#-run the risk of actually passing out if you don't eat like right then

[dazzlerazz]

Not eating is all fun n games until you start getting the shakes

[rogueddie]

When Steve wakes up, he is very confused. His room looks very different and unfamiliar- but he knows it's his. It still has the plaid wallpaper his mom had picked out for him (he hadn't liked it, but there was a lot of lines and pretty colors).

The toy car his babysitter, Sarah, had gotten him for his fifth birthday isn't on his dresser anymore. He knows that she'd left it there for him last night, playfully insisting that he couldn't play with it until his actual birthday.

He'd been so excited to play with it. He wants to cry, and wail. He wants to run to his parents and scream until they give it back.

But they aren't home. That's why his babysitter had been over the previous night. They have a very important business trip that they aren't allowed to miss, not even for Steve's birthday.

The pictures in the hall look different too. Sarah had put up some cool pictures for him. She'd done the same for his fourth birthday. They had to take them down at the end of the day, but it had been nice to have family pictures up. Even if it was just for a day.

Sarah isn't downstairs.

He almost does scream this time. She'd promised that she'd stay the night, sleeping on the sofa, so he could have pancakes for breakfast. It's one of the many things that he can't, or isn't allowed, to make on his own.

His cake isn't in the fridge either. He even pulls a chair over so he can climb on it, to see if she'd hidden it on one of the higher shelves.

He sits on one of the dining chairs, watching the clock, and waiting.

After two hours pass, he gives up any hope he has.

Sarah, just like his parents, is probably too busy for him. He reasons that she probably just forgot to tell him. His mom had done that one time- it had stung, but he couldn't blame her. He forgot lots of stuff, even if it is important.

The only cereal in the pantry is some plain, corn brand that he doesn't recognise. It tastes just as bad as it looks, but there isn't a lot of food anymore.

At least, not a lot that he can make.

He has a second bowl, putting a few spoons of sugar in. It's not much better, but he doesn't feel so hungry anymore.

The TV looks different too. There's weird and new things playing. It's fun, interesting, and distracts him well enough that he's able to keep himself from worrying about how long he'll have to be alone again.

The next day goes the same.

The third day, he risks cooking. It ends up a little burnt, but it's better than cereal all the time.

The fourth day, he can't eat the food he tries to cook. It smells too nasty. He has to have cereal again. The sugar helps.

The fifth day, he doesn't risk cooking. His parents have never left him alone, without a babysitter, for more than a week, so he'll have a nice meal soon.

The sixth day, he checks their voicemail. There's a few odd messages from grown up sounding people, asking about how he's feeling, but he doesn't recognise any of their voices. He doesn't know what numbers he should try calling. He hopes they try calling again.

The seventh day, he sits at the bottom of the stairs. He stares at the front door, ready to jump up and give his mom and dad a warm welcome home.

The eighth day, he's starting to worry. Surely his parents will remember to call a different babysitter?

The ninth day, there's a key in the door. He almost misses it, sat in the kitchen, glaring at his cereal.

"Steve!" Someone calls. It sounds like one of the nice, unfamiliar grown ups who left a voicemail message. "Stevie! You here? How are- oh my god."

"Hi," Steve greets. He waves, tries giving his most polite smile. He almost forgets to keep his lips shut- his dad told him that his teeth don't look nice enough for a grin that big yet. "You're one of the nice people who left me a message, right?"

She stares at him for a long moment, mouth hanging open. "Steve?"

"That's me! What's your name?"

"Robin."

He sticks a hand out to her. "I's nice to meet you Miss Robin!"

"Yeah," she replies, voice high and thin. Her hand is trembling when she gently shakes his hand. "I'm... gonna need to use your phone. Real quick, ok?"

"Um... ok. But you can't make long distance calls, mommy will be very mad at me." He bites his thumb nail, following her into the hall. "Are you a babysitter? Is Sarah sick?"

"Sarah?" Robin echoes, questioningly. She's only half paying attention though, pushing in a phone number.

"My babysitter. She was supposed to be here for my birthday."

"It's your birthday?" She chokes out, spinning around so fast she stumbles. She looks heartbroken.

"Not anymore! It's ok, you don't need to be sad. She gave me my present early too, so it was good."

"Wait. How long have you been... what have you been eating?"

"Um. Cereal, mostly. All the food is different. It's weird."

"That's not- oh, hi," she turns away slightly, talking to whoever is on the phone. "Yeah, I'm at Steve's right now. Gather, like, everyone. We have a major emergency."

"No!" Steve quickly says. He tugs at the bottom of her top. "Not an emergency! You can't say that, you'll get me in trouble!"

"You don't understand, this is-"

"No, please," he pleads. He can only hope he won't get in trouble for talking back to her. "I'm sorry."

"Ok, ok, alright," she agrees. She pauses for a second, listening. "No, that was Steve. Yeah, exactly, that's why-"

"Tell them it isn't an emergency. Please. If dad hears, I'll be in big trouble."

"Ok, big guy. It's not an emergency. Just... yeah, do that. Yeah. Alright. No, I'll be fine. I can deal with it. Ok, see you soon."

She hangs up with a sigh, turning to look at him. She still looks sad.

"Are you ok, Miss Robin?"

Her laugh sounds strained, but she laughs. "I'm alright. How are you?"

"I'm ok. Do you know when mommy and daddy will be back?"

"I don't. I'm sorry, Stevie."

"It's ok. It's only, like... I can't really, uh, cook."

"I can make you something. What's your fave? It was your birthday, you said? Let's get you something special! How old are you?"

He stumbles a little, trying to keep up with her fast talking as well as he long strides. "I'm five. Sarah was going to make me pancakes."

"We can do pancakes." She searches the cupboards and fridge, frowning. "Where is anything?"

"I dunno. I looked but everything is all gone or weird."

"Well... we'll just have to have pancakes later. Special pancakes, for the special birthday boy."

"I guess."

She steps close, putting her hands on her hips as she looks him over. "Are you sure you're five? Did you hit your growth spurt early? You're getting real big."

"I dunno. Mommy says I'm gonna be tall and be a real ladies man, or something."

"Do you even know what that means?"

"Not really. Mommy thinks it's cool though."

"Hm. Are you too big to pick up?"

"Oh, you're not supposed to. Daddy says I'm a big boy now. Big boys don't get picked up."

"Your dad's an asshole."

Steve giggles, quickly covering his mouth with both hands. "You're not supposed to say that! It's a naughty word!"

"Supposed to do this, supposed to do that," she tutts. She leans down, scooping him up into her arms, resting him on her hip. "Your five, stop being so boring!"

Her hand feels so big on his back, like there's no way he could fall with her holding him. She doesn't even seem to mind his hand automatically grabbing the collar of her shirt.

"Daddy doesn't like it when people pick me up."

"What do you like? Hm? Do you want me to put you down?"

"... No."

"Then I'm not putting you down. Daddy isn't here to tell us off, is he? And what he doesn't know, can't hurt him."

She bounces him a few times, making him giggle. Judging by her satisfied grin, that was her aim.

It confuses him, a little. Mostly because she keeps doing that- little things, little comments, trying to make him laugh. Trying to make him smile. Even just listening to him talk about things. Little things. Silly things. Like she isn't annoyed when he goes on, and on, and on.

By the time another person comes in, he's decided that she's the best person in the whole wide world. If she puts him down or tries to leave, he's going to throw a tantrum.

He knows it's bad, but he doesn't want her to leave too. She's cool.

"Oh, God. Robin, please tell me that the baby isn't Steve."

"He's five," Robin corrects. "And yes, it's Steve. I checked, it's him."

"What the hell happened to him?"

"I don't know, I called you!"

"Is something wrong with me?" Steve asks, voice quiet and timid.

"No!" Robin quickly tries to say, at the same time the man says, "yes, obviously."

"Dustin!" Robin scolds.

"What? Lying to him won't help!"

"Neither will being a dick about it!" She tutts at him, adjusting Steve in her arms when she looks to him. "It's nothing, like, bad. It's just kinda weird. See, when we saw you, a week ago... you were a little bit older than me. And now you're five."

Steve stares at her for a moment. She looks too serious, too honest.

"Weird," he says.

"Exactly," she agrees. "From what you've said, though, it's not that bad. You're still you, and you're healthy. You're just... not so big."

"Maybe El can fix him," Dustin mutters, squinting at Steve. He leans close. "When did this happen?"

"He's been like this for a week," Robin tells him. Her voice is quiet, almost scared- it doesn't help that Dustin looks horrified too. "At least."

"Who's been taking care of him?"

"No one."

"What the hell," Dustin turns his frown on Steve. "Why didn't you call anyone?"

"Not supposed to unless it's a real emergency," Steve says. "Mommy says she has a repo... rep... rep-yuh-tay-shun. It's a big thing."

Dustin looks heartbroken, turning to Robin, who shrugs back at him. He groans after a pause, frowning at Robin. "Shit. You can't drive."

"Oh, shit."

"I'll call Eddie," Dustin sighs, already heading to the hall.

"Who's Eddie?" Steve asks.

"Eddie's a friend. He looks a little scary, but don't worry. He's a big softie, an absolute teddy bear." She leans close, whispering loudly with a grin. "Don't tell him I told you, though. He likes to pretend that he's all tough and mean."

"And he's... not mean?"

"Not a cruel bone in his body."

"Ok," he bites at his thumb, frowning when Robin gently pulls his hand out his mouth. "You won't leave though, right?"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"You gotta promise, though! Pinky Promise!" He lifts a hand, sticking his pinky up- Robin almost immediately wraps her own around his.

"I promise I won't leave you. Who knows what could happen if I leave you alone with the gremlins." She pretends to shudder. "Oh, the horrors.."

"He'll be here in five minutes," Dustin announces.

"That's... quick."

"Yeah. I barely got out 'Steve is in trouble' before he hung up."

"Maybe don't start like that next time," Robin rolls her eyes. She adjusts Steve again, trying to sit him higher on her hip. "He's probably breaking at least, like, five speeding laws or something."

"I don't think that's how it works."

"Whatever." She huffs. "Jesus. Steve, bud, I might need to put you down for a sec."

"Oh... um... do you have to?"

"My arms are really starting to hurt, bud," she says. She looks as upset at the idea as he feels. "Maybe we could sit down together. Would that be a good compromise?"

"Yeah!" He grins. "What's a comp- compa-"

"Com-pruh-mise." She says it slowly, careful to sound it out, as she sits down on the sofa. She pulls Steve around so he's sat on her knees, facing her. She keeps one hand on his back, supporting him.

"Com-pa-mise," Steve repeats.

"Oh, that was great!" Robin encourages, laughing at how big and excited Steves responding grin is. "Well, compromise is when..."

Robin is so patient with him, taking her time with him, making sure he understands what she's saying- before easily jumping onto whatever tangent he brings up.

It feels like only a few minutes have passed by the time the doorbell rings. Dustin stands to answer- Steve had completely forgotten he was there the whole time, too caught up in his conversation with Robin.

He doesn't come back for a moment. Steve can hear muttering, straining to hear what they're saying, but the living room doors shut.

A man follows him inside. He's tall, with long hair and dark clothes. He looks different to anyone Steve has ever seen before. He looks scary.

"Oh god," he mumbles, frowning at Steve. "You're not joking."

Steve tugs at Robins sleeve, leaning close to her, whispering, "who's that?"

"Oh, right!" Robin groans when she stands, lifting Steve with her. "Steve, this is Eddie. Eddie, this is Steve."

"This is Steve," Eddie repeats. "Jesus Christ."

"Why do you look so scary?" Steve blurts out. He slaps a hand over his mouth, horrified.

But Eddie just laughs. "Damn, Stevie, tell me what you really think."

"You do!" Steve snaps, face warming. "All the black and chains and stuff."

"Robin is wearing 'black and chains and stuff'."

"Yeah, but Robins cool."

"You wound me," Eddie gasps, slapping a hand to his chest. "I'm totally cooler than Robin."

"Nope," Robin quickly cuts in. "Steve said I'm cool, not you. It's been said, declared- no, decreed! Facts are facts, Eds, suck on it!"

"Ew," Steve and Eddie say in sync, grimacing.

"Alright," Dustin interrupts, hands on his hips. "You're introduced, now can we go? Now?"

Part two

[tired-biscuit]

18+ fem!reader / suggestive themes, oral fixation, established relationship

the thought of bakugou with an oral fixation just crossed my mind.

but the interesting thing about it is that he's not infatuated with his own mouth, but rather with yours instead.

so it's no wonder that katsuki catches himself zoning out whilst staring at the way it moves. you walk with your hand subtly resting in his amongst the crowd that's gathered at the local fair, fingers intertwined tight. he can barely acknowledge the people to surround him, despite the fact that he's skilfully avoiding collision every step of the way.

the people you pass by consists mostly of chatty, slightly awkward teens that stick to their own groups in hopes of not embarrassing themselves, overly-hyperactive children who seem to be unable to stop themselves from running around with their equally as rowdy friends, and all of the kids' parents, who insist on shouting their heedless warnings of 'slow down!' and 'be careful!' - all of which katsuki is pretty certain will be landing on deaf ears throughout the rest of the night ahead.

but luckily for him, none of those people stop to talk to him or, even worse, ask him for pictures. the reason for it may be because he turns completely unapproachable whenever he's with you; looking like some big, scary guard dog that seems like it'll sneer and cause hurt if one comes too close. or perhaps, quite possibly, it is because he's put on a disguise for tonight - a rather bad one, but still a disguise that works.

it's simple, yet effective. a black baseball cap, which he's pulled down low on his head, keeps his unruly hair somewhat in check even if strands of ash blonde stick out underneath the brim where his ears and nape are, tickling his tan skin that's been kissed by the sun throughout the warmer months. a pair of sleek sunglasses sits on the bridge of his nose, hiding his crimson eyes from view. his hero gear is sitting at home in his closet because he's replaced it with shorts and a simple t-shirt that makes him sweat less instead of more.

glancing down at his attire, katsuki knows he may look like a douche; wearing sunglasses when it's already dark out. however, he's certainly not willing to risk being recognized. after all, it's rather nice when random people don't care all that much about him for a change. it's quite pleasant, actually.

and as is expected, he couldn't care less about them either. it's hot out tonight, the peak of summer is right around the corner. and that means that the entirety of his attention is on you. you're all pretty-looking in your light sundress and sandals; the latter being something he particularly likes because of the way they keep your footsteps light and show off your nail polish in the shade that he knows damn well is your favourite colour.

thoughts preoccupied with your bare legs, katsuki's hand leaves yours so that he can rest it on the small of your back instead. but as his fingers graze the thin fabric of your dress, he catches himself not caring all that much about your attire either. because when you turn your head to look at him, your smile wide and your teeth repeatedly sinking in and out of the pink chewing gum you've been terrorizing for literal ages now, his interest remains solely glued to your mouth.

and surprise, surprise: you don't seem to be showing any signs of stopping the chewing any time soon. he really is a lucky man today!

katsuki huffs at the thought. watching you from the corner of his eye, he's almost positive that the sugary flavour must have vanished from the gum by now, and yet he can still smell it every so often - the fruity scent wafts to his nose whenever your lips press together and a bubble pops right beside him, filling his lungs with phantom strawberries just like your chapstick has a tendency to do.

pop, pop, fucking pop!

you're relentless.

"wanna go grab a bite to eat or somethin'?" he asks at some point, his voice gruff. strained. chewing noises normally bother the living fuck out of him, but when it comes to you, he's instead attracted to hearing more. how odd. "'cause a cheeseburger sounds real good to me right about now."

amongst other things.

"mhmm, mhmm!" you hum in answer while nodding, your lips still pursed because of what must be the hundredth bubble that night.

however, as your boyfriend sinks his teeth into his burger a couple of minutes later, all your own teeth sink into is cotton candy. and katsuki, trying to appease his lewd interests right there - at the table, watches as you nibble on it, of course he does. he borderline leers at the sweet threads of sugar that stick to your fingers. how they melt in your mouth because of your saliva that he's yearning to have mixing with his own right about now. at the leftover splotches of artificial colouring that now stain your fingerpads and tongue whenever you stick it out to lick the former clean.

and goddammit, it all makes his adam's apple bob as he swallows - prominently, audibly. his toes wiggle with an evident wish to curl in his sneakers before he forces them to stay put as he angles his foot further forward on the footrest. there's a heat present in the pit of his stomach now, and it's not because of the chili flakes that he'd asked to be put into the meat of his burger earlier.

"you okay there, kat?" you ask at some point, licking the last remnants of the cotton candy off the stick in one slow, long swipe which he definitely doesn't miss. he swears that he catches you smirk slightly against the wood when you reach its end and suck on it a little.

his eyes narrow behind the sunglasses as he readjusts in his seat. his shoulders feel stiff, his skin hot, his underwear uncomfortably tight. it's a good thing you can't see him openly gawk at you like this because of the shades, but he has a feeling that you know what sort of thoughts are lazily rolling around in his head anyway.

great.

"babe?"

"m'fine. just eat your goddamn food," he grunts finally, tearing his gaze away from you. "if you can even call that heart attack on a stick food, that is."

the last bit, he speaks just a little bit quieter. softer. your giggle is as sweet as your mouth probably is as you say, "you're the one that ate a greasy cheeseburger, you know... besides, i've already finished it."

he studies your fingertips again. your mouth. remembers how it had moved before he sighs into the warm summer air. "guess we'll have to get you some more, then."

"well," you mumble, a smile ghosting over your lips, "if you say so. but i don't want more cotton candy anymore."

of course you don't.

and so, the candy apple he buys you afterwards smells like caramel. you absent-mindedly tell him how it reminds you of him as you press your mouth against the hard, sugary shell and your teeth get to work on breaking little bits of the caramel off the fruit. it's spoken without a second thought, completely out of the blue. and katsuki, poor, poor katsuki, doesn't know why, but the words send heat searing over his face; send his heartbeat into fucking overdrive.

thump, thump, thump. his heart is going wild in the same way his thoughts are.

"you like caramel?"

"yeah... you could call me a fan of it, i suppose."

it's like you've placed your mouth on him as you say that - on his burning, licked by constant flames body - instead of the stupid apple. it's like you've kissed him before tasting him properly; all tender and soft and loving before adding just a little bite to it like you're doing now. just like you do whenever you sleep over and he comes home from work all beaten up and covered in grime. just like you do whenever you're happy and whenever he's sad and needs some comfort.

by the time the comically oversized lollipop comes into play, he's done for; you've practically sent him into heat even if he's nothing but a mere human. the twirling of your tongue against the hard sugar reminds him of something else, the fullness of your mouth whenever you push the sweet towards the inside of your cheek makes him think he can do the same thing to you with another kind of sucker instead. the way you suck and lick the damned thing nearly sends a shiver down his spine despite the heat that lingers all around him, because he can feel it, too.

it makes him throb. makes his pulse thunder inside his ears like a drum, and it causes his underwear to not get just too tight, but somewhat sticky, too. your mouth is constantly busy and he wants to be a part of the rush, so it's no wonder that the blood that suddenly travels south turns him impatient and makes him hold onto your hand just a little bit tighter as you continue to walk around the fair. the sudden urge to go home and take care of himself roars within him like a beast on a rampage.

"are you gonna spend the night at mine tonight?" he grits out as he hands you a plushy he's just won for you. it's still a pretty new relationship you're both in, but he's finding it quite pleasant; sharing a bed with someone other than his dog from time to time. perhaps the stuffed bear you're now holding in your hands could join you as well.

"sure," you reply whilst grinning again; showing him your teeth. making him sweat despite the casual t-shirt and its light cotton. "what are we gonna do at yours?"

"i dunno. we'll see," he says, shrugging nonchalantly even if he's feeling far from it. he represses the urge to wipe away the thin film of sweat that's gathered on his brow even if it makes his hair stick to his skin underneath the cap. no risks when it comes to uncovering his true identity.

"oh, are we gonna kiss? we can kiss!" puckering your lips until a repetitive smooching - and awfully childish - sound comes out, you wink at him playfully and grab hold of his bicep. "because i know you've been wanting to do it sooo bad... better yet, c'mere! we can start right now, lover boy."

"aha, sure we can," he indulges quietly, thoughts already running wild on ideas of different kinds of kisses he'll surely be leaving all over you later. and even if he tries, katsuki can't possibly hide the pink blush that tints his cheeks and that forces a cord in his neck to turn prominent the moment you step onto your tippy-toes and plant a quick peck onto the corner of his mouth. it's so sweet that he might just melt. his heart is a puddle already.

maybe he'll give that wretched mouth of yours something else to do besides eating candy and teasing him all night.

you do love to keep it busy, after all.

[yellowroseswrites]

Spencer Reid x Ed! BAU! reader

"Studies show"

You change your habits again, only this time your super smart profiler best friend notices

[TW, disordered eating, disordered thoughts, use of y/n (way more than I would have liked), rushed writing. If there are anymore pls lmk!]

-this is a part of my little comfort blurbs to write while I'm not home, this wasn't a specific request, but feel free to request either a blurb or a full fic in my asks (just specify which one) thank you for reading <3-

It was a great morning, it really was. You woke up, got dressed, and got to work just in time to pour yourself the last bit of coffee left in the work's coffee pot.

Then you walked to your seat.

You didn't think much of it really, you used to drink coffee black all the time. Sure, you prefer filling it with cream and sugar, but you really didn't need it. this was fine. You drank your black coffee and got through the day.

The next morning was a bit rougher. You had to leave for Texas for a case, and it honestly just slipped your mind to eat before the flight took off. You always forgot meals, it wasn't a big deal, it certainly didn't mean anything.

That evening you were getting ready for bed in the hotel room that you were sharing with Spencer Reid. You and Spencer had been friends since he began working with the BAU and it wasn't unusual for you two to be in one room together.

It felt off though.

"Hey, y/n," Spencer started, "I have some pretzels in my bag if you want some."

Sure, you were a little hungry. You were too busy with the case to eat the rest of the day. So you calculate that at about 26 hours without eating.

"I'm good, thank you though." You couldn't risk it You aren't quite sure what you're not risking, but the thought of eating anything makes you want to run in the opposite direction.

Spencer didn't accept it though, "At least drink something then. How about a coke?"

"Do they have diet?"

So, Sure, maybe you are being a little picky.

"You know, studies show that diet sodas contain a chem-"

"Spenc I love you, but I really don't want to hear about how it's going to give me brain cancer."

He grabbed your drink from the fully stocked fridge and walked it over to you, "You know you can talk to me right?"

You opened the soda and took a sip before responding, "Of course, why?"

"Your new thing with calories."

You didn't have a thing.

"There's no thing." You placed the drink down and stood up. You began to make your way to the bathroom, you didn't want to have this stupid conversation. A conversation that definitely didn't have to happen, because it was pointless. There was no problem. Sure, you cut down your calories, and sure, you re-downloaded MyFitnessPal, and sure you haven't eaten since last night, but that didn't mean there was a problem. You weren't small or tiny, and only tiny girls have problems. You didn't have a problem.

"Y/n?" Spencer's voice buzzed in your ears. You blinked and focused your eyes on where you were. You were leaning on the wall. Why were you leaning on the wall?

"Y/n you need to eat something."

Oh, so you were blacking out. But you didn't actually pass out, because only sick people pass out, "I'm fine Spencer I'm just tired."

He grabbed you by your hands. When did he even get over here? Your senses were fading in and out, you were on the bed now, you don't really remember getting there. You swore up and down you didn't have a problem, so why is this so scary?

"I'm going to get you some food okay?"

No no no no no no no no no

"Y/n?"

He said your name so gently, like you were fragile, like he could break you. You looked back up at him, at his kind eyes. You broke.

"I don't know what's wrong with me."

He sat next to you as you fell into his arms. You cried onto his shoulder.

"It'll be okay. We'll get you some help. It won't be so scary anymore, I promise."

[chippdhearts]

Catfia date night AU (aka on date night we wear red)

see under the cut for a mini fic/companion piece to this set

Sofia looks up from the microscope and catches a glimpse of the clock on the wall. Shit. She's late. She runs to the locker room almost knocking Greg, and the boxes of evidence he is carrying, over on the way. She strips her lab coat and her clothes off as quickly as she can, not caring who can see her. She grabs the freshly dry cleaned dress out of her locker and slips it over her head. She gently tugs on her hair to ensure that none of it is caught up in the straps. She almost falls over in the process of trying to put her shoes and earrings on at the same time. She thinks for a moment that if she ends up in the ER then Catherine surely won't be that mad at her. But she thinks she really better not actually test the theory.

Catherine reluctantly places her food order with the waitress. She's an hour and forty five minutes - and four drinks deep - into waiting for Sofia to show. She'd long stopped caring what the other patrons thought of her. She knows exactly how it looks, her sitting alone in a fancy restaurant. But at this point she's a little tipsy and very hungry so she's not about to leave without having something to eat. Perhaps this was a mistake. Dating at work was always a risk, but after months of back and forth Catherine had finally decided this was a risk that was worth taking. Now all she can hope is that she wasn't wrong.

When Sofia finally walks into the room Catherine is certain that everything else stops, including her breathing. The minutes she spent waiting, the glances she'd received are all forgotten. The hunger in her stomach is replaced with a different kind of hunger. She is simply stunning, a vision in red. The effort she's put into her appearance tells Catherine that she wasn't planning to stand her up. Her anger softens.

Sofia, of course, apologises profusely for her lateness. As Sofia stumbles over her, clearly rehearsed, explanation of how she got caught up in the lab and then nearly landed herself in the hospital twice as she rushed to make it here, Catherine finds that she doesn't actually mind so much. She knows exactly what it's like to get so wrapped up in a case that you lose all track of time. She finds it endearing that Sofia cares so much, about her work and about her lack of time management.

They stay at the restaurant for hours, talking, eating and laughing. The staff change shifts, but they don't even notice. It isn't until Catherine's reminder to pick Lindsay up goes off that she even realises the time. They'd spent the better part of six hours together. Catherine can't ever recall having laughed this much on a date, ever.

Sofia is surprised at how quickly the time passed and how at ease she felt. She's always hated dating. When she was starting out as an officer she was so intently focused on her job. The few dates she had been on were either boring or with people who showed a bit too much of an interest in her line of work. When she'd been transferred to CSI she'd pretty much given up dating completely. Catherine asking her out had been a surprise, a pleasant one but a surprise nonetheless. She hadn't known Catherine to have dated anyone in her whole time working at the lab. She'd planned to say no, her mothers voice ringing in the back of her mind about what she needed to do to be successful, but somehow she found herself saying yes. Right now, she's very glad that she did.

They walk out together and Sofia kisses Catherine gently on the cheek before helping her into a cab. As the cab pulls away Catherine turns to glance back. As Sofia fades from her sight the only thoughts running through her mind are of how Sofia really was worth waiting for, and she doesn't just mean tonight.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Big Bad x AFAB!Princess!Reader || Drabble

Plot: This lives in an AU where you live in a basic fairytale where you're saved from wolves by a prince and you're aware of this happening over... and over... and over again. Theirs not a whole lotta context, just wolf/princess love and smut (: Haha XD

Warnings: SMUT, wolfman/princess smut!, monster fucker/furry shit (I consider this guy half wolf, half man- considering how he runs on his two hind legs whereas Granny runs on all fours), knotting, one use of 'bitch', dirty talk, cumming inside, and loss virginity.

Tagging: - No one yet! But do let me know if you want to be tagged for wolf stuff XD

His eyes on you are heavy and boiling hot, that beautiful red dress for the ball that you picked out suddenly the most endangered species in the kingdom. You had never felt him look at you quite this hard before, no one period had look at you like this before. Certainly not the prince your fairytale seems hellbent on you ending up with all neat and tidy-like. All you had shared with him before were sweet kisses and waist touches even on your many wedding nights- and that was nice. Yes, it had been nice. Edward was sweet, and you were good friends.

But this, though, being looked at like a meal, was completely something else. This is what you expected it to feel like when Edward first saved you; red, hot, heat that made you clench and feel like you were burning from the inside. It didn't, and you thought it must have been something they talked about in stories but didn't really exist... until this moment.

"Sweetheart... that is a nice dress, I gotta say."

With a little giggle, your heart beating hard in your chest, you spread out the skirt a bit; looking down. "You think so?"

"Red... was the right choice. You look good enough to eat~ " The ever-present growl in his voice seemed even thicker now, even rougher, sending a rush straight through you.

"... I'd- I'd like to see you try."

You don't know what possessed you to say something like that but by the sharp, gnarled grin on Big Bad's maw you can tell that you said just the right words.

Just a moment passes of him looking at you with that devilish grin before he reaches over, takes a handful of your skirt and tugs you to him. His maw is much closer to you now, leaning in towards your ear and growling directly into it. It sends a shiver up your spine, every patch of your skin on edge. "... I can do that for you, sweetheart~ "

His large clawed hand trails over your body from sternum to groin- as if he were gutting you, without actually hurting you. You know he must have done the exact same thing on a lot of less-fortunate's and it thrills you. Taking a risk, you trickle your fingertips up his strong arms, his eyes following your hesitant little hands with an amused smirk, until you get to his broad, furry shoulders. Slowly and carefully raising onto your tip toes you give the big bad wolf, your villain, a gentle kiss on the tip of his snout.

"Aghhhh you trynta drive a wolf insane, little princess?... thats a dangerous game ya know?... You could get real hurt... "

"You've never actually hurt me before, B,.. " He's abducted you and he's kept you, threatened you and teased you,... but never, in the years and years that you've done this thing with him - this whole fairytale routine, - has he actually hurt you.

"No?... huh, I guess I haven't." He doesn't attempt to explain why he hasn't, he just smirks at you.

"... what do you wanna do to me?"

... Big Bad's grin slowly grows and his clawed hands suddenly clutch your hips, tugging you against him and thick stomach, now. You let out a yelp that makes his ears perk up.

"You wanna see? I can show ya."

Taking a deep breath, and thinking about the script you've known your whole life - you get abducted by the wolves, you get kept by the wolves, you get saved from them and never look back, - and you nod. "I do." You're tired of that script. It never felt quite right.

"Oh sweetheart we are gonna have some fun... this has been comin' for a long time, dontcha think?... Now be a good little bitch and pull up that pretty dress for me."

Face hot, you take a deep breath and bite on your bottom lip as you think about it for just a second more before being obedient and doing what your villain just asked- no, told you to. Meanwhile Big Bad sticks his snout in your neck and your hair and takes a deep sniff; his eyes rolling backwards into his skull as the smell goes straight to his head like a drug. He lets out an awfully moving groan. "B- "

"Aghhhh Y/N- you don't know how long its been since I had a princess~ " He speaks directly into your ear and it makes you feel helpless- but not to him. To your own damn needs.

Before you can do anything though, Big Bad goes and sits himself down heavily on the ground and, looking up at you, pats his lap. You quickly get down with him, setting yourself eagerly on top of him. Your skirts, picked out for a ball that he is certainly not invited to, billowing out around you both like a crimson pool. Eagerly he digs down between you both and into his ragged old pants, held together by a piece of rope, and pulls right out his... um... man-part.

And- you've never seen one of them before! Certainly not one that's half man, half wolf. You're wide eyed, blinking at it getting pumped and wondering how that horrifying thing is supposed to fit. He notices your quiet shock-horror and uses his free hand to lift your chin up; Your adorable round eyed look connecting with the devious look on his mug. "... that's huge."

"Heh. Well, its gonna get bigger sweetcheeks."

"What!?- "

"Shh, promise, sweetheart, I got this. Just relax, and uh... heh, tell me if I claw at you a too hard, yeah? Like I toldya, its been a while... "

Swallowing nervously, you touch your fingers to the tip of it; the slit. The head is a bulbous thing, feeling wet and hot and firm. The touch makes your over-sensitive wolf growl again, the sound a frustrated melody from deep in his chest and makes your eyes shoot up to his face again. You open your mouth to ask if that's okay- when he flings your hand away from him and suddenly uses his own hand (Paw?) to shove his tip against your slick slit.

"Drivin' me effin crazy- Now, listen to me here doll, I got something important ta say." Big Bad holds up a finger and taps your nose with it then, making you pay attention to him. Which is hard, with his heavy knot resting on your clit. Your lips are parted and you already feel dumb, listening to him. "I'll be careful with ya the first few strokes... but after that I wont be able ta control myself... basic instinct, and all that~ You got that?"

"... yeah."

"Good~ Now c'mere."

~

True to his word, he pushes past your limits slow the first few times... gritting his teeth and watching his full length disappear into your sweet heat; Deep eyes flickering up to your face to check how you're going with it- but it wasn't long until this huge wolf-man was pounding your pussy like a man absolutely starved. Ravenous.

Feral.

"Bet your prince never had you like this," He growls, thrusting roughly into your cunt and slamming all the way to the hilt. "Bet he never even touched you."

All the humour you've come to know Big Bad for is gone, leaving behind just a wolf. A possessive wolf in desperate need to make you hit mate and mark you in every possible way so no one else even looks at you ever again. His claws are leaving scrapes on your soft hips, his teeth leave wounds on your neck that he soothes with his tongue, his sweat leaves a scent you wont be able to shake for the ball later. "He'll never touch you."

You're holding a hand tight over your mouth to keep from screaming, the pleasure of having your hole stretched and pummeled all too much for you. The knot on his cock stretches you all the way inside and every thrust delivers a perfect stroke to your swollen clit. Your hips roll desperately against his.

"Sweetheart you are the sweetest fucking thing I've ever been in. Perfect. Fucking- aghhhh. I'm gonna make you drip my cum for days."

"Ah- "

"Next time you come ta the cottage... you'll be able to scream as loud as you want. I don't care what anyone thinks, listenin' in. They're gonna think I'm fucken eating you whole with how loud I'll train ya to be for me. I wanna hear those squeals~" He licks your throat where he made you bleed with his teeth, groaning at the taste of your blood, and your hips actually stutter.

He starts to beat your cunt even harder, pounding into you with all the pent-up sexuality of a man who's been lusting for years, drawing you to a mind blowing feeling better then cake. Something hot explodes inside you, which feels good too as you come down from the amazing feeling and your heartbeat continues to beat fast- but you're finally able to take in some deep breaths. Begin to calm down again.

Big Bad does the same thing, breathing heavily and smirking at your cute exhausted form on his lap- still with his cock buried inside you. He cant see it over his generous tummy, but he can feel you throbbing on him.

"Heh... you know sweetheart?.. this is my new favourite dress a'yours."

Giving a tired laugh, you run a hand through your hair. "So, u-uh... what now?"

"Well, its gonna take a while for my thing to relax enough fa you to release me~ Heheh. So ya stuck with me for a few more minutes."

A smile warms to your face at that news, squeezing the knot inside you and making the smirk flicker from his face momentarily. "... good." You always loved your time spent with him better then your happy ending, anyway. It can wait.

[silverfox66]

As an American can I just say how fucking shameful it is how right you are that you can't depend on the USA

Like our leaders are making us into fucking fools who no one can trust cause oh... looks like we only honor commitments when we feel like it. The speaker can single handedly hold up aid for months by just not putting it to a vote, and the house can't even get it's shit together enough to sign the discharge petition to get it on the floor

It's just a disgrace, it's horrific and vile, and if all that weren't enough it's just plain stupid. America gets... fuck it gets so much out of sending military aid to Ukraine

It gets to fight a strategic rival without risking a single troop, it gets to dump old inventory where a lot of it was probably going to have to be decommissioned, we don't even send most of the money cause what that money actually mostly goes towards is restocking our own arsenal with new equipment which pays Americans wages we get to tax... the list of selfish reasons to help is almost endless and yet these pricks still fight tooth and nail to do the wrong thing

And once again, it makes us look like undependable allies cause we're fucking being undependable, and that weakens us so much strategically. Like even if you don't care about russia, it makes our allies in the Pacific question if they can actually depend on our support

Sorry, this stuff's just on my mind a whole lot, and would you believe that it's hard to find other Americans you can actually have this conversation with? So many smart people I know who in spite of that act like they don't have a brain in their head and just don't care

Meanwhile johnson is complaining that we need aid to Israel... well if that's what you want prick, isn't it nice that you have that sitting on your desk, already passed in the senate, and all you have to do it put it to a vote? Lightning speed legislation if you ignore the months you've stalled with it (and he's gonna send them on vacation yet again to stall more)

The fact one man can hold up the whole system, and the fact like 5 far right maga members can take the whole house hostage and the gop can't even muster the guts to sign a discharge petition... it's just sick, it makes the US into a fucking laughing stock and it's deserved

Can't even imagine if trump wins, mr wants to encourage russia to attack NATO allies. The fact that... that so few other Americans seem to care he said that, the fact that any one even considers voting for him as he sets all out political alliances on fire for his own gains... the hell is wrong with people?

Again, sorry. I just... this stuff eats at me sometimes. Just how fucking bad America is doing not just at being decent, but at serving our own interests

We could have put China and Iran in their place (something maga people claim to want) if when this invasion started we'd just dumped all out old inventory straight away, made clear we were loading up the pipeline with everything Ukraine needed, and basically said you don't fuck with the US industrial base

Might have even stopped the war, a lot harder to want to continue when you know the valve on the military aid was fully opened and then smashed so the artillery shells and fighters won't stop coming

Instead we rolled over and trickled things in, made ourselves look weak

Just can't stand it, just can't fucking stand how this country is run. Again, even if you don't care about the civilians killed in drone strikes, we should at least care about our own strategic interests

But we don't, far to many selfish scumbags, and russian stooges, and people who buy russian propaganda hook line and sinker

Anyway... hope you have a good day. Like I said, just know hardly anyone I can say this stuff to. No one seems to listen... and even if they did, I can shout all day and it's not like I can force johnson to act like an actual human being instead of toxic sludge in a suit

Just pass the damn aid, every last person with half a brain is begging you to including our generals

It makes me so frustrated and it's so damn shameful, a real stain on this country

It's such a shame that America has become an unreliable ally, I so much wish it was different. And it's bizarre to me how one speaker has so much power to block the voting of a bill. It's seems highly undemocratic to me.

Aiding Ukraine is the cheapest way to defeat America's number 1 enemy: russia. But decades of pro-russian propaganda has been so effective, it has infected American politicians and made them unwilling to stand up for freedom and democracy.

And I talk about the USA now, but here in Western Europe, we have the same problem. High on cheap gas, we have funded the russian war-machine for decades. That money has been turned into weapons and is now killing Ukrainians on a daily basis. And now we are too much of a coward to switch to a war economy.

Sorry, this stuff's just on my mind a whole lot, and would you believe that it's hard to find other Americans you can actually have this conversation with? So many smart people I know who in spite of that act like they don't have a brain in their head and just don't care

Oh same here. I can talk about this dire situation in Ukraine with only a handful of other people. Other people support Ukraine overall, but passively. And we need people to support Ukraine actively, we need more people to sound the alarm bells. But it feels like we're shouting into the void right now. Simply not enough people care.

I hope you have a nice day as well and thank you for standing with Ukraine.

[mental-breakdown-machine]

it's my birthday now i'm gonna talk about my new plants!!!

Dracaena masoniana or 'whale fin' are probably my favourite kinds of snake plants, on account of them being literally 1 leaf. I've been wanting one of these for a long time so I have a little treasure trove of random facts already stored in my head.

Leaves can grow up to three feet inside, and are often grown as a single leaf plant, though as you can see this plant can grow multiple. contrary to what you might think when you see this picture, each leaf is actually very sturdy and thick.

the one I have is quite young but as they age they become darker (I seen an absolutely ginormous one when I was getting this one)

Pilea peperomioides or Pass It One Plant (named for the fact this it always has little plant babies you can plant in another pot and give as a gift, which, cute)

This one has also been on the list of plants I want mostly because like all of my other plants, it looks a little weird. Adding to the weird look (or making it I guess) is the fact that the stem connects just off center of the leaf, while most plants have stems that connect to the ends of the leaves.

like many house plants this one is low light! (though most low lights actually tend to do well in indirect light) this one is also non toxic!

Senecio rowleyanus or more commonly know as string of pearls is a vine succulent with some very neat looking orbs that they use to store water (these are the leafs and like all succulents they tend to store more water than other plants, making them a great choice for people who forget to water their plants)

These little guys are toxic so don't eat them and don't let your pets eat them (worry not. This on is wayyyy out of reach of the cats)

These funky looking plant vines can grow to two and maybe even three feet (under the right conditions) With better photos of the 'pearls you can actually see a translucent stripe that runs lengthwise. This stripe is there for optimized photosynthesis, but is also helpful to let you know when they need to be watered because then they're running low on water and the 'pearls' appear to pucker.

Maranta leuconeura or Prayer plant

This unique plant gets it's name from that fact that during the day it's leaves stay open and flat as you can see here, but during the night they close like praying hands.

Like many of the plants I've been talking about, this one also darkens in colourization as it ages, and adds red stripes to the outside of the leaves. This amazing plant can also reach up to one foot indoors.

This plant is native to the Brazilian tropical forest but has been popularized as a house plant over time.

Monstera Deliciosa or just Monstera

I actually already have one of these but compared to my little four leaf plant, this on is practically a tree. I don't know if you can tell from the picture but this thing is massive we're talking like 3 feet tall already with leaves bigger than my cats (even the fat one)

The size is probably also one of the appealing aspects of this plant, which can grow up ten to fifteen feet tall and eight feet wide, and leaves that can measure up to eighteen inches across.

These pants actually get the latter part of their name Deliciosa as they are actually a fruit bearing plant. it can take around two to three years for it to bear fruit, and then it takes the fruit ten months to ripen. You'll want to wait for it ripen too, because eating unripened fruit can cause serious burns to your throat. I've heard the wait and risk are well worth it though because it has been described as one of the best tasting fruits out there (often being called the fruit salad plant because the fruit tastes like many fruits all at once?)

[universalzones]

"Yeah, yeah ya did," Surge said, though was panting heavily before falling to the ground sitting. The tenrec clearly look exhausted even having gone such a short distance, not to mention she also seemed to be on the verge of passing out. The speedster struggling to keep her head up. That was until Kitsunami suddenly injected something into her arm.

"FUCK, THAT ACTUALLY HURT!" Surge shouted as she stood up, though then realized she actually felt pretty good. "The hell did you just inject me with?" The tenrec almost couldn't believe she was standing up right now. The spot on her arm still kinda hurts a bit, though a minute of healing should fix that.

"A highly experimental serum to force your endorphins to kick into overdrive. From the data I got from you vitals whenever you use new forms that you haven't used before they drain every ounce of energy you have. If I were to go by this limited data than prolonged exposure runs the same risk even after your body adjusts. As for why it hurt I had the needle coated with a strong acid to get through the layer of metal muscle. Should be fine in a bit."

"So I'm good then?" Surge asked, earning a sigh from Kitsunami along with him rubbing the bridge of his nose. "What? I'm still standing and kicking. What ya tripping for?" The tenrec clearly needed a dumbed down version.

"Don't push yourself too hard with these new abilities or your body could go critical and give out on you. Even if I inject you with the serum." Kitsunami could tell Surge was annoyed by her expression, though at least she wasn't arguing. The fennec simply wished to do what he could to keep the tenrec safe, and she was starting to understand that. "Alright, I'm going back to base. Bring me back some tacos?"

"No problem Drippy. After all, she's paying," Surge said, using her thumb to point to Wave while using her other hand to ruffle Kitsunami's hair. The fennec smiling before dashing off with spurts of water. The tenrec finally turning her attention to the swallow. "Alright, you own me a free lunch."

"Though I gotta admit, that board isn't just a fancy toy like I thought. Anything that can push me to a new level is decently cool in my books." Not regular cool just decently cool. "Anyway, I hope you have a good amount of rings on ya, because I am starving right now." Did Surge actually need to eat? No, though the tenrec could still feel hungry.

Wave knew she was pushing her luck with her gear, all the meters had her in the red. The heat she was putting out from it was starting to get to her to, as she was dripping with sweat. She was really leaning into the gear's accelerator, any thoughts of throwing this race were gone! it felt like a matter of pride just to show she could keep up with the Tenrec! For a moment, just a moment she and Surge are side by side and her eyes stare into the Tenrecs locked neck in neck it felt like--- she had a chance!

But that chance, that feeling of being able to win was quickly and violently dashed by Surge. The thunderous explosion ripped across the field and it took everything she had to not get blown away by it! How fast was she going now? Mach or 4? who was this girl? but that sort of power reminded her to much of Sonic! She grit her teeth in frustration, her gear wasn't strong enough yet! But damned if she didn't give it everything she had!

" Damn... "

She felt herself crossing that finish line but she did feel utterly depressed by it. All this to impress a girl, and she probably nearly fried the gear in the process. Surge had won, of course that was kind of always the plan and yet she didn't feel great about losing that badly to her. She brought her gear to a thrilling halt with a blast of air and dust and turned her dial back down to bring the power levels to normal.

She stared at her HUD impressed she held up at those speeds. Was likely some heat damage, but she didn't explode and the reactor didn't go critical. But she still couldn't keep up with someone like surge or Sonic. There had to be a way to push it beyond that limit---no wrong she knew there was one gear that could. But no way that thing was ever seeing the light of day.

She plopped down on her gear taking a seat and letting Surge catch her breath after that stunning victory.

"... guess i did ask for it..."

She huffed under her breath

" Least my gear held up... i thought i had you there for a second... but a Victory is Victory, Congratulations! "

" Ah well... least the kid got some data... "

She crossed her arms.

" Well let's go on that Date... you won after all... guess i'm buying "

[polyamorous-elevenv2]

(after eating the snacks Lucas give them)

This pizza taste amazing! who made it? Dustin ask. El smiled at him and said; "Lucas made it last night, i was craving for pizza so He made some" Dustin was shock and said; Lucas can cook!?!?… El laugh and said; "i know, right? i didnt really know that he can cook, until he made me some fish and chips"

Lucas chuckled and said; "but you must admit that dish got you say Yes, right?" El giggle and replied; "actually the fish and chips isnt the reason i say yes, its the chicken and waffles"

the two lover laugh but Dustin look so upset, he knows this is an another universe, but he still hurt seeing El happy with Lucas, kinda wish his Lucas that moment… after the couple laughing, Lucas stand up and look at Dustin and then said; "look, Dust, we have fun hanging out with you but now you need to leave… we cant risk ruining your universe and ours." El nodded and said to Dustin; "so Dustin, you have to tell us where is the Gate, that you come from…" Dustin reply; okay, i kinda remember where is it… Lucas clap his hand and said; GREAT! we can get you back to your own universe, safe and sound!.

Dustin smiled and El did to and reply okay but let me get my outfit. After a minute… she comes back and said shes ready… Lucas smile while holding his Axe, saying how pretty is El (its normal for Lucas reaction because he always see it.), for Dust whos from another universe (first time seeing this… left him nosebleed on the floor)

Part 1

"Bro- u alright?" Lucas asked while El placed her hand on Dustin's shoulder. Somehow, in a minute, she understood what happened.

And Lucas did too.

But he was a good friend and boyfriend, and even though he was starting to feel a little uncomfortable at Dustin's behaviour, he was trying to justify his behaviour. So he just smiled.

"No, I mean, yeah, I'm okay" Dustin replied, wiping blood from his nose. It made him feel like El, and this thought alone was enough to make him smile to himself.

"I know El looks super hot, but come on. Be a gentleman!" Lucas snorted while Dustin punched him lightly on the arm.

"Shithead." He said under his breath, and that made Lucas laugh even louder.

El was only watching their interaction from her side. It was nice, because it was a while since she saw her boys doing silly things together. Right now, they all are in different places, and it's just not the same. In a way, she was a little jealous of Dustin's El and that she will just begin her happiest years of her life.

But the time was running out, and they had to go.

"Boys." She said in an authoritative voice that Dustin never heard before. "It's time."

Her boys just nodded and with Dustin leading the way, they began their little adventure.

They passed houses, friends and strangers, exchanging brief greetings, and it took a good half hour to reach the beginning of the clearing that Dustin saw first after entering this Hawkins.

"Behind this clearing is a cave. The gate is right next to the entrance to this cave. It's hidden behind some larger rocks, but it's easy to get through." Dustin announced to Lucas and El on both his sides.

"So." El started. "Behind that clearing will we see some good old First's monsters?" From her position alone, Dustin could see that she was ready to fight and win. He really, really loved her. Even though she wasn't from his universe.

"I don't think so. But there is always possibility. Numbers don't lie." He said, and with a final look at his both friends from another universe, he led their way again.

[i-cant-sing]

I would like to formally submit a request for platonic yandad Hercules. I just want fluff vibes rn

Platonic yandad Hercules? You got it babe.

You could be just a normal person walking along, minding your own business when you suddenly run into trouble and a group of men try to assault you. Our hero Hercules comes smashing through and kicks everyone's asses and then asks if you're alright. You nod and thank him before going on your merry way, only for you to almost get trampled by a chariot the next day. And you would've been mashed to the ground, had it not been for Hercules to be passing by. And when a week later, some guy tries to force you to marry him, Hercules KO's the jerk and decides that you have been sent by the gods for him to take care of, after he had killed his wife and his kids.

Of course, you don't understand why this giant of a man is pulling you along to his house, saying that he'll take care of you from now on. Hercules assumes that you're just an orphan and even though you tell him many times that your family is waiting for you back home, he doesn't believe it, simply shushing you and telling you that "papa is here, now. No need to put up a brave front for me. Now you sit here and tell me about your day while I go make you dinner🥰"

OR

You're actually Hercules's child and you came from visiting your grandparents, only to walk in on your father strangling your mother, the bodies of your siblings lying around. As soon as your mother dies, that's when Hercule's curse is lifted and he finally sees what he's done and then sees you at the door, looking absolutely horrified.

When you see your father smile (because he's glad at least you're okay), you call him a monster and try to run away, only for Hercules to catch your wrist and yank to his chest, trying to explain that this is not his fault, that Hera did this. You don't believe him, thrashing around in his hands that were still covered in blood, so he knocks you out, thinking that you're freaking out because of the dead bodies, so tucks you under the covers while he buries your family.

You're permanently traumatised and Hercules doesn't understand that. If anything, he's only turned to become more protective of you, cutting you off completely from the world and keeping you at home because he can't risk you getting hurt. He treats even the smallest scratch you get as a fatal stab wound, even getting angry at you and scolds you for being so careless, all while he's bandaging you and making you herbal tea.

Even when Hercules gets Zeus and Hera to explain that your father was not at fault, you just cant seem to not be afraid of him. When you wake up from a nightmare where you saw the repeat of that night, only screaming louder when Hercules hugs you to comfort you, him not seeing that its actually he who you're afraid of.

He turns so paranoid, often waking up in the middle of the night to check if you're still breathing, patting your head and staring at you for hours before the sun rises and he goes out to hunt. If his paranoia is on lower levels, he might let you accompany him on the hunt, but you are to stay either on the horse or right by his side-AND NO EATING ANY BERRIES WITHOUT HIM CHECKING THEM FIRST.

Hercules heart's breaks everytime you hurl insults at him, call him a monster, but he knows he deserves it, his heart is already heavy with guilt. He even cries because you're all he has left in the world and you hate him. But then he comforts himself in the fact that at least you'll be safe with him, even if you hate him- you'll be safe. And he made Zeus and Hera promise him that if he ever has a manic episode again, they'll protect you, even if they have to kill him.

They are your grandparents, after all.

[jaeminscoffee]

Daddy Issues | S. Jn

Pairing | Seo Johnny x Fem!Reader

Genre | Smut, fluff

Wc;type | oneshot: 3.93k [not proof read]

Warning(s) | Pwp, dilf!johnny, y/n's a pillow princess, daddy kink, overstimulation, teasing, edging, dacryphilia, slight voyeurism, degradation kink, heavy use of the words 'doll, princess, slut, pretty, angel', typical lyra smut, i made haechan johnny's son (i was about to write changbin as johnny's son but decided against it) age gap, unprotected sex ( the Reader's on pills. Remember this is a fiction, don't play the wrong card irl) filth.

a/n- i found this request buried in my asks and was tempted to write it. Sure, the warning looks intimidating, but i know you wanna read it, y'all whores (ily) shoutout to @bakugou-is-my-bae @cvntzennie and @jenopollo for helping me decide what to post first! @suhpersonic

Minors try not to interact! <3

Age is just a number, so surely, there's nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of, right? 

There's no reason for you to not fall for the friendly neighborhood bachelor, well not so bachelor bachelor, since he does go around asking people who knows of his marriage to pretend it never took place. 

Johnny's hot, super hot. Has the build of a supermodel. Has the face that one can only imagine belongs to a greek god, as you'd jokingly tell him how he seemed to be god's favorite and how you loathe Aphrodite for showing favoritism (which would always end up with you getting a very sultry, teasing look from the lad) 

Johnny has the type of personality that women can only wish the entirety of the male species would possess. He's an absolute sweetheart, life of the party, definitely the center of attention wherever he goes. And oh god, does he have an immaculate fashion sense. 

But Johnny's also the father of Donghyuck. Your best friend. 

More than being ashamed about the fact that you actually fell in love with a man who has a child of your age, it was the fact that you had to fall for Donghyuck's father of all people. 

Donghyuck is a sweetheart, definitely got his personality from his father but he's also got that glare that could creep the Lord's of the darkness from his father. He's got so much from his father that the resemblance is uncanny. 

You'd not want to get onto hyuck's bad side since you've gotten first hand experience at stopping him from almost committing homicide to someone who spoke shit about his friends, more specifically, you. 

But Hyuck's not in town. So a little fun with Mr. Suh wouldn't hurt anyone, correct? After all, you're still only a human with desires and the want to take risks. 

You'd always not so subtly drop hints at Johnny and he'd always give you that look that would have slick collecting itself between your thighs. A warning look. 

A look that said, "cross the line and you'll get it" 

But that's the thing, you want to get it and will do anything to get it.

"Y/n." 

You'd ask yourself less than a million times if you want to do this or not.

Sure, you weren't this hesitant when you decided to sext your best friend's father knowingly when he was in business mode to irk him up but that's one thing. 

And having to confront the same father who left a message smaller than a sentence that completely disregarded all the obscene text and images to show that he's not the slightest bothered or suprised by your behavior for that matter was another thing.

"Tomorrow at mine." 

It's almost as though he deals with hormonal teenagers one as such as yourself on a daily basis and that thought kind of backfired at you considering the whole 'Let's piss Johnny off so that he'd finally give me what i want' agenda. 

Ironic, huh? 

"Mr. Suh." you start hesitantly, unsure of what to call him, scared of what his reaction would be after your inappropriate shenanigans last night. 

Your stiff demeanor broke down a little with just a hint of shiver passing down your spine as you watch his features contort into a subtle but cocky smirk, "So now you're being all formal,"

"Well, what else would you like me to address you as?" you inquire, feigning oblivion to his tone and what he's implying at. "You tell me, doll. You seemed to have a lot of names to call me last night," he takes a step forward, prompting you to walk a step backwards, further into the corridors of his apartment and away from the actual location. 

"I do not know what you're talking about.. " you let your voice shrivel towards the end, eyes wandering around the complex, finding interest in every small detail as you avoid Johnny's teasing gaze. 

"You don't?" Johnny takes another step forward, latching his hands onto your forearms to prevent you from stepping further away, "You must have had a heavy sleep to forget all that you did last night," his voice drops dangerously low as he begins to walk backwards and back into the safety of his apartment, all the while keeping his gaze fixated on you.

"That won't do, would it? How about we take a walk down the memory lane? And see if that rings any bell?" He brushes your hair away from its static position on your shoulder, allowing him to appreciate all those fine details of your shoulders and neck that are exposed from your selection of clothing, an off shoulder. 

"How about we don't...?" You ask with skepticism, jolting slightly when you hear the door shut behind you and at the new intrusion of personal space by the lad.

"Why are you acting all shy now, Y/n? Weren't you the one so eager to get into her best friend's fathers pants? Just be the whore you are, darling. Your facade's fooling no one." okay you definitely didn't see that coming. 

Johnny's expressions morph into that of mischief as he watches your eyes grow wide and mouth fall ajar, "Am i not correct? Are you not a whore?" he asks with an eyebrow quirked up in a questioning manner.

You don't reply, almost as though the question was meant to linger in the open and that it was a rhetorical one. What you didn't expect, however, was for Johnny's hands to find pursuit around your neck, not necessarily applying pressure, but there as a warning. 

"Answer me." 

"I'm not.." you answer with a feeble voice, internally cringing at how squeaky you sound which only added to Johnny's amusement. 

"Really? Because I don't think good girls go around drooling at a divorced man, her friend's father for that matter and definitely do not send lewd images and voice out their fantasies to a guy twice their age, still want to pretend you're innocent? Or you admit it and we cut down the chase?"

"Yes, I am." you breathe out when his fingers tighten around your neck, a triumphant smile making its way onto his lips. Yet, Johnny felt the need to keep pushing,

"you're what?" 

"I am what you said I am," you speak, trying to avoid looking at the scrutinizing look on his face which seemed futile as he had his arms wrapped around your neck, keeping your head in place. 

"I want to hear you say it, doll. I need to hear you say it." At this point Johnny's intent was to get you into a flustered puddle in his hold and it sure as hell was going in that direction, seeing how you can't even hold his gaze for more than a few seconds in a shot. 

"I am.. I am a who-"

The sound of a phone ringing loud cut you off midway through your sentence, to which you were absolutely relieved. Johnny only seemed to grow annoyed the more he heard the phone ring. With a loud huff, he lets you go, not before giving you a stern look, "Go to my room." he instructed, making his way to the study. 

You let out a breath you've been holding in unknowingly the moment he steps away from you. You watch his figure retreat from you with awe, only now realizing how messy you felt between your legs and how your knees keep buckling. 

"Oh Hyuck!" you hear Johnny exclaim into the phone the minute you step forward to follow his command. 

Your best friend is on call with the guy you're about to fuck. 

Your blood runs cold as you shakily make your way into the apartment and towards the bedroom, shrugging off your sling bag, hanging it behind the door as you place your phone on the bedside table to wipe your hands dry from all the sweat that had accumulated at the palm of your hands. 

"Yeah, I'm fine, about to eat to my dinner actually" you hear the moment to make yourself comfortable at the edge of the bed, looking over to the door where Johnny stood with his arms across his chest, the other holding up the phone as he leans his weight onto one shoulder, leaning into the doorframe.

You take the time to really appreciate his appearance. He adorned nothing more than a simple grey sweat and tight black tee but he seemed ready to walk down a runway at any given moment now. His long hair, slightly disheveled looking almost intentionally messed up, compliments his features. And oh his features. 

The everlasting smirk stayed still on his lips, moving as he exchanged words with his son.

You only come back to your senses when Johnny snapped his free hand in front of you, gaining your attention. He points at his own shirt, then points at you, mouthing 'off' while he listens to Donghyuck speak about whatever he's speaking. 

"Really? Jeno said that? Tell him I'm more than willing to welcome him as my gym partner, the lad seems strong" Johnny makes a quick move to remove the gadget from his ear, before holding it in front of him after placing the call on speaker mode 

Your eyes widen the moment you hear the disturbance in the background and Donghyuck's voice resonate through the room. "no?? Why would you want to work out with him? He'll only make you feel old, you know?" 

"Says the one who still can't beat me at arm wrestling. If anything, i think Jeno would make the perfect gym buddy for me," Johnny raises an eyebrow at your defiance, cocking his head towards the side, staring down at you with a predatory look, "Hyuck, you know, Y/n-" you scramble to take your shirt off at the mention of your name on the call, "-stopped by earlier" he lets out a silent laugh of disbelief.

"Oh? Oh yeah! I'd told her I'd give her book back before I left but I forgot, did you perhaps give it back to her?" Donghyuck questions. 

"I figured you must've forgotten so, yeah i did." Johnny replies, pushing himself off of the doorframe, now walking towards you. 

"Man, I miss her! I might facetime her after I end the call with you," Johnny sets down the phone beside you on the bed, leaning down, placing both his hands on either side of your lap, finding comfort at the crook of your neck,

"I remember her mentioning something about her cousin coming over? Maybe wait for an hour or so before calling her" his lips graze against your neck each time he spoke, you let out a tiny whimper at the so longed feeling, only to earn yourself a small bite at the earlobe, immediately accompanied by a hand over your mouth, "you need to be quiet, doll. Or my son would find out how much of a slut his best friend is," he whispers in your ear. 

"Yeah? Did she mention which one?" 

"No, not really, she kinda just stormed out after getting what she wanted" Johnny creates a trail of kisses all the way from your neck to your shoulders, down the collarbone while one of his hand worked to unhook your bra, "Yeah, she's weird like that," you hear Donghyuck let out a chuckle as you whine into Johnny's palm, your figure slightly trembling from the fear of getting caught all the while being excited about the risky situation he's put the two of you in. 

"Anyways, I'll call you tomorrow? The boys are coming over now so I got to go! Night, dad!" Donghyuck speaks up again, "Night, Hyuck." 

You hear the beep indicating the call has ended. Johnny let's his hand drop from your mouth and makes its way towards your hair, brushing through the strands before pulling at it with a firm grip, "I had my son on call and here you are making all these sweet noises, you wanted to get busted, doll?" 

"It's not my fault! You-"

"ah-ah! Don't talk back, angel. You're already in deep trouble, don't want to add onto that now, do we?" He makes a swift move to have you lying on your back, your torso completely exposed to him while he remains clothed. 

"But Johnny-" you whine, jolting when you feel his hands caressing the soft flesh of your inner thighs, "How do you think Hyuck would feel about this?" his hands travel further north, cupping your heat from underneath your skirt. "fuck, you're drenched"

"Now tell me, pretty girl, what are you supposed to be calling me, now?" 

"Johnny-, tha-that was a joke! I don't have daddy kin-" you try clenching your thighs close from the sudden attention your core was receiving. Johnny wholeheartedly lets out a laugh at your attempt to hide your true feelings, making a quick act of disregarding your soaked panties somewhere behind him.

"Darling, the more you deny it, the longer we keep going at it-" his thumbs at your clit, applying pressure but making no move to quench your needs. You let out a sigh of bliss at the feeling, your back arching off of the sheets at the sensation.

In any other situation, you'd be embarrassed at how sensitive you'd gotten just from all the dirty talking and looks Johnny passed you. But that's the catch, he's Johnny, the only one who can get you this sensitive while doing the bare minimum. 

"Say it, Y/n." 

"No, Johnny! It's-it's embarrassing.." you plead with your eyes, grinding your hips against his fingers, earning a satisfied, dirty look from the lad. 

"Very well.. I'll just draw it out of you"

Without warning, Johnny with little to no resistance, slides two slender digits into your wetness, setting a pace fast enough to draw loud chains of cries from your mouth.

"You hear that, doll? You hear how fucking wet you are? Hm?" he growls animalistically, the thumb that remained on your clit now moving in circles with a motive to get you undone in seconds. 

"Johnn-..!" you whine out, feeling your orgasm growing so close that you could almost taste it, "Still going at that, angel?" he questions, not really expecting an answer as he soaks up the pleasured look on your face. "Johnny- I'm close.. -" you fail to notice the mischievous grin growing on his face as he speeds up the movement of his fingers. 

"Of course you are, doll" He feels you clench around his fingers, back coming off of the mattress as you ready yourself for your release, waiting until the last minute to draw his finger out.

"Why would you-? Johnn-I was so close!" you cry out as you sense your core clench around nothing, whining about the incomplete orgasm. "Why would I give you what you want when you wouldn't comply, baby? That's not how this works." He shrugs, licking his fingers clean of your essence, moving up from the bed to remove the shirt that seemed to be suffocating now.

"Johnny, please!" you whine louder, rubbing your thighs together to create some sort of friction, all unsatisfactory as it did not meet the same intensity as that of his fingers. 

"Please what, doll?" He smirks, knowing the ball is in his court and that you'd had to give in any moment now. Johnny leans down once again, drawing lazy circles at your clit, using his other hand to hold himself up above and close to you, his minty breath which had a hint of coffee fanning your face as you whimper, finally feeling your high building itself up again. "Spit it out, princess, you know you want to." he speaks in a soft voice.

"Please..please" you beg for nothing in particular, getting all worked up again, "The begging's lovely, doll. But you're starting to anger me here, will you say it? Or should I leave you hanging again?" 

You mutter prayers under your breath, hoping he wouldn't actually leave you hanging again, "Fine-" he moves again to remove his fingers from you to deprive you of pleasure all over again when you finally latch onto his wrist, keeping his hands in place blurting out, "Daddy! I'm so-sorry.. There, daddy, please make me come" you give in, the name, the feeling and look of pure victory on his face as he grins like a cheshire cat only intensifies the heat growing at a rapid pace at the pit of your stomach. 

"Final fucking ly, princess. Daddy will make you feel good" He reinserts his fingers in, drilling it with desperation to see you come undone as he draws rapid circles on your now sensitive clit with the other hand, watching you squirm under him.

"Joh-Daddy i'm coming..!" you cry out weakly as you feel your orgasm hit you with much force, easily driving you into over sensitivity. Johnny's patient in helping you ride out your orgasm, not stopping until you let out a throaty sob and plead him to stop to allow yourself some room to breathe. 

Johnny, however, makes no move to stop, only speeding up his fingers, his gaze fixed on where his fingers disappeared inside of you while his other hand held you down with a vise grip, "Give me one more, doll. I know you've got one more in you. " he pants, the feeling of his girth in confinement only throwing himself to sensory deprivation as he feels himself twitch inside his sweats painfully. 

You shake your head, tears now flowing elegantly down your cheek, your lips puckered into a slight pout, your eyebrows drawn together as you let yourself melt into the pleasure Johnny was providing you with. "Daddy.." 

You whine, feeling your second high reaching you ridiculously quick as you see Johnny's face contort in concentration, 

"I need to get you nice and wet for me, princess, you're doing so well. Give daddy another one" you coaxes you with his sultry tone, words and actions, inevitably having you come undone under him for the second time that night. 

You let out a choked moan, finally having enough as you curl upon yourself the minute Johnny removes his fingers from you, full fledged crying at the overbearing feeling of sensitivity. 

Johnny groans at the sight, leaning down to press a soft peck on your sweaty forehead before getting off of the bed to remove his pants alongside his boxer at a slow speed, granting you some time to recover.

"Condom?" he asks, readying himself to reach into the drawing when he notices you shake your head a no as a reply, "I'm on pills.." you mutter weakly. 

You hear him curse out at the thought of doing you raw, flexing his muscles before climbing on top of you again. He takes his time to gently turn you back onto your back, pressing his tender lips against your irritated one for the first time that night, his hand ever so slightly moving to play with your clit once again, making you jerk, "Daddy!" 

"Sorry, doll. Daddy just needs to make sure that princess is ready to take his cock" 

Your whining intensifies at his words, wiggling your hips to move closer to his own, "But I am ready! Look, daddy! I'm so wet and ready for you!" you whimper, earning a chuckle from the lad. 

Just like all the other times that night, he aligns his cock at your entrance without a warning, the tip ever so slightly pushing through your walls, "Alright, big girl. Show daddy how much of a slut you can be for him."

Suddenly, Johnny detaches himself from you, moving further away as he leans by the edge of the door, smirking at you whining at the loss of contact, "Patience, angel" 

He grabs hold of your hips, manhandling your body into all fours as he enters you completely with no trouble once he's got you where he wants you to be.  

Something about having to take Johnny from behind was so sexy that you could almost immediately feel your orgasm grow, "Fuck baby, keep clenching around me like that and i won't last long," he grunts, moving in you with a steady pace, 

"I never expected my son to befriend such filthy sluts like you, Y/n. Look at the mess you're making on my sheets" He grabs a fistful of your ass in a tight squeeze, the sudden shift in his demeanor only serving as a whiplash as you feel yourself growing closer and closer to the sweet orgasm. 

"Jesus, doll, you're so fucking tight i can barely move" Johnny growls, talking to keep himself from coming too fast. 

"Daddy.. I'm close. M-I'm so so close" you cry as your arms give out and you fall face first onto the mattress, the new stretch in your back only encouraging his cock to hit you deeper, finding the sweet cushion that serves as extra pleasure for you. 

"Me too, princess, me too.. '' You hear him let out a whine, his thrusts growing sloppier as he does you slower but deeper. 

He reaches around your body to find pursuit at your clit for the nth time that night, rubbing rapid, messy circles to go with his deep thrusts, "Daddy!" you reach your high with a high pitched cry of his name. 

Johnny comes not too long after you as he couldn't resist the constant tight clenching of your walls around his cock. He thrust slowly to ride out his high as you twitch helplessly, face scrunched up in too much pleasure. 

You feel your body being manoeuvred onto your side as he whispers sweet nothings which pass right through your ears as you feel him softened inside you, the feeling ridiculously soothing for your used up walls, 

"You did amazing, darling." he kisses your temple, not making any move to remove himself from within you, which you silently thanked him for. 

You both lay in silence as you turned your body towards him, earning a hiss and a playful smack from him as it added pressure onto his sensitive member. You wrap your arms around his torso, about to nuzzle into his chest and just drift away to dreamland when you hear the familiar ring of your phone from the table beside the bed. 

You feel Johnny's body shift to reach out to get your phone, looking at the caller ID before handing it to you with a smirk that you knew meant that he was up to no good. "Oh! It's hyuck" you exclaim in shock, quickly accepting the call and placing it near your ear, moving to get away from him. 

But Johnny seemed to have other ideas, as he latched an arm around your torso to keep you from moving, "Hey-" you begin, immediately feeling Johnny experimentally thrust into you again, making you whine, "Y/n! I miss you~-oh hey, are you okay?" you hear Donghyuck's voice from the other side, 

You look at Johnny with a pleading and warning gaze to which you earn yourself a toothy grin from the lad, 

"Of co-course! Just a little.. peachy,'' You turn around to place a hand on his chest to halt his movement, "You don't sound just peachy.. I've heard you like this before!" you hear Donghyuck make those noises he makes when he's thinking as Johnny keeps thrusting lazily the more you look at him, you see him open his mouth to speak, "Oh fuck! You're getting laid, aren't you???" 

"Tell Hyuck daddy says hi"

[husbandohunter]

Moments of Despair #1 [Genshin Impact/Diluc x Reader]

Synopsis: “The man who was on fire and realized it too late.”

(A series of works where the boys deal with the passing of their beloved).

Albedo's despair

Warnings: angst, tragedy, major character death, graphic depictions of violence perhaps

(A/n): Had these ideas for a while after reading @/serensama To Mourn series of another fandom. So much sorrow and feeling I just was inspired to write 😫

_______________________________________________

The moment you fell lifeless in Diluc's arms, he wanted to disappear.

It was raining again, he had always despised the rain. How it trickles down the slope of your cheek, like tears falling from the heavens. The sight of it mixing with your blood creating a thin stream of red rivers flowing beside him. They patter down obnoxiously because time didn't care, the gods don't care, the world didn't care. You were just a small fragile person to their eyes but to him you were his light. A candle that used to shine in his dark world was now dissipitated by the waters of reality.

Many droplets have passed and he was still holding you. Diluc could do nothing but stare. He hadn't shed any tears nor could he make a coherent sound. Perhaps it was because his tears have long run out when his father was held in the very same way. Or it was because he was heartless. He's usually told for being cold and indifferent. But the pain clenching in his chest was proof that he still had one (proof that it was still beating), much to his dismay. It would be better if he didn't.

So why can't he just look away? Your wounds, your bruised features, everything now etched so deep into the back of his conciousness that is was starting to awaken his worst nightmares. They were the source of the bile growing in his stomach. The irony stench filling up his nostrils felt so sickening. He couldn't turn away. You're dead. You're dead. You're dead. As if reality had yet to register, or maybe he refused to accept it, Diluc helplessly gazed down your body with blank and empty eyes.

"Master Diluc..."

Jean's voice called out to him pitifully. He rises up with his back turned, ignoring the stares given to him, "Leave. The knights of favonius are not needed here."

"But she's a Mondstadt citizen," The anemo user retorts, slightly taken aback by his impassive reaction, "It's my responsibility to ensure this case doesn't go unnoticed."

Unnoticed. Diluc scoffs in his mind, what a tasteless joke.

"It seems you weren't listening," he announces as his head was turned ajar so they could see the deep hatred glowing red in his eyes, "Leave. Now."

Jean's lips trembled before barely being able to say, "Alright" and retreating her knights back to the city. Kaeya narrows his gaze at his bother, the sorrow was evident through his pupils. He steps forward until he was arms length away from his brother. Too little too late, another failure was added to the belt.

Kaeya was a man of many words but for once he was at loss of what to say. No underhanded suggestions, no ideas taunting him to spill his thoughts, he simply asks Diluc, "What are you planning to do now?"

Silence. Kaeya couldn't predict what sort of expression his brother was making as he looks at your corpse. It brought a heavy weight of unsettlement upon him and here he thought he had already grown used to his brother's quietness.

Slowly, he turns around while letting the water pour down his face. Kaeya tightens his jaw as Diluc drags his feet towards him, stopping when their shoulders were parallel, "It's none of your concern."

"You're just going to leave her here?"

There was a slight pause which was enough of an answer. The Cavalry Captain sighs when he watched him walk away, what was the point of asking when Kaeya knew Diluc so well? He glances at your form before swiftly shutting his eyes.

It was his concern.

-------

A week later, the staff of the Ragnvindr household could hardly recognize their Master's appearance. They knew not to bother him when he decides to lock himself in his chambers. Diluc drowns himself with work from hours to no end as he connects the findings of the person that took your life. As expected, it was one of his enemies- a fatui member. The question was, which one?

"Master Diluc, I beg of you, please take care of yourself," Elzer pleads.

The pyro user didn't bother to spare him a glance or look at the tray of food he carried.

Food...you always brought them whenever he had to work overtime.

"I do not remember specifiying anyone to be allowed in my office," he voices aloud, "If it's related to business affairs simply leave that with Adelinde and I'll take a look at it tomorrow."

"I understand. But you've been working all day and night yet refusing to take any breaks in between. At this rate, you'll harm your health."

The feather pen in his grip kept dragging it's course, "This is beyond the duties assigned to you Elzer."

"That's because it was a request sent by your father," he adds, knowing that stepping over his boundaries may cost him, "If Master Crepus was still here, I'm sure he would have said the same thing."

Taking a deep breath, Elzer lays out his last card, "And also your wife."

The pen slows into a halt.

No one had brought you up until now. Elzer anxiously watches his Master shifting in his seat, his red bangs covering half of his face but he could still see the frown pressing firmly on his lips. It wouldn't be a surprise if Diluc suddenly bursted at him for mentioning such a sensitive topic, all that matters was his master's well being and Elzer was willing to risk everything for it. But nothing. Diluc turns his attention ever so slightly at the tray he carried.

"Fine, but I'm not eating that."

"What? Wasn't this was her favourite-"

"Do I need to repeat myself?"

Elzer furrows his brows before sighing, "...No, Master Diluc."

He exits the room while carrying the fresh dish of Once Upon A Mondstadt that you loved so much. The door closes with a soft click and he was alone again.

People found it strange how Diluc seemed so vacant to your passing. He didn't even show up at your funeral. Instead, he continues his duties as a Mondstadt nobleman like usual while taking care of business matters associated with the winery. Except those who were close to him could see the difference in his actions. Apathy, he was so mechanical in every task he did. Like a marionette attatched on strings, a doll without a soul. After all, his soul died the moment when yours did too. What remains was a shadow of Diluc and a being existing solely for revenge and duty. He was nothing but a remnant.

Fatigue begins to wash over him and he fights to stay awake. Because once he gives in it will all be over. Once he closes his eyes, he would see your face with a multitude of images from the past. He would hear your voice calling out his name from a distant space as it echoes off the walls of his mind. He would fall into a dream where you were still with him and as always, waking up to see that it was never real.

I should have pushed you away.

Because what hurt Diluc the most wasn't that you were gone, rather, it was how you were still here.

Then you'd still be-

Something breaks and it turned out to be the pen he was holding so tightly. Only now Diluc realized how fast his heart was thrumming as beads of sweat began rolling down his forehead. Focus. Don't waste time. He won't grant himself the liberty of anything when your murderer was still on the run. Every wound they inflicted on you was going to be returned in tenfold. He'll make sure of it. That's why, he refuses to think about you at all. Diluc occupies his mind with other matters since at this point, work was the only efficient method of keeping his sanity in tact.

She needs you to focus.

The door opens and Kaeya enters the room while holding a document, "We found the guy."

His reaction was immediate, "Where?"

"Hm, now that we meet, it's actually quite debateable," The captain notes wryly, "When was the last time you've gotten proper rest?"

"I don't have time for this, either you tell me or I'll do it by force."

Kaeya couldn't help but sigh, "Apologies but you don't seem to be in any state for a fight. I'm sure you know how it would end up if you were to face your enemy right now."

"..."

"Diluc, this isn't healthy," Kaeya asserts, it's been a while since he sounded so sincere, "I'm not here to prevent you from doing what's necessary however, perhaps it would be better if I finished it in your stead."

"No," Diluc stubbornly answers, "Hand that over."

"...Heh, then there's really nothing I can do to stop you it seems," he whispers with a sad smile, "At the very least, be careful."

"I intend to," The pyro user snatches the paper parchment out of Kaeya's hands before opening the window, "Also, if Elzer returns, tell him there's a few errands I have to take care of."

The night was a full moon and the sky was empty, Diluc leaps off the edge and disappears into the darkness. There was no telling of what could happen next. Since you weren't here, it was up to Kaeya to watch over him.

-------

The claymore dropped to the ground with a clang as it soaks up the blood of the fatui he just killed.

Diluc was tired, so tired.

He slumps down against the wall from pure exhaustion, all that adrenaline and hatred went up in fumes, leaving behind whatever was left in his heart: nothing. Two hours, not even that far from Mondstadt, the fatui hid in an abandoned building as he cowarded for his life. When Diluc arrived, he never expected this monster to be so weak. This was the person who murdered you? A pathetic nobody that was simply following orders? This was the reason why he lost you forever?

In the end, the only one to blame was himself, for being weak and unable to protect you. He was supposed to be your hero ("Darknight hero," you'd always tease), the rock that shields you just as you had been the warmth he longed for many years, did he give you enough? Was this enough? He thought avenging your death would grant him a peace of mind and the justice you deserved but deep down, he knew it will never be enough when it comes to his love for you.

"Diluc."

He closes his eyes, he hears your voice. He was so tired, it wouldn't be a surprise if he started hallucinating.

"Diluc."

"I'm sorry..."

The man lets out a trembled breath as he apologized to the image of you in his mind. I'm sorry I failed you. They were repeated like a mantra in hopes to reach you somehow. Of course that was impossible, his feelings, his emotions, love and sorrow altogether will never reach you again. And your arms that once comforted him and brushed his hair with a soothing voice, saying everything will be okay, where are they now?

"Diluc."

"Stop," he didn't want to hear your voice.

"Diluc, I'm here."

"Stop..."

"Diluc..."

He jolts his eyes open and lets out a yell, what was he saying? He doesn't know. All he needed now was to drown out the fake voices mocking in his head. Diluc grabs the nearest object and shatters it against the floor, the dam was broken and it flooded uncontrollably, breaking everything in it's way. The abandoned house was filled with loud cries of a man sobbing with agony like a broken-hearted child. He crumbles to his knees and falls to his side, lifting his forearms while clutching his face.

And screamed.

Archons, what did he do to deserve this? Why do the people he cherish get taken away from him? Diluc never wanted to be the Darknight hero if it meant having his father perish in his arms. He didn't want the feeling of stabs against his chest with every breath he took. He didn't want to feel cold while knowing it was because you weren't here to hold him. He didn't want your voice, your pictures or your memory.

He wanted you.

"(Y/n)..." he chokes. Rolling to his back, Diluc moves his arms to cover his eyes, letting the tears run down to his ears, "(Y/n)..."

For who knows how long, he lays there in the abandoned building and mourns. Diluc doesn't have the strength to move from his position, he found himself staring mindlessly through the cracks of the roof when his voice had gone hoarse. The corners of his eyes still burned and his head was throbbing with so much pain. Maybe he should just stay here but the thought of being in the same room as your murderer was unfathomable.

Picking up his claymore once again, Diluc drags himself out of the door. Where would he go? It's not like he had a home to return to because home was when he was with you. A doll without a soul, the marionette moves as if the strings have commanded him to do so. Where ever it takes him, he didn't care. He just knew he had to go.

[cocosstories]

Sebastian Stan One Shot

Prompt:

sebastian stan x reader and their first time smut

Warning: Smut

You and Sebastian had been friends for years, meeting for the first time at a mutual friends wedding.

As time passed, you and Seb became pretty close and because of this, your group of friends always tried to get you together.

"We are just friends!"

You would say repeatedly when they inevitably began asking about the two of you.

"Oh come on. You honestly have never even thought about just sleeping with him? I mean Seb is hot. If I weren't married..."

"Y/F/N!"

You turn in the passenger seat of her car in shock at her statement.

"What? I mean you won't fuck him so why can't I fantasize about it?"

She replies with a shrug.

It was fourth of July weekend and the two of you were on your way to the Hamptons to spend the holiday partying at your friends huge beach house.

Sebastian was coming too and you were already trying to figure out ways to avoid the inevitable things your friends were going to try to do to get you to hook up.

"Holy shit, this is amazing!"

You say, stepping out of the car as you pull up.

"Yeah, we finally finished renovating. Just in time for this weekend."

Y/F/N says with a devilish smile before heading up to the house to join her husband and Sebastian who were already there.

"Hey, Y/N."

Sebastian smiles and hugs you.

"Hey Seabass."

You reply.

You could feel your friends staring as the two of you hugged and quickly pulled out of his embrace so you didn't give them anymore ammunition.

"Oh, Y/N, I forgot to tell you, we were trying to figure out the rooms and you and Sebastian are going to have to share."

Your friend says, turning to walk into the house before you can protest.

"CONVENIENT!!"

You yell after her as she giggles.

"So where is this room?"

You ask her husband who leads you and Sebastian through the beach house and to the room your friend has assigned you to.

"What. The. Fuck."

You say as you look around the room.

It was set up as like a honeymoon suite.

Champagne, roses, candles and even silk sheets.

"What the hell does she think is going to happen? That we are going to sleep in the same bed and all of a sudden your penis is going to end up in my vagina like magic?"

You rant and Sebastian laughs.

"Y/N, Y/N, hey it's just for a weekend. It's not that big of a deal and they can't make us do anything."

Seb says putting a hand on each shoulder to get you to focus.

You nod with a sigh, knowing he was right, they couldn't make you hook up with Seb.

"Alright, fine but I swear I am going to kill her if she pulls anything else."

Sebastian agrees and the two of you get ready for the nights festivities.

It was a party set up on the beach just off the house and your friends spared no expense.

A DJ, dancefloor, all the booze you could ever ask for at the open bar and everything started with a beautiful sunset dinner near the water.

As the party really got going, you headed to the bar with a few friends, ready to do some shots, Sebastian joining in.

A few hours later, you were on the dancefloor, feeling pretty good when Sebastian is brought over by your friend.

"You two should dance!"

She yells over the music and pushes the two of you together just as a slower song begins to play.

You didn't know if it was the alcohol, the music or just the feeling of Sebastian's arms around you but you couldn't help but give into your friends request.

"Lets go upstairs."

Sebastian whispers in your ear and against everything sober you had said, drunk you agreed.

The two of you barely make it to your room before his lips are on yours.

You wake up the next morning to a raging hangover, most of the night before blank in your mind.

Sebastian is softly snoring next to you and you decide to get up to pee.

As you do, you become painfully aware that you are naked and carefully lift the sheets to see if Sebastian is as well.

"Fuck."

You whisper.

Getting up, you give yourself a second to let the room stop spinning before you quietly find some sweats and a tshirt in your bag.

You quickly get dressed and grab your phone and bag before sneaking out of the bedroom and run downstairs.

"Y/N! Finally you're awake!"

Your friend says, her voice like a meat cleaver slicing through your pounding head.

"Yeah, hey, can we go get breakfast?"

You ask.

"Sure. Should we wait for Sebastian?"

"No. Um he wants to sleep. Just us ok?"

With that, she agrees and the two of you head off into town to her favorite breakfast spot.

After getting a booth and ordering some coffee, you make your way to the bathroom, just getting there before the contents of you stomach make their way back out of you.

Twenty minutes later you rejoin your friend who had ordered you the perfect hungover breakfast and begin to eat.

"Your phone has been going off like crazy."

She says, pushing it towards you and you see the multiple missed calls from Sebastian before putting it in your purse.

As you eat, the night begins to come back to you in flashes.

The dinner, the party, shots, dancing with Sebastian, going up to the room, the feeling of his lips on yours, his hands running all over your body until he reaches behind you to unzip your dress.

You try to shake the image out of your head but it only brings up more images.

The look in his eyes as he kneels in front of you while he pulls your panties off, the feeling of his stubble tickling your leg as he leaves a trail of kisses up it, the feeling of his hair as your fingers run through it while he eats you out.

"Shit."

You mumble under your breath.

"What's wrong?"

Your friend ask and you shake your head.

"Nothing, bit my cheek."

You lie.

The sound of your voice moaning his name, nearly begging for more before he stands up and pulls off his pants and underwear, revealing his very hard member.

'Tell me what you want'

You close your eyes and can hear his voice clear as day as the full scene comes into your mind.

'Fuck me.'

You replied, watching him contemplate.

You groan as he waits, wondering what you will do if he refuses.

You reach down and begin playing with yourself as he stands back and watches with a satisfied smirk.

'You want some help?'

He asks before he moves your fingers and replaces them with his own.

His body felt amazing on top of yours.

"Y/N!"

You are brought out of your memories when your friend nearly screams your name to get your attention.

"Sorry, what?"

"I said, Sebastian just texted me and he wants to know why you won't answer. He needs to talk to you."

"Alright, just tell him we will be back later."

You sigh and pick at your food.

"Why are you avoiding Seb?"

She asks.

"I'm not."

More images begin to flood your brain as the feeling of him sliding inside of you hits.

You swear his eyes were more blue than normal as he looks into yours for just a second as he pumps in and out of you harder and harder at your request.

"Bullshit. You are avoiding him. Wait...oh my God, you had sex last night! Didn't you?"

You groan.

You friend could always read you like an open book and to be honest, you were shocked it took her this long to figure it all out.

"I knew it! Everyone said I was crazy to think that you two would give in one day but I knew it would happen!"

She says happily and you roll your eyes.

His grunts and groans fill your head as he fists the sheets to keep his balance.

You could almost feel yourself clench around him as the heat  builds.

He catches your lips for a second just before he cums and buries his head in your neck.

His sloppy thrusts were just enough to push you over the edge and your toes curl as your orgasm hits, nearly making you black out.

You swallow hard as the diner and your friend come back into focus.

"So, you're avoiding him because you slept with him?"

She asks and you groan.

"It just happened. We were drunk. Like really drunk and when I woke up this morning, I didn't even remember it."

You finally admit.

"Oh, that bad huh?"

You glare as she laughs at her own joke.

"I remember it now, smart ass and it was not bad."

You take a sip of your coffee with your eyebrow raised.

"So if it was good, then why won't you talk to him?"

You sigh.

"Because drunk sex is always good and Seb and I are friends. I don't want to complicate that."

Your friend shakes her head.

"That's not it. You don't want to admit that we have all been right this whole time and there could actually be something between you two."

You spend the remainder of breakfast thinking about your friends words and before you knew it, you were headed back to the house to talk to Sebastian.

"Hey."

You say making your way into the bedroom, finding him sitting on the bed

"Hi."

He says with a small smile.

"Look, Sebastian, last night was unexpected. Amazing but unexpected and I know I shouldn't have bolted like I did but I really don't want to complicate things so lets chalk it up to the alcohol and our friends getting in our heads and leave it at that."

The words come out quickly, you wanting to make sure he couldn't interrupt your speech before you could finish.

"What if I don't want to just leave it at that?"

He asks, stopping you in your tracks as you head to the bathroom for a shower.

"What?"

He crawls to the end of the bed.

"What if I don't want to leave it at that? What if I want to try what happened last night again? Sober this time?"

He says with a slight smirk.

You cross your arms and look at him.

"Lets do it again, sober."

He says again, reaching for you, hoping you will give into him.

Your mind races, searching for the answer of what to do, one side wanting to do it again, the other screaming not to risk ruining your friendship.

Feedback is always welcomed and greatly appreciated

[raphael-angele]

Damian Wayne as Cheddar Holt-Cozner cuz they're both Fluffy Bois

Selina and Bruce are Fighting:

Dick, Barbara and Jason are in the bathroom:

Damian: What are we hiding in here for?

Dick: Selina and Bruce are fighting and we're trying to guess why.

Barbara: Oh no. Dog allergies are acting up. (Damian has dog hair on him). *Backing into a corner* Damian, get away from me.

Jason, picking up Damian:

Dick, to Damian: Listen to me. Do not blow our cover.

Bruce: We should've just gone out for dinner like we do every year. Why did we have to involve the kids?

Selina: I made you involve them because they're your children and I want to get to know them better.

Bathroom: *Barbara sneezing*

Bruce: Barbara, are you in our bathroom with a dog you're deathly allergic to?

Barbara: ...no?

Bruce: *opens the door*

Dick is covering Babs' nose with a towel, Jason is carrying Damian:

Dick: Occupied?

---

Babysitting Damian:

Dick: *opens the door*

Manor: A mess

Tim, in the living room: DAMIAN! LET GO!

Dick and Jason seeing Tim fight off Damian for biting on a sweater:

Tim: He got into the closet. *To Damian* Bruce said you weren't allowed in the closet. Why wont you listen?

Jason: Oh god, he's turning all the turtlenecks to regular necks.

Dick: Dami. Let go. Let go of the sweater.

Damian: *lets go*

...They lost Damian...

Whole batfam is in the manor:

Dick: Thank you all for joining. What we have here is a fugitive case. Our man has been on the run for 30 minutes. Also, our man is Damian.

Jason: Now I know what you're thinking. "Who cares? It's just Damian"

Steph: No one was thinking that, you monster.

Jason: Good. That was a test.

Tim: Now, Damian's average foot speed is 10 miles per hour

Jason: Which means every passing second, that slippery bastard is getting farther away.

Meanwhile, Damian: *walking to the park*

...

Tim: Okay. I'll go East. You go West. We'll meet back here in 30 minutes.

Dick: Agreed. Jason, stay here in the manor in case he comes back.

Jason: Wouldn't it be better if I went out with you guys?

Dick: Yeah, but we can't risk it. Plus, we can't afford slowing down.

Tim: It's exactly what the brat wants.

Meanwhile, Damian: *Riding the swings in the park*

...

Dick: Okay, team. Here's the update. Bad news, Damian is still at large

Jason: I bet that slippery little bastard is just laughing at us

Meanwhile Damian: *eating ice cream on a park bench*

---

Heist Day:

Dick: Damian, if you know where the cummerbund is, tell me.

Damian: I don't. I told you, I am not taking part in this ridiculous event you have planned for today, Grayson.

Dick: Hmmmmm...

Damian: I need to go get some fresh air.

Outside:

Damian: *blowing on a dog whistle*

Dog: *coming from around the corner*

Damian: Good boy, Titus. Bring me the cummerbund.

Dog: *gives cummerbund*

Damian: Wait a minute, this isn't the championship cummerbund. This is just a regular cummerbund. *notices* and you're not Titus. You're just some common bitch.

...Later that night...

Damian, marching into the manor with fake Titus beside him: TITUS! Where is my dog?

Duke: Aren't you standing right next to him?

Damian: THIS BITCH?! PLEASE! Watch *kneels, talking to the dog* Shake. Shake! Psh, idiot. *To everyone* I know one of you took Titus and I know you did it for the sake of the heist but if anything happens to him, I WILL END THE LOT OF YOU.

---

Titus: *Barks*

Damian: Titus?

Titus: *barks*

Damian: Titus? *Gives hand* shake.

Titus: *shakes hand*

Damian: Ah, Good grip. Prestige Coat, THAT'S MY DOGGY! You have betrayed me. You will explain yourself later. Return to my quarters

---

POV: Damian and Jon are getting married but Damian is working on a case. Dick finds out and get the whole fam involved to solve it.

Dick: Here's what we're gonna do. Dami and I will be infiltrating his house and retrieving it.

Duke: How you gonna get past him?

Damian: He wont be there. We're gonna lure him out with his one weakness: Rare Billy Joel Memorabilia.

Dick: He will meet with an ex-roadie, Geronimo Rodriguez, which is actually be an undercover Duke Thomas, our resident Billy Joel superfan.

Duke: One time. You caught me listening to Uptown Girl ONE TIME

Dick: Nope, he's your favorite singer.

Damian: And, you're the only one who he hasn't interacted with. If he stumps you, Drake will be nearby, feeding you Billy Joel facts into your ear. You guys need to keep him busy and use a fake memorabilia to get a fingerprint we can use to unlock his laptop.

Jason: What am I doing?

Dick: You, Steph and Cass need to stay here and distract Jon to make sure he doesn't know Damian is working.

Damian: And who will be in charge of my pets?

Jason: I mean, can't we just distract them with a bone?

Damian: Bone! BONE?! BOOOOOOONE?! My pets aren't street rats, *to Dick* this plan is never gonna work.

---

Bruce: Boys! My office.

In the office:

Dick: What's going on?

Tim: Hey, Selina.

Jason: Why is she here? Did they stop funding the arts?

Selina: Yes, but that doesn't matter anymore. Damian has been kidnapped

Bruce: Someone took our baby bat.

Dick: What?! What happened?

Selina: We went out for a walk, we went and got ice cream and we went to the park. I let him go and roam around and told him to come back in 15 minutes. He never did.

Bruce: Someone took our baby bat.

Tim: Yeah, you mentioned that. Now, just to be clear, you didn't actually see someone take him, right? It could be that he just ran away? Like a few kids do.

Bruce: You know very well your brother would never do that unless he had an actual reason. Someone took our-

Jason: Baby bat, yes, we understand.

Bruce: I need you to drop EVERYTHING. Nothing in the world is as important to me as this situation right now.

Dick: Well, I wouldn't say nothing...

Bruce: We don't have time for this. The first 48 hours of a kidnapping is the most crucial.

Jason: Right, and in cat years, that's only 7 hours.

Selina: WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!?!??!!?

Tim: Look, all we're saying is that before we come to any conclusions, we should consider the fact that there's no actual proof that he's been kidnapped.

Bruce, getting a text: It's a text. It reads, "I've kidnapped your son."

Tim: Okay, now that seems like pretty hard proof, that's good.

---

Dick: Bruce, there you- oh, my god what is happening?

Bruce, with a vest full of grenades: I've gotten mad and now, I'm getting even.

Dick: Look, I know you're upset but you need to calm down and treat this like any other case.

Bruce: Dick, I am about to go nuts.

Jason: You already did.

Tim: Look, the kidnapper texted his demands

Bruce: How much does the bastard want for our baby bat?

Tim: That's the thing. He doesn't want money.

Jason: He wants all the cases worked from May 2004. It's a lead. The kidnapper must be connected to one of the cases somehow

Bruce: Interesting. You know what else is interesting?

Tim: What

Bruce: Grenades

Dick: Just please, stop it. I'm gonna take Selina to the park where Damian was kidnapped and look for clues.

Jason: We need you to stay here, go through those files, and put together a list of potential suspects. Can you do that?

Bruce: Okay, fine. I'll go through the files.

Tim: Great.

---Silence---

Dick: You realize we can't leave until you put the grenades back, right?

Bruce: *sigh* fine

[dandelion-wings]

Now that Kaeya has roused Diluc's suspicions, everything that had been conforting about the little kitchen instead makes it feel like a cage. Buried, windowless, with only one exit--it had been stupid of him to take comfort in that in the first place, without his father here to guard the door for him. His parents told him so many times not to hole up alone in any place he can't escape.

The only guard on this door is Adelinde, and her position will shift as soon as she learns that he's taken her Kaeya's place.

"Are you sure you aren't hungry, Master Kaeya?" she asks for a third time, looking at his untouched cake.

For all that Kaeya knows he should play into the facade as long as it gives him any advantage, for the third time he shakes his head. He can't stomach the thought of eating right now. He can barely force down the tea, managing only because it does seem to be dulling what remaining pain the salve hadn't touched. That it's bitter tea helps, oddly enough.

She smiles gently at him. "All right. You don't have to eat. You should finish that tea, though."

Before she can pour him another cup, there's a thud from the stairs down the hall, and a voice Kaeya thinks might be Elzer's calls, "Adelinde? Master Diluc has some questions I'm afraid I can't answer for him."

Adelinde starts to move, then pauses and looks back at him. "Would you be all right if I left you alone for a few minutes? I think it would be best if you stayed down here."

Kaeya nods, trying not to let any anticipation show on his face. It must work, because Adelinde's smile is relieved.

He waits for the door at the top of the stairs to close behind her before he climbs down from his chair and creeps from the kitchen. The hall leads two ways, and he sets off in the opposite direction.

He's hoping for a door to the outdoors. The stairs he eventually finds, after passing pantries and storerooms and far too many rooms filled with racks of wine, only go up to another section of the house. But it's a darker, quieter section than the parts he's been in so far, so there's every chance he can escape unnoticed through an unguarded window.

If he can find a room that isn't locked. Most of them are. Kaeya goes along, creeping quietly, trying them one by one. Then, rounding a corner, he sees light beneath the next doorframe, hears Diluc's voice coming behind it, and freezes.

"You mean we don't actually know his age?"

Adelinde answers him. "Ten was only a compromise. He did keep insisting he was your age, but the sisters wouldn't have let the Seneschal record him as twelve in any case, so ten fell right between his claim and their best guess."

"I can't blame them. I'd forgotten how small he was," and those are Elzer's mild tones. "He didn't seem as young when I was younger myself, but now I can see why my mother put so much work into feeding him."

"He grew fast enough after a few years of her cooking," Diluc says, and his tone is almost a grumble. It settles back into the curt, tight tone as he goes on. "But you do agree. The Mage must have taken him before the Sumeru affair."

"That makes the most sense to me," Elzer says. "It explains everything we've seen."

There's a murmur of agreement from Adelinde, then a long pause. Kaeya's heart pounds so hard in his chest that he half-expects them to hear it. He can't risk moving while they're so quiet. Questions swirl through him, jangling against growing panic. Sumeru is the place the door out of Khaenri'ah opens. Has something happened? Did the Mage snatch him away from his father just before some disaster? Is that what it meant by 'sputtering out'?

Does Diluc know he's not just an imposter, but from Khaenri'ah? From the land the gods condemned, object of the Ordo Favonius' cruel crusade? Mondstadt's bitterest enemy?

"And now I've injured him, and frightened him badly enough that he tried to run away. Jean certainly won't be impressed."

"I'm sure you can apologize."

"And tell him I won't do it again? *That* would be a lie."

Diluc's voice has gone harsh with anger, the same snarl that he'd aimed at the Abyss Mage right before he'd pelted it with fire. A chill runs down Kaeya's spine. He takes one step back, then another, retreating around the corner. He bolts under the cover of Adelinde protesting, "Master Diluc-"

One turn, then another, and a choice between an upward stair or back the way he came. Kaeya chooses up; maybe he can find a window to climb down from. He scrambles up it, rounds a corner, and finds himself overlooking the grand front room just as Diluc and Adelinde come walking out from a side-door below. Diluc looks up before he can retreat.

"Oh!" Adelinde follows his gaze. "Did you finish your tea?"

Defeat rolls over Kaeya like a wave, and he slumps in its grip. He wants to cry. Diluc is watching him too closely for him to dare run again, and even if he does, they'll know this house far better than he. Another opportunity lost, and he's no closer to making an escape.

Maybe there's no escape to be made.

Stuck at the hospital with only my phone and rn the sickfic WIP isn't appealing, so why not start a new phone WIP? >> This concept originates from a longer idea @theabysscomeshome and I had once (wherein this episode feeds into a relationship shift), but rn I'm just focusing on baby Kaeya.

---

"This must be confusing for you," says the red-haired man crouching in front of Kaeya. It's the first sensible thing Kaeya has heard anyone say since he woke up under this terrible open sky.

He doesn't say that, of course. He only nods. Giving anything away to these people would be a bad idea.

It's a good thing, in a way, that he'd woken to see the woman standing behind him before anything else. Her, and the sky above her, and the symbol of the Ordo Favonius--their ancient enemies, the crusading scourge that followed the first disasters of the Cataclysm--emblazoned upon her armor. She had seemed to take both his scream and his frantic grab for the sword beside him in stride, though she had wrestled the weapon away. She'd claimed to *know* him.

Kaeya knows no Knight of Favonius, but as long as he goes along with her claim, she seems disinclined to kill him. So he can't do anything that will prove her wrong.

"I thought that he would be more comfortable here at the Dawn Winery," she's telling the red-haired man now. "He's been very shy, and I think being around so many armed knights is frightening for him."

"He was afraid of knights when he first came here," the man agrees. Which means he thinks he knows Kaeya, too. "We'll look after him until your alchemists come up with a solution."

"Thank you. I know he'll be happier with you."

Kaeya stiffens when she puts a hand on his shoulder, but all she does is squeeze. When he looks up, she's smiling at him.

"We will work tirelessly to repair this," she tells him. "For now, simply enjoy your time here at the Winery."

Then she turns and walks away, leaving Kaeya here in this softly-lit room with the man looming over him even crouched to his height. It's still better than being surrounded by Favonian knights.

"Has Jean explained the situation to you?" the man asks.

She'd told him that she knew him as an adult, that he was a captain under her, and that some Abyss Mage had ensorcelled him in a fight. She'd told him that he was her best friend. Kaeya doesn't believe any of it, of course. But *she* does.

His own best theory, right now, is that the Abyss Mage switched them somehow. Why, he doesn't know. How his name can match her friend's, and furthermore how he can look enough like the man she knows for her to believe it, he doesn't know either. But Mages are capricious; that one snatched him from where he slept at his father's side while he slept and substituted him for this Mondstadtian Kaeya seems more likely than becoming a Knight of Favonius. Or, worse, the *friend* of one of those butchers.

Kaeya just nods again.

"Then I won't try to pretend that I'm Father. Not that there would be any point in that. I am Diluc. I'm simply fifteen years older than I was when you arrived."

He seems to expect some kind of answer, so Kaeya nods a third time.

The man nods back. Then he stands, abruptly, to his full height. It takes all of Kaeya's efforts not to flinch. If the knight thought he would be happier here, then surely the person she thinks he is wouldn't.

Passing Kaeya, the man--Diluc--opens the door. "Let's go find Adelinde. She can get your room set up and feed you. I'm sure you're hungry."

That's the second sensible thing Kaeya has heard anyone say today, so he follows.