watching it the way you thought you would.

Because he’s on the field.

And, well damn.

You tell yourself you’re just curious. That’s all it is. You’re not actually watching him. You’re just keeping an eye on him. Casual observation. A purely academic interest in how the game works.

Except, the longer you watch, the more you have to admit that he is good.

Really good.

His movements are seamless. It’s like an unbroken flow of precision and control as if the game is merely responding to him, not the other way around. He’s so natural, seems so at ease, and yet he moves so fast and sharp.

You can see the innate understanding he has, of how the game breathes. It’s impressive.

When he’s at bat, his stance is balanced to perfection, knees bent just enough, shoulders loose but poised. The pitcher winds up, releases, and before you can even register it fully, Bucky crushes that ball.

The sound of it is sharp, a crack that echoes through the field.

You track the ball as it soars high, way over the outfield. And then he’s running. He’s a cloud of white and navy as he rounds first base, feet hitting the dirt hard.

Natasha whistles low beside you. “Not bad, huh?” She doesn’t hide her smirk.

You press your lips together, determined to be neutral. “Yeah, well. Maybe I was just expecting less.”

Your best friend lets out a half-amused, half-exaggerated breath through her nose. “You weren’t.”

You want to throw her a glare but that would mean you’d have to take your eyes off Bucky and somehow you can’t manage that.

So you only huff and lean further into your seat.

But even as he plays, you can’t shake the feeling that perhaps he somehow tries a little more than necessary.

There are subtle indications. The way he lingers just a bit longer when he looks up toward the stands, the slight, extra flourish in the way he moves. The exaggerated ease of it all.

Oh, hell.

As he rounds third base, his gaze snaps up.

Right at you.

And he winks.

Your stomach plummets. Heat boils along your spine, and you freeze for half a second, caught completely fucking off guard.

The grin he shoots you is smug and holds a knowing edge, seeing the way your eyes are already on him, seeing your reaction, and thriving on it.

Natasha grasps your arm, gasping. “Oh my God.”

She is overly dramatic on purpose and you hate it.

You tear your gaze away from him and glare at her. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, I'm starting,” she laughs, delighted. “That guy’s showing off for you.”

“He is not,” you hiss, trying and failing to ignore the warmth along your neck. Spreading and spreading up to your cheeks.

“That was textbook showing off, babe.”

You bite your lip, refusing to give her the satisfaction of the reaction she wants to see.

But maybe she’s not wrong.

The game continues, and despite your best efforts, your eyes keep finding him.

The more you watch, the more obvious it becomes.

The smooth way he catches the ball in the outfield, hardly needing to look before launching it straight to second base. The way he moves just a little bit slower after a play like he knows there are eyes on him. The way his grin sharpens when he hears the cheers, the teasing comments from his teammates.

And apparently, Steve notices, too.

Because after a particularly showy throw - one that was definitely more dramatic than necessary - Steve jogs past him and smacks him on the back of the head.

You faintly hear Bucky’s startled grunt from the bleachers.

Natasha snickers beside you.

Steve is muttering something to him, but the brunette only grins, backing away with his arms outstretched and shoulders pulled up in an unbothered shrug. And his eyes immediately find you. You look away hastily.

Your best friend leans in, voice low and teasing. “Change your mind about dating yet?”

Sinking lower in your seat, you move your hand through your hair. “This is ridiculous.”

But even as you say it, you glance back at Bucky.

And he’s still looking at you.

This time, you don’t look away.

Another smack lands across the back of his head and he is forced to drag his eyes away from you to grumble at the guy who is grinning from ear to ear, enjoying whatever the hell this is between Bucky and you.

“You’re actin’ real thirsty right now, Barnes,” the voice of the other player sounds out, loud enough for you to make out some words. “Hey, I mean, I get it. She’s cute. But can you focus, man?”

Flustered, you shove your hands between your thighs and curl a little bit inward.

“Shut up, Sam,” Bucky warns, rolling his shoulders and throwing a hard look at his teammate before jogging back to his position.

You don’t miss the way he shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair after lifting the cap for a moment as if he is trying to gather himself.

Your heart is beating in a weird rhythm. Your hands are a little sweaty and you hate that Natasha notices.

“Well, well,” she teases, watching Bucky get into position. “Looks like you’re a motivator.”

“Do you ever stop?”

“Not when it’s this much fun,” she grins, eyes swimming in mischief. “And clearly not when my best friend’s about to have my boyfriend's buddy ask for her number.”

It’s your time to smirk. “Boyfriend?” you chirp. “I'm sure Steve would like to know you calling him that behind his ba-”

“There’s no turning this around, babe. I’m the one with the power here,” she chides, but she is suppressing a smile. “No go ahead and continue to watch your future boyfriend.” She turns your shoulder forward to the field.

“He’s not-”

“Watch.”

You do.

And the longer the game goes on, you try to keep telling yourself that you’re going to stop watching him. But no matter how much you try to focus on anything else - the scoreboard, the crowd, even the actual game - your eyes don’t listen.

They keep wandering back to him. To the way he moves, his effortless command of the field.

It’s the way he seems to own every second he’s out there like he is meant to be on the field. And he seems to love it. His body moves with an instinctive kind of grace, muscles shifting under the snug fit of his uniform, every motion thought through but natural.

When he takes his spot at shortstop, you admire the confidence of his stance. He’s completely at home. He stands relaxed but his eyes are sharp and focused, scanning the field.

And when the ball comes his way, his gloved hand snatches it mid-air before his arm whips it across the diamond in a clean throw.

It’s irritatingly impressive.

You try to convince yourself that he plays like this all the time - that this isn’t for you at all - but there is something nagging at the back of your mind. Something in the way he carries himself, the extra little flair in the way he moves.

He really seems to be putting on a small show and you can’t shake the feeling that you might be the only one in the audience that actually matters to him. You don’t know how to feel about that.

Natasha catches you watching again. “Mhm,” she hums, knowingly. Not at all subtle about it.

You throw her a burning look. “Shut up, Nat.”

She smirks and tilts her head. “You want to be the one he’s showing off for.”

You release a sharp breath, looking at the darkened sky faintly lit by the stadium lights. “If I did, I’d be enjoying it, wouldn’t I? I just think he’s- trying a little hard. Like he’s-”

You don’t get to finish that sentence because the crowd erupts again. The score is tied. This is the final inning.

Your throat constricts as Bucky walks up to plate, adjusting his cap like he’s been waiting for this moment. He taps the bat against the plate once, twice, and tilts his head at the pitcher. You watch the way Bucky’s muscles coil, the readiness, the concentration.

The pitcher winds up. The stadium is silent.

The ball is pitched.

Bucky swings.

Crack.

The sound echoes across the field as Bucky swings and connects perfectly, the entire stadium staring with bated breath. The ball rockets up into the night sky, impossibly high, soaring straight over the center field fence.

It’s gone. A home run.

The crowd erupts, students leaping to their feet, fists pumping, voices carrying through the air. Natasha is already up, grabbing your wrist and yanking you up beside her.

“That’s your man,” Natasha yells over the noise, pointing at the field. “That’s your home run, babe!”

“Oh my god, Nat, he’s not-” you start, but you are cut off by the thunder of feet around you, students leaping onto the bleachers, fists raised, chanting his name.

Just like the others, you are watching Bucky jog around the bases at a confident pace, brushing a hand through his sweaty hair again.

You’re honestly a little overwhelmed with this whole thing. Trying to catch up to the way Bucky moves as if it’s the easiest thing in the world for him, like sending a ball out of the park is just something he does on a casual Tuesday.

And then, just as he crosses home plate, the team swarming him, he turns his head up.

Right to you.

The whole world seems to slow for just a second. Your breath is lost in your throat when your eyes lock. There is a heat in his gaze, but it shifts from exhilaration to something softer. He beams up at you for that special moment, blue eyes shining under the stadium lights, his grin wide.

Your pulse hammers in a way you really don’t want to acknowledge.

You are clapping, like all the others.

And there is something changing in his expression. The corner of his mouth curls in a way as if he can’t believe what he is seeing. His confidence falters for a brief second, replaced by something almost sheepish. His hand scrubs over his face, attention caught by his teammates, but there definitely is a hint of pink dusting his cheeks at your small cheers.

The other players pull him into a rough embrace and for a moment you don’t see him at all, the rest jumps around him in celebration.

“Alright, come on, let’s get down there,” Natasha says, grabbing your wrist again.

“Wait, what?” you sputter as she pulls you toward the railing, making her way down the steps, dragging you with her.

“You are not going to be the only one still sitting while your boyfriend-”

“Stop that-”

“-just won the damn game,” she finishes, waving you off as you scowl at her.

Before you know it, you’re at the very front of the stands, your hands coming together as the roar of the crowd vibrates through your bones.

You see Bucky looking over the chaos, his arms slung around his teammates, his chest rising and falling from exertion, when suddenly, his gaze catches you again.

That bright, wide grin now definitely softens. In a shit, you really were watching kind of way. His blue eyes scan your face as though he is trying to read every single thought rushing through your head right now.

Natasha is practically jumping beside you, cheering happily, so you don’t want to be a bummer and start clapping again. Looking at him.

His smile tries to widen, but Bucky bites his lip. And then, he actually looks bashful.

He dips his head just slightly, running another hand down his face, and this time it’s him looking away first.

But not before you catch that tiny flicker of something almost shy. For all his confidence, for all the easy charm he’s been throwing at you, all the flirtatious lines, something about your reaction to him is what makes him falter that little bit.

And oh how it does something to you. You don’t even fight the little smile on your lips as Natasha bumps her shoulder into yours.

“Shut up,” you murmur, but it sounds too light.

Natasha smirks. “I didn’t say anything.”

You roll your eyes and fold your arms over your chest to hide the way your hands are still itching to continue clapping.

The roar of the crowd slowly begins to settle, the energy of the game remaining charged in the air. The bleachers empty languidly, students pouring onto the field or shuffling toward the exits, their excitement buzzing in hurried conversations and triumphant chants.

The players begin filtering off the field, disappearing into the tunnel leading to the locker rooms. Some of them are still exchanging shoves and laughs, adrenaline still pumping through their veins.

Bucky walks alongside Steve, his uniform tightly handing off his frame.

But before he disappears with the rest of them he glances behind one last time. And, of course, it’s at you again. You shiver.

His glance is just a flicker of blue under the harsh stadium lights but it’s just a beat longer than you would expect. As if he is making sure you’re still here. As if he is worried you won’t be when he comes back out.

Then he’s gone.

“You see that?” Natasha assesses, leaning her weight into one hip, arms crossed.

“See what?” you ask, obviously annoyed.

She’s unbothered. “That boy just looked at you like a man checking to see if his car’s still parked outside.”

You groan. “God, shut up.”

“That never worked on me. You should know better.”

With an impish grin, she tugs at your wrist and guides you away from the bleachers.

“Come on, we’re waiting for them,” she says, already pulling you toward the tunnel exit.

“What? Nat-”

“Well, I’m waiting for Steve,” she says, “and you, my dear, have been eyefucking his best friend all night, so don’t even try to act like you don’t want to see him again.”

“Okay, come on,” you defend. “I have not-”

“-been staring at him, sure,” she interrupts, her smirk widening. “But only every time he wasn’t looking. Which, by the way, wasn’t often.”

You groan again but follow her anyway, because, at this point, you’re not even sure if you’re protesting for show or out of actual resistance.

Minutes go by as more people slowly tickle away, leaving only a few clusters of them lingering around, chatting under the lights.

The air is still warm, but the breeze carries enough of a chill to make you shift on your feet, arms folding over your chest as you wait.

And then, Steve and Bucky emerge from the locker room, side by side.

Steve’s blond hair is still damp from the shower, his team jacket slung over one shoulder. The moment he spots Natasha, his whole face softens. His stride quickens as he reaches her and he pulls her in for a kiss that is far sweeter than you expected from someone fresh out of a game.

Your best friend, for all her teasing confidence tonight, melts against him, fingers gripping the fabric of his jacket.

You feel happiness for her but you look away, feeling like you’re intruding on something intimate.

And before you can prepare yourself, Bucky is standing right in front of you.

“Didn’t think you’d still be here,” he says, voice lower, less playful than before.

His hair is damp too, looking darker like that. He doesn’t wear his cap anymore, short brown tendrils resting on his forehead. His uniform is gone, replaced by a dark hoodie and jeans. And yet, he still looks every bit like the man who just stole the game with a home run. He looks handsome. You can even admit that.

“Uh, yeah, I’ll leave with Nat,” you answer, voice a little quieter than you would have liked it to be.

Bucky smiles. He shifts his weight, hands slipping into his pockets.

“Well, had to make sure you actually enjoyed yourself,” he says, tipping his head to the side, smirk slowly appearing. “Didn’t want you to suffer through it since you’ve already been dragged out here.”

You huff out a small laugh, looking at the ground before up at him again. “It wasn’t terrible.”

“Not terrible?” he echoes, feigning offense. “Sweetheart, I won the damn game. You were cheerin’ for me.”

It’s as if he needed to say it out loud. As if he’s been telling that to himself the whole time.

You bite your lip. Those nicknames will send you tumbling to the floor if you’re not careful. “Yes, well. You put on a good show.”

He grins something slow and smug. “And here I was thinkin’ you weren’t much of a baseball fan.”

You shift, laughing softly. “Still not, really.”

He hums, studying you so deeply. In a gentle way. But he takes his sweet time and it’s making you nervous. “I’ll change your mind.”

Your stomach does something weird - something that has everything to do with the way his voice dips slightly, the way it rumbles out so smoothly.

You narrow your eyes, trying to keep your cool. “I’d like to see you try.”

Bucky chuckles softly, rocking on the balls of his feet. He can’t stop watching you, moving his eyes around your features, your whole frame, as if wondering where you have been the whole time. He looks like he is trying to read every little thing written across your face.

Your chest feels a little too tight, and your pulse picks up the longer you look at him, the longer he looks at you.

The air is cooler now that the game is over, the heat from the crowd dissipating into the open night, and although you feel plenty heated up by his gaze and presence, you instinctively rub your arms, shifting on your feet.

“You cold?” Bucky’s voice is lower, and there is a soft gentleness to his tone, that sounds so sincere, you feel your knees grow weak.

You shake your head. “I’m fine.”

“I’ve got an extra jersey in my bag,” he offers as if he didn’t even hear you, already moving. “Or you can take this one-” He seems about to shrug off his hoodie instead.

You quickly hold up a hand to stop him. “No, really. I’m okay.”

Bucky pauses, squinting at you, mouth quirking as he eyes you a second longer. Then, as if he’s figured something out, his lips form a real smirk again.

“Alright,” he concedes easily, his weight tipping slightly to one side, then back again. “Guess I’ll just give it to you next time, then.”

You freeze just slightly, blinking up at him.

Next time.

You don’t quite know what to do with that.

You clear your throat, forcing words out. “Yeah. Next time.”

Bucky beams.

It’s a full-on, dazzling grin, cheeks high and rosy, eyes bright in a way that makes something overturn in your stomach.

He looks way too pleased with himself now. And you are way too aware of how warm your face feels.

You try to push yourself past the sudden rush of flustered energy. “Well, I guess I will see you around campus, then.”

Bucky hums, considering, still not taking his eyes off you. “Maybe,” his head turns to the side, making a pause. “Or I could just make sure.”

“Make sure?”

He pulls his hands from his hoodie pocket, adjusting his footing and running a hand through his hair, messing with the damp strands a little. He might just seem the slightest bit nervous.

Flipping his palm up expectantly, he looks at you with a glint of hope in his eyes. “Your phone.”

Your stomach does that turning-over thing again as you realize what he’s going on about. “Oh.”

You are fumbling to grab your phone out of your bag, fingers perhaps wavering a little and you are glad that Natasha is preoccupied at the moment to see this. Unlocking it, you hand it over to him.

Bucky takes it gently, fingers brushing yours. Again, it feels intentional.

The glow of the screen illuminates his face as he punches in his number, and presses to call himself so he’ll have your number as well before handing your phone back to you.

You glance down.

A new contact. Bucky Barnes.

Bucky watches you with a soft smile.

“Hey, Buck,” Steve calls, still standing with Natasha. You don’t see the triumphant smile those lovebirds share, busy trying not to show your disappointment of the night coming to an end. “We heading out?”

Bucky sighs, but he doesn’t break eye contact with you just yet.

“Guess that’s my cue,” he murmurs.

“Guess so.”

His feet shuffle against the floor. He seems not quite ready to end this conversation, taking a slow step backward, not turning away from you.

“See you next game, doll,” he says, words landing softer, quieter in a way. He speaks as if it matters.

You fidget with the sleeve of your sweater and let out an almost shy laugh. “Sure.”

Bucky smirks, holding up his phone and waving with it when walking further backward to Steve. “I’ll remind you.”

You watch him walk off with his best friend, watch him throw another grin over his shoulder at you, still feeling the heat that won’t stop tingling along your skin.

Your own best friend throws her arm around your shoulders.

This time, she keeps her mouth shut. She knows she doesn’t have to say anything anymore. There is no denying it any longer and you are well aware.

Because yeah, you might not be into baseball.

But you might be into Number 17.

“Flirting is a promise of something more.”

- Milan Kundera

[andromedicasphyxiate]

Ok we are going to TALK about this honey because I have a LOT to say (Legally Blonde is one of my FAV movies and is 2000's cinematic GOLD, fight me if u dare 😭😭😭)

what's REALLY cool about Elle is that:

1. she straight up just went for what she wanted and she excelled at it

In the beginning of the movie (which is when she is in college) she was simply into beauty and fashion and having fun and being in a sorority and having a great/hot boyfriend, and she made it all happen for herself!! She built her dream body, her dream aesthetic and wardrobe, got a 4.0 GPA in her fashion major (and wouldnt let the high fashion shop girls fool her about fabrics lol (because she really knew her stuff)), was dating the guy of her dreams, AND was super popular in her sorority (because she was so sweet and kind and helpful to everyone too)

2. she didnt give up, she believed in herself, she had a crazy strong work ethic and her priorities were set

In the next part of the movie (kind of still in the beginning), she decided that she wanted to marry her boyfriend, so she did her best to ensure that the proposal would go well (aside from having been a great girlfriend all through college, of course). And although she was down and out when he dumped her, she didn't give up and worked really hard to follow him to freaking *HARVARD*, ok?! Everyone told her it wasn't meant for her, and she couldn't and shouldn't do it, but she had her sights set on it and went for it anyway.

It was very difficult, she had to stop being a fun, party girl and trade in her current likes and life for her future self (which meant books and practice exams, ew 😭😭) but she did it in a heartbeat, and...SHE MADE IT!! 😍😍😍

3. she wasn't afraid to change her priorities and learn from life, and she had a really strong character too

When her loser boyfriend still wouldn't accept her as marriage worthy, although she now fit the bill academically, she didn't hesitate to ditch the idea of being with him and dedicated herself to a more worthy cause--investing in herself, her grades, getting the prestigious internship at Callahan's law firm, and also doing extremely well at it. Also, she didn't give away her client's alibi just to continue being trustworthy, even though she had so much to lose by doing that. And she didn't hesitate to brush Callahan off when she could have taken the opportunity to sleep her way to the top. She wanted her merit to be the cornerstone of her career and not her beauty.

Overall, I love Elle because she was a lovely person who did her best to be kind to everyone, including her ex's fiance. She was super authentic and wasn't afraid to be in her feminine energy and be cute and have fun and just flow with life, but she also wasn't afraid to exert her masculine energies and get in the warzone in her daily life, pull on what she wanted and push back on what she didn't think was right. She just was who she was, and didn't let anybody dictate the outcomes of her life.

And that to me is feminism at its core--the choice to embody any kind of energy you want, anywhere between the traditionally feminine end of the spectrum and the traditionally masculine, and to never forget that your gender doesnt have to play into what your life should look like or whom you should be. And that both masculine and feminine energies, although different, are equal and just as important for individuals and also society at large, to have a happy, successful, well balanced and fulfilling life!!

(also, I've written the last paragraph from the standpoint of moderate traditional gender roles, which is what I happen to believe in; but if that's not your cup of tea I completely understand and respect that xoxo 🩷🩷🩷, so please feel free to skip the last paragraph or adapt it to what you see fit 🥰🥰🥰)

The bimbo feminism girls who love Legally Blonde really missed like the whole point of the movie. The point is that she's not a brainless bimbo. She saves the day with her knowledge of haircare, sure, but she got in the room by going to law school. You cannot reduce that movie down to "Girl knowledge saves the day!" because the perm wouldn't have mattered if she hadn't spent the entire rest of the movie working her ass off in an unrelated field. The feminist angle is that she can have girly interests and also be smart, not that having girly interests is feminist in itself

[cjlouwho]

Three Simple Words

needed to get this out before Thursday happens lol

“It’s been a while since we’ve done breakfast, just the two of us,” Maddie said, setting a container of cream cheese on the table. “Although, seeing as you brought a half dozen homemade bagels I can tell not much has changed.”

Buck ignored her, eyes settling on the scar that ran across her neck. “How are you doing, Maddie?”

Maddie cleared her throat, adjusting the collar of her shirt slightly. “I’m fine, Buck, really,” she replied, giving him a reassuring smile. “Now, what’s been up with you lately? Please tell me you’re doing more than baking in your free time.”

He grabbed a bagel and set it on his plate. “I- I am. I went out the other night t- to this book group thing. It was nice. Fun. Met some cool people.”

“Well, that’s good. Have you heard from Eddie at all?”

“A couple times. I don’t think things are going too great there.”

“Mm,” Maddie hummed. “Tough situation, I’m sure.”

“Yeah.” Buck squirmed in his seat a bit, ripping off a piece of his bagel and taking a bite. “I, uh, I ran into Tommy at work a couple days ago, actually.”

The alarm bell sounded in Maddie’s head. She hid a smile. Here was the real reason for the emergency breakfast. “Really? Was it awkward?”

“A little, at first, I guess. It- It’s kinda funny,” he said, huffing out a laugh. “For seven years we never seemed to work together at all and now, all of a sudden, th- there he is.”

“Well,” Maddie beckoned, curiosity piqued, “did you talk to him?”

“Y- Yeah, we talked a little bit. I, um, well we both kinda at the same time asked if we could talk, s- so I invited him over to the new place.”

“And he came?”

Buck’s eyes widened slightly as he choked down his next bite. “Um, yeah. H- He came over.”

“Did you talk?”

“We, uh, we started to. I- I thought it would be a good opportunity for closure, you know? We could say all the things we didn’t get to say before. But...”

God, it was like pulling teeth today. “But?”

“But then he was on my couch,” Buck replied, a blush rising on his cheeks. “And he was wearing the black button down with his sleeves rolled up. And he kept looking at me with his eyes-”

Maddie shook her head. “Oh, Evan.”

“Y- You don’t understand, Maddie,” he said, his tone pleading. “Those eyes; he looked at me a- and I forgot everything I had in my head to say to him. The next thing I know, we’re in bed.”

Maddie picked up her mug, taking a big sip of coffee before asking, “So, what, you had a one night stand with your ex?”

“Oh, well, um, I- I mean yeah it happened that night, but it also happened the next morning.”

She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. “Okay.”

“An- And then that afternoon,” Buck continued with a shrug. “He’s s- supposed to come over later too.”

“Buck, I…” Maddie paused, trying to think of the right way to phrase her question. “I know you’re an adult, and you can do whatever you want, but… is this what you want?”

His cocked his head to the side, eyebrows furrowed. “Wh- What do you mean?”

“I mean.” She sighed. “I mean you two were pretty serious, right? You saw a future with him. And now, it’s what? You hook up and that’s it?”

“It’s… I don’t know, it just happened, Maddie.”

“Three times, so far,” Maddie reminded him. “Listen,” she reached out, placing her hand over his, “I just want to make sure you’re happy, Evan. That’s all I care about. I- If you’re happy with this arrangement, then that’s great, but… are you?”

Buck stared down at his bagel. Bagels that he started working on the second Tommy left. Kept working on them even after he’d lost the battle with his mind and ended up texting him to come back over again soon. He’d held his breath when the text bubbles appeared. Kept holding it until Tommy had texted him back with a thumbs up.

His shoulders slumped. “I just- I don’t know what to do, Maddie. I asked him to move in with me, ya know? I- I love him and he dumped me and now we- we’re just doing this weird friends with benefits thing, I guess. And i- it feels good at the time-- I mean, really good-”

Maddie held up her hand. “Fast forward, Buck.”

He sighed. “But afterward, it’s hurts. I want more than sex. I- I want everything.”

“Have you told him this?”

“Of course I told him I wanted him to move in, Maddie. You know that.”

She rolled her eyes. “I mean the “I love you” part, Evan.”

He thought for a second, face pensive. “Well, he has to know, right? I- I mean, you don’t just ask someone to move in if you don’t love them.”

“That very much does happen,” Maddie answered, nodding her head for emphasis. “It happens all the time, and that’s probably exactly what Tommy thought was occurring in that situation.”

“I- but, I… I thought it was implied.”

Maddie followed Buck’s eyes, making sure he was looking straight at her as she spoke. “Buck, you need to talk to him.”

“I’ve been trying,” Buck pouted.

“Have you? Because it sounds like you’ve been doing everything except talking. If you can’t figure out a way to keep your hands off of each other in private, then ask him out for coffee or lunch or something. But you need to actually talk about this.”

Buck pursed his lips. “What if it’s not what he wants though? What if he runs away again?”

“Then you’ll know for sure that you two want different things. But, until you have that talk, you’re going to be stuck in this limbo for who knows how long.” She lifted her hand, pinky pointed up toward him. “You’ll talk to him?”

He nodded, wrapping his pinky around hers. “I’ll talk to him.”

*****

Buck thought back to his and Maddie’s conversation as he and Athena chased after Tommy's helicopter. He was still trying to put all the pieces together. Tommy had called him, just a few hours earlier. A staticky conversation happening over the line. Buck thought it was a butt dial at first, but when he heard yelling he stayed on the phone. Then he heard Tommy mention weapons, and taking him instead of the other hostages. He heard Tommy say that he was the pilot, and he could get them out of there.

Calling Athena, meeting her at Tommy’s last known location, getting in her SUV to try and beat these criminals or terrorists to wherever they were going, that was all a blur.

Because Buck hadn’t kept his promise. Not yet.

Tommy had come over, and Buck’s words died on his tongue. Fear took over, and then Tommy’s mouth was on his, and everything felt right again.

This continued for weeks, with Buck telling himself that the next time would be when he finally told Tommy the truth. The next time is when he’d have the courage.

And now it was hitting him.

There may not be a next time.

And he may never get to tell Tommy that he loves him.

His head whipped up toward the sky when Athena gasped, and that’s when he realized what was happening.

The helicopter was hurtling right towards the ground.

[ninasodiiva]

what are their true feelings?.ೃ࿐

PAC reading

hi my babes! it's crazy the love my first reading received, i'm so happy to know the messages resonated ┊͙ ˘͈ᵕ˘͈.

someone requested this pac reading, and i liked it because the uncertainty of not knowing how someone feels about you is fucking horrible (been there). so keep reading if you'd like to know what are their true feelings? ༊*·˚

how to choose a group:

take a deep breath and relax your body, look at all the pictures and pick the one you are the most drawn to, don't think about it to much. you might be attracted to the picture or the number. REMEMBER this is a general reading, take what resonates and leave what doesn't. nothing is set in stone. if you are not drawn to any of the pictures this might not be the reading for you loves. tarot is a divination tool to meant for guidance!! nothing is set in stone and you are the master of your own fate and the captain of your own soulㅤ ♡ྀི

that said, let's get into it!

- group 1: polka dot tights 🤍

hi my beautiful group 1, let's start.

at first i was extremely confused reading your cards but all of the sudden a wave of messages came in. i feel this is how you're feeling, confused (well you wouldn't be here if you weren't lol). i'm always direct when giving messages and this case is no different. babes i feel you're dealing with a person from your past, someone you already have history with and once felt like home to you, things have changed a lot. you either broke up some time ago but still keep in touch or that person is still your partner. well, this is a classic story, you both are growing and your new selves don't quite fit anymore.

there are two energies in the reading so pick the one that resonates

if this is your actual partner my group 1, i see you making great efforts to keep the relationship alive, you're a romantic, very down to earth and devoted person. the "problem" here seems to be your person, they are not who they once were. from what i'm getting i feel your person has become very independent as if they were single. keeping things to themselves, not sharing time with you, acting cold... really what im getting is that they want to focus more on their personal goals and dreams, they want to be free (?). you put the efforts to keep the fire alive, and that says beautiful things about you but... the truth is people grow apart, and it has nothing to do with you, it happens. spirit is telling me it's time to let this person go for good, both of you served your purpose within the relationship and a new chapter is ahead 🤍 they are also telling me that a conversation is VERY much needed to put an end to this cycle, a truthful, vulnerable conversation. i just heard: don't fall back into old patterns again. babes don't be like carrie in this situation pls.

spirit wants me to say that this is no one's fault, the love was there, and will be just in a different form. it's like losing contact with an old friend, you will always love them and cherish them but not in the same way. for this collective of group 1 i sense both of you are great people, it's just that you guys have different visions for you futures. have grace with yourself and remember my loves that it's not a loss, but the gain of a beautiful experience and memories.

lastly spirit says to leave your worries to them and to cherish yourself and this new chapter in your life babes. with love, Nina 🦢⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

if this is an ex or a situationship (god i hate that term) im gonna be straight forward with you babes. your person does not feel anything romantic towards you, you're confusing lust and a bit of attention for love. i feel that since you have history with this person you believe things could work out this time but im here to tell you that no (im sorry if im too harsh, i think you need it <3).

the "problem" seems to be that you my pile 1 have this subconscious belief which tells you that familiar is good even if it hurts mix with a need for validation (gosh i sound so harsh im sorry 😭). your person literally couldn't give less of a fuck, they are the definition of a fuckboy. girl please get out, let me put it to you this way. would you like your daughter to be in your situation? no right? well then FUCK YOUR PERSON. really babe, stand up you don't wanna be the "long-term long distance low commitment casual girlfriend" 🙏🏼 your person will not choose you and its not because of you, they are not serious when it comes to relationships.

he is already getting you without having to choose you, clock that.

spirit says you have no idea how much your life will improve in EVERY ASPECT once you let that person go and understand that the only validation and acceptance you need is from yourself diva. STAND UP BABE. i'm sending you lots of love and strength to leave that dusty and i apologize if at some point it got too straight forward.

with love, Nina 🦢⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

- group two: kitten heels 🩰

my group two omg when i tell you its not even funny the way im giggling while channeling the messages... gosh im so excited for you! <3

okey so, your person has feelings for you. gosh so many messages are coming through and i can't write that fast. this person likes you A LOT, he has the biggest crush on you, it's a love so sweet and tender... your person has been through hell in past relationships and that has caused them to reject love for some time, what spirit is saying is that meeting you was really cathartic for them because the feelings were so strong they had to find a way to heal to be with you.

babes be patient with them pls i'm being so serious, they are fighting their own demons and fears to find the courage to trust someone again 🤍 they are so shy about you it's so funny lol cause i'm feeling normally they're not like that. they see you as someone so kind and patient, extremely caring and beautiful physically. i'm seeing this image of you being in your world and them admiring you from afar wow. the cards and spirit support this connection 100%, what they are asking you to do is to help your person a little bit!! try to break the ice by being playful and they say it's important not to rush and get to know each other. but i assure you this is absolutely lovely energy 🌹

spirit is saying it will be sooner than expected and to be honest and thoughtful with your person, i sense they are a very strong and romantic person but when it comes to love they are hopeless. it's so sweet that they are literally forcing themselves to face their demons in order to be with you, that's how much they want you 🤍 also be prepared to go on date i heard!!

congratulations pile two you deserve this kind of love and i'm so so so excited to hear how this unfolds for you!! there's not much to say, with love Nina ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🦢

- group three: brown cardigan

hi group number three hope you're having a great day, let's get into your reading! <3

babes did you friendzone this person? lol. it's funny because i see your person hiperfixated on you but they think their feelings are not reciprocated by you? i don't know how you feel about them but since you're reading this i'm assuming you care for them at least.

im seeing your person being in their own a lot, for some reason they are going through WAITT OH. okey there are two collectives here. some of you friendzone your person or that's at least that's how they feel. and for others your person it's fighting the urge to confess how they feel towards you, because they truly appreciate your friendship. take it as it resonates!

group number 3 i'm feeling a push and pull dynamic between the both of you, i'm here to give you clarity so if you like this person spirit is saying to let yourself feel these emotions, it's safe to like someone and specifically your person!! they literally feel the same as you really, it's like those movies where the love interests are COMPLETELY blind and it's infuriating to watch 😫. you both are so awkward it's hilarious and cute. the advice here is to be open minded, i feel you're doubting this person because you have a wrong perception of them, get to know them more and make an effort!!!

i can not stress that enough, it's showing multiple times in your reading. this is someone compatible for you and the attraction is there. i can't quite pinpoint what is exactly making you both doubtful, maybe other people??

bottom line is that they like you as well and they are planning to take action towards you but you need to do that as well babes. for the ones who friendzone them (lmao) spirit says they also wanna come towards you but you crushed their hopes and now they think there's 0 chances. you have to make an effort group number three. the ball is in your court!! if what you wanted is confirmation that they are your person you have it, spirit says it will be successful but you need to OPEN UP GIRL, don't be afraid to love, you got this diva.

that's all for your reading my love, i send you lots of love and strength, Nina 🦢⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

[merafanbrainthatmerafans]

Demon Slayer Characters React to Y/N Wearing Their Clothes

🌸 Hashira

🔹 Giyuu Tomioka → Freezes. STARES. His haori on you?? It’s too much. He turns bright red, avoids eye contact, and mutters, “You can… keep it if you want.” Secretly dying inside. If you tease him about it, he’ll stammer out a weak, “It’s just a piece of clothing,” but the way he keeps glancing at you says otherwise. If you fall asleep in it? He’ll carefully adjust it around you, making sure you stay warm. (Soft boy alert.)

🔹 Sanemi Shinazugawa → Spits out his drink. “The hell are ya wearing my uniform for?!” but he’s BLUSHING HARD. He snatches his coat back, only to put it around your shoulders properly and grumble, “Looks better on you anyway.” If you wear it again later, he’ll act like he doesn’t care, but his ears turn red. If you playfully say, “I just wanted to smell like you,” he short-circuits and storms off.

🔹 Kyojuro Rengoku → SMILES SO BIG. “AH! IT SUITS YOU MAGNIFICENTLY!!” Definitely wraps an arm around you and tells everyone you’re his now. If you try to take it off, he’ll insist, “No, no! You must wear it for the rest of the day!” He’ll even compliment you in front of others, making them jealous of how much attention he’s giving you.

🔹 Tengen Uzui → Smirks. “Well, aren’t you just the flashiest thing I’ve ever seen?” Teases you endlessly but LOVES it. Will not take his headband back. It’s yours now. If his wives see you in his haori, they giggle and whisper about how cute you two are, making Tengen extra smug. “See? Even my wives approve!”

🔹 Muichiro Tokito → Blinks. “Oh.” That’s all he says. But later, when he thinks you’re asleep, he mumbles, “You look really nice in it…” If you catch him staring, he’ll turn away and pretend he wasn’t looking. If you say, “You should let me wear it more often,” he’ll just nod absentmindedly. But if anyone tries to take it off you? He suddenly gets possessive and tells them to leave you alone.

🔹 Mitsuri Kanroji → SQUEALS. Runs up and hugs you, saying, “You’re soooo cute! We match now!!” Might actually cry happy tears. If you wear it around other people, she’ll cling to your arm proudly and show you off. “Doesn’t Y/N look adorable?! Ahhh, I could die from happiness!” She’ll also probably make you matching outfits in the future.

🔹 Obanai Iguro → “...Take it off.” You think he’s mad, but really? He’s just so flustered he can’t function. Will turn away but sneak glances at you the whole time. If you pout and say, “I thought you’d like it,” he’ll groan and give up. “Fine. Keep it. But don’t let anyone else see you in it.” His snake Kaburamaru, on the other hand, seems to approve and curls around your arm.

🔹 Gyomei Himejima → Smiles warmly. “It brings me joy to see you in my robes.” Places a gentle hand on your head. Will let you wear it whenever you want. If you ever say it makes you feel safe, he will literally MELT and offer to let you have one permanently.

🌓 Upper Moons & Muzan

🔹 Kokushibo → Freezes mid-breath. Looks you up and down in complete silence. Finally, he just exhales, “...Hmph.” (Translation: He’s losing his mind but won’t admit it.) If you wear it while he’s training, he won’t be able to concentrate. He’ll eventually sigh and say, “You may keep it,” but if you watch closely, you’ll see his fingers twitch slightly like he wants to adjust it for you.

🔹 Douma → Smirks and immediately pulls you into his lap. “Ooooh~ aren’t you adorable?” Probably sniffs the fabric and claims, “It smells like me now. Perfect.” If you try to give it back, he’ll refuse. “Nope! It’s yours now, my dear~ You look too good in it!” Expect lots of compliments and mischievous teasing.

🔹 Akaza → Breaks. He stares, jaw slack, face burning red. “Y-Y/N… why…?” If you tease him, he will short-circuit. If you say, “I just wanted to be close to you,” he’ll get SO flustered and suddenly become the softest thing ever. If anyone dares to comment on it, they’re getting punched.

🔹 Muzan Kibutsuji → “You’re wearing MY coat?” Raises an eyebrow, then smirks. “Very well. That means you belong to me now, doesn’t it?” 100% possesses you. He’ll wrap an arm around your waist and let everyone know that you’re his, daring anyone to even look at you the wrong way.

🎴 Main Three + Genya

🔹 Tanjiro Kamado → Gasps. “That’s my haori!” He’s flustered but beaming. Will say something sweet like, “It suits you beautifully.” If you wear it on a cold night, he’ll wrap his arms around you and say, “Stay warm, okay?”

🔹 Zenitsu Agatsuma → FAINTS ON THE SPOT. When he wakes up, he clutches your hands and cries, “Please never take it off!!!” If you say, “Do I look good in it?” he’ll wail dramatically about how you look like an angel sent from heaven.

🔹 Inosuke Hashibira → “YOU DARE STEAL FROM ME?!” Acts dramatic but secretly thinks you look better than him in it and gets grumpy about it. If you challenge him to a fight for ownership of the clothes, he’ll actually go along with it just to mess with you. But if anyone else tries to take it off you? They’re getting drop-kicked.

🔹 Genya Shinazugawa → STUTTERS LIKE CRAZY. “T-That’s…my jacket…” Crosses arms and refuses to make eye contact but is actually super soft inside. If you keep wearing it, he’ll pretend to be annoyed, but one night, you’ll catch him staring and blushing. If you confront him, he’ll just mumble, “...You look really good in it, alright?”

[somnus-lucis-caelum]

To live in peace… that sounded so far away. Somnus could not even imagine it. He had learned very soon that he would fight for his entire life, and he took no issue with that. His powers were made for such. He was made for such. It was what he could do well. So to expect a long lasting peace in the future?

Maybe that sounded a little too unrealistic in his ears… but he would not tell her that.

Not when she had such sweet words for him.

Her heart. Somnus’ blue eyes mustered Aerith in quiet surprise. If he held her heart… his fingers stilled for a moment, digging slightly into the fabric of her dress. If she held him this close and important…

There was s ting in his eyes. For a brief moment. But Somnus closed them fast enough. And then manage da little forced grin. He could not admit to such vulnerability. To such a weakness.

“Well… if that’s the case, I will have to fight twice as hard to shield your heart from any harm.”

The bliss he felt with her on this morning had to fizzle to an end. Of course. They might have been able to avoid breakfast and other early morning duties. But soon Aerith’s maids would carefully knock on the door and request the Princess.

Somnus sighed at it, but he ‘released’ Aerith from his embrace and got to preparing himself for the day, while Aerith was fussed over by her maids. Though he could not deny he was stealing glances to her every now and then – and he was unable to wipe the soft smile form his lips.

How could he be so impatient to have her at his side again? Why did he perk up so much waiting in the corridors when she finally appeared and they could walk to where the others waited in the courtyard? Why could he barely peel his eyes from her?

Gods help him.

It was hard to make a serious face when they finally arrived. Greeted by Gilgamesh, the Prince Consort, Leander and his troop, Aerith’s uncle and a row of other trained fighters that stood at the forefront of a larger part of the armies. The Queen stood a little to the side at the top of a set of stairs. No doubt she had the final say in how this all would happen and work.

The instructions were clear. In preparation for the coming battles, the Prince and Princess would show their powers to the armies of the other. So the soldiers could get used to it, get an overall idea of how fighting styles meshed and acted accordingly.  

Of course Somnus had to show off more. After all his powers were more offensive, he had led attacks and battles before, he would also lead the front lines now. Aerith would bolster their abilities with her spells, she had her own set of attacks, but it was decided that she should mainly use them for her own protection and good. She was a too valuable asset to be put in direct danger. And her healing was the vital duty after the dust settled.

There were different movesets shown, repeated, added to. Alone, in groups, explanations with the other soldiers exchanged. Hour after hour ticked by and the sun was long past its highest point, lowering at the sky again when there finally seemed to be enough.

Somnus huffed a breath. He could feel a small trickle of sweat bead down his spine. Looking to Aerith, he gave a small questioning nod. Was she fine?

They were called to the Queen and he would offer the Princess his arm easily again. Everyone seemed pleased with how this had gone, though. Even though Somnus had refused to show one particular aspect of his powers.

Immediately he bowed his head to the Queen.

“Your Majesty. I hope we fulfilled this to your satisfaction. I am happy to have met your troops and they assured me they would carry the word to the rest of your armies. They are very well trained men. If there is nothing more you want us to show and teach your people today, I may request to retreat alongside the Princess, though.”

Somnus refused her small apology with honeyed words of reassurance.

She was just right.

Aerith couldn't hide her smile even if she wanted to. She felt bright — and she realised his thoughts mattered to her, truly. That encouragement wouldn't have felt so full of warmth otherwise.

Her head tilted a little as he continued on, speaking of a wish. That smile of hers calmed when he let his wish be known. Were it up to him, he would shield her from the harsh realities of war and battle. Were it up to him, he would spend a lifetime indulging a more gentled spirit of adventure.

She hummed, it almost sounded like a tone of agreement.

"... that is why we must fight." Aerith spoke softly, almost a whisper. "You wish for an age of peace, where we would have the freedom of choice." She brushed his hair back, her lips tilting into a half-smile. "I want that for you too. For you to live in peace, not at war..." That wasn't possible though. Not yet.

Her brows knit together a little. "I won't let you stand alone. You..." He was not her soldier. He was not a pawn to play, his armiger could turn the tides of battle but he was more than what he could do. "You hold my heart." Wherever he was, an important piece of her followed. "So I have to be selfish. I'm going to support you in the battle to come, and I will keep my heart from being hurt. We will have to fight on together, towards a future of peace... right?"

[siilent-wanderer]

Meeting the Family

aespa bringing their girlfriend to meet their family

masterlist

Jimin

leading up to the meeting, Jimin is meticulous in preparing you

she’ll tell you all about her family, their interests, and even give you a list of topics that will impress them

she’s a little nervous because her parents are quite traditional and very protective

which sounds intimidating and scary

but she reassures you that they’ll love you

the moment you step in, her mom instantly becomes soft

Jimin was right, you’re charming

her dad is initially stoic, I mean that IS his maknae we're talking about

but when he sees how Jimin looks at you (like you hung the stars in the sky), he eases up

after dinner, her mom takes you aside

“You’re the reason my Jimin smiles like that?” and she pats your hand approvingly

on the drive home, Jimin keeps stealing glances at you, squeezing your hand like she’s silently saying thank you

Aeri

“Babe, they’re gonna love you,” she says casually

but deep down, she’s praying that no one embarrasses her

the moment you walk in, her family is already cracking jokes and teasing Aeri about how she finally brought someone home

her mom adores you instantly

like you literally get complimented every five seconds

“Aigoo, you’re so pretty! How did Aeri get so lucky?”

her dad does the fake intimidating dad act, but Aeri just groans

“Dad, please. You’re not scaring anyone.”

her friends definitely pull you aside to tell you some embarrassing story about her

when you leave, her mom hugs you tightly and says, “Come back anytime, sweetheart. Even if it’s without Aeri.”

Aeri whines about that all night but secretly loves that her family adores you

Minjeong

she downplays the whole thing but is actually internally panicking

Minjeong’s family is warm and welcoming, but they love teasing her

“So you’re dating our Minjeong? How do you put up with her?”

her older brother is a little awkward at first, but soon starts treating you like a future in-law

her mom serves a ton of food, subtly testing if you like Korean home-cooked meals

Minjeong gets flustered when they show baby photos of her

and you’re having the time of your life seeing little chubby-cheeked Winter

she’s extra clingy after dinner, whispering “Don’t laugh too much. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

before you leave, her mom tells you to take care of her

Minjeong melts at how naturally you fit in with her family

Yizhuo

Yizhuo hypes you up on the way there

“They’re going to love you. Actually, they’re gonna love you more than me.”

spoiler alert: she’s right

but also, her ENTIRE FAMILY is there

good thing you studied a little bit of Mandarin before coming

the moment you walk in, her parents are thrilled that she’s dating someone so sweet

her relatives (especially aunts/uncles) love talking to you

and you catch Yizhuo just watching you with a fond smile

at one point, her parents bring up marriage, jokingly

“When are you two getting married?”

Yizhuo doesn’t even deny it — just laughs and says, “We’ll see.”

before you leave, her mom hugs you tightly and slips you extra snacks, whispering, “You make my daughter happy. That’s all I need.”

Yizhuo pulls you close on the way home, murmuring “I told you they’d love you.”

[misguidedasgardian]

AMOR VINCINT OMNIA VI.

VI. Thesis

MASTERLIST

Summary: There was no such thing as settling 

Warnings: Use of she/her pronouns, reader has hair, Ancient Rome AU accuracies and inaccuracies, arranged marriages, age difference (Marcus is late forties reader is 20), cursing, we are shorter than Marcucs, reader is touch starved, depression, angst, reader is lonely, life threatening disease, gladiator fights, animal slaughtering for ritualistic purposes, MIGHT MISS SOME WARNINGS

Notes: Ufff another chapter of which i had scenes written before the prologue! uuhhh

“Ubi tu Gaius, Ego Gaia”, if she was acting, it was very convincing, you thought. As you looked at your mother and you could see, clear as day, the adoration lurking in her eyes.

Perhaps she did like him at least, he was a handsome man, his hair already painted a bit white though, but now you understood where Lucius got his looks. 

Speaking of Lucius, you felt his gaze on you, but you tried to ignore it.

His villa was the greatest and most lavish thing you have ever seen, tall walls and ample spaces, everywhere you looked there was gold, golden statues, marble pillars painted with gold, lavish pools with the most beautiful mosaics you had seen. 

A huge garden, where you stood now, the smell of various flowers hit your senses.

It was customary that the ceremony was done in your mother’s villa, in the Palatine HIll, but… this was her second marriage, and he was Consus Licinio Craso, so, things were… different, they differed from tradition altogether. . 

As you gazed on those who had gathered there, all of Rome, mostly, you were saddened to not see Publio, he had also left, his mission took him North, northern still across the sea to Britannia, even norther, to the border with Caledonia. 

You couldn’t wait for him to return to hear about his stories, you were sure they were going to be great. 

But now you were being drawn to the present by the squealing of the sacrificed pigs.

Why did you always find yourself witnessing that?

Three times in less than a year, including your own in your own wedding.

You took a long breath, the metallic smell of blood reaching even you, standing at the side.

Oh Marcus

He had been gone for four weeks, missed the whole betrothal and wedding, and signing of contracts and all. 

With your friend gone to really witness the “afters” of her wedding, you were really beginning to think it wasn’t a big deal to begin with, it was only a signed paper, which you could undo, so… the theatrical of it all started to bore you.

You stifled a whimper as you looked down in shame

You were becoming a cynic

You were becoming something dark, that you didn’t want to be

You wondered where that sweet girl was, the one who had woken up one morning happy that the sun was shining, and was optimistic about her future, about her arranged marriage, you wondered where she was.

You wondered what she’d think, to look at herself now, crying everyday, alone, so alone.

She’d be terrified of what the future held for her.

“Run”, you’d tell her, “get in a Trirreme for Alexandria, go live in a small farm in the edge of the Nile, raise goats or something, do not fall in love unless they fall in love with you first”

“FELICITER!”, everyone cheered and you had no choice but to pretend you had said it too, and to start clapping. 

As the lavish feast started, you stayed in the garden, trying not to gaze at Lucius with a beautiful young woman dangling from his strong arm. He had been betrothed, which had been a long time coming, you wondered how it didn’t happen sooner, and then you remembered he had been aiming for you for years.

Years

And it all had come to this, you thought as you gazed upon your mother and Consus, speaking inside with senators, he was your new stepfather, your paterfamilias, if you hadn't married Marcus first of course. 

Your mother relinquished all her rights on you to him, you were his, Marcus’ if you divorced him, you wouldn’t get nothing, you couldn’t be your own person, you’d be dependent on him even if you wanted to marry somebody else.

You should have said something when you knew, to protest, to question, but you trusted your mother and she trusted him, so…

It seemed like there was no way out for you. 

You took a seat in a stone bench by one of the fountains, letting the sun fall around you, leaving you in darkness. You’ve come to like the dark though, in this weeks,  it shielded you, you felt like you could put down your mask, especially in crowded events like this, you could stop pretending that everything was fine.

But nothing could be hidden from your mother, who took a seat right by your side.

“Your guests will miss the honored woman”, you mumbled

“They can wait”, she whispered. “How have you taken Marcus’ absence?”. she asked, and you cringed at the name, because she always called him Acacius, calling him by his first name would be an act of familiarity you thought only belonged to you.

“I’m fine”

“I’m glad”, she said, “Because I will be gone for a couple of months”, you looked back at her, alarmed. “We are going to Greece”, she whispered, with a soft smile and a strange shine in her eyes. “Consus fixed this Trirreme, with golden statues and luxury”, as she spoke, you were looking at her carefully, and you couldn’t believe that was your mother at all. You didn’t recognize her, you thought she didn’t care about all that. 

“For long?”, you asked

“Just a couple of months”, she whispered, she eyed you carefully, you nodded. Marcus’ departure had already left you heartbroken enough not to care much, and you had barely seen your mother since you married Marcus anyways.

They all leave

You wondered when Cecilia was going to come back from Sicily .

You missed her terribly. 

“I wish you have a great time, mother”, you whispered

“I’ll leave you to care for Rome”, she said as she would like you were a small child, you only nodded. she caressed the side of your face and your hair. “You have become a woman in this short months”, she admired, caressing your cheeks

Is misery the real barrier between a girl and a woman?

The night ended with little to less excitement for you.

And speaking of excitement…

The twin emperors of Rome were hosting their first games, in celebration of your mothers nuptials. It was set to be a great event, ten days filled with gladiator battles, performances of the greatest glories of Rome, for one, they were going to fill the Colosseum with water to reenact a naval battle.

It was going to be a great spectacle

And for the first time, your heart wasn’t in it.

As you sat there, next to your mother, watching the battles, the blood, the chariots that used to fill you with excitement, you felt little to nothing.

Maybe it was the line between girlhood or womanhood.

That nothing thrilled you anymore.

The spectacle was great, showcasing Rome’s might that still lingered after all the efforts of your grandfather. 

It was still bittersweet. 

You had been raised with whispers of the power and might of the blood that flowed through your veins and yet here you stood, alone, at this point you truly believed you were going to be alone forever.

As you were married now, seemed like you had turned invisible, the men that used to smile and you and talked to you barely gazed upon you, and well, their wives would draw small talk from you, but not completely engaging as your mother and you always kept a close circle, now you knew why, because of the emperors, but still, that meant you had few friends. 

So as everyone was watching the spectacle of gladiators killing each other, you looked at the people, all of them in the pulvinus, to those closest to it. All with wide smiles but your mother, her disgust for blood hidden in the small branches of lavender tangled around her fingers. 

“My sweet, you should come with us”, she offered after the spectacle was over, you looked at her expectantly, “you should come stay with us, in Consus’ villa”, she explained, grabbing onto your forearm, you just watched her silently, then, behind her in the pulvinus, you saw lucius, looking at you with a look that was hard to define 

“I prefer to retrieve myself to the comfort of my home”, you said quickly, you grabbed onto your mother’s hand and squeezed, “I’ll see you soon, mother”. 

You made sure to not come back to the Colosseum for the rest of the game, claiming you were feeling a bit unwell.

You missed what the entire city called the greatest fight they had ever seen. As regards the flooding and the boats included. 

But you had other things to occupy your mind. 

You had hired three painters, who were now drawing very graphic pictures of battles, myths across the walls of the triclinium and atrium, and then some more erotic scenes near your personal rooms and the bath room. 

With the height of spring on you it seemed like the most logical place to start, with arts, as you grew your garden slowly. 

You realize you found solace and contentment while making your villa a home, making it more beautiful, more lively, as if Marcus was not going to give you a family, at least you could spend the money on fixing your surroundings. 

He told you could do it anyways.

You had bought tapestries from Greece, as beautiful amphoras for the oils and grains, beautifully carved wood furniture from Nubia, the finest cottons you had seen from Alexandria, and you had made tunics for you, Thulia and Diana for the coming summer. 

From Alexandria you also had purchased scrolls, with ancient tales of Egypt and Carthage, they were all in Greek, but… you knew how to read it thankfully. 

You didn't even feel guilty when you bought yourself some nice jewelry. a beautiful bracelet of a snake slithering around your forearm.

You used to look at the Roman Eagle with admiration, owls seeking for wisdom and the mythical animal that had fed Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome itself, the wolves, with reverence.

But as you gazed on that golden snake you’d realise, It had its own qualities, it was sneaky, slithering about on the tall grass, quiet, with the ability of changing its skin, being born again as it were. You wore it everyday now. 

You received missives from your mother who was travelling through the islands of Greece, and you would enjoy her tales of beautiful sights. 

And you were not going to lie, for when you found yourself alone, in your cold room at night, you felt incredible jealousy.

That ship had been built for Lucius and you, he had said so himself, and yet, you laid there, alone, and your mother was aboard it, with her new husband that would take her with him in his journeys.

You didn’t care about the gold, about the boat, about the golden coins, but, you did care about… well… about being married to someone who actually wanted you.

With tumultuous thoughts and dark dreams you managed to actually wake up when the sun was on the horizon. 

And the days, turned to weeks, turned to a couple of months…. 

“I do not think this is a good idea”, you said, stifling a giggle, when you saw the work

 You were correcting one of the painters, who had drained one of the impluvium and was installing a beautiful mosaic 

“I did this to your image, domina”. the man explained, oh yes, he had immortalized you in tiny pieces of beautifully colored stones, the problem was that you were naked, and it was clearly you. “Nobody would tell”, he said lightly, “it’ll be a secret between you and me”, you only shook your head and let him keep to it. 

“Put more jasmines and laurels around it though, it might distract those who gaze upon it o the likeness to me”, you jested, and he chuckled, shaking his head but was determined to please you.

But again, as you started to find some kind of rhythm to your life… someone came and disrupted it.

You heard a commotion outside your villa’s gates, horses neighing, voices shouting, people complaining.

“A legionnaire had never crossed Roman’s gates in the last hundred years”, someone shouted, and if you weren’t in the atrium itself, you wouldn’t have heard any of it.  

And from a second to the nest, both the thick wooden doors of your home opened widely, you jumped where you stood as you truly believed they were going to kill you or something, but no.

“What’s wrong?”, you asked, alarmed, as the atrium, from one moment to the next, was filled with legionnaires, and medicus. Four soldiers carried Marcus himself who laid in a grabatum

It had happened quickly, you had received news from your husband himself that himself as his army had managed to cross the Mediterranean and reached Tarraco, a port in Hispania, and everything went well.

The letter was very formal, but you appreciated it nonetheless.

And now this… two months after

“The General has fallen ill my lady”, Quintus, his right hand man said, placing his arm across his chest in sign of respect towards you

“Is he going to be alright?”, you asked, concerned, you followed the soldiers to Marcus’ rooms, you reached it just when he was being placed gently in his bed

“The General started feeling unwell after we reached Tarraco”, he said, “he refused treatment, and the idea of returning, but three days ago, we had to put him in the first Trirreme back to Rome my lady, he caught a fever in the journey”

“Nobody cared for him in Terraco?”, you asked him, anger started bubbling inside of you

“We… couldn’t trust anybody with the health of the general”, he said carefully, you nodded, your eyes returning to his shaky form on the bed

“We had not managed to break the fever”, said a medicus, that wore some reduced version of the armor, he must have been the one who went with them to treat their wounds…. battle wounds

When you saw your husband there, his forehead sweaty and heavy breathing, is like everything your mother ever thought you came back to you.

You grabbed Diana who was passing by the arm a bit rougher, but this was not the time for pleasantries

“Go to the market, NOW, bring me ginger, chamomile and coriander if you find it”

“Yes Domina”, she said quickly, and ran to fulfill your command, understanding the emergency.

“Thulia!”, you called, and she was by your side in a minute, “bring me a bucket of fresh water, and some linens”, you commanded, she nodded and went quickly

“My lady…”, called the medicus with warning

“I know what I’m doing”, you said firmly.

Since the fresh water and linens arrived first, you wasted no time in sitting by Marcus’ side on the bed, you grabbed the linens, soaked them in water, and placed them all over his trembling body

“We tried that already”, said the old man impatiently

“So we gotta keep trying”, you insisted. You needed to lower his body temperature somehow. Diana came running back, giving you the herbs as she took deep accelerated breaths.

“Thank you”, you said, “the mortar”, you called, and for the first time alone, you prepared the tonic your mother had taught you to use for this sort of cases. 

Once ready, you ran to his side, grabbed the back of his head, made him lean in, and you made him drink your concoction. He frowned and fought it, even in his condition, the thing had a strong smell, and a strong taste as well, but you managed to slide it down his throat, and that is what mattered. 

And you dedicate yourself to care for your husband

Fear took a tight grip on you, was he going to die? The bare thought brought tears to your eyes. He was your husband, your mother’s dearest friend and ally, yes he wasn’t caring, but not because of it you wanted him to die.

You had prayed on your home’s altar for his safety, for his health and for his victories, clearly, you had not been heard. 

Hours passed by and you were stuck to his side, changing the rags over his foreheads. You took the liberty of raising his toga, touching his body. it was so odd, the first you had looked upon his naked legs, his intimacy only covered by his subligaria, and yet you did not wasted time to gaze, you touched his belly, and not only you found it hard, by his years of battle and training, but warm, unnaturally warm. 

You took a long breath feeling the air around you, the spring had made sure to warm the land so you wouldn't be traumatizing his body to much lower temperatures. You grabbed a wet rag and placed it on his belly.

He shuddered, but you needed to lower his temperature

And you had tried everything, now it all depended on him, and on the gods. You realised it was already the middle of the night by the time you ended your care. 

He was still burning, but you wanted to believe that he had lowered his temperature somehow. 

You didn’t even notice how everyone left you alone with him, but you didn’t care, as you tried to care for him as much as you could, with everything your mother had taught you. Many had called her a sorceress, accused her of poisoning men like your own uncle, but they didn’t understand. Not really. 

As sleep overtook you, you fell asleep on top of him, clinging onto him, hoping your body temperature would help to lower his. 

.

“You have to eat something domina”, Diana said softly, you nodded, waking up slowly, still hugging Marcus against you. But you separated from him, grabbing little fruit, bread and cheese that she was offering. You grabbed the pitch of water and tried to give it to Marcus, to your relief, he did drink something.

“Bring me more rags, more water”, you said, and Thulia was the one to bring those things to you. “Fetch the medicus”, you asked of them, and both went to find him their separate ways to make it faster. 

You grabbed a bowl and a rag, ready to start your care again for the morning, when he seemed to stir on his sleep. You watched him carefully, but he didn’t open his eyes, but he did open his mouth…

“Lucilla…”, you froze with the damped cloth in your hand, paralyzed, “... my love”, he whispered.

“Marcus?”, you called, but he was deep in lethargy, his eyes closed and his forehead frowned in anguish

“I love you… Lucilla”, he whined. “But I won't…anymore”

Your heart broke in a million pieces, just like the clay bowl you had in your hands that you dropped and fell to the floor. 

So he did prefer women to men, only that the woman he preferred was your mother. It was horrible the way everything seemed to fall into place. Now you understood so many things you wished you never understood. 

“Gods”, you whispered brokenly.

Luckily, the medicus entered the room.

“You have done great domina, he has almost returned to himself!”, he said, relieved, taking your palace by his side, “you should rest, my lady”, he said softly. 

You only nodded, leaving them alone, you walked the now beautiful corridors back to your own room, as tears fell uncontrollably down your cheeks. 

PCN: uuhh did you saw that coming?

I have re-ratched gladiator I and Lucilla seemed to now a thing or two about tonics, so I wanted to deepen into that.

taglist! @orcasoul @peelieblue @raynetargaryan2 @thereallchristine @sesdeuxyeux @melsunshine @thelastemzy @vjuvbbjugv @cloudroomblog @capycapy-bara @lokiwife2021 @whirlwindrider29 @peepawispunk @syd-maximoff @ayoungpascallover

[sqgeism]

Can I request a Boothill x Reader? :3 GN!Reader preferably. Reader is a quiet person around most people, ofc happy and talkative with their friends and Boothill. They also dislike touch but when it comes to Boothill theyre always happier to hug and kiss him, hold hands ect.

Bascially Boothill with a GN!S/O who is kinda quiet to others but as soon as they're with Boothill they're much more loving and talkative to him cuz they love him that much, Giving gifts ect

If it's too much don't worry ^^ Thank you for considering

𐙚 𓏵𓏵𓏵 𐙚 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐲 | boothill x gender neutral reader

love mail — cuuutie cutie request with a special layout, no less ! reminds me of an old post aaaaalll the way back then, which fyi, give it a read (yes im self promoting things i wrote 2 years ago) <3 here's your req ! much love, thanks for the love mail (〃´o｀)=3

when boothill met you, his sweet, caring, loving s/o for the first time — he would've never guessed that you and him would ever get married in the future. you were always so reserved, kept to yourself.. people thought it meant you were untrusting to others, in reality, you were kind of just antisocial. you liked your own space, and people misunderstood that.

there comes boothill, who also wants to enjoy your space. you found him to be a handful, annoying, and downright insufferable person to be around.. at least for the first few days.

and unfortunately the cheesy little jokes and the 'cowboy life stories' slithered their way into your heart. you found yourself searching for him, and despite his wanted status, he always let himself be found. underneath the moonlight with a shared cigar, you and him exchanged secrets that were between you two and the stars.

boothill tended to notice some smaller habits starting to become of you that he wasn't sure you noticed. typically, you avoided touch from others. whether it be a hug from stelle, or friendly hand holding through markets with robin, you always refused. but sometimes you'd cling to boothill through busy crowds, or you'll help brush away hair from his face, or the rarest of it all — let him do your hair for you. you would sometimes talk about how bored you were with your hair, and so, he'd often times bring little accessories or a brush around with him to mess with it a bit. and you never protested, not once.

there's this added factor that you've started to 'leave your mark' on him. little stickers you left on his body, a chunk of his hair braided, hell — you made him a pretty little necklace that he wears all the time now. boothill had his suspicions that you were into him, and he was PRAYING he was right cause aeons know how long he's liked YOU.

when you eventually confessed your feelings, via playing a song that basically said 'i like you' through your shared earphones and hoping he'd understand (he got it eventually), he figured you'd stay the same. subtle, but still caring.. which was really cute. but aeons, his heart burst when you became GENUINELY clingy, like bless his mechanical heart for not overheating cause he was not used to this change.

head on his shoulder always, hands intertwined is a MUST, playing with his hair and poking at his cheek.. you just loved being around him, and he was RELISHING in this. the slowburn game worked cause look at him now; the most clung onto man on earth. and he is JUMPING FOR JOY!!

he loves it when you get clingy, his favorite is when you rest ontop of him and demand attention. forehead kisses, face squishes, he's doing it all. and he loves the fact you love it, his personal stress ball.

but honestly, he's just happy you've gotten out of your shell. sure, you're still a little reserved around others, but when hes got his arm around your waist while you're with friends, he can see the tiniest spark of more confidence. a bit more bubbly fun in that stoic attitude of yours.

and he likes biting you. you give him cuteness aggression, take what you will with that.

[httpsdana]

hey queen!! I hope that your exams went as you hoped and that you’re doing well🙂‍↕️

I would like to request a hurt/comfort fic with Pau where the reader comforts him after his red card in the cl match against benfica🫶 the reader’s worried about Pau since he‘s being super hard on himself and feels really down. since he’s upset he gets quite clingy, so y/n gives him lots of hugs, holds his hands, runs her hand through his hair, gives him small kisses, etc, to console him. generally just super sweet at fluffy <33

thanks in advance!! also btw your writing is literally BOMBBB, I love it sm😛😛

Mistakes Happen~Pau Cubarsi

・❥・prompt list

・❥・masterlist -> part 2

・❥・who I write for

・❥・a/n: my exams were so bad but thank youu 💓 should've written this ages ago but I was too lazy to do it so. enjoy <3

When he got the red card against Benfica, almost everyone lost hope. It was the same scenario as last year; getting a red card early in the match and continuing the rest with only 10 players against a tough opponent.

Except this time, they managed to win. And although she was happy that the team won, her thoughts drifted to the teenage boy who had left the pitch early, trying not to cry.

As soon as the match ended, she took her phone and dialed his number. It rang a few times before he answered.

“amor…” His voice was weak, breath shaky and unsteady.

“Pau…hi, baby,” she murmured, trying to ignore the way her chest hurt at the tone of his voice.

There was silence for a while. Neither of them dared to say a word.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, a deep sigh escaping his lips.

She clutched her phone tighter, trying not to tear up.

“Don’t be, cariño. Things like this happen in football,” she said, her voice soft and comforting. She hugged her phone close to her chest, wishing she could hold him instead.

“I…” He was about to say something before some noise in the background interrupted him.

“I’ll come by soon. Coach needs us now,” he said, and she nodded as if he could see her.

“Okay, baby. I love you,” she said, almost seeing him smile a little.

“I love you more,” he mumbled before the line went dead.

After a few hours of waiting, there was a gentle knock at the door. She jumped from her bed to open it, careful not to wake her parents. She opened the door, and there stood Pau, a frown on his face and his shoulders slumped in disappointment.

“Come in, amor,” she said, grabbing his hand gently and guiding him to her room before closing the door behind them.

She wrapped her arms around him briefly, holding him tight as if trying to offer him a little warmth and comfort.

She didn’t dare say a word when Pau pulled away and sat on the edge of her bed, his face in his hands to avoid looking into her eyes.

“I messed up badly…” he murmured, his voice broken and hurt.

“You didn’t, Pau. Mistakes in football happen. And the team won, so don’t be hard on yourself, baby,” she said, sitting beside him and gently brushing the hair off his forehead. She reached out to hold his hand, giving it a soft squeeze.

“But I made it harder on them. Pedri almost passed out from how much he ran, covering the spaces where I was supposed to be,” he let out a sigh, leaning his head against her shoulder. She wrapped her arm around his back, pulling him closer.

“No one is blaming you. You did your job, even if it didn’t end up like we expected,” she said, pressing a light kiss on his forehead. She held him for a moment, offering him comfort through her touch.

“I just wanted to make you proud,” he whispered, his eyes closing as he breathed in her scent.

“You know I’m always proud of you, Pau. I’m so proud of everything you’ve done and are doing right now. You’re only eighteen, for God’s sake,” she chuckled softly, making him hum. She kissed the top of his head gently, her fingers brushing through his hair.

“Promise you’ll always be proud of me in the future?” He looked up at her, his green eyes blurred with tiredness.

“I’ll always be proud of you, cariño,” she mumbled, cupping his jaw gently before leaning down and kissing his lips softly. The kiss was tender, lingering for just a moment before she pulled back.

“Come on, let’s get you to sleep,” she said, pulling him up with her and covering his body with the blanket. She kissed him again, this time on the cheek, as she settled him in.

She laid back beside him, and before she had the chance to cover herself, Pau’s head was on her chest, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he let out a deep sigh.

“I love you, princesa,” he muttered, his eyes already closing.

“I love you more, honey. I’m so proud of you,” she said against his hair, pressing a kiss on the corner of his head before she herself drifted to sleep.

my taglist: @barcapix @paucubarsisimp @spidybaby @mxryxmfooty @n0vazsq @joaosnovia @ilovebarcaaaa @f1lover55 @jajajhaahaha (lmk if you want to be added!!)

[odileeclipse]

I just wanted to thank everyone

Thank you to everyone who's supported me thus far and to those in the future who will also support me, I started this blog because I wanted to share my writing publicly for the first time. I am super passionate about my writing it serves as a reflection of who I am and I think that's beautiful. Aristotle claimed that meaning in life is tied down to pursuing intellect, I disagree something that provides meaning to my life in this current moment is making people happy through the stories I write. When I was younger, I always said I wanted to write beautifully and poetically, to be someone that when they speak, you'd hear their beauty. I don't know if I'm quite there yet but I'm working towards it. But I have seen it in my writing sometimes. It makes me feel as though I've fulfilled something I once strived for and continue to strive towards. And to the people who have read and supported have only solidified my belief, in turn bringing some meaning to my life through community. So, thank you to everyone who is with me now and to those who will join me in the future, perhaps I'm being too sentimental, but I've put a lot of heart into these fics even if it is about a silly cookie game it's something I'm deeply passionate about. Something, I hope is expressed through it and it is thanks to the people who continuously motivate me to continue writing. Thank you.

-Odile

[writingwisterias]

idk if you would be interested with this but i might want to request an Eras Leon update about how Leon would handle his gf jealousy and overthinking about him and his female partner agent working together bc she had consumed a lot of partner in crime fictions and cheating news in the social media😵 (actually me)

HII! I can definitely do this and omg you gotta hit me up with all the partner in crime fictions fr!

Warnings: Jealousy, Light Angst, Suggestive, MDNI Fem! Reader

RE2:

You shouldn't be jealous, that in every letter he wrote back to you he mentioned a girl

His happiness was needed, of course it was after what he went through.

He managed to give you a breif explanation before he had to leave of that night and where he was going

It just didn't settle right, maybe it's because the only chance you saw him was for Christmas or another holiday they allowed him to go

Then they all he would talk about was his partner, the one he was constantly paired with for training/combat practice

It's only just before he leaves that he notices you are being silent, at first he brushed it off as you being sad he had to return to training again

Until you mentioned her, her name rolling off your tounge like something sour

It's then that he does everything he can to ensure that you trust him and feel comfortable.

Leaving the training wasn't an option you knew that, you didn't want him to get in trouble for causing a fuss either

So instead he worshiped you for a day....in every single way he knew you liked 🫣

RE4R:

It was hard being in the same department as him. Seeing all the other people fawn over him attempting to get a chance

You knew it would never happen, a guy doing wrap you in his arms and speak to you about his dreams for the future for nothing right?

But you can't help but get jealous when it seems like he leans into the attention despite the fact that he doesn't want to.

He doesn't want it but all you can see if him leaning against the wall listening to the people talk

His body language displaying that he cares about every word they say, of course he does though...it's Leon

It's until a girl touches him that he notices it.

The type of argument where you've buried it for too long and he's overwhelmed with your complaints

His silence is rough, your emotional state confusing it with his guilt

He has to kiss you to shut you up, holds you as you cry it out. Insecurities spilling from your lips in choked sobs

Leon will do anything he can to ensure you feel secure in the relationship again...besides his next mission in Spain is solo

So he'll be away from all the jealous girls for a while at least

Infinite Darkness:

He's a natural flirt, he never really noticed that he does it.

So when he gets to the point that girls take him seriously and you start to get pushed back

The agents pushing you to the background of his career despite the fact you do every mission together

He never really noticed it, not when he's just glad that you are alive and still with him

So when shen mei comes into the picture you catch her smiles despite rejecting him

Leon doesn't stop, why would he? He always does it

It's not until you tell him you don't like it that he stops, he just snaps out of that side of him that it's weird to everyone else

They all sort of remember that you even exist

Damnation:

It's not his fault he has to leave, you know that.

But it doesn't help with the growing distance that you feel like it forming

It also doesn't help that he relays every joke he makes to Hunnigan like he's keeping his own joke book.

This time was new though, there was a few sprinkled in that he exchanged with ada, you knew of her.

Understood their history, but she always came unexpected.

It had been a while since you both got date night, the tension was right for it in your cute little dress

Leon eye fucking you the entire night.

It was perfect.

But he wouldn't stop going on about them. Every single conversation was about them

One night is all you wanted and he couldn't give you that

It's not his fault that he sees them more and you are happy he has people that are in the same field (more so Hunnigan than ada)

When he realizes he shuts up, guilt eating away at him.

You notice he's stopped talking about them. Your own guilt forming after seeing his happiness talking about those stupid one-liners

So you both make sure to give ample affection to each other later, you make sure you think of nothing but each other

RE6:

It wasn't his fault that he ended up having to work with helana, but when you attended her sister funeral with him you could see the connection they had made

Shared trauma will do that to someone you guess but it ate at you

Even more so when they would see each other around the office and smile, stopping to catch up for a chat

Then he began inviting her for a drink, it felt invasive to this home you created with him

Almost making you feel isolated, like you didn't belong there

When you asked about it in the darkness of the room in his arms Leon was confused

In his head Helena is young and she would need support, after all he's been through something like the events of China before

But he didn't notice the closeness and will admit his faults

Apologizes quickly and works to at least make it up to you as best he can

Vendetta:

He's not been the easiest to deal with, understandable so

You gave him the space he needed, allowing him to choose who he wanted to comfort him despite the ache in your heart

It only became worse when he chose the one person that disliked you and the only person he currently worked duo missions with

You ate it down as much as you could, it wasn't the time..not for him

The uneasy feeling was validated when you wouldn't get a word from him for days, you knew deep down he'd never do anything

But he was different, using methods that changed his way of thinking. The trust could only go so far when he drank himself into a vulnerable state

Eventually it got too much. You weren't sure what triggered your outburst

Perhaps it was him returning from his "vacation" and getting dropped off by her. Like he called her before you

He was sober for once, and felt every word you said to him. Every complaint you kept quiet

The mask he wore slipped, and he needed you. So you gave him it

Anything and everything he needed. To prove that you'll always be here

He apologized, sobbed them. Showing you what a broken man he was

It wasn't the time to be jealous now, it wasn't fair on him. Not when he was nursing withdrawal and a headache.

He came to you with this, that had to be enough for now

Death Island:

You were both fine when you went into the mission. Having each other's backs

But then you collided with the otherz and he relied on their help more

It wasn't that he didn't trust your skills, not he just wanted to keep you away frome everything

He didn't have to worry about you if you weren't in the danger

You were annoying that you weren't listening to him, instead still putting yourself in harms way

Maybe he was being more protective because of the virus you just almost died from

But you noticed him leaning more towards Jill, every move he made seemed to work well with hers

It wasn't the time for jealousy or pettiness

Not when it could cost your life

So you didn't bring it up until the hotel, both of you using the shower getting rid of everything that had collected on your skin. Why not get rid of your thoughts

Now it probably wasn't a good idea because he was still pissed off at you not listening to him, his reaction is blunt and offended

You could died from not listening and you coming at him with accusations based on plain assumptions.

The anger fades quickly when you get in each other's faces. Becoming increasingly away of how close you are

So he'll prove where his loyalties are....and teach you a lesson for not listening

[rikosseen]

James Lee x Reader: Impending future

Anon request | Idol/bodyguard relationship

“You don’t seem happy. Won’t even meet my eyes?”

You offer a shrug.

“We’re essentially alone,” he muses.

A sigh escapes your mouth as you stiffly turn your head towards James. Then you point at the window next to him.

“I’m undercover,” he deadpans, responding to your gesture. “No fan’s crazy enough to barge into this place. Reservation only.”

You snort and look him up and down— still as noticeable as ever, you think. The murmurs from the restaurant staff confirm this.

“Who was that man you were talking to a while back?”

James arches a perfect eyebrow up and flashes his canines in amusement.

“Jealous?” he coos smugly.

“Curious,” you frown.

“Business,” he responds, eyeing you with a glint in his eyes.

This bastard.

“They say you’re leaving the industry.”

The man in front of you stiffens and smiles lazily before opening his mouth to talk again.

“About time, no?”

You pause, and James catches this hesitation. Though, he doesn’t move or react— only stares you down intently to see what you’ll do next.

“What will happen?” the question slips out unsurely.

He knows what you mean. But feigns ignorance and cocks his head anyway, gut suddenly twisting.

“What will happen to us?” you repeat, hands clenching in slight dread.

James looks around before his eyes reluctantly land on yours. A moment of silence stretches in the air. One that holds too much tension.

“What do you want?” his voice is soft— no hidden mockery behind his tone and no smile laced behind his sentence.

This makes you think— the thought of settling down making your insides churn and your face cringe at what could be. James seems to have read your thoughts because he clears his throat and speaks up.

“I’d like to stay by your side,” you interrupt boldly. “If it’s something you want too? I don’t— ”

Before you continue, two figures sitting on the table behind Diego lean in to listen in on the conversation. Your eyes narrow, and grab James’ wrist quickly in an attempt to get out of the restaurant. The man in front of you has a look of confusion momentarily plastered on his face before he notices what’s happening. Slowly, he turns around to see a bulging eye staring his way.

Is that Taesoo Ma..?

“He’s harmless,” James whispers, hot breath fanning your ears.

“He doesn’t seem to like you very much.”

“Yes, well. Haters can’t be helped.”

A more burly man wipes his mouth with a napkin with one hand before setting down a full-sized pumpkin with the other.

“Is he also a hater?”

“Probably,” James pauses before adding with a matter of fact tone, “He’s also vegan.”

“How nice to know,” you reply, exasperated.

This earns you a nudge from Diego.

“C’mon bodyguard, on with your duties. Those two make me feel threatened,” he pouts. “Let’s continue our conversation somewhere more private.

At this, you sneer but get ready to deal with the two strangers anyway.

[2-dsimp]

When zexius come I will get him kisses 💋 😘

Yandere Hikikomori x princess reader

Tw: fluff, yandere platonic mother, possibly the whole family turning yandere after you meet them. Zexius being the proud disappointment of the family. Family banter,

◣────•~❉᯽❉~•────◢

There the hikikomori was hunched over obsessively over a fancy piece of parchment paper from yours truly.

Your beloved husband to be, had his eyeballs repeatedly flickering across that one line of you promising him the chance to smooch those plump lips of yours.

His face flushed, chest heaving from breathing erratically, and lastly a wide smile one might call derange present upon his chapped lips. Gods he looked like he was on a sugar high, until he was smacked out of it.

“What have I told you about standing around looking like a creep up to no good?!“ A pained choked gasp escaped him, rubbing at the back of his head. Throwing a withering glare towards his brute of a mother responsible for his incoming head concussion.

“Yeowch! What’s the big deal ma? I can’t be out around the house being happy or somethin?” Zexius complained, with a small scowl on his lips, it was rare seeing him outside of his bedroom for once. He’d only go outside to fish out your letters, he subscribed to expensive premium Instamail for the fastest delivery.

His mother merely shook her head snatching the letter from his grasp. Practically ignoring her no good lazy son’s whining, “You can be happy, but don’t go scarin your poor younger brothers, you’re supposed to set an example as the eldest Zexi”

The NEET immediately gave the three twerps the stink eye. They were being nosy peeking around the corner. His scowl growing even deeper seeing the mixed looks they gave him.

Wagam of shock not believing that you still saw something in his rat coded big brother. Yeon of amusement for him being reprimanded by their mother as usual. And Ueul with down right disgust at seeing him smile.

“Also If that face you made is what you call happy, then that means I need pray harder for you to not lose my daughter-in-law.” Mooni quipped shuddering remembering that she too almost got a heart attack seeing. Her son looking like a patient that just escaped a psych ward.

“I hate all of you—“ Zexius’s curse was interrupted by his mother’s elated cry. Her eyes sparkling when she saw the sender was from her future daughter-in-law. She squealed and hopped for joy clicking her heels as she called for her husband. “Darling! Come look at this that sweet princess hasn’t come to their senses dumped our son yet after all! We’ve yet hope for grandbabies in the future! Get the expensive wine out.”

“Righty-O sweetheart!” Jakeo hummed, coming up out of nowhere placing a hand upon his sons shoulder. Watching his wife frolic around doing a praise dance for the lord. “seriously it’s a miracle they’re still into you son.” He then leaned in to whisper in a conspiratorial manner, words filled with caution. “Let’s try to keep it that way alright, for all of our sakes. Lord knows what your mother would do…. She’s already planning family trips with the princess.”

“Right, got it Dad thanks for the heads up” Zexius shivered, sure he lived a moto of giving no fucks but he’d rather not piss off the strongest woman in his life. Especially when she’s still in her prime as the head adventurer within the family.

Though the NEET can’t deny how excited he is to show his princess off to the whole world once he’s finally got you in his clutches.

[quietplace26]

So if you read platinumrosetail's Furina!reader fic, which is here, you'd know I requested that, but me and her also spoke about other ideas? And well, I wanted to do my own version of a Furina!MC.

NOTES:Leviathan is a name I gave for Pre!Fontaine Neuvillette because you can't tell the reincarnated Hydro Sovereign already had Neuvillette as his name. I got it from his constellation.

WARNINGS: OCness for Focalors and Neuvillette, and possible yandere ness from our Ludex?

Imagine MC being an introverted gamer going to sleep one night after a long session of Genshin Impact... and waking up as Furina.

Not a Furina from post Archon quest.

No. She was a Furina who was newly born. A Furina who was just cursed to be immortal and also given her task by her Divinity side, Focalors, to watch over Fontaine.

MC would immediately break down into tears, bawling like a baby because what the fuck, this wasn't fair!

Focalors was exactly how a god should act. Cold, calm, and collected. She doesn't give MC any time to collect herself before warning her to do. Her. Part.

Small blessings do happen, as thankfully the Hydro Archon's godly side doesn't notice how odd her 'human side' was acting. Only that 'it' was being too emotional. Humans were really strange creatures.

So that meant she didn't care to dig deeper, dig to find out her 'human side' had memories of a past life, where she and all of Teyvat was a game.

Thus begins MC's life... as Furina.

Its horrifying, being someone you aren't. Furina!MC wasn't as graceful as Furina, as good at acting as Furina, but she could at least sing.

This talent only coming through due to her past life as a gamer who adored music on the side. She loved singing songs from her favorite games or shows, even trying to break out her shy shell at times by being a faceless singer on YouTube along with her gaming.

But even so, it was almost too much for her. She might be a 'goddess' but she was truly a human at heart, in memory. She wished she could go back to reality...

Because what happiness awaits her as Furina? Force to act like a puppet for her Divinity side, force to act like a bratty goddess for Fontaine?

And what's to say about the future? She still had to lead a nation! And the people who were living in fear due to the prophecy!

And then there's... Neuvillette.

That's what scares her the most. Neuvillette. He was once her favorite character in Genshin Impact. His looks, his voice, his LORE, you loved everything about him... but now?

She. Was. Terrified.

Neuvillette wouldn't be like the Neuvillette she remembered from the game. No. He would no doubt be more... angry. Distrustful. Dangerous.

And why wouldn't he be. He would've been recently reincarnated as a human, only to eventually be invited by the Hydro Archon, the one who holds his authority that was wrongfully taken from him.

Its never distinctly said in the game, but most can guess that Neuvillette and Furina probably didn't have the best start. Taking nearly all of the 400 years they knew one another to even give Neuvillette a choice to trust and maybe even become fond of Furina.

But what scared her the most was what will happened in the future. The moment when she would be betrayed. Being humiliated in front of everyone in Fontaine and her name being dragged through the dirt.

And Neuvillette will let it happen. Let it happen like it happened to the real Furina...

And even afterwards, when the prophecy was avoided, and Fontaine saved... Furina will be alone. Yes, in the game, Furina left to travel, to feel like a human... but to Furina!MC, it felt bittersweet.

Did anyone in Fontaine even apologize to Furina after that trial mess? Neuvillette? It was never said... and probably didn't happen...

...It's been almost... 70 years, now? Furina!MC was trying to keep count, really, but the days, months, years... They were almost blurring together.

A human wasn't meant for this life... She was going to break-

Furina!MC didn't know what pushed her that day, but she just dropped everything, ignoring her assistants and followers cries, ignore her mirror self- Focalors' demands, and threw herself into Fontaine's sea, swimming as fast as she could.

Far from Fontaine, and blocking out Focalors connection to herself, Furina!MC breaks. Down. She cries, wails out her pain.

Eventually it tetters off to a shaky melody, as now a days, music was the only thing that brought her even the tiniest of joy...

"Mirror, tell me something... Who's the loneliest of all..." (Mirror Mirror, from RWBY: Ice Queendom)

Tears continue fall into the sea as Furina!MC sang... And the sheer pain and loneliness coming from them catches the attention of someone very special...

Deep within Fontaine's seas, a pair of lilac, draconic eyes flickers towards the surface... With a swish of a long, scaly tail, the owner of the eyes shoots towards the source...

The Hydro Dragon Sovereign. The beating heart of the Primordial Sea. The Leviathan. That was who he was and still is, even in this much more fragile and disgusting human form.

He had finally reincarnated a few years ago, and in his weaken state, knew he couldn't brute force his way into getting his authority back from the Hydro usurper... Not yet at least.

But as he bided his time, the Leviathan felt something one day. Something in the sea. Even without his authority, he could feel the slightest changes.

What he felt was utter and complete misery. Loneliness that only he thought he could feel.

He had to know what creature had such feelings, so he swam up from his hunting grounds and towards the surface.

He didn't think he would find a usurper as the source. And the Hydro one at that.

She was a tiny thing. Were humans, much less an usurper, supposed to be that small and delicate?

And her tears... Every drop that hit the water and he has to fight the urge to flinch at the sheer misery filling the sea.

He... He should take this chance to kill the usurper, right? Get his authority back-

"I'm the loneliest of all..."

The haunting melody coming from her lips stops him, making him actually look at her...

...Could he actually kill her? She... No. He couldn't. It... It felt wrong. Killing a female at her lowest. His pride as a Hydro Dragon wouldn't let him hurt a female like this.

So reluctantly, he continues to watch her from the sea, listening to her haunting, sad song. Her tears that reminded him of rain droplets, falling into the sea...

...Was no one taking care of her? Don't the usurpers' have followers? Why was she alone and in pain? It didn't make any sense to the Leviathan.

A female should be taken care of, not left alone like this.

And as his own mood soured, the rain began to fall... and the Hydro usurper glances up, surprised... and smiles, shocking him.

Unknown to him, Furina!MC loves rainstorms. It felt like it was washing away her pain and made her feel at peace.

Giggling, and feeling freer now, she let loose some childish inhibitions and started to dance around the beach in the rain.

And the Leviathan was bewitched by the sight. This tiny speck of a female, dancing around, looking as she was swimming on the land.

And when he saw her throw back her head, her white hair a mess on her head, her dress soaked through, all he saw was that bright, happy smile and knew what he wanted.

The Leviathan wanted this usurper. And didn't that fit? She was the Hydro usurper, and he was the Sovereign in which her powers were originally from, so it was fitting that she would be his.

His. Mate.

With this thought, he slowly emerges from the sea.

Furina!MC immediately stops dancing when she hears a splash from behind her. Spinning around, she squeaks out a gasp when she sees a familiar, but also not, figure standing in the sea.

Neuvillette. But he was different from what she could recall from her past life. More of his Dragon side was showing. Blue fin ears instead of the normal pointed ones, blue gills around his neck, sharp, blue tinted, clawed fingers, and even a long blue scaly tail.

This is a Neuvillette that must've reincarnated recently! Oh no, it was much too early for him to meet her! What was she going to do?! Fight him?! No, that's-

Furina!MC squeaks again as the Sovereign stalks his way towards her, reminding her of the fact he was naked!

Slapping her hand over her eyes, she stutters out words, trying to ask what he wanted or something, but all he replied with is a rumbling growl, and with his claws, gently pry her hands away, and leaned in close to observed her.

She felt absolutely tiny under his eyes. It made her blush even harder, because this certainly wasn't the time to feel shy and blush when there was a high chance of him killing her!

And why wouldn't he? She was an easy target-

Furina!MC meeps when Neuvillette suddenly leans in, nosing her neck, smelling her?!

The Sovereign purrs then. Purrs! And then picks up Furina!MC like she was a doll, and makes his way back into the sea despite his captive's pleas.

Unknown to her, he was taking her somewhere he considered safe. His den.

"...Uh, Lord Leviathan?"

Furina!MC timidly calls out to the Sovereign as the male curls around her, laying his head on her lap as the Archon sat by the underground lake he's taken her to. Hidden beneath the various islands around Fontaine.

Of course she made sure not to say 'Neuvillette', as that wasn't his name... currently. So she was trying to be polite. And he did tell her to call him Leviathan...

Furina!MC sighs in exasperation when all he did was grunt, pushing his face into her stomach., silently demanding she continued where she left off. That being... petting his head, or scratching his blue rhinophores, which she does, leading to the Sovereign purring happily and his tail lazily swishing in the water.

She's been stuck in this cavern for a least a week or more, making her wonder how Fontaine was doing... and weirdly enough, her 'mirror me' hadn't tried to contact her like she usually did. Was she still angry over the fact Furina!MC ran off? Oh... she probably was and that wasn't good.

She never reacted well when Furina!MC didn't act her part...

Neuvillette- er, Leviathan must've noticed her uneasiness, as he sits up, wrapping his arms around her, and hugs her tightly. A soothing rumbling growl leaves him.

"Be at ease, mate. You are safe with me..."

And there he goes again. Calling her his mate. It reminded her of her past life, when she used to read cringy romantic fanfics and such, and wished that could happen to her...

Leaning into the hug, she returns the nuzzles sleepily, letting the Sovereign pluck her up and carry her back to the main part of the den where the two of them slept.

Furina!MC still couldn't understand what was happening. Was this a ploy for him to regain his Hydro authority? Which in case, would fail since she was only the 'human' double of the Hydro Archon, thus didn't have the gnosis...

But feeling how snug she was in a warm nest, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, a long tail lazily wrapped around her legs, and her face squished against a chest covered in blue scales, Furina!MC thought,

"... Fontaine and Focalors can wait another week..."

[themculibrary]

Stony - Protective!Steve Masterlist

5 Times Tony Had Steve's Back, and 1 Time Steve had Tony's (ao3) - itsallAvengers T, 25k

Summary: As it turns out, Steve gets himself into a lot more shit than you would think. And for some reason, it's always Tony who ends up saving his sorry ass.

and you're out (ao3) - Zekkass M, 4k

Summary: A villain kidnaps Tony and removes his arc reactor and Steve's the one to rescue him. Tony proceeds to try and deal with this. Steve tries not to think about the gaping hole he saw in Tony's chest.

Breaking Point (ao3) - itsallAvengers M, 6k

Summary: They torture Tony to try and get information out of Steve

Happiness Is Homemade (ao3) - Icylightning T, 40k

Summary: Tony and Steve are married for fifteen years now. Their life is simple and good until they decide to adopt a teenager named Peter Parker who’s going to turn their life upside down.

Happy Again (ao3) - Legends_Never_Die T, 31k

Summary: Peter can’t take this dads’ fighting anymore. He can’t take the arguing. He finds comfort with his secret new found friend Bucky. Bucky looks a lot like his Pop’s old friend Bucky Barnes from back in the 40s. But it wasn’t him. He was dead. Right?

Have I told you (That I'm Glad You're Here?) (ao3) - RedpathArcade N/R, 1k

Summary: "What the hell was that Stark?" Steve barked, storming into Tony's workshop. The blond was still in his Captain America outfit, shield strapped to his back. Tony also still had his suit on. Face-plate up and Steve took in the pained expression on the Brunets face. And maybe given the situation he should be gentle, but he was simply too furious.

Helpless (ao3) - Crematosis T, 6k

Summary: When Tony is attacked by voodoo spells, Steve wishes he could do more to protect him.

hold the things you wanna say (ao3) - SailorChibi T, 6k

Summary: Tony is still a consultant, and between SI, the team and SHIELD he’s overworked and exhausted. That’s okay.

He and Steve have been having sex for weeks but that’s all it is, just sex, and Tony wants more but he’ll never get it and that’s okay. Really.

What’s not okay is the fact that Howard Stark has somehow appeared in the future and is the same as always.

This is definitely going to fuck up his schedule.

Insomnia (ao3) - Scavenge4Dreams E, 10k

Summary: Its 3am. Do you know where your Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist is?

In Which Steve Doesn't Take Kindly to Shovel Talk (ao3) - love_in_the_stars T, 1k

Summary: When warning Tony Stark not to break Steve's heart, Bucky probably shouldn't have threatened to remove the arc reactor.

It Takes a Village (or a team of superheroes) (ao3) - aven_garde steve/tony, clint/phil T, 33k

Summary: Three months after the Chitauri attack, Tony received a phone call that changed his life. (Or, the one in which a group of remarkable people come together and balance battling villains and raising a child).

Love Is A Battlefield (ao3) - crumbcrash2000 steve/tony, tony/tiberius E, 53k

Summary: In Siberia, Steve looks on in horror as Tony watches the video of his parents’ murder. Expecting the worst, he is prepared to fight to defend Bucky, even through the shock of his own betrayal.

But Tony doesn’t lash out.

Instead, Tony cries, and Steve’s whole life falls apart.

Loving Tony Stark (ao3) - Gothic_Lolita M, 1k

Summary: Tony doubts himself, and Steve is determined to make sure Tony knows how perfect he is, and that he will always be there for Tony.

Minefields (ao3) - arianapeterson19 pepper/tony, bucky/steve/tony T, 34k

Summary: Being in an abusive relationship was a bit like needing glasses. He didn’t realize it until the damage was done.

Funny how people assume only men can be abusive.

Pieces of Echoes (ao3) - geekymoviemom steve/tony T, 334k

Summary: When weapons designer and SHIELD consultant Tony Stark and his son are kidnapped following a routine weapons demonstration, newly defrosted World War II hero Steve Rogers is sent to find them.

But what begins as just another mission, a way for Captain America to reintegrate back into society, quickly warps into something more as betrayals are discovered, harsh, long-buried truths are finally brought to light, and Tony and Steve come to realise that their biggest allies are each other.