#And you know it's fr when it's in the tags and not just blurted out on post

[sinsofnivan]

hello i am fiending for college nerd perv!Leon Kennedy

I ♡ HOT NERDS.ᐟ — Leon Kennedy x YOU! — SMUT!

TAGS: fem bodied reader, blowjobs, lots of pussy eating, pussydrunk leon, no fr hes so whipped for you here,  mentions of getting off to your underwear, study buddied to fuck buddies to bff's to lovers, unprotected sex, mentions of sex toys, semi-public fucking, some bad words too

NSFW UNDER THE CUT!

college nerd! leon crushes on you first. you're so sweet, so kind, and was a good friend all in all. during class, he finds himself staring at you while the professor yaps away. you two became friends after he offered to help you with chemistry, the only class you shared with, and after he spotted your failing mark.

you've been closer—inseparable, actually—ever since, always talking, texting, calling the other. he was always over at your place, just like how you were always over at his. your grades have significantly gotten better, too, a perk of being friends with him, he says.

college nerd! leon who always brings over food at your place. he rarely ever orders for himself, always for two. he knows all your favourites. your go-to snacks, how you like your coffee, and even your preferences. you've asked him once how he has it memorized, and he just shrugged. when you blurt out that you're hungry, leon will come knocking at your door.

“you didn't have to!”  “well, i wanted to,” leon closes the door behind him, and you come rushing to him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. “you're the best, leon!” you'd chirp, and leon feels his cheeks heat up. you link your arm arm around him as you drag him inside. “okay, what should we do. do we wanna watch a movie?”

college nerd! leon watches you more than he watches the shitty movie you've set up. you're nicely curled up to him, a blanket nicely resting atop your warm bodies. plus, he had a nice view of your chest, too. if he could stay like this forever, he would. unfortunately, he needed to get up and go to the bathroom. it hurt poking you and watching you settle on the other side of the couch.

college nerd! leon likes the way your apartment looks. it just screamed . . you. the posters, the decor. cuter than he's envisioned. even your laundry was wasn't a sight for sore eyes, only the pink, cotton pair of panties catching his attentio—

he swallows nervously.

college nerd perv! leon had to slap a palm over his mouth, trying to keep his noises down as his roommates were still sleeping. he had the same pink panties wrapped around his cock as he fucked his fist. this was depraved. he shouldn't . . but somehow, the thrill only made it better. he can't believe he's actually getting off to this, to your fucking underwear. god, he's such a pervert.

you're one of the few people that actually listens to college nerd! leon's yapping. something about this new comic that came out, or a fun fact about this video game, and even though you didn't understand what it was, you always listened, watching him. sometimes caressing his leg with your own shoe.

but college nerd! leon's oblivious to your advances. cuddling with him, holding hands with him, being touchy with him, and sometimes purposefully wearing the skimpiest clothing you had when he was over—he was very clueless, and you wondered if he even liked you.

today, you'll find out.

you're over at his place, watching him as he showed you his "nerd haul", as you called it. a bunch of figurines, some new comic books, and you were simply letting him talk, showcasing his stuff excitedly.

"mhm? what's that one about?"

you asked, glancing over at him as he explained it all to you. blah blah blah, batman and catwoman, blah blah blah. you couldn't really focus on what he was saying when he looked so fucking good and so fucking kissable.

"mhm?"

leon stops mid-yap as he feels your hand rest atop his groin. "y, y/n?" he looks over at you with wide eyes. he looked cute, 'specially with glasses. "go on . . " you cooed, and you watch his adam's apple bob as he swallowed nervously.

"s, so . . um . . "

his breath hitches in his throat as he watches you settle on the ground, between his legs; your hands eager to get his cock out from his trousers. you only hummed, letting his half-erect cock spring out, and god, how does he keep that . . weapon in his shorts?!

your tongue drags up the shaft, feeling it slowly twitch and harden, and leon was completely speechless. "h, haah . . y/n," he whined, setting down the comic back on the table as he leaned back. your wet muscle teased the tip, tasting his pre.

"do you like this, leon?"

fuuuuck . . you were so hot talkin' while your tongue was out. it comes out as barely intelligible gibberish, but leon understood anyway, nodding as he looked down at you through his spectacles. "do you want me to stop?" he quickly shook his head. "use your words," you muttered, and leon whines. "n, no. i don't want you to stop,"

usin' your hands, you lather your spit all over his girth, feeling the veins under your palm. fuck, he's so hot. you've barely started and he was already panting like a dog in heat.

slowly, his girth enters your mouth. it's warm, and so damn fucking good leon could just bust a nut. he wants to prolong this. was this real? were you really blowing him?

"please, y/n," he pleads, and you only glance up at him. "hm?" you chuckled, and the subtle rumble makes him gasp. "l—let me . . let me fuck your throat," he whined, hips bucking up uncontrollably.

"mhm . . "

that was enough for leon, grabbing both sides of your head and filling your throat to the hilt with just one push down. you gagged, spit coating his shaft and balls. it didn't take long for him to start vigorously fucking your throat, the crown of his fat cock always meeting with the back of your throat.

the room is filled with lascivious noises—sounds of you gagging and the squelch of your filthy mouth plus leon's mewls. he only held his gaze low, eyes never breaking away from yours.

you bring your hands up, caressing his body and palming at his thighs. tears were swellin' up in your eyes, and leon loved how your waterline glistened. he wondered just how long would it take to mess up your mascara.

it felt good, so fucking good. his balls are aching to let out this load in your throat, but he can't. not yet. it takes everything in college nerd perv! leon to stop bobbin' your head up and down, pulling his cock out from your throat so you could breathe.

"w, why?" you pant. "not yet," he was, too. chests heaving. "c'mere," his body leans forward, and his hand gently ensnares your jaw, pulling you in for a kiss. he could taste himself on you.

college nerd perv! leon lays you down on his couch, and he was settled in between your legs; arms hooked around your thighs and not even bothering to pull down your panties. he's salivating from just the sight of your cunt, nicely outlined by the cotton. he can't help but just—

"h, hnng! leon!"

his tongue's dragging up your slit, kissing and tasting the cloth while leon fumbled with the hem of your skirt. you lift your hips up, and leon slowly pulls it, his kisses trailing down your inner thighs to your calves.

"you're so beautiful . . "

college nerd perv! leon eats pussy as a sport. he's obsessed with how your taste and smell jus' completely engulfs him. doesn't fuckin' care if you've shaved or not, he'll devour it no matter what.

your clit's all puffy from how much he's been suckin' on it, and his hair's all messed up from how hard you've been tugging on it. he doesn't seem to mind, however, only grunting as his glasses fogged up. "oh my gooood . . leon," your toes curl, and leon grinds against the couch. "close, 'm close—!" you subconsciously close your legs on him, trapping him in place and— leon whimpers with a mouthful of cunt, an orgasm washing over him as he kept grinding his cock on the couch. another suckle from him, and you're fucking spraying him again, squealing as your back arched. oh, and he also eats ass.

college nerd perv! leon always prioritizes your orgasms first. nice guys finish last, he's read. he's been nice to you, right? he's been a good boy for you, just for you, right?

needless to say, you went from study buddies to fuck buddies quick.

you'd have quickies in the bathroom, in the storage room. leon would test out these new sex toys with and on you, too. including a lovense whilst you were in class, and he would randomly turn it on at any hour, letting you know that he was thinking of you.

sometimes you're making out in the gymnasium, or maybe in the rooftops, as long as it was private.

it seriously gave you whiplash how much of a pervert leon actually was. you didn't think he was, but you know what they say. it's always the quiet ones. and it was never boring with him, as he tried a lot of things with you both sexually and non-sexually.

his favourite? putting you on a dildo machine and lettin' it ram you 'til you were fucking stupid.

college nerd perv! leon loved to grope you, too; especially in public. your ass was mostly the victim of this, especially when the jocks who eyed you were around. they always do a double-take, because how could the shy, quiet nerd pull a baddie like you?

leon was possessive too, as you've discovered.

because when he's fucking rearranging your guts, he's always askin' you who do you belong to, and you?

well.

"yours! i'm yours!" you cried out as leon pounded your pretty cunt. "mine," he whispered, wrapping your legs around his waist and leaning down to bite your neck. your chest had all sorts of hickeys, and you're not surprised. he loved to mark you. his cock stretches you out so fucking nicely, and nothing compares to the pleasure you give leon. it was probably the highlight of his day, being buried balls deep inside you. gooodddd . . you felt so good. his balls kept clappin' against your ass, and your cunt just nicely sucked him back in while you coated his length with translucent slick, aaaall the way down to its base. as his orgasm neared, he lets a thumb roll over your clit so you could both cum together. you screamed, letting your eyes roll back in bliss. "leon . . l, leon—gonna cum. 'm cumming," leon picks up his pace as best as he could, even when his hips were burning with fatigue. you deserved it. his pretty girl deserved everything. "gonna cum too, y/n . . love you, love your fucking cunt," the confession goes over your head as you were busy being in cloud nine, and after a few pumps, you're gushing all over him whilst he floods your pretty pussy with his load.

college nerd perv! leon cums a lot. a lot. you don't know why or how, but he just does. you're always left overspilling whenever he creampied you.

"did you mean it?" leon had a strong arm wrapped around your frame, your back pressed nicely against his chest. "mean what?" he whispered back, a thumb caressing your sides. "that . . you loved me?" you look back at him, and leon lifts his head just so your lips could meet briefly. "of course i did," your eyes widen at the sudden confession, but you were happy. you lace your fingers with him, gradually laying over to your back so he could hover over you kiss you more.

college nerd! leon always gives the best aftercare. you're given water, massages, kisses, everything. you reciprocate it too, of course; covering him in kisses and holding him for as long as he needed.

you were already expecting college nerd! leon to be your boyfriend. he was everything and more you've imagined. flowers more often than you can count, orgasms everyday, a real gentleman, and plus he was so obsessed with you. his social media handles have zero posts, but all of them had you and him as his profile pictures. you couldn't have asked for anyone better.

god, best boyfriend in the world.

college nerd! leon, however, never expected you to be his girlfriend, even though the signs were all there. he's glad you are. you make him happy. the happiest. you were the only person who understood him and accepted him for all his quirks and "weirdness." not to mention also matching his freak.

unlike most, you were actually interested in the things that he liked, sometimes playing his games too even though you sucked and he always carried you. whatever it was, as long as he liked it, you would like it, too. and plus, a week after he had you as his girlfriend, people were complimenting him on how he was glowing.

god, best girlfriend in the world.

[girlkisser13]

dark red

"i think of her so much it drives me crazy" "i just don't want her to leave me"

pairings: jason grace x fem!reader

warnings/tags: none. jason is an overthinker. he’s just like fr.

summary: jason is nervous for your first date.

jason stood in front of the mirror in his cabin, fixing his hair for what had to be the millionth time. his fingers trembled slightly as he tried to smooth out a stray blond strand that refused to stay down. his heart raced as if he were preparing for battle, but this was far more daunting than any fight he had ever been in. tonight, he had a date with you— his first real date. he wanted everything to be perfect.

he was overthinking every detail: would his outfit look too formal or not formal enough? should he wear his favorite blue shirt because it matched his eyes, or would that seem like he was trying too hard? what if he tripped on his way to your cabin? what if he said something stupid? what if you realized halfway through the date that you didn’t actually like him as much as he liked you? his mind spiraled, conjuring up every possible worst-case scenario, and each one felt more likely than the last.

"what if she thinks the flowers are lame?" he muttered to himself, glancing over at the bouquet he’d carefully arranged earlier. the bouquet wasn’t just any bunch of flowers; it was a vibrant mix of colors and types. he had asked the demeter cabin for help, explaining that he didn’t know what your favorite flower was, so he wanted a little bit of everything. he hoped that his effort would come across as thoughtful rather than desperate.

jason took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tried to calm his nerves. "come on, grace. you’ve fought monsters, flown through storms, and faced titans. you can handle one date."

but this wasn’t just any date. it was your first date with him, and that made it infinitely more important. the thought of you— the way you smiled, the sound of your laugh, the way your eyes lit up when you talked about the things you loved— only made his heart beat faster. he cared about you more than he wanted to admit, even to himself.

finally, with one last check in the mirror and a deep breath, he picked up the bouquet and made his way to your cabin. each step felt like it took hours, and by the time he stood in front of your door, his hands were sweating, and his mind was racing again.

he raised his hand to knock but hesitated. what if you weren’t ready? what if you changed your mind? what if—

before he could finish the thought, the door swung open, and there you were. jason’s mouth went dry, and every word he’d rehearsed in his head disappeared. you looked stunning, even more beautiful than he’d imagined. for a moment, all he could do was stand there, utterly speechless.

you laughed, breaking the silence that had stretched between you. "it’s nice to see you too, jason."

he snapped back to reality, feeling his face heat up with embarrassment. "oh, uh, yeah, sorry," he stammered, holding out the bouquet. "these are for you."

you took the flowers, your eyes widening in delight as you took in the array of colors and scents. "they’re beautiful, jason. thank you."

he managed a shy smile. "i had a little help from the demeter cabin. i didn’t know what your favorite flower was, so i just asked them to give me every single flower they had."

you smiled warmly at him, a softness in your eyes that made his heart skip a beat. "that’s the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me."

jason felt a rush of relief and joy at your words. "it wasn’t a big deal," he said quickly. "you deserve so much more."

your cheeks flushed, and you smiled at him, making his heart race even faster. "are you ready to go?" you asked.

"yeah, definitely," he replied, offering you his arm. he led you away from the cabins, toward a secluded spot he’d chosen earlier in the day. as you walked side by side, jason glanced at you, his nerves still buzzing. "you look beautiful tonight," he blurted out, then immediately panicked. "not that you don’t look beautiful every day," he added hastily.

you laughed, a light, musical sound that made him smile despite his anxiety. "thank you, jason," you said warmly. his tension eased slightly, just watching you laugh, the sound calming his racing heart.

"i’ve been thinking about this date all week," he admitted, his voice soft.

"me too," you said, looking up at him. the sincerity in your eyes made his breath catch.

jason took a shaky breath. "i think about you so much it drives me crazy," he confessed.

"i bet you say that to all the girls," you said with a smirk, attempting to ease his nerves.

jason stopped walking, turning to face you. his eyes were earnest, a spark of intensity behind the blue. "only you," he said quietly, with such conviction that it made your breath catch. his honesty made you look away, feeling your cheeks heat up under his gaze.

ater a moment, you both resumed walking, and soon you arrived at the picnic spot jason had set up. a blanket was spread out on the grass, with a basket full of your favorite foods and drinks. you sat down together, and jason watched as you looked around, taking in the peaceful surroundings and the effort he had put into making everything perfect.

"this is really nice, jason," you said, looking at him with appreciation.

jason felt a wave of relief wash over him. "i’m glad you like it," he said. but despite your reassurances, the nervous energy still lingered. after a moment of silence, he spoke again, his voice quieter. "i was so nervous you wouldn’t like me."

you turned to him, surprise in your eyes. "what? jason, that's ricdulous. i wouldn’t have come on this date if i didn’t like you."

he nodded, looking down at his hands. "i know, but…" he hesitated, then finally looked up at you, his blue eyes clouded with worry. "everyone i’ve ever cared about has left me. my mom left me. thalia left me. i just…" his voice broke slightly. "i don’t want you to leave me too."

your heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. you reached over, taking his hand in yours. "i’m not going anywhere, jason," you said softly. you moved closer, wrapping your arms around him in a comforting hug. he held you tightly, resting his head on your shoulder, and for a moment, all his fears seemed to fade away.

"thank you," he whispered into your hair, his voice thick with emotion.

you pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. "you don’t need to apologize for how you feel. i’m never going to leave you. i swear it on the river styx," you promised, your voice steady and sincere.

jason smiled, a genuine, peaceful smile that made your heart swell. "you have no idea how much that means to me," he said softly.

you smiled back, resting your forehead against his. "i think i have an idea," you murmured.

for the first time that night, jason felt completely at ease. he felt safe, knowing you were there, that you cared. with you by his side, jason believed he could finally be truly happy.

[mono-dot-jpeg]

teen angst - y. welt

summary; teens need comfort too, especially when they've been sent into a completely different universe with nothing but themself.

genre/extra tags; fluff, angst? yes. (classic user mono-dot-jpeg moment), more papa welt incoming, teens do need more comfort fr fr (i would know/j), i make a call back to a different welt & child reader (iykyk), can be read separately from the first part

word count; 561

[platonic] [16 year old! reader] [gender neutral! reader]

[buy me a kofi to support!]

a/n; they fucked up tumblr desktop, i hate this layout but anyways- hope you enjoy!

you were home.

you were home?

you weren't home.

you woke up in a daze. the sounds of dan heng's humming data room fills your ears as the lack of sound in space chills you. you feel light, woozy almost. you don't feel like you're in the moment. because you really aren't.

you don't feel when welt touches your shoulder, you don't hear when he asks if you're feeling okay, you don't see anything because your eyes are filled with tears.

you don't even think when you blurt out, "i miss them so much!" your body wracked with sudden grief after your good dream turned into a nightmare. the thought of your family knowing that you're gone, shakes you. it shakes you to your core. did you even exist in your home world anymore? was the honkai world now realer than ever? was this still just a game?

"-/n!" you finally break out of your numbness as welt's hand is cupped on your cheek to make you face him. "you've been crying this whole time."

you hiccup in-between your words, "i'm- i'm sorry!" you stutter and stumble through your cries as you just let him comfort you the best he can. " i'm- sho- sorry- i-" he hushes you gently, patting your tears away.

"you don't need to apologize. alright? it's okay to miss your home." those words alone send you spiraling into a louder cry, it makes you realize that maybe you should tell him the truth. even if there isn't any possible way that you would make it back. "come here." he sits right by your side and guides you to rest against him. "take your time."

you don't know how late it was in the night, if it even was night. was it day? you didn't know. you don't think you want to know. your lightheaded feeling from before is gone, and you just feel heavy with grief and pain. you feel so tired as you rest against welt. you take a while to compose yourself, but he waits patiently. he gently pats your back in a simple rhythm.

"would you like to talk about what woke you up?"

you look down at the ground, toes just barely touching the floor but it feels like you're farther than usual. you feel small like a kid again. maybe you were still a kid after all. nothing wrong with that.

"yeah." and you explain to him the truth. he doesn't speak during your time. he listens intently, squeezing you in a hug when you get teary again. "i'm sorry i didn't tell you everything. none of this feel real. it's still hard to believe."

"that's okay. you never saw anything of this happening. you're allowed to feel this way, alright?" welt guides you to lay down, tucking you back in. "you are really brave for even handling this. it's definitely not easy. and you are so brave to have told me something like this."

"i know that you might not find a way for me to get back home but.. you've already done more than enough." you whisper. you don't feel great after the conversation but you feel okay. that's all you need right now.

you watch welt turn on some music to play while you try to fall asleep. the cold of space doesn't feel as cold and empty anymore.

[summery-captain]

AuDHD traits Dirk Gently Displays - S1E5: Very Erectus

- You may follow the google docs file I'm writing everything down in, also! If you haven't read them yet, links to the first four episodes:

S1E1 - Horizons / S1E2 - Lost and Found / S1E3 - Rogue Wall Enthusiasts / S1E4 - Watkin

Click read more to read the analysis of the fifth episode! Tagging: @clockworkcheetah @urlocallesbiab @generalized-incompetence @amber-angel @goatygoat @frenchfriedgiraffe

> In the scene in the dinner, after they start driving to go look for the 'treasure' based on the map, Todd starts insisting that Dirk has a power and he immediately deflects and shuts down, avoiding eye contact completely, looking around. > The second Todd says "It's you. It's something about you", he goes "I'm not psychic, drop it." - of course this enters the parallel of the whole show being about the holistics having their ties to the universe in different ways, but I've had moments where people know I'm autistic and they start insisting on either me being actually "normal" and it being a superpower, trying to single me or sus me out, and I react similarly to Dirk in this scene > "No!! We are having this conversation", discomfort, "Here, let's do an experiment" EXTREME discomfort - sometimes you're just existing and people want a) an explanation of your whole life and b) for you to prove to be what you say you are > "Look, I can't explain it, ok? I learned a long time ago things don't always make sense the way people want them to" - AuDhd to its barest components– > "You're going to have to accept that too. To. Too. To. Too? Two?" - very common to lose a bit of sense of words both in autism (overwhelmed) and plus ADHD having the common comorbidity of dyslexia 

> Trading the Corvette for the beat down jeep, and when Todd goes "???" he says "It's just a rental!" - he makes decisions and when people express concern assumes it's based on something else, even if it doesn't make sense. So he just says it. I usually know for a fact I won't figure out what they're ACTUALLY judging me for - general inaptitude to read between the lines or figure out social situations 

> Martin tells Amanda, about Dirk, "He's got gourmet panic!" - he just like us, he just like us fr 

> "Don't start with the zen master thing, ok? It worked out a lot better before I figured out you were a mess, too" - people tend to assume we're more put together than they are because we showcase emotions differently 

> When Todd says he's gonna give up on digging, he just goes "Wouldn't this be just one more thing you walked away from, though" - not the sincerautistic murder-- Sometimes I also blurt out things and accidentally read people to filth without fully realizing. 

> He puts clues together and recognizes patterns then blurts it out, classic AuDHD style

 > "(...) I think life is like that too, just an endless series of room with puzzles and eventually one of them kills you" / "That's dark and depressing" - my fellow AuDHD ambassador just drops bombs and doesn't even realize 

> "What is it?" / "A thing" - stating the obvious shouldn't be as funny as it is but it never gets old 

> "You brought the cat?" / "Of course I did" - just. Very cute honestly but also, I too make decisions without fully realizing what it would entail, like bringing a kitten around with you while digging shit up 

> Todd starts venting to him and he's like. Confused - but yet again he tries his very best to support him, saying "When I look behind me, I can't see ahead of me" / "Are you saying dwelling on my past is holding me back?" / "No. I mean I literally can't see what's back there when I'm looking forward" - general literal thinking

> "You know what I was thinking about? When I was staring down at the barrel of that gun?" "...bullets?" - literal thinking part 321 electric boogaloo

> “Everything is connected. But only I can see it… I’m not.. Psychic. But I am something” yeah. Autistic-

> “The hunches don’t help me, ever” - we tend to figure stuff out based on our general understanding of them, trying to consciously clock things others don’t have to think twice about, but the same is true in reverse, where things that may seem impossible for neurotypicals to figure out, we see immediately. Although we may know these things, we’re usually not taken seriously enough or don’t have the bandwidth to actually prevent some things from happening to us or around us.

> “I don’t have any friends, I am always surrounded by bizarre and frightening states of disaster, and I am always alone” - sad part hours, but it’s unfortunately true: we’re always overwhelmed, surrounded by input we can’t filter out, and it is extremely hard to make and maintain friends. But Dirk has found his people and so will all of us, eventually!!

> When Todd says “And Dirk? I am your friend.” - immediate hope, bright red eyes, furrowed eyebrows, then IMMEDIATELY he schools his expression out to nonchalant, so yet again his big reactions don’t push people around him away (both true for Dirk and in our general experience, having had to tone yourself down your whole life does NUMBERS on you)

[mazeinthemiroh]

lee felix sfw alphabet

genre: fluffy wuffy for the fluffiest boy in town

word count: 2k

warnings: none

song rec: magic by coldplay

pls like and reblog if you enjoyed! feel free to request anything <3

a - affection (how affectionate are they? how do they show affection)

lee felix is the definition of love

therefore, he shows affection in pretty much every single thing he does

without even trying, he is effortlessly affectionate and never fails to make those around him feel safe, happy and loved

b - best friend (what would they be like as a best friend?)

as your bestie, he's tagging you on every social media and spamming with your memes and tiktoks to watch. like... that's basically a given, anyway

he's just so sweet really

is down for anything you want to do

c - cuddles (would they like to cuddle? how do they cuddle?)

bro, where do i begin...

he's a cuddle bug. literally the most cuddliest person in the whole world who will literally die if he doesn't get his hourly cuddles so you better cuddle him lots istg-

basically, yes. he loves cuddling

he's such a fluffy human being, inside and out. he needs his partner to like cuddles fr; this will probably be a genuine reason for him to date you if i am being totally honest

d = domestic (do they want to settle down? how are they at cooking and cleaning?)

felix totally wants to settle down

and i feel like once he finds the right person there's no going back for him. the only way is up!!

he's good at baking and likes making little treats every now and then for the two of you to share

has tried his hand at cooking too and makes a pretty good chef!

e = ending (if they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

damn he hates even thinking about stuff like this

just expect a lot of tears; a lot of conflicting and confusing emotions all at once

he hates confrontation in general so having to prompt a break-up is not where he wants to be in a relationship, ever

it will take a massive toll on him and will be emotionally exhausting for the both of you

f = fiance(e) (how do they feel about commitment? how quick would they want to get married?)

big fan of commitment

only has eyes for his soulmate and no one else

because... why should he? at the end of the day, he is loyal, through thick and thin

he won't get married too quickly but then he wouldn't wait too long either. i feel like he would be nervous and would need to know for definite that, if he proposed to you, you would 100% say yes

g = gentle (how gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

i don't even feel the need to say anything for this one

he's literally a baby chick. what's he gonna do? peck you to death? yeah, i didn't think so

h = hugs (do they like hugs? how often do they do it? what are their hugs like?)

i mean this one goes without saying, doesn't it?

felix lives for hugs. he needs the to survive. he has them for breakfast

hugs. hugs. HUGS.

there's something about how warm and welcome he feels inside when someone gives him a hug

he loves all forms of hugs

back hugs make him feel protected if he's on the receiving end of it. he loves to be in his lover's arms like that

i = i love you (how fast do they say the L-word?)

it's so hard to say

part of me is thinking he might just blurt it out spontaneously, much like an intrusive thought. he might not even think about it when he says it until he realises and his eyes grow super wide like 'omg i just said the L word to you for the first time wtf'

the other part of me knows that felix is a deep thinker. he overthinks everything and is therefore likely to hold back on confessing such strong emotion so quickly

but holding his love back won't be easy regardless of what he chooses, so the likelihood is that he would definitely confess to you before you confess to him

j = jealousy (how jealous do they get? what do they do when they're jealous?)

i can see him getting jealous tbh

and he never means to. he's not one to look for things to argue about and stuff

but because he has so, so much to give, if he isn't receiving that same amount of love it's hard for him. then, seeing you get closer or flirting with another person is even harder for him

k = kisses (what are their kisses like? where do they like to kiss you? where do they like to be kissed?)

his kisses on the lips are usually soft and tender

he literally doesn't have a favourite place to kiss you because he will kiss you everywhere

but for him? he won't tell you unless you brought it up, but... his neck is super sensitive

he doesn't even have to tell you because it's so easy to tell. when his breath becomes hitched in his throat when you kiss him along his neck. when his grip becomes tighter when you merely brush your lips over the sweet spots of his neck. yeah. he's not exactly subtle when it comes to what he likes

l = little ones (how are they around children?)

he loves children and is so sweet to them

will cater to their every need and spoil them horrifically

will even carry them everywhere if they so wished

and when it comes to babies, he can't help but coo and squish their cheekies :(( he just loves them to bits

m = morning (how are mornings spent with them?)

he wakes up smiling because he is next to you

like-

you make him so freaking happy

he usually wakes up earlier than he usually would now that he is with, you, just so he can fit in a cuddle sesh before he starts the day

and then he reluctantly gets out of bed, stretching in every sort of way possible before getting in the shower

some days he will spontaneously decide to make pancakes for you both :] and drizzle those bad boys with maple syrup and crispy bacon, yes sir

n = night (how are nights spent with them?)

again, a very cuddly and cosy affair

fluffy pyjamas on, skincare products ready, and a disney film ready to play

all you guys need is a pile of blankets and a box of takeaway, and you got yourselves an ideal night

this is definitely his fave time of day <333

o = open (when would they start revealing things about themselves? do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

literally asap

that's the whole part of getting to know someone better, no? reveal different parts of yourself, piece by piece, like a jigsaw puzzle. that's how felix views it

he's big on quality time so the more time and energy you invest in him, the more he opens up to you and feels comfortable around you

so it solely depends on how much time you spend together

p = patience (how easily angered are they?)

he is not a naturally angry person

like, i know some people who are just prone to anger. they have a certain type of aggression on the surface that rises every time a minor inconvenience happens

but even in those types of situations, felix is much more likely to get upset than angry

although sometimes in an argument, his sadness comes with anger. his tears come with his raised voice and the overwhelming stress of it all. his emotions aren't necessarily black and white, especially his negative ones. they are sort of an accumulation of each other.

q = quizzes (how much would they remember about you? do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

felix is such a caring person and it's quite impressive to see just how much he remembers about everyone he loves

that's why he is so good at giving gifts! he remembers what people have pointed out before in the past, or remembers everyone's hobbies and interests

just everything. he knows a lot more than he gives himself credit for, that's for sure

r = remember (what is their favourite moment in your relationship?)

every single moment with you is genuinely so impactful and important for felix

that's why he remembers every little detail. that's why he takes pictures whenever you go out together. that's why he always thinks fondly of the past whilst readily arranging more stuff for you to do together

all the moments with you are his favourite, as cliché as it sounds. he genuinely couldn't be happier

s = security (how protective are they? how would they protect you? how would they like to be protected?)

he is quite protective actually

he just needs to know your okay and well and if you're not then he gets upset

loyalty to the end and will defend you for as long as possible

but typically, felix is on the receiving end of protection. so i feel like it would work both ways in your relationship

t = try (how much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

felix is notorious for being the best gift-giver

and he doesn't need a special occasion to prove his love for you

sometimes he will buy you things he comes across randomly

"i saw this and thought of you"

and sometimes he will even make a gift for you. there are no limits to his love!

in regards to dates, i'd say he's a romantic guy for sure so he will try and do all the cliche dates to ever exist just because he thinks it's such a cute idea

u = ugly (what would be some bad habits of theirs?)

he doesn't have any bad habits.

that's it. that's me done for this one.

v = vanity (how concerned are they with their looks?)

this guy has a fluctuating self-esteem and, more recently, a negative view of himself and his body

so he is concerned with his looks. much more than he should be

and all i hope for him is that he comes to a time in his life where he is happy with how he is and doesn't feel the need to change anything about himself

because he is perfect. he really is.

w = whole (would they feel incomplete without you?)

yes. felix is a person who has the tendency to rely on others

and once he finds his special someone, there's no turning back for him

he does believe in soulmates and after meeting you, he realises that his life has changed forever. living without you simply isn't a real reality to him

doesn't matter what multiverse you're in, in every case you are his and he is yours

x = xtra (a random headcanon for them.)

brownie boy here needs to have baking dates with you

he likes feeling useful so when you ask how to make his special type of brownies he feels confident in himself as he teaches you how to make them

and he is a gentle and calm teacher <3

just wants to have fun tbh

ends up throwing flour on your just because

you both are licking all the brownie mixture off the cutlery once you're done #traditions

idk it's just such a good time and he loves having that type of fun with you

y = yuck (what are some things they wouldn't like, either in general or in a partner?)

felix is a very accepting and tolerating person

but he dislikes people who are ruthless and insensitive

he has a very sensitive soul to begin with. then, paired with someone who is unnecessarily harsh and doesn't even seem to care they've hurt someone? not a good mix

z = zzz (what is a sleep habit of theirs?)

i don't know what to tell you, except for the fact that he looks just so at peace when he sleeps

truly angelic

probably has a very cute, quiet little snore

and will have to cuddle into you because he's just ;-; yeah

[juyomiao]

take the chance - ricky

ricky x gn!reader

genre: fluff !!! , best friends to lovers

word count: 791

warnings: ENGLISH ISNT MY FIRST LANGUAGE!! so theres going to be mistakes !!! , alcohol consumption but its barely mentioned , is it considered underage drinking if it'd only be considered as underage drinking in countries where the drinking age is above 18/19 ,, (i feel bad for u if u r from any of those countries fr)

note: first actually written work im kinda # nervous my writing skills r .. definitely writing !! this is cringe cliché and based on a dream i had like a month ago . yes im a lesbian yes i dream abt kissing ricky thats completely normal . (friends dont read this i want to disappear rn as i speak)

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You've been to countless parties since the half of the previous school year when your best friend Ricky became popular out of nowhere. You still don't know where that popularity came from, he's always been good looking, it's not like he had some kind of glow up.

Sometimes you think it's more of a curse than a blessing, with all the times you've been dragged to a party you were not invited to because Ricky, being the introvert he is, refuses to go anywhere without you and, consequently, getting dirty looks from everyone for tagging along and 'leeching' off of Ricky's popularity.

Even now, when people have more or less come to terms with the fact that you two are a package deal, you still despise parties, only appreciating a few things about them, like drinking for free and… nothing else, really.

It's not like Ricky enjoys them either, he'd rather stay home with you and watch some romance drama as you eventually fall asleep with your head on his shoulder. But it's not like he can reject every single invite thrown at him. So you two came to a compromise: one weekend at a party, one weekend at your house.

The boredom of awkwardly standing in a corner as you silently watch yet another drunk couple make out, careless of the countless other people surrounding them, soon gets to you, and you blurt out a question.

"Have you ever kissed someone?"

Ricky's calm expression falters for a second, his eyes widening. He just hopes the dimly lit room is hiding the blush creeping on his cheeks.

He's your best friend, how do you not know?

Well, Ricky is a private person and, even having known him for years, he barely talks about his romantic life, so you've never dared prying into it.

"Of course," he says, after composing himself "You?"

You shake your head, breaking eye contact with him. "And I don't think it's going to happen any time soon," you sigh. At this point, it's a hopeless mission.

Ricky is convinced if it wasn't for the loud music in the background, everyone would be able to hear the cogs turning in his brain as it processes this information.

His best friend – whom he has had a crush on since forever – has never kissed someone.

Ricky looks at you through the corner of his eye, wondering if he should take the chance and possibly change your relationship forever – for the better or the worse, he doesn't know.

To you, though, it just looks like he's side-eyeing you with his usual unreadable expression, and you think you fucked up. You assume he's judging you, because not only are you a complete, bitchless loser, but you brought the conversation up yourself.

"Forget it, I don't know why I said that, sorry, now you probably think I'm weird and…" you start rambling, and to Ricky, that's the cutest thing he has ever seen.

God, he's really that down bad.

Suddenly, an idea pops up in his head.

"Can I kiss you?"

The abrupt question leaves you speechless, your words dying in your mouth as you look at him like he has grown a second head.

"What?" It sounds dumb once you say it, but you genuinely think you misheard him. There's no way Ricky, of all people, would ask you something like that.

Ricky smiles, "I said," he turns with his shoulder leaning on the wall so he can look at you directly "Can I kiss you?"

You blink at him, dumbfounded "Wha- what? Did you… what? Did you actually say that? Am I hearing this right?"

Ricky nods, clearly amused by your reaction

"If this is a joke, it's not funny, like, at all."

"Why would I be joking?" Ricky's expression goes back to deadpan serious, he inches closer to your face "So? Is this a yes?"

You nod slowly, still trying to process what's happening. You shouldn't want this, you shouldn't be so tempted to kiss your best friend. But you are.

Before you can overthink it any further, Ricky closes the space between you two. He's hesitant at first, his lips barely brushing against yours, but when you clumsily try to reciprocate the kiss, he takes the lead.

It doesn't feel special, or magic, or like anything else people have described their first kiss as. It's just two best friends who realized their feelings for each other. And to you, that's perfect.

"So… now what?"

"How about we get out of here and go on a date?" You sigh, shaking your head, "Ricky, it's…" you check your phone "1 AM, where would we even go?"

He seems to genuinely think about it for a solid one or two minutes "McDonald's?"

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note 2 bc i cant stfu : WHY IS THE ENDING SO RUSHED I WANT TO SCREAM.. but i've wanted to post this for like a week now so im posting it anyways , pls leave some feedback if u liked it 🫶🏻

[vcnillazelda]

Hey, how a about Gaz x f!reader where reader is a rival of 141 and ends up kidnapping them. Reader joined the army a couple of months before Gaz so they know her well enough, so when she sees Gaz for the first time she’s like “who is this pretty thing” and flirts with him and stuff she even takes his hat before she leaves (she fr wears it everywhere) and he doesn’t get it back until she gets taken in for questioning or something. Tysm, have a good day :))

pretty boy

kyle “gaz” garrick x fem! reader

summary: the team slips up and ends up in a less than favourable situation, yet gaz gets quite the experience.

tags: kidnapping, enemies to lovers, dubcon affection, flirty! reader, gaz flirts back ngl, valeria is here too <3, mild spoilers, angst with a happy ending, eventual fluff, smoking, sharing cigarettes, paranoia, survivors guilt, not canon compliant

a/n: i low-key went above and beyond for this ngl- i just love him so much look at his pretty face 😭

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gaz wakes up, blinking a few times. he’s confused, his head is pounding, and most importantly he doesn’t recognise his surroundings. “what the…?” he whispers, memories slowly trickling back in to him. the team, something went wrong- their intel was wrong about el sin nombre. the enemy had the upper hand. “you’re awake.” a voice chimes. it’s awfully familiar, yet he can’t pin it. the door opens fully, and a woman steps in. valeria garza… el sin nombre. how did he end up with the boss out of everyone in the cartel. “fuck you.” gaz snarls, yet the woman just laughs. “feisty. i like that, it’s more satisfying to snuff them.” she mumbles, pistol vaguely brushing under his chin, tilting his head back. “here’s how this is going to go. you’ll tell me all the information you can offer about your little… operation- and in return, i’ll let you live.” she purrs, gaz tilts his head away. “over my dead body.” he grumbles, adrenaline spiking as her safety clicks off. “don’t test me.” valeria’s voice goes stern and icy.

“boss. alejandro wants to talk to you.” another voice says from the door, and she pulls away. “is that so? he finally come to his senses?” she asks, and you step in. “it appears so. i can take care of this one for you.” you state, and valeria chuckles. “i’d expect nothing less from you, novata.” valeria leans in, whispering something to you before leaving the room. you wait until the door is shut before turning to him, a soft smile on your lips. (rookie)

“aren’t you pretty.” you smile, slinking around his chair so he couldn’t see you. “who are you?” he demands, trying not to tense up as your fingers slide over his shoulders teasingly. “that’s not important… i wanna know about you.” your hand moves, index finger gently tapping his cheek. gaz tilts his head away. “you’re not getting anything from me.” he mutters, his wrists aching due to the binds around them. “that’s a shame. i was gonna do something nice, a quid pro quo….” you trail off, snatching his hat and placing it onto your own head as you move around him, taking a seat upon his lap. gaz sucks in a soft breath, averting your gaze, yet your slender fingers grasp his jaw, bringing him back. “look at me, pretty boy… tell me, how long have you been under the task force?” you ask, index and middle fingers gently stroking his skin. gaz feels weak.

“a few months, at least.” he mutters, cracking under your suffocating pressure. “is that so..?” you ask, voice a soft mumble as you take in his features. “yeah.” he responds, deciding on soaking in your visage as well, he wanted to remember so he could take you down- yet you’re so pretty, he can’t help but want you on his side. “why are you with el sin nombre?” he blurts out, and you chuckle. “my, you’re straightforward aren’t you?” you ask back, and he hums. “a little… i just wanna know the pretty girl on my lap a bit better.” he smiles, trying to use your own tactics against you whilst also genuinely trying to flirt with you. “i might tell you, if you tell me your name.” you reply, getting up. “gaz. my names gaz.”

you laugh again, and this time he feels a little confused. “what?” he asks, and you stifle your giggles. “do you think i was born yesterday? your real name, cutie.” you smile, hand resting upon the table before him. “kyle. what’s your name?” he knows it’s stupid to ask, and you simply smile sweetly, moving on. “my boss, el sin nombre- isn’t she cool? she wants some intel. normally i’d get it myself but you and your friends fell right into my honeytrap. it would be a shame to waste this time with just flirting.” you mumble, and kyle hums. “what if i want to flirt with you?” he asks, and you giggle. “you wouldn’t be the first.” you wink. “shame. i’d like having you on my side.” gaz gives a smile, and you hum. “is that so?” you ask, voice soft. “i don’t think we’d be that good of a match. i’m in a cartel.” he jumps at the opportunity. “we’d protect you. you don’t have to be here.” you laugh at his words. “baby, no one gets rid of el sin nombre. this little thing is just empty flirting.” you dismiss his attempts at a negotiation. he doesn’t know why, but gaz feels slightly hurt that you turned him down.

“i see.” he mumbles, and you give him a dramatic pout. “don’t be too sad, we can still talk.” you state, it’s meant to be patronising, yet gaz takes it straight to his heart. “i’d hope so. it would be a shame to lose a pretty face so soon.” you smile at his words. “you’re adorable. it’s such a shame i can’t keep you for myself.” you mutter, grasping his face with gentle palms. gaz smiles at you, and you pull away, looking at the door. “what’s wrong?” he asks, and you look back at him. “hm… gouging options…” you mumble, thumbs softly stroking his cheekbones. “and what would those options be?” he mutters. you smile again and gaz feels like he’s winning the olympics.

“come with me. i want to show you something…” you mumble, unsheathing your blade and cutting him free. “a risky move.” he mumbles, and you hum. “you wouldn’t hurt a pretty thing like me, i can see it in your eyes.” you pat his chest as he gets up. “how would you know?” he asks, and you giggle, grabbing his hand. “i just do.” you tug him along, opening the door. “be quiet. i wouldn’t want to hurt you.” you whisper, leading him through the hallways. gaz feels lost, simply following you blindly, for all he knew he could be walking to his death- yet he was doing it with a very pretty girl by his side.

as soon as the two of you step outside, the cold night air nips his face and he wishes he had his hat back to protect his ears from the freezing temperature- yet he doesn’t want to be rude, even if you kidnapped him and supposedly his friends… he would have to ask if you had his colleagues. “look.” you mumble, nudging his side as you sit upon a broken wall overlooking the road leading up to the base. “what am i looking at?” he asks, leaning upon the wall. you grasp his chin, tilting his head up from the road so he could see the view. “this is one of el sin nombre’s hideouts. it’s beautiful out here.” you mumble, showing gaz the quarry the hideout was hidden by. “it is beautiful.” he agrees, furrowing his brows. “why are you showing me this?”

“i’m tapped into your friends’ comms. they’re scanning through this area soon. i want you to have a look at where you’re going.” you point to the quarry, the gushing water distant. “i’m the only one here?” he asks, and you nod. “i promise, you’re the only one.” you tell him. “why are you helping me?” gaz asks, and you smile, it’s more sad now. “you’re too pretty for this place, kyle. go do what i couldn’t do.” you gesture to the open area around you. “what couldn’t you do?” you chuckle at his question. “i was in training at the task force you’re in, 141… i was in the same situation as you. i…” you trail off, taking a soft breath. “i’m kind of stuck here- but it’s okay. valeria’s nice enough to me.” you mumble, looking at some fireflies in the distance. gaz absorbs the information, blinking. “that’s why you’re helping me…” he mutters, and you nod. “come with me.” he states, drawing your gaze to his face.

“i can’t.” you deadpan, and he grasps your arm gently. “you can! we’re here, together. you said it yourself, my team is coming here soon-“ you cut gaz off by resting your palm against his chest. “gaz, listen. i cant. el sin nombre will kill me the second she finds out i did this for you. there’s no doubt in my mind she’ll figure it out, she’s smart like that…” you tell him, and gaz sighs. “so come with me, we can leave now.” he can’t believe he’s begging you, an enemy, to come with him- how would he explain that? “kyle…” you mumble, sighing softly as you got down from the wall. “i’d love to, really… but i cant.” you tell him. “please go.” you request, and gaz grasps your arms before you can leave. “not until i convince you to come with me. you don’t have to be here, you don’t have to be scared- i can help you.” he tells you, and you see the desperation to help you in his eyes. “no one can help me.” you tell him, leaning in.

your lips ghost over his, and he kisses you with the gentleness of someone holding a thin shard of glass. it’s short and fleeting yet so sweet. you seize the opportunity, pushing him with all your might so he tumbled over the wall. gaz yells at the suddenness, sliding and rolling down the hill, hitting his hip on a rock. he stumbles to his feet at the bottom, looking up. you give him a sad smile before dipping back into the warehouse. gaz let’s out a soft sigh, turning and running to the quarry where he would wait to be rescued.

-

weeks pass by, and gaz finally convinced alejandro to raid the warehouse, desperate to find you… hes kissed you once, but he didn’t even get your name. gaz feels like kicking himself, pacing as price rolls his eyes. “you’ll mark the carpet at this rate, son.” he states, and gaz lets out a soft hum; not responding any more than that. “sit down. relax. the boys will find your mystery girl.” the older man pats the chair beside him, and gaz sighs. “i can’t believe i didnt get her name…” he grumbles, and price chuckles. “heat of the moment, son. plenty of men do it.” he teases, backing off with fake surrender as gaz gives him a glare. “okay, okay. just sit down, you’re making me anxious.” price tells him, and he sighs. “fine…”

hours tick by, but eventually rudy pops his head into the break room. “gaz? there’s a girl in questioning. she wants to speak to you.” he states, and gaz immediately hops up, running to the rooms. he sees you through the two way mirror and immediately opens the door. alejandro looks over, giving him a nod. “i’ll take over, alejandro. thanks.” he mutters, taking the handcuff’s key from the older man and watching the other leave before closing the door. his gaze meets yours, and you give a small smile. “what happened?” he asks, immediately unlocking the cuffs around your wrists. “oh, sweet boy… no one can cross el sin nombre and go unpunished.” you smile, it’s sad and weak. “have you received medical aid?” he asks, cupping your face the way you did weeks ago. “no, not yet. your boss doesn’t trust me.” you reply, and gaz furrows his brows. “alejandro?” he asks, and you nod. “seems right…” he mutters, turning to leave. “hey..?” you grasp his wrist and he turns back. “im going to get you some medical aid.” he explains, and you chuckle softly. “it’s not that bad, trust me.” you assure him, pulling him back slowly. “alright…”

you watch him sit on the seat across from you. “you still have my hat?” he asks, and you smile, nodding a little. “yeah. haven’t taken it off since i met you.” you tell him. you seem less flirty in this environment, probably because of the environment- you most likely didn’t feel safe and gaz understood that. “what did they ask you?” he asks, and you shrug. “about el sin nombre’s plans. i told them all that i know, and i don’t know much.” you reply, and gaz nods. “are you joining us again?” gaz watches you laugh softly. “i doubt it, cutie.” you smile, it’s less pained. “why not?” he furrows his brows. “i worked with valeria garza. there’s no way your friends would trust me now.” you tell him, “i’m the one that arranged your kidnapping, too.” you add on, and gaz nods a little. “you’re also the one who let me go unharmed.”

“yeah..” you mumble, and gaz takes your hand in his. “stay with me. i’ll keep you safe.” he whispers. you give his hand a tight squeeze, as if it’s the affection you’ve been craving your whole life. “i wish i could… el sin nombre is probably arranging my assassination right now as we speak- she probably thinks i’m giving a lot more information than i have.” you sigh, thumb running over his knuckles as you stare at the table, lost. “why’d you put your life at risk just for me?” he asks, it’s a question that’s been nagging him since he got rescued. “you’re cute, not to mention smart and obviously skilled to get into 141. you’d be an awful waste of you died so early into your career. besides, i told you why on the wall.” you shrug, smiling rather innocently. “you like me..?” he asks, and you chuckle. “that’s what you gathered from that entire sentence?” you smile. “maybe.” he smiles back.

the conversation carries on. you’re much more comfortable, your flirty nature coming back as you grow to trust gaz with your safety. gaz’s cheeks hurt from smiling at you so much. it feels like an odd first date… yet you probably don’t see it that way. “i’ll ask price to let you back in… your file must be here somewhere, especially if you were marked as m.i.a.” gaz declares, you downcast your gaze. “you don’t have to.” you mutter, and gaz sighs. “i want to. think of it as me repaying you for saving me.” he responds, and you hum. “okay… but i don’t think it’s gonna work…” you reply. gaz nods, getting up, taking his hat back with a soft smile. “i’ll see what i can do for you.” he goes to walk away, yet you tug him back for the second time. standing, you pull him in and kiss his cheek. “thank you, kyle.” you mutter, sitting back down. “for what?” he asks, furrowing his brows. “for believing in me. it takes guts to accept an enemy.” you smile, and gaz sighs. “you’re no enemy. just a victim of circumstance.” he mutters, letting your palm slip from his as he leaves.

-

price looks skeptical. alejandro looks disgusted. rudy looks a little concerned. everyone looks extremely against him. “just trust me! she’s not as bad as them! she was one of us!” he argues despite no one saying anything. alejandro sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “and if she’s playing you? what if she spills all our intel to el sin nombre and betrays us?” the man argues back, and gaz steels his gaze. “you saw the condition she’s in. el sin nombre is no ally of hers anymore. she’s in the same boat as us now, whether you like it or not!” he steps forward, his index finger poking alejandro’s chest as if to challenge him. “you better watch your tone with me, pendejo-“ he snaps, tone low and dangerous until price steps in. “y/n was a good soldier. i trust her… we just need to give her time to see if she’s still the same soldier we knew.”

alejandro looks from gaz to price, then back at gaz. “you’re agreeing with him?” he asks, still unsure as he looks to price again. “i am. y/n’s not as dangerous as you think.” he pats the other man’s shoulder. “trust me on this, alejandro.” he mutters, and gaz tries not to hold his breath. “fine. but, any suspicious activity and i’m putting her under the ground.” he grumbles, storming out. rudy looks at gaz once more before following alejandro. “does this mean y/n’s back on the team?” johnny asks, and price nods. “i guess so.”

-

gaz finds you outside, smoking a cigarette. rudy’s in the window beside you, keeping an eye on you as he smokes too. “i didn’t know you smoked.” gaz states openly, rudy nods a little as you hum. “he’s the one who gave it to me.” you mutter, gesturing to rudy who takes a silent drag. “i’m supposed to have quit… now seems like a good time to have a cig though… want some?” you ask, offering gaz your cigarette. he hums, accepting it as rudy snuffs his cigarette bud, flicking it into the drain. “i’ll leave you two be.” he mumbles, leaving the window open as he walks off- probably to find alejandro. “so… you’re back on the team.” gaz tells you, handing your cigarette back. “is that so?” you ask, not sounding too interested. “you don’t sound thrilled. what’s up?” he asks, and you sigh. “i wont last long… i feel it. she’s out there.” you mumble. “she won’t get you. i’m here with you.” gaz assures you. his fingers gently nudge your palm, and you glance down, looking up at him. he gives you a soft smile, and you slowly tangle your fingers into his.

-

your training started up again, price was warm and kind, being quite gentle with you. you’re progressing well, already back up to scratch with the team. alejandro doesn’t entirely trust you, yet rudy does as the two of you smoke together, chatting idly about home. you’re on a mission, using yourself as bait to catch valeria, and gaz is with you the whole time, assuring you that you’re okay every 10 minutes. valeria is now cuffed hours later, and alejandro is leading her to the appropriate forces. she’s shouting about how she won’t be locked up for long, and will be let out in about 24 hours. her gaze meets yours over rudy’s shoulder and your breath hitches. “and you- ¡traidora! you’ll get what’s coming to you!” she threatens. you tense up, swallowing thickly as you boldly grab gaz’s hand. valeria gets into the calm with quite a fuss, and alejandro closes the door with a sigh. “glad that’s over with.” he mutters, walking back to the squad. (traitor!)

gaz tugs your hand softly, leading you away from the scene as everyone starts wrapping up. “don’t worry about her, love. she wont get you for as long as i live.” he mutters, leading you to the car. you don’t respond, squeezing his hand tightly for comfort as the two of you get into the backseat. “relax. she’s gonna be in custody. i hope she’ll be away forever, but knowing how corrupt the system is she’ll probably be out sooner than that…” he mumbles, glancing at you. “sorry- i didn’t mean it like that…” he adds on, pulling you into a hug. you hug back, sighing. “i’m not as scared anymore- but i’m still paranoid.” you mumble, and gaz nods. “anyone would be.” he reassures you, rubbing your back as he rests his head against yours. “hey, how about we take a night off tonight? just us?” gaz suggests and you pull away a little. “okay…”

-

you’re half asleep against gaz, what was supposed to be a movie night between the two of you in his room was now a movie in the background as he coddles you to his chest. you’ve had a stressful day, so he understands wanting to just wind down and relax. one thing has been bothering gaz throughout the night… the two of you were incredibly close, too close to be friends- you both kissed often. he remembers after your first mission back with the task force the two of you drank before making out until your lips were sore and swollen. the two of you even shared a bed, and were always at each other’s side, yet neither of you used a label. gaz would like a label… he’d like you to be his. gently, he shakes you, causing you to stir again. “wha..? what’s wrong?” you ask, hands pressing to his chest. “sorry… i just…. i’ve been thinking.”

“oh god-“ you joke, cuddling back into him. “what are we, y/n? are we like… a thing?” gaz asks, and you hum. “i dunno… i haven’t really thought about it.” you reply, gaz feels rejection building. “would… you like to be a thing?” he asks cautiously. you smile, kissing his neck softly. “if you’d have me, gaz.” you mumble. gaz beams, pulling away a little to kiss your lips as if he were a man starved. “i’d love to have you as mine.” he mutters, voice soft. “then i’m yours.” you reply, hand gently stroking his cheek as he kisses you again. “get some rest, love. you need it.” he tells you, kissing your forehead. you hum, cuddling close to his chest again as gaz closes his eyes. he never thought he’d say it, but he’s glad he got kidnapped.

[makoodlesarchive]

in bloom 🌼 || bnharem server collab

hellooo everyone!! this is my piece for the bnharem sfw collab. The theme this time was ‘flowers’! i had the absolute pleasure of writing for my baby kiri! this collab was actually super fun to write for, i had a blast 🌸🌸🌸

please go and check out all of the fantastic works on the masterlist here!

kirishima x reader

word count: 4.9k

｡ﾟ❁ུ۪ °ₒ 𓂂 ˚ 𓂂 ₒ ° ₒ 𓂂 ˚˖⋆ ｡ﾟ❁ུ۪ °ₒ 𓂂 ˚ 𓂂 ₒ ° ₒ 𓂂 ˚˖⋆

Your apartment in Musutafu is small and cramped, with thin walls and very little natural light. The rent is extortionate for what it is, even considering the location in the city centre, and at least once a month there’s a complex wide electrical blackout. You can overlook all of the faults of the apartment though, because it’s in a safe neighbourhood close to a hero agency and, most importantly, it’s got a balcony.

Like the rest of the apartment, the balcony is small, but you’ve got enough room to cram a little outdoor bench into the corner. The rest of the space is filled with planters full of flowers and leafy pants, transforming the cramped little space into your own tiny garden. As the weeks begin to melt into summer, your little garden transforms into a wildy colourful and delightfully fragranced haven for butterflies and honeybees. You love to curl up on your little bench with a book, relishing the warmth of the sun on your face and the musical buzzing of the bees flitting about your Lantana flowers. Your apartment’s location on the ground floor means that you don’t get a whole load of privacy, but it doesn’t stop you from spending as much time as possible on the balcony beneath your hanging ivy planters.

Another bonus to the ground floor balcony is the cute redhead that wanders past every day at 2pm and then again at around 9pm. You’re not entirely sure when exactly you first noticed the man, but since you’ve moved in he’s become a permanent fixture in your daily routine. In the afternoons when you take a break from working from home and sprawl out amongst the leafy greenery of the balcony, you always catch a glimpse of him. You guess he must work in one of the offices nearby, and judging by the hastily buttoned jacket and wrinkled sweatpants he changes before going on his lunch break.

Every day he walks by, and every day you see him craning his neck to catch a glimpse of your balcony. It’s not uncommon for people to stare, considering your balcony is basically a green splash amongst the dull grey drabness of your apartment building, but unlike all the other curious passers-by, whenever this guy makes eye contact with you when you’re sitting out he’ll make sure to grin widely and wave at you. It’s sweet. You know next to nothing about the guy, other than that he always seems to be in a hurry and he has a smile so bright and toothy it could probably be seen from space, but those little interactions always put you in a good mood for hours afterwards.

After countless days of waves and smiles from a distance, you look up one day to find him grinning and waving yet again, but this time with a new addition. In his hand is a little potted cactus, which he holds up in the air so you can see. 

“It’s for my office!” he yells to you. There’s a shrubbery area right outside your balcony that acts as both decoration and security to prevent anyone from just strolling up and hopping over the railing, but the guy is still standing as close as he can get on the sidewalk.

Your grin spreads slowly as you get up off your little bench and lean over the balcony railing to get a closer look at his little potted plant. “It’s cute!” you call back to him.

He beams, impossibly pleased with himself. “It’s not as impressive as yours!” he gestures at the foliage flowing over the railings and the hanging baskets.

“Everyone has to start somewhere!”

He laughs at that, his nose scrunching up just a little, and then waves at you again before setting off down the street. You watch him go until he disappears from sight, then return to your bench to continue reading. You’re so distracted by that whole little episode that it takes a few minutes for you to realise that your book is upside down.

It was such a short exchange, but after nothing but smiles and waves from afar for so long it leaves you a little dazed. You could kick yourself for not asking what his name was, but you just hadn’t had the time. Besides, you had been a little dazzled by his smile.

The man’s name is Kirishima Eijirou. Since the first day he spoke to you, you’ve bumped into him at the local supermarket several times. He’s friendly, sometimes overwhelmingly so, and really kind. He’s the perfect package wrapped up in the body of a professional cage fighter, so it’s probably inevitable that you develop a big fat crush on him. The two of you have only really exchanged basic pleasantries and small talk, but it’s enough to have your pulse skipping everytime he smiles at you.

The local flower shop is beautifully vibrant compared to the gunmetal grey skies outside, and the quiet warmth of the place makes it one of your favourite places to spend your days off. Hanging baskets full of seasonal flowers and trailing ivy are suspended from the ceiling and from high shelves, and leafy green plants create a jungle-like atmosphere within the shop. The effect is delightfully mismatched, with enormous bouquets of flowers brightening up the spaces along the walls. The high shelves and boundless foliage makes the whole place feel like a maze; you could happily lose yourself for hours upon hours within the humid little aisles.

You trace your fingers along the large waxy leaves of a monstera plant, enjoying the smooth texture. A bell tinkles overhead as the door to the shop opens and shuts, momentarily breaking the soothing blanket of quiet. You contemplate the price tag on the monstera plant; you already have one, and if you buy another you’ll be pretty hard pressed to find space for it. It is really cute though, and you’re pretty sure that if you move your ficus a little more into the left corner of your balcony you can make enough space for it.

Your thought process is broken by a noise from the top of the aisle, and you glance up to meet the gaze of a surprised yet familiar man.. “Oh! Kirishima-san.” you say at the same time as he blurts “Hi!”

Before you can say anything else, his face splits into a smile. “Aw man, I can’t believe you’re here! This is perfect!”

You laugh a little nervously. “Huh?”

“I was hoping to get a new plant for my office! Could you help me pick one out?”

“Oh.” you blink, a little overwhelmed by his exuberance and the way his eyes crinkle up when he smiles, “I don’t work here.”

He laughs like you’ve just told a really funny joke, and moves to meet you in the middle of the aisle. “Yeah, I know. I’m just guessing that you know your stuff about plants -- your balcony is so awesome.”

“Oh.” you say again, straightening a little despite yourself. You feel ridiculously pleased, probably more than such a simple comment warrants. “Thank you. I worked hard on it.”

“It really shows!” he enthuses. “It actually inspired me to spruce up my office a bit, actually!”

“Really?” you ask, leaning back against one of the shelves. A frond-like leaf tickles the back of your neck, but you don’t bother swatting it away. You think that the two of you might be the only two customers in the shop at this time, and your conversation seems so loud in the relative silence. Somewhere near the back an electric fan buzzes, the noise breaking up the monotonous quiet so it doesn’t seem quite so oppressive. 

“Yeah! So, will you give me a hand?” he tilts his head as he asks, and you realise that his shoulders have dropped down, as if he’s trying to make himself appear smaller. “My friend thinks it’s stupid, but I’m determined to have the nicest desk in the whole building!”

You smile despite yourself, his good humour infectious. “Yeah, okay. Are you looking for something in particular?”

Kirishima steps back and regards the surrounding display cases thoughtfully. “Um. Honestly, I don’t know much about plants. I have my little cactus, but it’d be nice to get it a friend, right? I’m happy to go with whatever you think is best!”

You hum, considering your options. If it’s a small office desk he’s hoping to decorate, you suppose a couple of small succulents could do a nice job of adding a bit of life and colour. “I’m sure we can find something.”

“I’ll leave myself in your capable hands, then.” Kirishima says with a grin, inclining his head a little.

You step further into the shop, ducking under a trailing strand of ivy leaves. The dark hardwood floor creaks as you move, with Kirishima following close behind you. When you pause to gaze at a couple of potted plants on one the shelves you keep your gaze cast down, but glance up through your eyelashes to look at Kirishima. You’re surprised to find him already watching you, like he’s drinking in every move you make. The attention is a little overwhelming, but it’s also exciting. His gaze on you is like a physical weight, and you can’t quite help the coy smile that curves over your face. You know you’re not imagining the soft, heated interest behind his eyes; he’s not exactly being subtle.

You duck into a parallel aisle, just fast enough that Kirishima stumbles for half a step at the sudden change in direction. You hum quietly to yourself, and toss a playful smile over your shoulder as he follows behind you. He meets your smile with another grin, bright and handsome. He doesn’t look away from you for a second.

You come to an abrupt halt in the middle of the aisle and turn to face him. The sudden movement takes him by surprise, but he manages to catch himself before he barrels into you. It’s probably not entirely intentional, but he ends up standing so close that you can almost count the delicate little freckles splashed across the bridge of his nose from the summer sun. His head dips down towards you, leaning into your space in a way that is decidedly more than just casually friendly. His lips part, but before he can speak you ask, “What about this one?”

His gaze drops down to the space between you, where you’re holding up a small plant with waxy little leaves. He blinks at it, and then recovers gracefully. “Hey, that one is pretty cute.”

“‘Pretty cute’s not quite good enough, though, is it?” You pretend to ponder, tapping your chin. “If you want the nicest desk in the whole building, you need better than ‘pretty cute’, right?”

If anything, Kirishima’s smile grows even wider. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. You up for the challenge of finding me the best plant in the store?” He steps closer as he speaks, until there’s nothing but a scant few inches and the potted plant between you.

You make a show of considering the challenge, shifting your weight from foot to foot. “Hold this for me?” you ask suddenly, practically shoving the plant into his hands.

Kirishima takes it, startled, and in the moment of distraction you turn on your heel and dart down the aisle, disappearing down another row of shelves. You’ve barely turned the corner when you hear a deep, rumbling chuckle followed by quick footsteps against the hardwood floor as he follows after you.

It’s like a game. You wind your way through the aisles, skipping over vines and stray pots, and Kirishima tries to catch up. You know this shop like the back of your hand (you’re in here nearly every single weekend), but Kirishima is fast and agile despite his large stature. There are a few close calls, where you just manage to round the corner of a new aisle before Kirishima can reach you, and each one makes your breath catch in your chest when Kirishima’s delighted laughter rings out through the shop.

You can’t help the grin that stretches across your face as you turn into another half-hidden aisle, ducking under a large fan-like leaf that stretched out and drooped low. Only a moment later you hear a soft slap and an “Oof!” as Kirishima presumably runs straight into it, and you laugh quietly to yourself as you slip in between a row of glass display cases.

A clatter and a soft curse sounds from one aisle over, and you guess that Kirishima just accidentally knocked a pot over. You pad softly to the end of the aisle, taking a moment to try and catch your breath and stifle your wild grin. It’s so childish, playing a game of chase in a garden shop with a man you barely know, but you’re having so much fun.

You poke your head cautiously around the edge of one of the display shelves, biting your lip and listening carefully for any sign of Kirishima. The only noise you can hear is the strained mechanical whirring of the fan from somewhere near the back of the shop, so you edge forward. You’ve only managed to take two steps before you feel a presence behind you.

“Gotcha.” Kirishima rumbles, right by your ear.

The noise that’s punched out of your chest is embarrassing, a weird cross between a yelp and a laugh. You whirl on the ball of your feet to face him, only for him to keep stepping closer. You have no choice but to retreat, until you’re backed up into a little alcove between two large glass display cases overflowing with luscious green ferns. Kirishima advances until he’s as close as he can be without actually touching you, and maybe you should feel a little intimidated by this man that’s built like a brick wall of pure muscle but his smile is so delighted and soft that you don’t think you could be afraid of him if you tried.

“You got me.” You agree, a little breathlessly. You don’t know if it’s from the exertion of running through the shop like a child or from the thrill of Kirishima’s closeness to you, but your heart is thrumming like a wild thing in your chest.

From this close, you can see the way Kirishima’s hair is sweat-damp on his brow and curling just slightly; it must be from the humidity inside the shop, because he doesn’t seem even the slightest bit affected by the physical activity of chasing after you. “You’re fast.” he says, his voice quiet as if afraid to break the atmospheric stillness within the shop.

“Yeah?” you mimic his volume subconsciously, “You sure you don’t just like chasing me? I think you could have caught me earlier, if you wanted.”

Kirishima laughs, and the skin around his eyes crinkle up in the most adorable way you’ve ever seen. “Maybe.” he says, and it sounds like a secret. His teeth are white and sharp and his cheeks dimple when he smiles. You’re distracted by the dimples, so when he raises his hand you barely notice until suddenly there’s a flower right under your nose and your eyes nearly cross in your attempt to look at it. 

“It’s pretty.” You say with a smile. It’s a simple white cosmo flower, though Kirishima is beaming as though he’d managed to find a particularly rare gem, and you don’t get a chance to take it from him before he tucks it neatly behind your ear.

“It’s like you.” He says. The words are flirtatious, but he delivers them so earnestly that you don’t quite know how to react.

“How about a potted ivy?” you blurt, at a loss for anything else to say. “It would be easy to take care of, and it looks good.”

Kirishima blinks, but takes the change of subject in stride. “Is that your professional recommendation?”

“Mhmm.” It’s hard to focus when he’s so close that you can feel the warmth of his breath ghosting across your skin every time he speaks. You’re sure he must be picking up on how flustered he’s making you -- you’re not convinced by the innocent expression on his face. “Maybe a few succulents, too.”

Kirishima nods thoughtfully, consideringly. “Hmmm. That sounds good to me. Will you go out to dinner with me?”

It’s such a non-sequitur that it takes your brain a long moment to register his words. “I- huh?” 

His dimpled smile turns bashful and a little self-conscious. “Ah. Sorry, that might have been a little forward.” He scratches the back of his head, and your gaze is drawn to the way his bicep bulges at the movement. “I was wondering if you’d like to get some dinner with me? I know a place that does some really great burrito bowls.”

“Are you asking me on a date, Kirishima-san?” Your words come out soft and quiet and effortlessly flirtatious -- you hadn’t intended on sounding so seductive, but you can’t help but enjoy the way Kirishima leans in closer to you.

“Yeah. No pressure if you don’t wanna, of course!” He’s quick to reassure you, “It’s totally fine if you’re not interested. I just wanted to let you know that I am very interested.”

As refreshing as his straight-forwardness is, you can’t help but feel surprised. This man is very much out of your league, you’re not blind, and yet he had been the one to approach you, and had indulged in your silly game of chase around the shop, and had playfully cornered you in an alcove and asked you out. You’ve met him enough by now to know he’s kind, friendly, and eager to help with just about anything you ask. Plus, he’s practically built like a Greek god, with a handsome face and the most stacked muscles you’ve ever seen in person.

“I’m interested.” you breathe, heart hammering in your chest. God, you really hoped this wasn’t some kind of elaborate joke. 

Kirishima seems to actually inflate at that, a bright smile blooming across his face as his shoulders straighten. “Really? Great! Awesome! Tonight?”

“Sure.” you agree, returning his smile. Your heart rate still hasn’t returned to normal from your chase around the shop; if anything, it feels like it’s pounding harder than ever. “I’m free tonight.”

“Great!” Kirishima says again. He seems more excited than you would have expected, which is honestly pretty flattering since you’re pretty sure you’re the one that should be feeling the most excited in this situation. “I have to go back to work since I’m technically on my lunch break right now, but I could pick you up at your apartment at around eight tonight?”

“Eight is perfect.” you straighten the flower behind your ear and smile up at him, letting your own excitement shine through on your face.

Kirishima steps back, finally giving you some space. You forcefully resist the urge to follow after him, watching instead as he backs away, still beaming. “Okay. Okay, cool. So, I’ll see you tonight?”

You let him go a few more steps before tilting your head and asking, “So, you changed your mind about the plants?”

He pauses, one foot raised mid-step like a cartoon character. “Plan-?” he starts, before his eyes go comically wide, “Oh! The plants! Right!”

You laugh, finding him stupidly endearing, before stepping out of the little alcove and setting off down one of the aisles to the left. There’s a whole section of the shop dedicated solely to the house plants, and it’s not difficult to find a suitable ivy plant with light green leaves and tumbling vines. Kirishima takes the potted plant when you hand it to him, and trails after you again as you go in search of the succulents. When you’ve found some suitable little plants, you help him carry them up to the counter with the cash register. There’s no one manning the register (and you breathe a quiet sigh of relief at that, because it means that no one saw the two of you running through the shop like idiots), and you ring the little bell to notify the employees that you’re at the counter. 

“I’ll leave you to it,” you say, stepping away from the counter as an employee finally emerges from the back of the shop. “See you tonight?”

Kirishima fumbles with the plants in his hands as he tries to wave. “Tonight! Yeah!”

The bell tinkles as you duck out the shop door, biting your lip to try and stifle your excited grin.

//

You look in the mirror yet again, tugging nervously at your clothes. You look pretty good, you think, but the closer it gets to eight the more nervous you get. You realised too late that you never exchanged phone numbers, and Kirishima doesn’t know which number apartment to buzz from the front door. You focus on staying calm and not overthinking things; it’s just a date, with the most handsome man you’ve ever actually spoken to. No big deal. It’s fine.

You tug on your shirt again, even though it’s sitting pretty much perfectly. You just lean forward to check your teeth when a crash sounds from your balcony. You jerk towards the crash automatically, and race out to open the doors to the balcony. You’re greeted with the sight of Kirishima with one leg over the balcony railing, staring dismally down at the shattered pot that he apparently just knocked over.

“I’m so sorry!” he blurts as soon as he sees you, “It was an accident! I didn’t know your apartment number to buzz the door and so I thought I’d just knock on the door to your balcony but I didn’t see the pot and- wow, you look really good!”

You wave away his frantic apologies with a laugh as you step over the spilled dirt. “Don’t worry about it. You look pretty good, too.” Your eyes drop to where he’s hiding his hands behind his back. “What have you got there?”

Kirishima hikes his other leg over the railing and drops to his feet, before pulling his arms out from behind him and revealing a large bouquet of beautiful white and pink lilies. “I got these for you.” he says, a pink blush dusted over his cheekbones. “I know you, uh, like flowers and plants and things. I don’t know much about them, but I thought they were pretty!”

Your whole face softens, and you reach out to take the bouquet. They are pretty, with delicate pink-streaked white petals and long, dainty stems. Pollen drops from them at every movement, sprinkling into the air in delicate yellow puffs. “They’re beautiful! Thank you.”

When you glance up at him you find that his attention is caught by the side of your head, his own smile softening. “You kept it?”

You touch the cosmo flower still tucked behind your ear, a little embarrassed. It had seemed like a cute idea to keep it and wear it for the date, but now you wonder if it’s a little weird. “Yeah. Like you said, it’s pretty, right?”

“Yeah.” he agrees. His gentle pink blush has intensified into a deep red. “Very pretty.”

You look back down at your lilies, still smiling. You feel so pleased, like all your nerves are being melted away only to be replaced by excited anticipation. “Your office must be really close by if you had the time to grab these before getting here.”

“It’s right around the corner,” he points towards the end of the street, “But, uh. My boss actually let me go early today.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I, uh-” His blush, impossibly, seems to intensify further. “I’ve been talking about you for a while, I guess. Telling people about your awesome balcony and stuff, and how nice you are whenever I meet you. I didn’t actually realise how much I mentioned you, but, uh, when I told Fat that I had asked you out, he pretty much told me to get outta there and come straight to get you.” 

You laugh, pleasantly embarrassed yourself. “Wow. That’s… that’s really sweet.” A thought intrudes on the back of your mind, suddenly, and you frown a little. He said his boss's name was Fat? Office around the corner? “Wait. You work at Fat Gum’s Hero Agency?”

“Yep!” He flexes one of his biceps playfully; you’re pretty sure it’s bigger than your head. “I’m a sidekick there! ”

“Wow.” you say, gaze stuck on his muscled arm. “That- well. That explains- I mean, you have a very nice body.” Oh god, you think, cursing yourself. Why had you said that?

Kirishima flushes from the roots of his hair to his chest. You can’t help but grin, his bashfulness impossibly charming. “Oh! Thanks! I work out a lot.” he chuckles, shrugging as if it’s nothing.

You’re still grinning as you look at his rosy face, your eyes dropping to his red-flushed chest. His very red-flushed chest. “Uh.” you glance to his neck, where the skin is an angry crimson colour. “Kirishima-san?”

“Yeah?” The sun is dropping low in the sky, and the golden sunset throws buttery yellow-toned light all over your balcony. It lights up Kirishima’s profile in warm relief, and makes you wonder if you’re maybe imagining the colour you’re seeing.

“Are you okay? You have- I think you have a rash?”

“Huh?” He drops his chin to his sternum, trying to get a look at what you’re seeing. When he tugs his shirt down, it reveals angry red lines streaking down his chest. “Oh. Yikes.”

Your mouth drops open. “That.. looks painful.”

“It’s more itchy, really.” He admits, poking at the patch of ruddy skin. His head snaps up, eyes wide, and he quickly adds, “This doesn’t usually happen! I don’t usually have, uh, whatever this is!”

That definitely isn’t as comforting as he’s clearly hoping it will be. “Um. Kirishima, do you feel weird right now?”

“A little? I think I’m just nervous for our date, though.” He shifts on his feet and reaches up to scratch at his throat. “Just a little itchy. My throat feels a bit weird. I think it’s nerves.”

The angry red rash climbing up his chest and throat suggests that it’s not just nerves. “Does your throat feel… swollen?”

“Kinda?” 

Your gaze drops to the flowers in your arms. The breeze shakes loose another little cloud of pollen from them, which floats into the air in a little puff of yellow dust. “Did this start after you got the flowers?”

“I guess!” Kirishima says, clearly not following.

“Oh.” You stare at each other. Kirishima still hasn’t quite caught on to the logical conclusion of these questions. Now that you’re looking at him closely, you’re pretty sure his face looks a little puffier than usual. “I think you’re having an allergic reaction.”

Kirishima blinks, then looks to the flowers in your arms. His hand scratches idly at the base of his throat, which is now a raw and angry red. “Oh. Oh, I see. Huh.” You might be imagining it, but his voice sounds a little thicker now.

“I think we should go to the hospital.” You set down the lilies on your garden bench and usher him into your apartment. You haven’t had time to tidy up, but you’re past the point of caring about cleanliness. Kirishima doesn’t seem to notice anyway, as his face has fallen.

“What about dinner?” He asks, obviously disappointed, and yep, his voice has definitely gotten thicker. It sounds like his throat is swelling.

You try not to panic. “We can get food after the hospital!”

Kirishima actually has the nerve to pause and think about it. “Are you sure? I don’t feel that bad, and I really want to take you somewhere nice.”

It’s hard not to feel flattered at that. “I really appreciate that, Kirishima. I would feel a lot better if we got you checked out before dinner, though. I think the date would go better if you weren’t on the brink of anaphylactic shock.”

Kirishima concedes at that, and lets you call a taxi. As you stand on the sidewalk waiting for the taxi to arrive, he sighs and tilts his head. “This is embarrassing. I can’t believe I finally ask you out only for it to be ruined by some stupid flowers.”

“Hey,” you bump him with your hip, but it’s like hip-checking a boulder. You wince and rub at your hip bone as you say, “The flowers were beautiful, and a really lovely thought. Plus, I’ve kind of had a crush on you for a while now. One little bump in the road isn’t gonna chase me away, okay?”

“Really?”

You tug him over so you can press a chaste, tentative kiss to his cheek. “Really.”

“I’m gonna make sure when this is over that I bring you on the most unforgettable date ever!” In the light of the setting sun, Kirishima is lit up golden. He grins, gilded and bright, and even with his puffy face and swollen throat, you think he might just be the most beautiful man you’ve ever seen. 

“I think that you’ve already accomplished that.” you say delicately as you spot your taxi rounding the corner of the street, “Maybe our next date should be a little more uneventful.”

“Yeah,” Kirishima laughs, sounding like his throat is full of cotton balls, “Maybe uneventful is best. But you basically just agreed to go on another date with me, right?”

You suppose you have to be impressed by his determination, if nothing else. You’re not used to being the focus of someone’s attention like this, especially not someone on the brink of a medical emergency. It’s… flattering. “Yeah, I guess I did. Maybe next time we should leave the flowers, though.”

“No flowers.” Kirishima agrees, then chuckles. 

You think his swollen, puffy smile might just be the cutest thing you’ve ever seen in your life.

[vigilvntes]

the way u have me bawling now after blue fkfkk

i can see where marina’s blue came from but i also couldn’t help but think of mitski’s francis forever at the same time too. idk why it just fit so well w it and the way it played out ugh i just had to read the first parts again w the song playing :,( like i can’t believe i forgor to ask u to put me on the tag list !!

ALSO THE USE OF “PRINCESS” U HAVE ME ON THE FLOOR SQUEALING AND CRYING AND THE BABBLING THROUGHOUT IT LIKE IM GLAD IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS HE’LL BLURT OUT PRAISES YESS

YESSS MITSKIII SO TRUE!!!! and i'll definitely add you to the tag list!!!

and literally like i just KNOW hed be so fucking incoherent i don't think a thought goes through his head EVER so it's like . ten times worse when he's inside of you he just be talking fr

(also im so sorry i've only just seen this wasjsjdbfw i got up super early for uni and just forgot to check my ask box 😵‍💫)

[schrijverr]

What’s up with that Sims guy?

After the Apocalypse Jon becomes an uni teacher, three students take in interest in what’s up with this weird new professor.

On AO3.

Ships: JonMartin

Warnings: none, but tell me if I missed anything or if you want me to tag something!

~~~~~~~~

Time and space moves differently around the Fears, something that could be confusing and strange, but also pretty handy as Jon and Martin had discovered during the Apocalypse. It meant that when they’d turned the world back to normal, banishing the Fears far away, no one had even noticed it had happened.

With Elias, uhm Jonah, gone their ties to the Institute had lessened. However, Jon was still depended on statements, but Martin had decided that being away from it all would be better for him, so Jon was now working part time, while Martin kept an eye on the place.

Which is how Jon had ended up as a professor at a university. He was filling in, because the current professor had gotten pregnant and they hadn’t been able to find someone more suitable than Jon to replace her temporarily.

Jon knew he didn’t have the credentials necessary, but he Knew everything with the help of the Beholding, so he hoped that would be enough to get him through the year.

So here he was, standing in front of a big hall that was slowly filling up with students, who were eyeing him with a mix of curiosity, confusion and uneasiness.

Once everyone had settled down he took a deep breath and started: “Hello everyone, I’m Jonathan Sims and I’m replacing your previous professor until she returns from her maternity leave. I have an oversight of what you all need to know and do this semester, so lets get started with that right away.”

~

Jane looked down at their new professor and shifted in her seat uneasily. He was strange, or at least had a strange aura surrounding him. Jane wasn’t once for judging on appearances, but it was hard not to wonder what the Hell had let a man such at him to this.

He was short, sure, but he wasn’t small and he had a big presence to make up for it. His black hair was streaked with gray, but he had a youthful face that didn’t quite match up, although the tiredness that hung around him seemed old.

Beside that he was also littered with scars. It was hard not to notice the white circles that contrasted with his dark skin, it could be acne scars if they hadn’t been on his exposed forearms as well and so perfectly round. And those weren’t even his only scars, the entire palm on his right had was covered with a burn mark and the open buttons on the top of his shirt exposed a white thin scar across his throat.

So, yeah, strange.

He started to introduce himself and his voice was posh and low, but overall pleasant to listen to, she supposed. This didn’t stop her from exchanging a small look with Jesse, her best friend. Jesse raised her brows at her and the message was received, they were so going to talk about this later.

Later came as soon as they were out the door. Jesse leaned over and said: “Tell me I wasn’t the only one who got a weird vibe from that guy.”

Jane laughed and shook her head and answered: “You weren’t, I mean, this who building is filled with stuffy academics and suddenly this random dude walks in with the scars of a thug? That’s weird.”

Jesse nodded and asked: “What do you think happened to him?”

“I don’t know.” Jane shrugged, “But it seems pretty rude to just ask.”

Jesse sighed, then perked up with a realization: “We could plant a seed in Sams head.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” Jane said, mischief bubbling up inside her eyes. They had known Sam since their first year and were pretty close with the guy. Sam was also known for not being the most delicate or observant and unafraid to ask personal questions. If he was curious, he would ask.

“I would.” Jesse grinned back, she tugged her along through the crowd with an: “Come on!”

They found Sam easy enough and Jesse plopped down next to him and started: “Hey, Sam. What did you think of our new professor?”

Sam shrugged and scratched his forehead as he said: “Dressed like every other pretentious asshole in here, posh accent. But seemed to know his stuff. Normal teacher if you ask me. Why?”

Jesse inflated: “Come on. Don’t tell me you haven’t even noticed!”

“Noticed what?” Sam asked with a frown.

“The scars.” Jane said.

“Oh, were they scars.” Sam said, “I thought he had weird freckles.”

“Weird fr-” Jesse began before cutting herself off and asking: “Aren’t you curious why they’re there? I’ve never seen scars like that.”

“And the burnt hand and the scar on his neck.” Jane continued, “Those don’t appear randomly.”

Both looked at her now, heads to the side in confusion. Jane said: “Oh, didn’t see those?”

Jesse and Sam shook their heads. “Well,” Jane explained, “He has this burn on his hand like he gripped a hot burning coal or something and this line here,” she drew on her neck with her finger to signal where it was, “like someone tried to slit his throat. Makes me wonder what he did before this job.”

The three of them fell silent. Lost in thought to what could’ve happened to their new mysterious professor before all of this.

~

The next lesson didn’t clear anything up in the slightest. While they were discussing the 17th century literature circles Sam had raised his hand signaling he had a question. Jane and Jesse, who had decided to sit behind him tensed up. He got called on and asked: “Dr. Sims, what did you do before this?”

Dr. Sims frowned and pushed up his glasses, before saying: “You don’t have to call me doctor, it wouldn’t be deserved. Just Sims is fine, or Mr. Sims if that feels better. And I’m the A- an archivist.”

“Am?” Sam blurted out.

Sims laughed humorlessly and said: “Yeah, part time now.”

Then he went back to the lesson and didn’t acknowledge any more questions about his life. Jane didn’t know how he did it, but he seemed to just know which people had questions about the lesson and which about him.

She walked out the hall with Sam and Jesse, who said: “That wasn’t insightful at all.”

Jane agreed: “Yeah, in what danger would an archivist be that leaves that kind of scarring?”

Sam shrugged and pulled out his phone as he said: “I can Google it.” the he muttered more to himself: “What kind of danger experiences an archivist, cool yeah.”

Jesse strained her neck to look on his screen and asked: ‘Well, what does it say?”

“Nothing much actually. Just a bunch of online archives and stuff.” Sam said.

Jane had a bit of a light bulb moment and suggested: “What if you type in Jonathan Sims?”

“Jonathan?” Jesse asked.

Jane shrugged and said: “It’s how he introduced himself during the first lecture.”

Sam typed in the name and his eyebrows crept further up to his hairline as he read the results of his search. Jesse couldn’t take it anymore and ripped the phone out of his hand, quickly scanning the page and gasping. Jane was now also curious and asked: “Well, tell me.”

She showed her the screen and Jane read the headlines. ‘Explosion at the Wax Museum, two survivors.’ The small excerpt reads: Last night there was an explosion at the wax museum, cause is still unknown, but suspected attack. Two survivors were found on the scene. Basira Hussain and Jonathan Sims, the latter of which is in a coma…

Underneath that is another headline. ‘Attack at the Magnus Institute unearths body of former archivist Gertrude Robinson’ with a picture of a big fire brigade, some police and an ambulance under it, she can vaguely make out Sims getting loaded into the back of one of them.

And lastly a small report into the murder of Gertrude Robinson, listing Jonathan Sims as one of the suspects along with one about an older guy, who was apparently found dead in Sims office.

Jane leaned back and whispered: “What the actual fuck.”

After that the rumors spread over the campus and by the time the next lecture rolled around the whole room was buzzing with nervous energy. Sims took one look around the room and sighed: “You are probably not going to let this go in favor of learning something that will actually be useful. Correct?”

A murmur went through the crowd, they had realized that the rumors had most likely reached Sims, but they hadn’t realized he’d be so straightforward about it.

“Okay.” Sims said, “I am willing to sacrifice ten minutes of my lecture for inquiries, but I will not promise to answer.”

Then he waited. Sam was the first to raise his hand and when called upon he asked: “How did you get the scars?”

Sims thought about it, the class thought he was thinking about how to bring it delicately and thoughtful, but inside Jons mind he heard Martin laugh at him and tell him he was an idiot after Jon had told someone the round scars had come from tripping. In hindsight it hadn’t been a good excuse, so Jon decided that vague was probably the safest way to go and said: “A workplace incident.”

Without raising his hand this time Sam asked: “Did it happen during the attack on your workplace? Why would anyone even attack archives?”

“The Archives are a small place in a big organization.” Jon began to explain, ignoring the fact that the Archives had been the target, “And in the end it turned out to be an aggressive infestation, just an accident.”

“Why your institute then?” Sam asked.

“Depends on if you believe in the paranormal, but you have to excuse me, Mr. Jacobs. It seems you are not the only one with questions.” Sims replied, then he turned to the other side and said: “Yes, Ms. Hendrickson?”

“Did you murder anyone?” she asked, clapping her hand over her mouth afterwards in shame of the question that she had blurted out.

Sims didn’t react to the harsh and accusatory question, just said: “If I murdered anyone, I wouldn’t be here, but in prison, don’t you agree?” then he smiled, but somehow Jane didn’t feel comforted by it.

Jesse spoke up, causing Jane to duck into herself in the hope that she wouldn’t be noticed in her seat next to Jesse. She asked: “Then who murdered them?”

Sims huffed a breath, blowing a strand of hair out of his face in the process and answered: “That would’ve been my former boss, I have to say I’m happy to see him gone and his replacement is more than capable.” he looked at the clock and clapped his hands, making more than a few people flinch. Then he stated: “That’s enough questions, time’s up. Lets get back to the symbolism in poetry during the Renaissance.”

And so life continued with Sims as their professor. There was still something uneasy about him, like he was just a sliver off in a way you couldn’t pinpoint, but felt in your bones.

But he was actually quite nice. Which was weird in itself, since he could be pretty prickly and snappy if he found your reasoning or answer particularly stupid or ignorant and he was generally grumpy, but that changed completely if you actually had a problem and needed help. He would listen and then explain with the things you could understand, it was as if he could look at you and know what you needed to understand. That was also strange, but it was nice to have someone explain so correctly.

He was also a walking encyclopedia. He had fun fact about everything and when they said everything they meant everything. When he noticed Mary had died her hair he said: “I like your hair, did you know hair dye contains over 5.000 chemicals.”

Then when Jamie asked what kind of tea he was drinking he answered: “Lady Grey, it was created by Twinings in the early 1990s to appeal to the Nordic market, which found Earl Grey too strong.”

While discussing Oscar Wilde he commented: “Funny how important this guy is, since he has only published one novel in his life.”

When Kyra stumbled in late telling him the taxi had broken, he replied with: “Well cars have about 30.000 parts, so it isn’t far fetched that something broke.”

The funniest part about it was that it just happened to slip out it seemed. He was also just as surprised as them when something like that tumbled out of his mouth and he always covered it up with a small cough, before ignoring it had happened and moving on with his lesson.

It had become a bit of a game among students to make him say a fun fact. Sims had caught on to it, but he didn’t seem to mind all that much, his lips only tightening the littlest amount and his eyes tiring slightly.

So all in all, after two moths of lessons they felt like they knew the guy. He was nice in a grumpy way, could tear you apart verbally if he wanted to, had a lot of facts and worked part time as an archivist, which was apparently a pretty dangerous job.

Jane, Jesse and Sam had become pretty close to him, often staying after class to ask a few questions about the subject, help clean up, try to pry into his private life. The last thing never seemed to work, but it was fun to try and Sims had never let on that he minded it. He even seemed to enjoy their little chats.

Then one time after class, he suddenly looked up, frowned and stalked out of the hall. Quickly sharing glances the three followed after him, curious what had gotten his attention so suddenly.

They walked through a bunch of the main halls, then through a few quiet corridors until they were much further than hearing range, making them slightly uncomfortable. There was a kid, first year probably, barely an adult still very much baby faced, crying on the floor, knees drawn tight to his chest.

Cautiously Sims approached him and gently lowered himself to the ground. The kid looked up at him with a startled face, but Sims shushed him and gently asked: “What’s wrong?”

There was something off about the words, something compelling. The kid starts to speak, he had a slightly northern accent: “It’s all so different here with the big buildings and large crowds with loads of people everywhere, still I’m all by myself. No one want to talk to the dumbass from north, who has trouble with the tubes, you know.” he sniffled a sad chuckle, “And everything is just so overwhelming and I have no one to guide me or to talk to and I hate it. Then I saw everyone just talking about a party and I know it’s dumb, but I heard them say they were going to invite everyone and someone asked even me, but then they laughed and said of course not and I just couldn’t anymore, so I went here and I cried.”

It seemed he was finished and went back to small sniffles and silent tears. Sims gently put a hand on the kids knee and said: “Did that help?”

“Yeah,” the kid looked at him, “bit cathartic, honestly. Sorry for the trouble.”

“Oh, it’s no problem, Edward.” Sims said.

The kid didn’t seem to realize it, but the three silent watchers noticed the kid had never mentioned his name.

Sims went on: “If you like, you can come over to my lecture hall. There are a few older years there, nice people, who I’m sure will want to help you. And a cup of tea.”

Edward rubbed his eyes and said: “They wouldn’t want to talk to me, I’m a loser and I don’t want the to think I’m even more one by telling them what happened.”

“I’m sure you won’t have. They’ve been where you are.” Sims responded, there was a bit of an edge to his voice and they realized he knew they were there and he was right. Jesse had been too brash, Jane too shy and Sam too blunt, it’s what had made them flock together. It was much better now, but they all remembered those awful first weeks. Without saying a word they hurried back to Sims hall.

When he came back they were making tea and lounging around. Jesse greeted him: “Hey, Sims. Where were you suddenly off to?”

Jane pushed her slightly and said: “Don’t pry.” then she turned back, “Want a cuppa, we just put on the kettle?”

Sims smiled and said: “I’d like that, could you make one for my friend, Edward here, as well. I had forgotten I was going to meet him, he’s curious about the Minor course and I thought maybe you could tell him a bit about it. If it isn’t any trouble, of course.”

“Of course not.” Jane smiled, then gestured to a chair: “Here, come sit with us.”

Edward did and later left feeling much better with a few new friends.

Friends, who were beginning to be suspicious about their teacher. They had a lengthy discussion about his knowing stuff and his spooky vibe. But no certain conclusion could be made and they decided that the mission for this year was finding out at least one personal fact about their teacher to prove he was at least somewhat normal.

They didn’t have to wait long. Their classes had been thrown around due to an unfortunate miscommunication. So two classes were switched, causing Sims to teach on Wednesday instead of Thursday for just one week. He looked a bit pale that day, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was the season, so no one spared it a second thought. Until a larger man came through the door after a gentle knock.

He was tall, about 6ft2, and chubby with a crème sweater and jeans. His face was freckled and he wore a gentle smile like it was second nature. His hair was curly and looked very soft, he in his entirety looked soft, you know, like the kind of person you know gives good hugs the moment you see them.

Sims was the only one who didn’t seem startled by his knock, just looked at the man and frowned as he said: “Martin, what are you doing here?”

“Sorry, sorry, Jon.” the man, Martin, said apologetically, “I know you said not to come and such, but I saw you had forgotten your statement and I know how you can get without them, so I thought I’d bring them to you.”

“I was going to read it tomorrow.” Sims said, “It can wait for one day. It’s not like it used to be.”

“Yeah, I know that as well, but we agreed that a rhythm would be good for you and your body to get used to.” Martin replied, holding out a folder.

Sims grabbed the folder and sighed: “You’re probably right, annoying as that may be, but couldn’t it wait till after I was done?”

“No, I’m meeting Daisy to discuss the proper storage of a Hunt artifact and you know how Daisy can be.” he answered.

“Yeah, I know.” Sims chuckled, absentmindedly touching the scar on his neck.

“Besides, I wanted to see you.” Martin said, then he brushed a lock of hair, that had freed itself from Sims’ messy bun, behind Sims ear and pecked him on the cheek. Turning to leave immediately after calling out over his shoulder: “Read it, Jon! And don’t forget to pick up milk on the way back if you want any good tea.”

Martin opened the door and Sims smiled, like a real and soft and dopey smile, as he touched his cheek and yelled back: “I will, say hi to Daisy from me.”

Then Martin was gone and the silence that had fallen over the hall with Martins entrance was broken. Multiple people called out questions and it was a bit of a chaos. It took a few minutes to get everyone settled down again and Sims returned to his lecture as if nothing happened. Sam called out from the second row: “Really, Sims? Nothing?”

Sims shoulders sagged, he had clearly hoped he could get away with it and was sad that it hadn’t worked. He said: “Mr. Jacobs, although I appreciate your interest in my personal life, I hope that I don’t have to explain how normal it is for my husband to come bring me something I forgot at home.”

The hall exploded again, but Sims ignored it all again telling them there were more important things to talk about, for example the lecture, which will be on the exam.

For Jane, Jesse and Sam it was enough. Their teacher was weird and off, but he was nice enough and if someone as soft looking as the Martin figure was willing to marry him, then he was good enough in their opinion and not worth the detective work.

[rintarous]

try again — a. ryuunosuke

SYNOPSIS | realizing nothing has changed between you and your ex, you thought it would be better if you two would just try again.

GENRE | ex to lovers!au, fluff, angst??

A/N | first piece for bsd omfg im shaking fr,,, takes place around dead apple time lmfao hhhhhh kyoka doesnt exist in this sooo ur ability is demon snow???? fuck i hate this so much lmfao also p.p.s this is my gif teehee ++ ty mal for beta-reading this HAHAHHA i will now [rest] after posting this cs i am: shy good day

“hurry up and go!” you hissed at atsushi who was struggling to turn off the safety on his gun while you were trying to fend off demon snow. atsushi lets out a yelp as he fumbles with his gun. before atsushi could pull the trigger, demon snow was shoved away by no one other than your ex, akutagawa ryuunosuke. 

akutagawa stands up from the ground with a huff. “akutagawa!” atsushi exclaims, aiming his gun towards the boy. akutagawa clears his throat, making brief eye contact with you. you stared at him with an uneasy expression on your face. it has been awhile since you last saw the boy you once loved.

“what a pathetic weapon” akutagawa deadpans, shoving his hands into the pockets of his coat. “no pea shooter is going to have an effect on her” he emphasizes the last word, her, motioning to rashomon who seemed to have a mind of its own just like demon snow. just as rashomon struts in, you felt demon snow’s presence behind you.

before anyone could attack, the weretiger has pounced on rashomon, sending it to the other side of the street. “how amusing.” akutagawa comments, “let’s see who comes out on top” an amused smile on his face watching his ability take on his proclaimed enemy’s ability. 

“now isn’t the time for that!” atsushi interjects. as the two was about to start bickering in the middle of an ability battle, demon snow takes this chance to make a move on you. you easily blocked her katana with your knife just in time. 

“there should be a secret passage nearby for the mafia brass!” you managed to let out. akutagawa scowls, knowing you were right. “tsk. let’s go, jinko” he calls out to atsushi as he runs towards the restaurant. atsushi looked like he was deep in thought. whether or not to follow akutagawa or help you with fighting your own ability. 

“hey-” “just go! i’ll be there, i promise!” you cut him off, knowing how long he decides to make a decision. you manage to shove demon snow far back but she was quick on her feet. “all right..” atsushi then follows akutagawa. 

you bought yourself some time after sending demon snow flying. you immediately run towards the restaurant that had a secret passage and swiftly maneuver around the bar, barely managing to get inside the elevator and just before demon snow could get you, the doors closed. 

“phew” you huff, catching your breath. “tsk, how weak” you hear akutagawa comment. the air was thick and stuffy. it’s almost like you couldn’t breathe. it was pitch black in the box too, making the situation far more worse for you and akutagawa. you wanted to avoid him as soon as possible but with the given situation, you can’t. 

“this emergency passage was built in case for a gifted attack. the fog won’t reach us here” akutagawa states. hearing his voice again sorta made your heart ache. you truly missed him being around you at all times. 

“what is that fog?” atsushi asked. “dragon’s breath” you hear akutagawa reply.  you focused your attention on the buttons in front of you, not wanting to hear anything. trying to clear your head and getting a hold of yourself. you’re not gonna let some stupid boy change that. your mission is how to get your ability back and that was it. 

“y/n,” akutagawa calls. you felt your breath hitch hearing your name slip off his tongue like that. it felt like home to you almost. “with neither of us having abilities, you could finally kill me just like what you said that night” he says. emphasizing on the word ‘that’; reminding you of that painful night you’re sure you’ll never forget.

the night you two broke things off. the night you never thought would come in a million years. 

you didn’t utter a word and continued to stare at the buttons in front of you. akutagawa tilts his head to the side “what’s wrong?” he taunts. “don’t you have a score to settle with me?” his words laced in venom but you knew better. he was testing you. he was testing if you had the guts to kill him. 

atsushi scoffs, “y/n-chan doesn’t think of you anymore!” he butts in. akutagawa felt his heart drop when atsushi mentioned that. ‘have you moved on from me?’ was a question that asks himself repeatedly. his feeling of hurt instantly changed into anger. how dare this nobody speak for you.

“want to end this while we don’t have our abilities?” akutagawa challenges him. “stop right there” you interrupt the two boys, standing in between the two of them so they don’t start lashing out. you sent a look at atsushi before turning to akutagawa. “cut to the chase. do you know how to get our abilities back?” 

akutagawa lets out a chuckle. ‘what was so funny?’ you thought to yourself. “that’s the first thing you say to me in months?” he then clears his throat once more, “but yeah. i know a way” 

“what is it?” atsushi exclaims once more. “defeat the ability, it would come back to the owner” akutagawa shrugs. he looks at you then to atsushi, “are you that uninformed?” he rolls his eyes. you stare at his face for a bit. your heart racing as it seems like all your memories with him are crashing down on you. did you miss him this much? 

“what is your plan?” atsushi’s question bringing you back to reality. “the same as ours” you respond knowing akutagawa well. akutagawa hums, “i’m going to shred shibusawa’s organs and end his life” akutagawa swears. “why? is there any other way to save yokohama?” he asks the question towards atsushi. 

“we won’t kill!” atsushi declares. “that’s not what the armed detective agency does” he continued. akutagawa lets out a sarcastic laugh. “how funny.” he laughs, “you really are something, jinko” 

“y/n understands what this job is all about” akutagawa suddenly looks at you. you two make eye contact and for a second there, you see his eyes soften at the sight of you. you quickly look away to hide the blush that was now forming on your cheeks. “she’s a former port mafia, after all” he sighs, remembering his golden days shared with you.

“i left the mafia to see the light of day, we talked about this already” you spoke, “i left the mafia to join the agency” you take a deep breath before looking at atsushi dead in the eye. “but the mafia killings are different from the agency’s. there’s a difference” you say.

akutagawa can’t help but smirk a little at your statement. knowing you were at his side rather than his enemy and your colleague. “y/n-chan…” atsushi stares at you in disbelief. “this wouldn’t have happened if dazai-san didn’t join the enemy side” akutagawa claims, “i’ll be the one to kill him.”

atsushi yanks out his gun and aims it at akutagawa. you don’t know what came over you but in one swift move, you jumped right in front of your ex boyfriend, shielding him from atsushi. akutagawa stares at you for a moment. ‘you still haven’t changed one bit’ he thinks to himself.

“i’m not letting you kill dazai-san!” atsushi yells. “and i’m not letting you kill him either” you snap back at atsushi. “y/n-chan.. why?” atsushi questions. from behind, akutagawa smiles and he was almost ready to hug you right there. “just.. don’t kill him. that’s my job” you dismissed. 

before atsushi could say anything the elevator doors opened. akutagawa moves around you, not missing the chance to at least touch you in any shape possible. his touches still have that lingering feel to it and leaves you behind with atsushi in the elevator. “we’re not going with you” atsushi claims. 

akutagawa doesn’t say anything and walks towards more into the darkness. the elevator dings, ready to close the doors when you put your hand over it and rush to akutagawa. “i’m going with him” you tell atsushi. “eh?!” 

in the end atsushi tags along with you. you walked beside akutagawa with atsushi trailing behind you. “y/n-chan, why are you following him..” you hear atsushi dread . “it’s simple. he has information” you look back at atsushi, “he’s a powerful asset and we both have the same goal” you say, turning your attention to akutagawa. 

akutagawa watches you from his peripheral vision before noticing the familiar cellphone dangling on your neck. “you still have that cellphone your mother gave to you?” he asked. you don’t say anything and walked faster. “mother?” you hear atsushi ask.

akutagawa stops in his tracks and faces atsushi, “you haven’t even been told about that?” rolling his eyes, akutagawa turns his attention back to you. “oy, wait for me” he calls to you, picking up his pace to walk next to you. atsushi can only stare at the two of you with a million thoughts running in his head. 

“what was the shortest route again?” you ask akutagawa beside you. “0505” he answers back. you hummed and continued to walk beside him. “i see you still haven’t changed” akutagawa starts, “i figured you would be an entirely different person by now” he shrugs. you bit your lip, not knowing how to respond. “you’re still the same y/n i know” you hear him utter under his breath. 

“that’s cause i still have unfinished business with you” you blurt out. unable to hide the truth anymore. you wanted him back more than ever and meeting him again just proves it. 

akutagawa shuffles closer to you and grabs your hand. “when this fiasco is over, how about we try again?” he proposes quietly. only loud enough for you to hear. you squeezed his hand, a tiny gesture that means a thousand words and makes his heart race over and over again. 

[official-impravidus]

Just A Kiss (i don’t wanna mess this thing up)

Peter had been a fan fiction writer for quite some time. When he was in middle school, his schedule balancing robotics club, band, and AcaDec, he needed a creative outlet that wasn’t rigidly confined by STEM or saxophone repetoire.

So, he found himself writing stories.

They weren’t good. They were actually quite horrendous at first, but he expressed his love for the Star Wars stories, exploring character interactions in as many ways as he could imagine. He made canon divergent fix-it fics and cringey OC fics and even modern high school AUs.

However, as he grew older, his skills blossomed, just from the sheer magnitude that he wrote.

Every day, when he got back from his extracurriculars, already having finished his homework during school, he would find himself at the chunky computer he had rebuilt from garbage scraps, typing away until Ben called him for dinner, and then back at the keyboard when he finished washing the dishes.

It wasn’t until Spider-Man entered his life did his stories really get somewhere.

Peter had become known for his hyper-realistic, extremely detailed action sequences. After a particularly long patrol, he took notes on form and the choreography of it all, the different way that the criminals attempted to fight against him.

Of course, he took a lot of creative liberty to adapt the fights to fit his characters, but people appreciated the ebb and flow, how it didn’t focus on the gore, but instead the intricacies of technique and battle preparation.

But, his modest AO3 following wasn’t something that he broadcasted in his real life. There were enough reasons for people to make fun of Peter Parker, and he didn’t want to add to the list.

So, after almost a year of knowing Harley Keeer, Peter didn’t think to mention it.

Harley was great. He was really, really, really great, and Peter didn’t want to ruin what he could only hope was respect and mutual friendship that he shared with Harley by divulging his deepest, darkest secret with him. (Because despite what one would think, Spider-Man was not his deepest, darkest secret.)

Because Peter maybe, just maybe, just maybe a teensy tiny little bit, had a big, fat, embarrassing, brain-goes-offline-and-he-makes-stuttering-static-noises-when-he-tries-to-talk crush on Harley.

Harley was effortless charismatic. He was funny in a dry and sarcastic kind of way that could keep up banter for what felt like hours. He was kind in a genuine benevolent generosity kind of way. He was intelligent, and he made it very clear that he was competent and capable. He was confident, unwavering and strong. And he was really pretty. Sparkling blue eyes and soft, bouncy blonde hair, and a crooked smile.

So, sue him! Harley was dreamy and exactly Peter’s type.

So, when Harley approached him one morning, Peter slurping down a mango smoothie, saying “hey, Peter, so I was checking out your AO3,” was it really his fault that he snorted it out of his nose and coughed for a good two minutes in pure shock and also so he could delay the conversation as much as he could?

Class started before Harley could bring it up again that day.

But Peter knew it was coming.

The two were lounging in Harley’s room, Peter at his desk finishing his research essay for AP Lit, and Harley lying on the carpeted floor, scrolling silently on his phone.

“I just finished “ Thnks Fr Th Mmrs (even if they weren’t so bad) ,” Harley announced.

Peter choked. “ What ?!”

“Yeah, it took me a good couple hours because I mean, Jesus, 236,000 words, but I finished, and I gotta say, wasn’t expecting that ending.”

Peter swiveled around in the rollie chair. “How did you find my AO3?”

“It’s linked on your Tumblr,” Harley said with a shrug. “Anyways, I know that it was tagged major character death, but killing off Rey like that, I mean, that was heartbreaking. I felt physical pain in my chest while reading that. I didn’t even know a book could do that.”

“You read my fic?” Peter asked.

Harley looked to him, confused. “Yeah, I said that didn’t I? I’ve been reading your whole page, though it’s gonna take me some time because you’ve got like at least a million words total.” He scrolled through. “I started from your earliest fics because I figured they’ll just get better the further I get, and I’m about fifteen fics in because that last one was so long, and I don’t have that much free time…”

“Why are you reading my fics?” Peter blurted out.

“Because you wrote them?” Harley responded, as if the answer was obvious. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“It’s… it’s embarrassing.”

“I mean, yeah, your earlier work had some formatting issues with the dialogue and some grammar mix ups, but I wouldn’t say it’s embarrassing. If anything, it’s really well written. Thnks Fr Th Mmmrs got a lot better as it went on.”

“That was my first multi-chap,” Peter said.

“You could tell. At least, at first you could. But like I said, it got better as it went on.”

“You liked it?”

Harley tilted his head. “Yeah. I did. You’re a really talented writer, Peter.” He looked to him with confusion and a hint of hurt. “Why didn’t you ever tell me about this? Did you not trust me? Did you think I was going to make fun of you?”

“No!” Peter said quickly. “Well, I… I just, people think it’s weird. And that I’m weird. And it’s just one more weird thing, and I just didn’t want you to think I was weird.”

“I could never think you were weird,” Harley said softly.

Peter ducked his head, averting his gaze. “So, uh, do you have any notes? The feedback is pretty mixed in my comments, but usually the criticism I receive isn’t quite constructive.”

“Well, your action scenes are impeccable,” Harley said. “You really know how to capture movement. And the team dynamics are spot on. The build of trust and eventual camaraderie doesn’t feel rushed at all, and as a reader, is really fulfilling and satisfying.”

“But?” Peter prompted.

“But,” Harley continued, “the non-platonic relationships are lacking.”

Peter bobbed his head in understanding, hand going to rub the back of his neck. “Yeah…” He sighed. “It’s just, it’s hard, y’know? Because I’ve never… I mean, the closest I ever got was with Liz, and you know how that ended up.”

Harley sat on the edge of his bed. “Have you tried reading it more?”

“I just don’t tend to read that stuff. I’m not… it’s just not as interesting to me because I don’t get it. And that’s the problem. I just don’t get this stuff. Even if I did, I wouldn’t be good at it enough to really retain that information,” Peter said with a pathetic shrug.

“What do you have trouble with?” Harley asked, leaning forward, invested and curious.

“It’s the physical side of things. I don’t… in theory, I get how the feelings should feel. But, getting the logistics of stuff like how it feels when they finally break that physical barrier or how a kiss should be described, I just, I’m hopeless.”

“Well, I could help you?”

Peter looked up. “What?”

“I could show you. And explain it to you. Show you how it should be written.”

Click Here to Read More!

[kilyra]

While I have a tiny minute of time, I wanted to send you this! So, we know how Matt and Frank like to turn up at 3AM in need of first aid or maybe just a hug, right? Well, I’m curious... how would they (and others!) react to the reader turning up at their place at 3AM? Maybe because they’re lonely, sad, missing them or just wanting to check they’re still alive. You’re the best! 🥰

Ahh! I love this idea! Thanks for making a request – you're the best! (And also guys, I see I'm switching tenses like crazy. I tried to straighten it all out but maybe just read around that? LOL)

(If anyone wants to be tagged in the headcanon's lemmie know)

Frank Castle: When you turned up at his place in the middle of the night, he was on high alert with gun in hand from the first knock. Seeing it was you, he kept the gun at his side when he opened the door and he continued to scan the hall behind you as he asked what's wrong. You were already having a rough night, and his reaction shot your anxiety through the roof. He waved you in as you assured him it was nothing, well nothing like that, but he continued to bob his head down the hall, looking for enemies that weren't there. Grunting and setting his gun down as he closed the door, his eyebrows were deeply furrowed when he turned to you. In a messy blurting of words, you tried to explain that you had a crappy night, and you didn't mean to cause trouble, but you just needed to see him. You got more upset as you continued to try and explain it better when he finally nodded. Reaching over, he set his hand on the back of your neck, effectively silencing you. Continuing to nod, he mumbled okay repeatedly as he pulled you close, tucking you under his chin. Wrapping his arms around you, he let out a long sigh and held you until you relax against him. Okay, okay...

Matt Murdock: Having just got in, he wasn't even asleep yet when you stopped by. Hearing your shuffle before you knocked, he was already throwing off the covers and heading over. Before he opened the door, he paused, catching your heartbeat. Elevated, but not enough to suggest you were in distress. Even still, his eyebrows were tightly knitted together as he opened the door and said your name as a question and a greeting all in one. It was quickly followed by asking if you're alright. Once you assured him you're fine, he threw open the door, his hand falling to the small of your back to guide you in. His calming presence put you at ease and you couldn't help but notice he didn't put much space between you as he moved with you to the living room. Sitting close to you on the couch, he fought past his exhaustion to try and find out exactly what was wrong. But he didn't seem to mind when all you wanted was for him to hold you for a while. You both drifted off right there on the couch with you against his chest and his arm wrapped around you. 

Diego Hargreeves: He's convinced that something is wrong, the worry immediately overtaking his tired features when he saw you at his door. After you waved his worry away, he offered a lopsided grin and decided it must be that you can't stand being away from him then. Despite the knots in your stomach, you let out a soft chuckle and he nodded for you to come inside...although he doesn't give you much room to squeeze past him. The knots in your stomach flit away as you realize he answered the door in only his low-hanging shorts. You also couldn't help but notice he didn't let up as he closed the door and stood so close you caught the scent of his aftershave. Tilting his head, he let his eyes roam over you before asking if you were okay. Swallowing heavily, you realized that within seconds of being close to him, you didn't want comfort anymore. Biting your lip, you nodded. Slowly dragging his eyes up to yours, he mirrored your nod. Good...

Helena Bertinelli: Although she came to the door quickly, her eyes were glossy and her voice rough. It cleared considerably when she saw you, immediately asking if you're okay. You were. You just had a bit of a tough night and really needed to see her. Her features pinched together as if your words didn't quite make sense to her, that the idea of someone turning to her for comfort was foreign. But nodding, she moved and waved you in. Folding her legs under her as she sat next do you on the couch, she set her hand on your knee, ready to hear about everything you needed to vent. She even managed to stay awake the whole time before dragging you to bed, stating that you needed to get some rest.

Eric Northman: Assuming he wasn't tied up with business, he'd be very intrigued that you came to him. Once he knows you aren't in danger, he smoothly moves closer, his cool, woodsy scent wrapping around you. It's intoxicating. As you stare up into his icy blue eyes, you feel warmth already gathering, replacing the knots in your stomach from the rough evening. The corners of his mouth flick up in a quick, faint smile as he closes the gap, not caring who might be around. You both know you wouldn't come to him for a shoulder to cry on and he is more than happy to be a distraction.

Jim Hopper: It took a LOT of knocking before you heard Hopper stumbling around inside his place. Although he was on his feet...heavily leaning on the door...you couldn't say he was actually awake. Gruffly, he asks what's going on, tilting his head back to look at you through his narrowed eyes. Once you tell him you had a rough night and just wanted to be with him, he nods and puts his arm around you in clumsy movements. There is no talking, no sweet moment, not even a heated one. This grumpy hulk of a man pulls you to the bedroom, throws one of his shirts at you and immediately crawls into bed. You weren't quite sure if you should join him, but as soon as you do, he pulls you close without giving you a chance to settle. But he is strong and in one steady motion, he's tucked you against him, your back to his chest, half-pinning you under his arm. It's not long before you start to drift, relaxed by his steady breathing.

Ward Meachum: Because you had to buzz to get in, he was already awake and waiting for you. His eyes were puffy and glossy, sleep still heavily fogging his brain, but he waved you in without saying much. As you stripped your coat and shoes, he asked if everything was okay. If you needed anything. Why you were there exactly. What happened? He grilled you right there in the kitchen, not even letting you get comfortable. You started doubting yourself. Maybe you shouldn't have turned to Ward of all people for comfort. But as you were getting ready to tell him to forget it, he rubbed his hand down his face and let out a long sigh through his nose. Apparently satisfied, he asked if you wanted to just stay with him tonight. His tone was still so groggy, you weren't sure how sincere it was, but when you said yes, he softly nodded. Good.

Taglist:  @foreverfaeries  @flower-two  @getlostinyourparadise   @selfishkiddo  @angelicshinigami  @parkersbabey  @natsukitakama

[endless-vall]

The rest of our lives - Thomas X Isobel fanfic

Summary: After winning the costudy trial, Isobel is ready to start the next chapter in her life. Is Thomas ready for his?

Author’s note: Last but not least, I present you chapter seven of this series. This is the last part of this story. Writing this multi-chapter fanfic has been a blast. I’ll definitely write more about them in the future. But for the meantime, this is the end of their story ;)

Hope you like it. Thanks for everyone who read it! Love you guys~

You can read the previous fanfics in this series -  here, here, here, here, here and here.

Tagging: @drakewalker04​ @ao719 @narrytheworld​ @beardedoafdonutwagon​ @drakewalkerfantasy​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​ @catlady0911​ @mcchoices @chetachisblog @god-save-the-keen @furiouscloddonutpeanut @writtenbycandy @asprankle @cora-nova @lilyofchoices @paisleylovergirl @dandeservestheworld @mfackenthal @quacksonlover @blackcatkita @annekebbphotography @badchoicesposts @ab1901 @senseofduties @doroshi-desu @romancehereicome @teraizer​ Please let me know if you wanna be tagged in future works for Thomas Mendez x MC/Moty/Perma tag! Let me know if you want to be untagged!

“We won???” Isobel turns to Thomas, he can see that sparkle in her eyes that’s been missing for the last couple of months.

She’d been tired, over-worked, hurt and worried, but that’s all in the past.

Because she’s beaming, radiating. Her smile is contagious. “We won, Tom. I won!”

This whole exchange is barely more than a whisper. The judge is still disscusing the terms of the results of the trial.

But when Thomas looks at Isobel, he realizes she’s not listening anymore. The weight had been lifted off her chest and she couldn’t be happier.

Or more perfect, in that moment, for all that matters.

And his heart grows too, twice it’s size, when he looks at her.

When he looks at Isobel. His Izzy.

They finally leave the courtroom, Zoey runs up to her mom, jumping up and hugging her fiercly. Luz is right behind her, hugging Isobel as well.

It’s funny how Thomas has been fighting not to see this scene, that unfolds right now in front of his eyes, but now that he’s seen it...

He can’t imagine anything wrong with it. 

It’s almost like it was always meant to be.

After Isobel puts the girls down, she turns to Thomas. “God, Tom, come here! I couldn’t have done it without you.” She’s still buzzing with excitement.

Almost as if she doesn’t realize doing it, she flings herself at Thomas and envelopes him in a hug.

Thomas hugs back, like his life depends on it. He hold her tight, close...

closing his eyes and burrying his face in the crook of her neck.

It’s only now... Thomas realizes...

It’s the first time since their kiss that they shared this kind of contact.

And he missed it like crazy. He didn’t want that hug to end. He wanted to spend forever in Isobel’s arms.

All too fast, Isobel pulls away. She looked a bit flustered, as if she did something wrong, as she looks away and scratches the back of her neck.

Before anyone can notice or point out how awkward that moment is, the whole gang gathers around them.

Alma, Eiko, Levi, and even Faye, all congratulate Isobel for winning the trial.

“We should celebrate!” Levi calls and everyone cheers, following his lead. “You deserve this!” Eiko grabs Isobel and guides her forward with her before Thomas can say another word to her.

They all arrive at a nice diner and order some food and drinks.

Luz and Zoey get two fancy chocolate-milk cups and everyone raises their drinks together.

“To Isobel!” Thomas is the one to call first.

“To Isobel!” Everyone raise their glass.

Isobel blushes, only for a second, before thanking everyone and quickly hugging Zoey one more time.

“Food’s ready!” They hear the sound of a bell and Isobel stands up first. “I’ll get it! I’m starving!”

“I’ll help you,” Thomas follows suit, not even thinking about what he’ll say to her once they’re alone.

They arrive at the counter, and Isobel starts calculating how they’re going to get all those plates back to the table without dropping anything on the floor.

“I’ll get those big ones, I was a waiter, I can handle it. You can take the rest of them?” She motions, just about to props herself the right direction and take the plates in her hands.

“Iz, I just wanted to say first-”

“Can we not do this right now?” She asks before he can finish his sentence.

At the look of his face, her features soften, and she speaks again in a much more comforting voice.

“I’m sorry for cutting you off like that, but if you’re going to talk about our complicated not-exactly-relationship then I have to stop you now.

You’ve been an amazing friend, all these years ago and now too. Maybe it’s just not meant to be. We’re clearly better off as fr-”

“Do you know why I pulled away after that kiss and ran off like I did?” Thomas blurts out abruptly. 

His cheeks definitely flush but he can’t stop now.

“Because you realized it was a mistake?” Isobel looks as if it physically pains her to say that, but like she’s trying to hide it.

“Actually, no. The exact opposite, if I may say...”

Isobel blinks at him, starstruck. “What?” She asks in a whisper.

“Izzy... The truth is… It felt amazing. It felt right. I felt whole again. I… my heart was beating so strong inside my chest, and the only thing I could think of was… ‘God… I love this woman’. And it terrified me. 

I spent two years fighting not to forget Soledad, and all of a sudden I realized I could move on. I could live without her. Everything was happening so fast and I was... Terrified.” Thomas admits.

He thought saying it out loud would be the hardest thing he’d have to do in his life, but the truth was... Now that it was out of his system, he felt a relief like he never had before. That wieght, finally lifted off his chest...

It felt freeing.

“Tom… Soledad will always be a part of your life. You’ll never forget about her… Just… Here, look.” Isobel turns and gestures towards the sofas, where Zoey and Luz are happily chatting about something. Thomas’ gaze softens as he watches Luz carefully.

“Soledad will always be a part of your life. But she would also want you to be happy.” Isobel breaths in deeply, before asking her next question. 

“So tell me. What makes you happy, Tom?” She meets his eyes, eyes sparkling with love and affection, and Thomas doesn’t even have to think about the answer. He knows it already.

“You do.” He reaches, almost bashfully, and wraps his arms around Isobel’s waist.

She leans into the touch and he pulls her close.

Isobel rises to her tiptoes and plants a kiss on Thomas’ lips. 

This one is much more tender, sweeter and warm than the one they shared before.

This one felt content.

Thomas kisses her back, trying to convey all of his emotions in that single touch of their lips.

“Uhmmmm..... We get it, you want to be gross together..... But some of us are still waiting for their food!”

Luz’s voice calls beside them and both Thomas and Isobel jump apart.

Apparently they forgot everyone could see them talking and making out instead of getting their food to the table.

“Ahhh... Luz, I can exp-” Thomas starts talking, flustered and practically red as a tomato, but another voice cuts him off again.

“If you get married, Luz and I will be sisters!” Zoey jumps and joins them.

“Ohhhh!!! So cool!!! When are you getting married?!” Luz’s eyes sparkle with the excitment, and both Thomas and Isobel’s eyes widen, as their eyes fly up to meet eachother.

“Maybe we should go on a date first... And give you girls the details later...” Isobel explains, her cheeks getting color in the most flattering way possible.

Thomas is... Smitten.

“Now what do you say about helping us getting all this food back to our table?” Isobel asks, giving each of them a plate, including Thomas.

 “Yessss please!” The girls shout in unison and giggle together.

As the four of them go back to the table... Thomas get the feeling this is the start of the rest of his life.

And he couldn’t be happier.

[blancheludis]

@ironhusbandsweek @rhfenovemberbash Day 5: “Are you jealous?”

Fandom: MCU, Avengers, Iron Man Characters: Tony Stark/James “Rhodey” Rhodes, Clint Barton, Steve Rogers, Pepper Potts Tags: Secret Marriage, Fluff, Humor, Love Words: 2.592

Summary: "Are you jealous?" Tony asks as he downs the champagne Rhodey hands him automatically. "Why do I have the feeling you want me to say yes?" Because then they'd have a reason to leave the Avengers party and make the night much more enjoyable for themselves.

- Rhodey and Tony are secretly married - right up until Rhodey blurts out their secret in the middle of an Avengers party. Nobody wants to believe that someone managed to make Tony Stark settle down, but they are gkad to set the Avengers straight.

---

Tony is breathless. Every once in a while, the Avengers throw a party for friends and influential people to mingle with them. Well, Tony throws the party and makes sure it becomes a success because the only other person on the team who knows how to entertain people is Natasha. The rest are more or less only good at one-on-one talks or shuffling around in the corner failing at not looking overwhelmed.

These are, admittedly, grand affairs. Steve, at least, should be used to them. The USO threw parties where he was the glittering guest of honour, and propaganda does not work half as well when the mascot does not follow the tune.

Tony was even holding back. The Avengers parties are orderly and dignified. He has organized wilder things from his dorm room without the funds and influence he has available to him today.

It does not matter much. People are happy talking to their heroes even if they appear too shy to get dragged onto the dancing floor or get drunk just for the fun of it. Natasha surely uses the evening to gather intel on every important guest, and Tony has seen Bruce discussing business with several other scientists. Barton looks like he would prefer crawling around the air shafts, although he should be used to the attention as a former circus performer. Steve sits next to him, nursing his champagne as if he is in any danger of getting tipsy from it.

While he is leading the wife of one of his shareholders over the dance floor, Tony sees Rhodey sitting down at the Avengers table, looking satisfied enough that he must have found someone to tell his stories too.

When the song comes to an end, Tony bows with a dazzling smile and delivers the woman right back into her husband’s hands, exchanging the needed compliments before he excuses himself. He needs a break and a drink – and possibly an excuse to sneak out of here. Parties are nice, and his parties are the best, but there are places he would much rather be.

Not stopping on his way despite several people trying to get his attention, Tony makes a beeline for the Avengers table and lets himself fall into the seat next to Rhodey with a long-suffering sigh. Without comment, Rhodey hands his glass over, which Tony drains gratefully.

Already far more content, Tony sets the glass down and grins up at Rhodey. His mere presence has him more relaxed.

“Are you jealous, buttercup?” Tony asks, nodding at the dancing floor as if he has done a great feat out there.

Rhodey’s expression becomes playful as he leans closer. “I have the feeling you want me to say yes.”

In a way, that is exactly what Tony wants. Then, they could make up an excuse and he could show Rhodey just why he does not have to be jealous and why Tony thinks he is the luckiest man alive.

Tony is happy to continue the banter, but in his single-minded mission to get back to Rhodey, he forgot that Clint and Steve are still present too.

“Why would Rhodes be jealous of you?” Clint drawls, his frown contrasting with his smirk. Contrary to their dear Captain, he is well on his way to being drunk. “There’s plenty of good-looking women around. And some of them are even unmarried, unlike the ones Tony is apparently going for.”

Tony has been dancing with a never-ending line of women, but he has not yet seen one that would be desirable for him.

“Her?” he asks and shrugs dismissively. He has already forgotten what she looked like. “Never. She spent the whole dance telling me about some old lady’s society. I didn’t get a single word in.”

He has not actually tried to, mostly because his thoughts were elsewhere. Worse than simply nodding at the right places would be to offer a comment on a completely different ttopic than whatever she was droning on about. Tony has learnt that the hard way.

Clint guffaws in disbelief. “Because you’re so shy when it comes to talking up?”

Turning to look at Clint, Tony schools his impression into something very unimpressed. It does get tiresome to have his virtues doubted constantly, although he should take it as a compliment for his acting skills.

“Depends on who I’m talking to,” Tony says, almost a snub. “I definitely would’ve said something if she had wanted a second dance.”

It already feels like he has danced with everyone in the room except for the one he actually wants to. That is a thing he knows by heart, however.

Clint’s frown deepens. “Then why the jealousy thing?” he asks, almost like he thinks Rhodey needs someone to protect him. From Tony. That is hilarious in its own right.

Feeling his grin broaden, Tony throws a glance at Rhodey, silently asking for permission. Rhodey appears just as amused, just as ready to mess with the Avengers a bit.

“I was asking whether he was jealous of her,” Tony says slowly, carefully intoning each word to make sure his friends understand him correctly.

Thankfully, Clint takes the bait. Behind him, even Steve looks interested, taking his eyes off the party around them to watch the spectacle right here at their table.

“Of what?” Clint asks, and it would not have surprised anyone had he added full offense to it.

Tony opens his arms a bit, almost presenting himself up for inspection. “Getting her hands all over me,” he says like it should be obvious. “She definitely got a feel in.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Clint mutters, then turns towards Rhodey. “I don’t get how you can stand this guy.”

“We make do,” Rhodey says. He is still smiling, but there is a dangerous edge to it that neither Clint nor Steve seem to notice because they both nod like it is reasonable to do so. “For the record, I’m always jealous when someone’s touching my husband when I’m not.”

While Tony’s smile brightens immediately like it always does when Rhodey calls him his husband, their audience takes a little longer to realize what has been said.

“That’s not –” Clint starts before he breaks off abruptly, eyes bulging. “Wait, what?”

In turn, Steve leans forward, the mild amusement on his face replaced by puzzlement. “Husband?” he asks as if he has difficulties fitting his tongue around the word.

Never once taking his eyes completely off his friends, Tony turns towards Rhodey, just barely suppressing the urge to take his hand. “Way to spring the news, platypus,” he drawls, seemingly unaffected.

They do not need to know that his heart is beating wildly as he hopes this will go over well. A lot of people have disapproved of Tony in his life, but very few know of his relationship with Rhodey. Pepper, Happy, Rhodey’s family. Jarvis did. And now the Avengers. It is none of their business, but Tony values their opinion nonetheless.

“You didn’t tell them?” Rhodey asks mildly as if he did not know. This is mostly a ploy to give Clint and Steve some time to mull this over. And to subtly make it clear that Tony did not trust them with his secret.

Tony shrugs. “Don’t tell me I should have.”

That probably says all about how long Tony expects this whole hero thing to last. How secure he feels in his place among the Avengers. How much he allows himself to trust them off the battlefield.

Steve has the decency to look slightly ashamed, even though the confusion has not completely disappeared from his face.

“Can we go back to when Rhodes called you his husband?” Clint speaks up. He does not sound accusing but more like he has smelled blood and wants to make the most of it.

“What of it?” Tony asks, sounding a bit snappish. “It’s been some decades. The official timeline varies, since we’ve had several ceremonies.”

Rhodey takes initiative then and reaches out to take Tony’s hand. They are practiced in hiding this under tables, but for Clint and Steve it is a very obvious gesture.

“Tony is fond of vows,” Rhodey explains solemnly, eyes gleaming with amused fondness. “He’s cried every single time.”

That he has, and he is not ashamed of it. Family has always been what Tony longed for the most, and Rhodey gave him that despite all evidence that he would be better off without a trouble magnet like Tony in his life.

“As if you’ve been any better,” Tony shoots back, squeezing Rhodey’s hand where nobody can see. He has half a mind to relocate this age-old argument to somewhere they are not watched. Surely, they have been sociable enough for the evening.

Rhodey squeezes back, which Tony interprets as a call for patience. They cannot tell such news and then disappear to leave the Avengers to deal alone with the aftermath.

“I didn’t cry during the Vegas ceremony,” Rhodey argues, as if this one time could make up for all the others.

Turning to him, Tony raises his eyebrows, trying to keep in his laughter. “But only because you were too worried about someone barging in.”

“The police were chasing us,” Rhodey drawls as if Tony could ever forget that fact. “Of course, I was worried.”

That was a glorious day. The priest had been very disapproving, interpreting their undue hurry for youthful ignorance instead of the very real worry of getting arrested. Well, that and the fact that Tony paid a whole lot of money for him to ignore that they were two men.

“And nothing happened,” Tony shrugs, still feeling that same exhilarating relief whenever he thinks back to that night. “Apart from wedding number three.”

“Four,” Rhodey counters without missing a beat.

That startles Tony enough to wholly face Rhodey instead of watching Clint and Steve, still waiting for an unfavourably reaction. “What?”

With a small, devilish grin, Rhodey explains, “I totally count your emotional breakdown during finals when you were clinging to me and demanded I promise to never leave you.”

In Tony’s defence, that was a dark time. They were nearing the end of their college years, so Tony was naturally afraid that Rhodey would go off and forget all about him. The alcohol might have made him overreact a bit.

Tony thinks about arguing, but then he shrugs. “That’s probably fair,” he says, “but that was before the first wedding.”

Looking even more amused, Rhodey nods. “You made up for it with your vows.”

No one can say that alcohol steals Tony’s eloquence. What he remembers from that night is a very heartfelt speech and a never-ending litany of love confessions. He is a romantic at heart.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” Steve says, keeping Tony from continuing the argument, although he has a dozen examples of Rhodey being even cheesier than him.

As one, they turn around to look at Steve, who is looking back like they are something fascinating, a never before seen species.

“We are married, Capsicle,” Tony says shortly, wondering whether he has miscalculated and this will be a problem. “Even officially by now. Did it as soon as it was legal. Been together since MIT.” Smiling back at Rhodey, he adds, “Best decision of my life.”

“But you’re –” Clint gestures at Tony like his hand is going to make his point for him. Well, you.”

That is always the argument people bring up once they are over the fact that Tony Stark is apparently bisexual. Who would settle down with him? Who would suffer his insanities and moods? Was there not someone better available, even with the money and the company?

“I know,” Tony replies sharply, tightening his hold on Rhodey’s hand. “I realize I’m very lucky Rhodey took me. That’s why we’re renewing our vows every year.”

Steve still looks lost, glancing at Rhodey. “And you’re –”

“What, Captain?” Rhodey straightens, his face losing its smile. He means business now. “What is your problem? That we’re both men?”

Tony would love to watch Rhodey tear into Steve, but they are still in public, still have a party going on around them. They do not have time for a scene.

“No, platypus,” Tony argues sweetly, shifting slightly to block the direct line of sight between Rhodey and Steve. “I think he can’t get his head around someone wanting me.”

That is the easiest way of diverting Rhodey’s attention back to him. Anyone doubting Tony or talking ill of him might land directly on Rhodey’s shit list, but his fist priority will always be Tony’s well-being.

“That’s very short-sighted of him,” Rhodey says with a definitive warning in his voice even while he looks only at Tony. “You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

They are playing it up for their audience, the smiles and sickly sweet voices, but they also mean every word they say. Tony has given up on doubting Rhodey’s love at some point during their third year together. It is easier this way, and much more fulfilling.

“What about Pepper?” Steve asks, not yet done with making things worse for himself.

Sighing quietly, Tony turns around. “I asked her to marry me about a month after she started working for me,” he says and leaves it at that, knowing they will not hear anything beyond this for now.

“So you’re like –” Clint asks, pointing between the two of them and Pepper who is across the room, talking to some of the guests.

“We love her,” Tony says firmly. “Platonic soulmates and all that. Marrying her would’ve been a good alibi, but then buttercup and I could do the real thing instead of just promising our eternal love in the secrecy of our dorm room.”

Pepper had been very gracious about the whole thing. She does love them. They are all part of the same family. They are all much happier like this, however.

“Why does nobody know?” Steve questions, still a stranger to secrets.

This time, Clint looks at him with disbelief too. Naivety does not become the leader of the Avengers.

“Military, remember?” Rhodey replies with just a hint of an edge to his tone, almost as if this has not given them so much grief over the years. “It’s easier if nobody knows.”

There are more questions ready to fall from Steve’s lips, but Tony is done with the topic. There are advantages to getting the secret out there so that Rhodey and he do not have to hide in their own home anymore, but he could do without the interrogation.

“Anyway, good talk,” Tony exclaims, showing too many teeth with his smile. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take my husband for a spin.”

And they do dance. Wild enough and then close enough to turn heads, although nobody seems to interpret the love on their faces for what it is. This is just another normal night under Tony Stark’s roof. They have done this for years, hiding themselves in plain sight.

Since the Avengers know now, they might at least not have to be all secretive at home anymore. Tony is tired of sneaking around, and since Rhodey just clued them in, he probably is too.

It is a good thing because they have made a bet ages ago of how quickly they can make Captain America go red with embarrassment by making out in front of him. Their weekend plans just got all the more interesting.

[formerprincess]

A tale written with fangs and claws || Chapter 51

Chapters: 51/? Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken, Corey Bryant/Mason Hewitt Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant, Nolan (Teen Wolf) Additional Tags: Alpha Liam Dunbar, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Dunbar Pack, Bisexual Liam Dunbar, Werewolf Theo Raeken, Alpha Theo Raeken, Canon-Typical Violence, Smut, Mates, Liam and Theo are mates, Top Theo Raeken, Bottom Theo Raeken, Top Liam, Bottom Liam Dunbar Series: Part 1 of Morning Dew Pack

The pack follows the invitation of Brett's and Liam's long lost aunt but not everything is as it appears to be. And then something happens that makes the pack lose the ground under their feet...

Liam arrived at the house and he was extremely happy all seemed quiet. That meant his pack was not currently fighting the hyenas. In his current state of mind, Liam probably would have ripped a hyena or two apart. 

He parked his car in the driveway and walked over to the front door which opened and revealed Theo leaning in the doorframe. The Beta just smiled sadly at his mate and then opened his arms. Liam didn’t need another invitation and just stepped into the embrace. That’s what he needed right now. He was still sad he had to leave Landon behind and he already missed his little one, even though he just had left him behind some hours ago.  “This sucks, hm?” Theo mumbled and stroked over Liam’s back.  Liam hummed affirmatively. “If I see the hyenas I will punch them!” “We will gladly let you punch them. Now come on, you need to eat something after two long drives.” “I’m not hungry,” Liam mumbled stubbornly. He tightened his hold on Theo. That was currently the only thing grounding him.  “Okay, no food then but come inside, maybe drink something or just chat with your pack,” Theo coaxed him gently. He didn’t wait for Liam to answer and just gently pulled Liam inside and into the kitchen. 

Mason waited there, Nolan was currently eating an apple. “Welcome back. Is Landon okay?” Mason questioned.  Liam nodded. “He immediately made friends with the other kids so I know he will be fine.” “Are you okay?” Mason continued.  Liam sighed and dropped down in a chair at the table. “I have to, right? There are hyenas we have to take care of.” “It’s still okay to take a little break and allow yourself to breathe,” Nolan chimed in.  Liam just groaned and ran his hand through his hair. “I know.”  Brett stepped into the kitchen. “Hey, you’re back. You okay?” Liam just grumbled. He knew his friends were just worried about him but he wasn’t in the mood to answer the okay question every single time. Brett seemed to understand it because he didn’t pressure and just grabbed himself a banana from the fruit bowl. Liam watched him and Nolan exchange shy smiles but then act like everything was totally normal between them and something inside him snapped.  “That is ridiculous! Nolan, Brett likes you more than just as a friend. Brett, Nolan likes you more than just as a friend. Here are 20 dollars, go and have a coffee date and talk about the feelings you have for each other because we have other problems at hand than your romantic tension.” He pulled the money from his wallet and held it out for Nolan to take. Both men stared at him and the Alpha flashed his eyes. “Go!” “At this point, I would take the money and go,” Theo advised them and Nolan gave Brett a helpless look before he snatched the money from Liam’s hand and both bailed out of the kitchen and into the garage.  Mason raised both eyebrows. “That was matchmaking the Liam way.” “Anybody else needs some life advice? I’m currently in a good mood!” Liam exclaimed grimly. Theo and Mason stared at him, then they shook their heads.  “Good.”

He left the kitchen and stomped back to his and Theo’s room. Theo followed him. “Want to talk about it?” Liam interlaced his fingers in the back of his neck. He stood still for a moment before he sighed deeply. “That was rude of me, I know.” “Nah, maybe it helped these two to get their heads out of their asses. I don’t think they’ll mind, especially not when they actually start dating.”  “It was still uncalled for. I’m usually better than that.” “Liam, you are still human and you had to make a heartbreaking decision. Nobody in this house will hold it against you when you get stressed and grumpy. Don’t be so hard on yourself. We talked about this once, you are allowed to show negative emotions. It makes you much more relatable to us Betas, okay? Because we see that even our strong Alpha has his moments and it’s okay to have them.” He stared at his mate. “Really?” Theo nodded. “Yeah.” Liam fell down on the bed. “I hate the hyenas for making me feel like shit,” he complained and stared at the ceiling.  The bed dipped and Theo joined him. “I get you. But we will overcome this as well, we always do.” 

The couple laid next to each other and stared at their ceiling without saying something for a while.  “Do you think we have yet another bloody fight in front of us?” Liam questioned after a while.  “I don’t know. Those hyenas are obscure and when they’re really as cowardly as Peter described them, I don’t know how they will act. I’d go with the initial plan, to continue with our lives and ignore them and if they show their ugly mugs, we will take action.” “A part of me still hopes we can sit that one out and they are all talk and no action,” Liam confessed.  “Maybe,” Theo murmured. 

Liam rolled on his side and draped one arm over Theo’s stomach. “I’m happy to have you by my side.” Theo raised a hand and gently stroked over Liam’s neck. “You’ll always have me, I’m not leaving your side.” They smiled and Liam moved closer to Theo. “I miss Landon,” he whispered when he put his head on his boyfriend’s chest. “I know, I miss him too. But he will come home soon.” “Mm, I hope so.” 

****** After he and Theo chilled on the bed for a while, Liam had taken the dogs to the garden where he groomed them. Not only did they grow a lot but they also needed some caring so their fur stayed shiny and healthy. Koda wasn’t really a fan of standing still for a while but Liam’s only needed to flash his eyes and he obeyed. Even the dogs had accepted him as the Alpha. Aka, on the other hand, loved to get groomed and wagged his tail happily.  “You are really pretty dogs, you know that. Two pretty good boys,” Liam praised them and fed them both a goodie when he was done. He freed the brush from any dog hair. Doing it outside helped not to have too many dog hair into the house and all over the place. Now he just needed to wash his hands, these dog goodies just smelled awful. The dogs seemed to like them so Liam guessed they were tasty but their smell made him nauseous and he hated it when his hands smelled like it. 

He entered the kitchen when Nolan and Brett came home. “Oh, hey,” he greeted his two Betas while he turned on the faucet at the kitchen sink and scrubbed his hands with smell-dispelling kitchen soap.  “Hey.” Nolan actually blushed.  “Hey, guys, uhm, guess I have to say sorry for being so harsh earlier on. I was just annoyed and you two got the brunt of it. I’m sorry.” “No, it’s actually fine, we needed a push,” Brett actually confessed.  “Oh?” Liam made a curious sound while he grabbed a towel and dried his hands. “So your date had been a success?” “Well, we talked a lot and we decided to go on a second date. We’re not together yet but we came to the conclusion to try dating and see if this works out,” Brett explained.  Nolan took over from him and added: “Right, to see if this works out or if we’re better off as friends. It was a nice evening and we probably would have never talked about it if you had not blurted it out.” “I admit, a part of me was pissed at you for telling my secret at first but then I heard Nolan also had feelings for me and you actually became my best friend.” Brett grinned.  “I’m his best friend.” Mason walked into the kitchen and defended his position in Liam’s life. “You can have my sloppy seconds.” “How generous,” Brett joked and Liam laughed. After he had been so mad when he came home, being surrounded by his pack and the talk with Theo helped him calm down again. There was nothing about the current situation he could change and he knew Landon was safe, so it probably was the best he could make out of this for the time being. 

****** The thing with the hyenas was, they dropped off the radar. The next following days there were no sightings from them, you didn’t hear or smell them, and no pack member felt watched. Liam didn’t know if he should cry or laugh at that. Had they really just left town again after one meeting with Liam and Theo? Had Liam be right and they were all just talk and no action? He didn’t know and he complained loudly about it when Scott called and asked if they were okay. 

“And now they’re gone and we have no idea what to make out of this. What the hell? I mean, really? I don’t want to fight again but this is underwhelming.”  Liam paced back and forth in front of the table in the library. Theo sat in the desk chair, feet propped up on the table and watched him, Corey, Ever, and Mason sat on the couch and listened to what came over the speaker of Liam’s phone on the table.  “I told you they are sneaky. They played mind games with you and you fell for it,” Peter exclaimed and Liam shrieked. “Peter’s here again,” Scott announced and the young Alpha rolled his eyes.  “Yeah, thanks for telling me this before he spoke!” Peter didn’t even listen to Liam’s complaint. “Did you hear me? The hyenas tricked you. You’re not really good at mind games, are you?” Liam glared at the phone and then stuck his tongue out. It coaxed a chuckle from his Second Alpha, his emissary, his consultant, and his shaman.  “So they’re gone, we should assume?” Ever summed up what Peter had said.  “Well, are they still terrorizing you?” Peter retorted.  “No, they’re literally gone, vanquished from the face of the earth,” Corey replied.  “See? I don’t see any use in discussing this any further. Don’t you have other stuff to worry about? Aren’t you in college? Go to the library, read for once, learn something.” “What is this? Daddy Peter’s advice column?” Theo questioned.  “They’re ungrateful. I have better things to do,” Peter informed Scott and they could hear his steps moving away.   “I actually have to go too, Liam, he is my ride. Talk to you soon. Peter, wait!” Scott ended the call while he hurried after his future father-in-law. 

Liam ran both hands through his hair in frustration and paced faster back and forth until Theo grabbed him by the hips and pulled him in his lap.  “Your opinion? Is Peter right, the hyenas just tricked us?” Theo seemingly decided to moderate the discussion.  “It is so lame,” Liam whined. “They follow us for a while and then they act like total assholes but then they leave without a word. Why?” “There is the possibility they did some research and figured out how large your pack really is. You know, an Alpha gets stronger the larger the pack is, so there is a high chance they realized they had bitten off more than they could chew with the Morning Dew Pack and left town with their tails between their legs,” Mason surmised.  “Do you really feel that’s the case from your deepest gut feeling?” Liam asked the Betas.  “Peter said hyenas are not big fighters unless they have to do it. From what we know we had the three guys in the club and the two girls, the guy at the gym and then the two other girls and three guys at the coffee shop. From the appearances of every hyena, they were all different people so the group contained eleven weres,” Theo counted. “Eleven hyenas against the Morning Dew Pack? Please, I bet they bailed the fuck out of town.” “Cowardly little ankle biters.” Corey also agreed with the theory of the hyenas getting scared.  “You said they might be all talk and no action yourself. It seems like you had been right,” Theo told Liam and let his fingertips dance over Liam’s back.  Liam shivered at the nice feeling but shrugged. “I don’t know. I was attuned to a fight and now nothing? This is hard to believe.” “Sometimes even this pack gets lucky. None of us wants to pick a fight when they don’t have to. Those hyenas got scared and left without so much of a fuss. We got lucky,” Ever assured Liam and smiled softly.  He sighed. “Hopefully you’re right. All things point to this, hm?” “Yeah. Stop worrying, Alpha.” Mason smiled at Liam as well and he returned the smile.  “Okay.” “Does that mean you’re bringing Landon back now, Liam?” Corey questioned.  Liam hesitated. Could he bring Landon home now? Was this a smart move? “I don’t think so. Not until I know for sure the hyenas are gone. There is something easier about attending college, sitting in my classes, and knowing Landon is safe. There were so many moments back in Beacon Hills when I wanted to send my parents out of town to keep them safe. That’s how it is when you fight bad supernatural creatures. Until I know for sure, 100% sure, I won’t bring Landon back, he finally decided.  “I understand that.” Mason nodded. “Though it’s still a little bit sad. I miss the little guy.” “Oh boy,” Liam sighed, “I miss him too.”

****** “Here, you can put these in the freezer and these in the pantry.” Liam handed Tim some bags with frozen food and some cans. He just had come home from a shopping trip and enlisted his friends to help him. Brett was also one of the helpers and was currently returning from where he had carried a big sack of potatoes and a smaller sack of onions into the kitchen.  Liam now grabbed the remaining bags and carried them into the kitchen.  “In this bag over there are just things you don’t need to cool, you can sort them into the shelves and the pantry. I will sort the things into the fridge.” With how much he had brought to feed his pack he surely needed help if he didn’t want to spend a good amount of time on it by himself. 

While they put the groceries away, Lori wandered into the kitchen with her laptop in her hands. “Brett, I found aunt Pam over social media. She doesn’t live far from us.” “Really? That’s awesome. Was she happy to hear from us or didn’t you contact her yet?” “No, I sent her a message and she responded. She is very happy we found her again and would like to stay in contact.” Lori clicked away on her computer.  “Who is Pam?” Liam asked curiously.  “Our aunt, our mother’s sister,” Brett explained.  It amazed Liam. “I thought all your family died?” “Our parents did and we couldn’t live with aunt Pam.”Lori sounded sad about this. Liam figured there was a story behind that. “May I ask why you couldn’t live with her?” “Pam was the kind of person who always needed someone else to tell her what to do. First, it was her sister, later on, her boyfriends. She couldn’t live alone and constantly followed what somebody else told her. It drove our mother nuts and when mom and dad died Pam simply wasn’t able to take care of us,” Lori laid out the family history. “But now we live here and Brett and I thought it would be nice to reach out to her. We haven’t met in years. I told her about our new pack.” A little ping sound came from her computer and she oohed. “She replied.” Lori scrolled down to the message and read it. “She also lives with a pack and talked to her Alpha. Her Alpha’s name is Kirsty and they invite our pack to visit them. Can we visit them, Liam?” She typed on her computer. “It’s only a four-hour drive. Please, Liam.” “Meeting aunt Pam again would be cool. Please say yes, Liam,” Brett pleaded alongside his sister.  It wasn’t really a lot to think about. The hyenas still had not shown their faces in town again and the pack had completely resumed their daily tasks and lives so why not? “I can’t think about anything speaking against it. A little time out of town might be good for us.” He nodded. “Tell your aunt we’re gladly following the invite.”

And so the pack found themselves on the road to meet the other pack once the weekend rolled around. Lori and her aunt had messaged a bit back and forth and Pam had told her niece her pack lived after quite a few rules. They were mostly farmers and craftsman and lived all together on one big farmlike area. Therefore the rules made sense, they had to till the fields and take care of the animals to have enough gain to sell and live off it at the same time. Liam imagined it quite rural but nice nonetheless.  When they arrived at the farm, he realized how right he had been. Leading to the houses were large pasturages for horses and cows; when they got out of the car he heard chickens and goats and he saw several fields full of corn and plantations. 

A tiny woman with her brown hair in a long braided ponytail waited for them in front of one of the houses and Liam guessed this had to be Pam. She smiled but the long white dress she wore made her tiny frame look even smaller than she probably was.  “Brett, Lori, so good to see you.” She hugged her nephew and her niece and the family celebrated meeting again after years.  “We missed you, aunt Pam, there is so much we have to catch up on with,” Lori told her and wiped her happy tears away when they broke the embrace.  A boy with brown hair and around the age of Landon opened the door and stepped outside. “Are those Lori and Brett and their pack?” He asked.  Pam turned around. “They are. Come here, Zack, let me introduce you.”  He followed and came closer. “This is my son Zack,” Pam introduced him to his cousins.  “Oh, hi little man, nice to meet you.” Brett smiled at his little cousin.  "He is ten. His father is not with us but that is okay, Kirsty takes great care of us and accepted us in her pack years ago. I am very happy here,” Pam told the pack and went to shake everyone’s hand. The core pack introduced themselves and Theo used it to lean closer to Liam.  “How happy can you really be when you have to underline you are happy?” He whispered. Frankly, Liam had to agree, but he still gave Theo a semi-serious warning look. “Be nice!” “I’m always nice, puppy,” Theo smirked and Liam gave him a quick kiss. 

A lean woman around the age of forty stepped out of the biggest of the houses and marched over. She may be lean but her steps were full of determination. Her posture made sure she was a woman knowing what she wanted and she probably rarely took No for an answer. Her skin was tanned from working outside and her arms were toned. She wore a green-plaid shirt with short sleeves and simple jeans and her brunette hair was put up in a strict ponytail.  “Pam, you should introduce us,” she said and while her tone was calm it was clear she was giving an order. Pam looked guilty.  “I am sorry, of course, I should. This is our Alpha Kirsty. She was the one who allowed me to invite you.” “Because I like to meet new packs.” Kirsty smiled and took the core pack in. “Where is your Alpha?” Liam raised his hand. “I’m the Alpha.”  Her eyebrow twitched and she got an amused look on her face. “You are very young.” “I get that a lot.” Liam played it off. “I am Liam, by the way. Thank you for the invite.” “Nice to meet you, Alpha Liam.” She grasped his hand in a tight grip and shook it.  “Likewise. This is my pack.” Liam introduced the members of his pack but really Kirsty just smiled neutrally and didn’t show any pleasure in meeting them. 

Kirsty pointed to the main house. “You can eat with us, the food is ready.” Again, it was more an order than an invitation but they were all hungry from the long drive and so they eagerly followed her to the house.  Right in front of the door, Pam stopped so suddenly Brett almost crashed into her. Kirsty nodded approvingly and then she stepped into the house as the first one.  “What the hell?” Brett muttered and Pam looked at him.  “The Alpha always steps into a room first. Don’t you know that?” Liam felt every single one of his Betas stare at him and he really could not blame them. That was odd. But other packs, other customs, right? He didn’t know how to deal with it but he also didn’t want to insult the other pack so he followed after Kirsty before the Betas stepped in.  The room was a large dining room with a long table. Kirsty sat at the head of the table and pointed at the seat to her right. “Liam, please sit down.”  He noticed several men and women in the open kitchen. It gave him some cafeteria feeling the way they stood at the stoves and had big pots and pans. “Smells delicious in here,” he complimented.  Kirsty nodded graciously. “My betas know how to cook.” “I love to cook as well. It’s fun to do it for a pack.” Liam laughed softly. “And my Betas enjoy what I dish out.” His friends affirmed but Kirsty stared at him and so did the people of her pack who were not in the kitchen and had also taken a seat at the table.  “You cook for the pack?” Kirsty sounded absolutely taken aback by that. “Yeah.” Liam made it clear he saw no problem with that but he had a suspicion where this was going.  “The Betas should cook for the Alpha, not the other way around. That’s how it should be.” Whoop, there it was. Liam forced a polite smile. “My Betas are my family, not my servants. But I think this is up to every Alpha to decide that for themselves.” Kirsty didn’t reply but snapped her fingers. “It’s time for the food.” And her Betas complied and brought the food to the table before they sat down. It came to no surprise Kirsty was the first one to fill her plate and Liam felt how tense his pack was. They all were on some unknown ground here, their dinners and lunches were far more relaxed since Liam didn’t care who got food first, but now they were guests and had to follow the rules. It didn’t feel good to be the second one to eat after Kirsty prompted him to do so and only then see the Betas dig into their food. 

“Tell me about your pack,” Kirsty requested after a while.  Liam checked the bite he had taken. “Well, I’m the Alpha. Theo here is my mate and also the Headbeta in charge when I’m not there. Then we have Mason, our emissary...” “Your Headbeta in charge?” Kirsty chortled.  “I’m his Headbeta. When he’s not around, I take over as the Alpha,” Theo affirmed.  Kirsty shook her head with a laugh. “There is no such thing as a Heabeta in charge. If an Alpha cannot rule their pack on their own then they are not the right one for the job. Betas are just Betas.” She gave Liam and Theo a patronizing smile. “But you are still so young, you will learn that over time.” “Uh, uh,” Theo said dryly. Liam looked at his boyfriend. Theo’s green eyes watched her in a mixture of anger, resentment, but also the cold assessment he had shown for years. He didn’t like the lady one bit and was currently looking for anything to crack her code, find something he could find to bring her to her knees. Figuratively and if things were going south even literally.  Brett cleared his throat. “So, aunt Pam, tell us about your life.” She shushed him. “The Alphas are talking!” Brett stared at his aunt as if she had personally offended him then he stared into thin air. He hated this as much as Liam did. 

The mood was tense afterward and while Kirsty later allowed her Betas to talk with Liam’s pack, he realized his friends were timid to exchange any information. They likely would all be happy when they were on their way back home. 

When lunch was over Kirsty invited them for a walk around the farm to show what her pack was doing for a living. Liam accepted because he didn’t want to be impolite. Maybe then Brett and Lori could talk to their aunt and get to know their cousin better. That’s why they were here for, after all. Kirsty showed them the stables and where they stored what they needed to feed the animals, showed them that they turned some of the fruits they harvested into jelly, the whole nine yards before she allowed the group to disperse a bit. “Liam, I’d love to have a talk with you from Alpha to Alpha. It is always interesting to interchange things.”  She was right about that one, the first time Liam could whole-heartedly agree with her, so he nodded. “I’d love to.” Great. Come into my office, we can have some homemade tea.” 

She led Liam into the smallest building on the area and Liam realized it was just a shed Kirsty had turned into her office with large shelves full of books and documents, a large desk and two armchairs. Kirsty closed the door after Liam stepped in and smiled politely.  “The tea should be here any minute.” “It’s fine.” Liam didn’t mind the wait. It was still strange how her Betas served her. “You have a very nice office. Didn’t expect it to be that big from the outside.” “Many things can be deceiving,” Kirsty just answered without really answering Liam.  He stepped to one of the big windows. You could see the orchards from here.  “You have an admirable pack,” Kirsty praised.  “Thank you. I am very proud of every single one of my Betas.” Liam smiled. “You have a beautiful view from here.” “I am sure you are proud of your Betas. They will be a good addition to my pack.” If this was a movie scene you probably would have heard a record scratch. Liam felt the hairs in the back of his neck raise up and he slowly turned to face Kirsty. “What do you mean? My Betas are no addition to your pack. We will get into our cars later on and leave again.” She shook her head and raised her chin. “I am not permitting other packs on my territory.” “You invited us!” Liam felt his IED spike up.  “I surely did.” Kirsty’es eyes flashed. “But I never said you could leave again.” He growled and shook his head. “I am not leaving my Betas with you! If you really think that, you’re absolutely delusional!” “I’m not asking you to do it. You will do it. How do you think I gathered that many Betas around me? Surely not because I asked nicely.” “And what did you do to the Alphas?” The moment he asked, Liam already knew the answer.  “I’m sure you already know what happened to them.” She laughed grimly and showed off her fangs.  Liam flashed his own eyes and his claws grew. “You killed every other Alpha. That is disgusting. I just don’t get why you invited us here. Is this your perverted game or what?” “When Pam told me her nephew and her niece were part of a pack with such a young Alpha, I laughed. You are twenty, you are a child! You don’t deserve to be an Alpha! That is ridiculous.” “I am so sick and tired of people constantly attacking me because of my age! You people need to learn not to be so superficial. Anyway, this Alpha here won’t attack you since this is clearly what you want. My mom taught me not to hit women. So I will gather my Betas and we will leave now!! 

Liam brushed past her on his way to the door when she grabbed him and threw him on the floor. With a sullen smile, she towered over him.  “I don’t think you understand. This place here, you will never leave. You don’t have a say in this!” Liam glared at her from his position on the floor. “And you don’t seem to understand how much of a shitty Alpha you are. Your Betas don’t respect or support you, they probably don’t even like you, they just fear you.” He pulled himself together and got up. “And like I said, I am fed up with people thinking they can take advantage of me. You messed with the wrong one, lady.”

The punch came out of nowhere and Liam was kind of mad at himself for neglecting his guard. It sent him stumbling and when he wiped his nose it was bleeding. “Okay, I changed my mind about fighting. My mom said not to hit women but she didn’t say something about psychotic assholes like you. Funny, lately every psychotic asshole I meet is female. I don’t know what that says about you but here we go.” He dodged the next punch and grabbed her arm to twist it. Kirsty snarled and snapped at him. Like Liam himself, he had shifted partially and sported fangs, claws, and fur on her face. When Liam tried to avoid her biting him she used her chance to tackle him to the ground and the Alphas started punching and scratching each other. 

Things crashed from the desk to the floor when they knocked against it while they rolled around on the floor. Kirsty wrapped one hand around Liam’s throat and the tip of her claws dug into the skin while she applied pressure. Liam struggled and tried to reach anything to help him. His fingers brushed a large book and he slowly inched it slower to himself before he could grab it. Hitting Kirsty over the head didn’t help on the first try but the second one did the charm and Liam could kick her off himself and sent her to the ground.  Rubbing his throat Liam came to his feet again and roared. She was strong, given her age and how many Alphas she killed, she was an Alpha herself for so many years, but he still knew he could beat her. Dying today was not an option! 

Before Kirsty even fully came back from getting hit, Liam jumped her and roared into her face. She struggled against his hold and the two crashed against the shelves. Books rained down on them but the fighting werewolves didn’t care. The punches got harder, intended to hurt more and more. Claws ripped clothing apart and at one point Kirsty’s claws sunk into Liam’s side. He gasped out and the bitch used it to headbutt him and get out of his hold. 

It created separation for the two of them and she held her bleeding shoulder. Liam had not realized he had injured her there but he didn’t feel sorry in the slightest. She roared at him and lunged out but Liam stepped aside. His grey t-shirt was soaked with his blood at the point she had inserted her claws into his flesh and his head pounded. He ignored it for now and rather jumped over the table to continue the fight with Kirsty. 

Throwing her over his hip in a judo throw he heard her gasp out in pain and used her momentarily weakness to grab both arms and pull them back. Her muscles strained and joints popped but it restrained her for now. “I give you one last chance to let me and my pack leave! You’re not the first Alpha I fight. It is your decision.” “You are no match for me. Stupid little boy! I will kill you and throw your mortal remains into the pit, just like I did with all the other Alphas before!” Kirsty struggled in his hold.  Liam felt a strange sense of connection to the dead Alphas. He had not known them, he didn’t know how many she had killed, but he mourned them. They had not known what they had gotten themselves into, just like Liam had not known it. He just hoped they had been able to find peace after they had found their demise at her hands.  Kirsty had managed to get one arm free and slammed her elbow between his rips. Liam groaned and let go of her. She twisted around and pressed his face to the floor.  “Told you, I’m stronger,” she crooned. In her mind, she already was the victor.  “Go fuck yourself, devil’s child,” Liam spat out. Then he hissed when she grabbed him by his neck and used all of her strength. If she put more pressure on, she would be able to break Liam’s neck.  “My pack contains your pack until I show up and tell them they’re my Betas now. They have no choice and if anybody riots, I will kill them too.” “My Betas will never accept you as their Alpha.” He saw their faces in front of his eyes. Every single one of them was a source of power for Liam. They were the reason he was the Alpha he was today, they and the people at the lake. They all had been partial in Liam’s development, with their personalities and the love they had to give. They shared this bond with Liam and with each other and this made his pack so strong.  His claws scraped over the wooden floor and then Liam used all of his strength to raise up and shake her off. She stumbled against one of her armchairs. Liam sat up and rubbed his neck. It hurt like a bitch. Any injury from an Alpha would take longer to heal so he already knew this would be painful in the next few days. 

Before Kirsty even managed to get to her feet on her own, Liam dragged her up and slammed her against the wall. Now his claws dug into the skin on her throat and his eyes were blazing. “You think I’m not a real Alpha? You are not a real Alpha because you’re nothing else than a killer! And killers are not accepted by me or my pack!”  He dragged her away from the wall and grabbed her arm. His grip was tight and he felt the bones breaking. Kirsty howled in pain but still struggled and fought against the younger Alpha.  She grabbed a table lamp and Liam barely dodged getting hit over the head. Luckily he managed to grab the lamp and wrench it out of her grip. “You now need tools to fight me? Guess you’re not  as strong as you think.” He shoved her away and she hit the corner of her desk painfully before dropping to the floor. She looked daggers at him. “If you think you’re stronger, then kill me, little boy.” Liam dropped the lamp. “I’m not you,” he corrected her. “You must know that.” She barked out a laugh and wiped away the blood running down her temple. “You are as weak as I thought you are.”  “Call me whatever you want, I can still look at myself in the mirror.” “You won’t have a chance to do that again!”

Her next attack Liam had almost expected. She jumped up and went for another tackle. Only this time Liam was faster and sidestepped her but kicked up. His knee collided with her stomach and she huffed loudly. Her claws scratched his tight and the Alphas were back at it again at another brawl. “Bad idea!” Liam growled into her face, voice deeper with the Alpha tone in there. She snapped at him and he snapped back. The longer they fought, the more desperate it became. She wanted to kill Liam and Liam knew he had to put an end to this when he wanted to survive. It meant collecting the remaining power he had left in him, ignore the exhaustion and the pain from his injuries. 

It took one wrong step from Kirsty and then everything happened fastly. Liam pushed her off and threw her against the door. The wood shattered and Kirsty crashed through it outside.  She landed on the ground in the remains of the door and didn’t move for several seconds. When Liam finally stepped over the threshold she twitched but didn’t get up to full height again. His pack came running around the corner, followed by Kirsty’s Betas. Liam looked down at the wounded Alpha on the ground.  “Look at that, you’re on the ground and I’m standing tall. According to your rules, I am supposed to kill you now, right? Because I’m the stronger Alpha.” He snarled. “But I’m not like you. You are nothing more than a killer. I am better than you and I will spare you. I don’t care what happens to you, just know that: My pack will leave and if anyone of your Betas wants to leave as well, you will let them. If I ever hear you’re returning to your terror regime again, I will slash your throat.”  Kirsty stared up at him and slowly nodded. A few members of her pack stepped up.  “We will take care of her,” one man said.  “Don’t kill her. Be better than her,” Liam pleaded and they nodded before they helped Kirsty up and led her away. 

Only when she was gone, Liam allowed himself to lean against the wall and slid down on it to sit on the ground.  “Liam!” Theo was next to him in a flash, Mason not far behind. “You’re bleeding.” Liam grimaced and looked down at the wet patch of his shirt. “Yeah, she sunk her claws in.” Theo gently grasped his face and turned it so Liam looked at him. “This will become a shiner.” He tenderly traced around Liam’s left ear. A tissue came into Liam’s field of vision, courtesy of Sadie, and Theo gently wiped away the blood from Liam’s nose and from a cut over his eye.  “You fought an Alpha!” “She wanted to kill me and add you to her pack. Didn’t take no for an answer. What was I supposed to do?” His Betas nodded. “We were told the same thing. Her Betas said they couldn’t let us interfere and kept us from helping you,” Maya explained.  Tim sniffled. “Liam, can I hug you?” “If you don’t mind getting blood on your shirt,” Liam joked meekly. Tim shook his head, knelt down, and wrapped his arms around Liam.  “I never knew how bad other Alphas can be but I am so happy I have you as an Alpha.” “Yeah,” the other pack members of the core pack agreed.  Lori blinked against her own tears. “I am so sorry. We had no idea this would happen.” “This isn’t your fault. Nobody could know this would happen,” Liam calmed her. Pam suddenly let out a loud sob. “I did. It was her plan all along and she said to invite you. That’s what she always did, lure packs here and then kill the Alpha.” Brett glared at his aunt. “Are you insane? Why did you help her?” “I am sorry. She forced me!” Pam wailed.  “One of my best friends almost died today because you cannot stand your ground! Get a grip, woman!” “Brett!” Liam cut in and slowly got to his feet. Theo didn’t let go of him and wrapped his arm around Liam’s waist. “I’m not dead.” Brett looked at him, eyes full of emotions.” “But you came close to dying today,” he said brokenly. Nolan silently reached out and squeezed Brett’s hand.  Pam whimpered. “I know what I did was wrong but I was so scared of her. Nobody ever managed to defeat her before.” “The question is, do you want to stay here?” Lori asked her aunt.  Pam shrugged. “I don’t know. Where else should I go? I have nothing else than this.” “You have a son and he doesn’t deserve to grow up in such a repressive environment,” Liam reminded her. “But if you want, we have a place we can bring you. The rest of our pack can help you get your own place and maybe a job. But only if you want to come with us.” “You should leave, Pam,” a woman from Pam’s pack said. “We are also leaving, it is better for the children. We have relatives in Florida and we will leave as soon as we can. Think about Zack.” Pam sobbed and Sadie handed her a tissue too. “Zack deserves better. For him, I will try to start a new life somewhere else. I don’t want to live in fear anymore. Can you forgive me, Brett, Lori?” “We are family and family forgives.” Brett shrugged. “And can you forgive me as well?” Pam asked Liam.  “If I didn’t forgive you, I would have not invited you to live with my pack. But if you want to leave with us, you better pack fast. I want to leave this place as soon as possible.”

She nodded and then hurried to gather her things and her son. Quite some Betas packed their things and got ready to leave. Liam could understand that. Kirsty had terrorized them all and with her being defeated, they finally could be free. “You have a car?” Brett questioned when his aunt finally loaded her stuff into a little car.  “It’s mine; old but good. I will follow your cars. Zack, get in.” Her son climbed into his seat and then turned to stare at Liam.  “Thank you for defeating the evil Alpha. She was scary.” Liam chuckled. “You’re welcome.”

****** The initial plan had been to drive straight back to Seattle but now they’d make a detour to the lake. While on the road, Liam phoned Byron and explained what had happened.  “I know I’m continuously bringing new people for you to take care of but that way her son gets a semi-normal life at least. As normal as a werewolf boy can be.”  Byron laughed. “That’s what an Alpha is supposed to do. I’m proud of you. We will happily await your arrival. I know somebody who is very eager to see you.” “Tell Landon Hi and I see him soon.” Liam ended the call and rubbed his temples. “My head hurts.” “You probably have a concussion,” Theo speculated.  “A concussion would heal shortly after it happened.” “You said Kirsty headbutted you. A headbutt from an Alpha surely leaves some damage for a while. You should try to sleep.” “I will be fine.” Liam leaned against the window at the passenger side and watched the road flew by. 

He didn’t mean to but a few minutes later he fell asleep and only woke up shortly before they reached the lake. He rubbed his eyes. “Feeling better?” Theo inquired.  “My headache’s duller,” Liam replied.  Theo kept his eyes on the road but reached over and took Liam’s hand in his. “I felt your emotions spike and your anger but also your fear. I got so scared and then the other wolves said they wouldn’t let us to you and I felt like losing it. I almost punched a guy. I felt your pain.” “I will be fine. In a few days. The wounds will take a while to heal but I will be okay. Don’t worry, okay? I am sorry I scared you.” Theo just kissed the back of Liam’s hand. He didn’t need words to convey his emotions. “There’s the lake!” Mike called out and they all watched their second home appear in front of their eyes.  “This is so beautiful,” Lori mumbled and took some pictures with her phone.  “It is.” Liam was excited to be back and to see Landon. Now that they were here, they could also take him home. The hyenas seemed gone so he saw no problem with finally reuniting. 

They parked in front of Lana’s and Byron’s cabin where Lana, Byron, and Shana already awaited them. “Figured you would look like that after fighting another Alpha,” Shana greeted Liam and hugged him before handing him a tube. “Put these on your injuries and they will heal faster. It’s just some herbals, nothing chemical.” “Thanks.” Liam smiled at her and then hugged Lana and Byron. “I let her live. Was this a smart move?” Liam asked Byron.  Byron hummed. “This is difficult to decide. No matter her motivations, she’s still a living person, and you are not the type of person to randomly kill. She would have deserved it in the grand scheme of things, but from a character-wise point of view I think you did the right thing.” “Thank you.” Liam smiled at the man he came to love like his own grandfather. “Those are Pam and Zack, they belonged to Kirsty’s pack but I’d love to have them here.” Pam shook Byron’s, Lana’s, and Shana’s hands. “It is very nice to meet you. This is my son Zack. Thank you for offering us a place to stay.” “I’m sure you will be a nice addition to our pack. Welcome to the lake and in the Morning Dew Pack.” Shana smiled at her. 

“Liam!” The excited scream came from the lake and Landon was running towards the group. “Liam! Liam! Liam!” He practically catapulted himself at his brother and hugged him tightly. Liam laughed and hugged Landon back.  “Hey, buddy, missed me as much as I missed you?” “I missed you so much! Living here is nice but I missed you!”  Liam smiled and kissed his brother on top of his head. When Landon looked up, he realized his big brother was injured.  “You’re hurt!” “Yeah, I was fighting a bad person.” He didn’t want to worry Landon but his little brother held up his finger, indicating for Liam to wait, and ran into his house. When he returned, he held a pack of bandaids.  “I only found the ones with comic cats on it, I’m sorry.” “It will be fine.” Liam leaned down and let Landon put one bandaid over the cut on his face. When he straightened to his full height, he saw Theo’s amused face and grinned at his mate.  “You are bleeding! Why are you bleeding? How badly are you hurt?” “Landon, I am sure Liam is fine. Alphas can survive that. He is fine,” Lana told the child and Liam nodded.  “Don’t worry, okay?” He knelt down. “But can you do me a favor?” Landon nodded. Liam pointed at Zack. “This is Zack, he and his mother moved here. Can you show him around a little bit?” Landon looked at Zack and Zack pointed at the red shirt Landon wore. “I have the same one in blue.” “That is cool. Want to play with me?” Landon invited him and the two boys ran off. Pam huffed.  “I still can’t comprehend what happened.” “Me neither,” Liam muttered.  She pressed her hands together at the palms. “I still cannot thank you enough. For ending our suffering and for letting me stay with your pack.” “You are Brett’s and Lori’s family and they are my friends. Don’t mention it.” 

****** The pack had helped Pam settle in and when it was done, Liam found himself leaning in the doorframe to Landon’s room and watched him and Zack play. “Zack, your mother wants to see you,” he finally said and the kids looked at him. Zack nodded and then ran out of the room and Liam looked around the room. It didn’t look like a guest room anymore but like a real room a child lived in, with toys and posters and books.  “Look, we made those in school.” Landon showed Liam some drawings made with leaves and flowers.  “Those are really pretty,” Liam praised when he watched the drawings and sat on his brother’s bed.  “And next week we are going to the museum and then we will create other things for the summer fair. And Brandon’s birthday is soon, he invited me.” The young Alpha listened to his brother talk and he smiled. “To be honest, I wanted to take you back with me today but, Landon, do you want to stay here?” He sounded so happy and carefree, Liam had to ask.  Landon stared t him with big eyes. “I like it here. But I also want to stay with you. Can’t you just move here?” Liam chuckled. “No, I also have school and I cannot attend school here.” He ruffled his brother’s hair. “But what do you say to a compromise? You stay here, with your friends and all, and you visit me in Seattle or I come here every weekend...Or is this too hectic? Maybe every two weeks? We visit each other every two weeks at the weekend. What do you say? And when the breaks are happening, we will spend all the time together. Maybe we can even go on vacation together. Does this sound good?” Landon really thought hard about this. “Can I still call you every day?” “I would be sad if you didn’t.” Liam laughed. “Just because you live here and I live in Seattle doesn’t mean we are not in each other’s lives. If something happens, I can be here in a matter of hours. Is this okay with you?” “If we still talk every night then yes.” Landon smiled shyly and Liam pulled him into a hug. “Love you, Laddie.” “Love you too, Liam.”

The brothers continued to talk for a while before it was time for Liam to leave and the brothers said goodbye before Liam left the room. On his way downstairs he met Byron who undoubtedly had heard what the brothers talked about.  “He can stay as long as he wants.” “Thank you.” Liam meant it. He hugged Byron goodbye and then stepped outside the cabin where Theo waited for him.  “Is Landon packing?” The First Beta inquired. Liam shook his head.  “He’s staying here,” he explained, torn between happy and sad.  “What?” Theo was surprised.  “For the first time in his life, Landon has a real father- and mother-figure. He is happy here, has friends, likes what they do in school. He is safe. I can’t take that away from him again. All of us in the core pack, we are young adults, we are not supposed to look after a child. We are college students, none of us has a full-time job that gets paid. How can we be the best decision for raising Landon? He needs structures. Here at the lake, he has them. We will see each other every two weeks on the weekends and during our breaks. That’s what we decided on.” He felt himself getting sadder at the end. It was the right thing but it was still hard. Theo tugged him into a tight embrace. “Just because it is a right decision doesn’t mean it has to be an easy decision. It’s okay to be sad about it.” Liam hiccuped and hugged Theo tightly. “We have to buy a cabin here in the future.” Theo laughed softly. “I’m so on board with that.”

****** Going back to his classes on Monday surely was an experience. Theo had ended up being right, Liam sported a black eye and his cheekbone was swollen. The wound on his side where Kirsty had hurt him looked even nastier and he needed to carry a large bandage above it to let it heal. His throat had been healed the best and was not sporting claw marks anymore but the rest was absolutely visible. Sadie had offered to cover it with makeup but Liam had categorical refused. 

His fellow students stared at him when he entered his classes or walked the hallway and he heard them whispering. At lunch, Theo joined Liam on one of the picnic tables outside and grinned.  “Boy, your appearance makes the rumor mill run wild.” “Really? What are they saying?” Liam had tried to overhear anything. Theo smirked. “Apparently I’m dating someone involved in a bar fight. I have to admit that is quite hot.” “You’re an idiot.” Liam rumpled a napkin and threw it at Theo’s forehead. His boyfriend laughed and then moved to sit next to Liam.  “You look rough and handsome what can I say?” He kissed Liam and every protest the Alpha might have had disappeared.  “I’m sure in a  few days nobody talks about it anymore, Lee.” “Hm, I hope so. They all stare at me, I hate it.” Liam grumbled and leaned against Theo. 

****** “Remind me again, do we have any plans tonight?” Theo questioned while he stopped at a red light. Liam’s car, driven by Mike, stopped behind them. It was one of the rare occasions where the whole pack had no other things to do after class and they all got home together.  “Isaac’s back in town again and coming over but that’s about it,” Liam answered Theo’s question.  “Hm, nice.”  “It’s nice you don’t have to work.” Liam smiled at his boyfriend and Theo smiled back. The stoplight turned to green and he drove again. It took them only a few more minutes and they were home. 

Isaac waited outside the house and he had a very serious look on his face. Liam wondered what this was about.  “I didn’t walk in, I just arrived and it had been like that,” Isaac told the pack after they all got out of the cars and pointed at the front door.  “Why is our front door open?” Ever asked and really, Liam asked himself the same thing.  “Did one of you forget to close it this morning?” But his Betas shook their heads and Liam felt his heart sink into his stomach. He walked to the house and gave the ajar door a push so it opened completely. And then his heart dropped even further. 

The whole interior was trashed. Pictures were ripped off the wall and the frames were broken, glass cracked and everywhere, claw marks littered the walls, parts of the banister were broken out. The core pack gasped when the saw the damage and it got worse the further they walked into the house. Pillows were ripped open and tossed around, the fridge had been opened and everything had been pulled out and thrown everywhere, ketchup dripped from the counters, the doors of the shelves were unhinged. The furniture was either ripped open or broken or both, the mattresses had been pulled from the beds and sliced open, most of their clothing was ripped apart and or drenched in some sort of liquid, mirrors were shattered, wallpapers were torn. Nothing in this house was still in one piece.  “Where are the dogs?” Nolan’s question made them all run outside. They heard howling and whimpering from the garden shed and when Brett opened the locked door, Aka and Koda ran out and barked wildly.  “Thank god they’re okay,” Theo sighed and knelt down to pet the agitated animals. 

Liam looked around. Even the garden had been destroyed, flowers displanted, the hammock ripped apart.  “What the hell happened here?” Tim was close to tears. They all were at this point.  “Who did this?” Mason was shocked.  “We all know who. That’s the hyena’s work,” Theo stated bitterly. “The whole house smells like them. So much for them leaving town.” “But why now? Why did they lay low for such a long time and do this now?” Caden shook his head.  “Because your Alpha is hurt,” Isaac realized quietly, “They knew he is not up to 100% and they used their chance.” “What?” Liam could not believe his ears. “I can still fight.” “But you still have this shiner and the injury,” Isaac argued back.  Liam scoffed. “So it’s because of me again! Wonderful!” No.” Isaac shook his head. “None of this is your fault. You didn’t trash the house, you didn’t tell them to trash the house. You didn’t want another Alpha to kill you. All of this happened without your consent, so this is absolutely not your fault.” Liam balled is hands to fists. His IED was raging and he wanted to destroy something. He was so angry and it made his blood boil. Oh how much he wished a hyena would come his way now.  “So, we’re sweeping up everything and see which things we might can safe. And tomorrow we need to go shopping.” Mason tried to be logical and lay out their next steps.  “Yeah, good idea.” Nolan was on Mason’s side.  It was Corey who first declined. “You don’t understand. Even I can smell it. The whole house reeks of the hyenas. It’s impossible to sleep there.” “Then we have to air the whole house, maybe that helps?” Nolan suggested.  Brett growled and his eyes flashed. “No! Those bastards came to our house and destroyed everything. A pack house is more or less the pack’s den and they violated it. This is a declaration of war!” 

Liam listened to his pack start arguing about it, even though all wolves agreed with each other. Their inner animals really didn’t like it and were raging. “I don’t want to live here anymore,” he suddenly said weakly. Everybody turned to look at him and he raised his head from where he had looked down. Both arms wrapped around himself, he shook his head. “I already made experiences with sleeping in a complete trashed apartment because somebody went beserk in it. You won’t get sleep, none of us, and I don’t want to live in a house anymore knowing strangers came in, walked around, touched everything, and in the end destroyed it. But I don’t want to decide on my own. Hands up if you say you can’t live here anymore.” He raised his hand first. Soon enough all weres of the pack raised their hand and then the humans joined too.  “You can all come with me. My apartment might get a bit crowded but it will do for a while. Long enough so you can figure out where to go from here, what to do,” Isaac immediately offered and Liam gave him a grateful look.  “Gather the few things you want to take with you and maybe - hopefully - are not that trashed. They seemed to have just broken the picture frames but didn’t touch the pictures,” Liam tasked his pack. 

Ignoring the smell and the anger long enough to see through their broken things, Liam was not sure how he managed. Looking everywhere made anger inside him again and he wanted to cry at the same time.  “I never thought it would come to this,” he muttered when he and Theo were done packing their belongings.  “Me neither. This is just plain disgusting and they will pay for it.” “I will hunt them down, I swear,” Liam promised with a dark look on his face.  Theo grabbed his elbow. “I don’t want to stay here any longer. Let’s go.”

They left their room and brought their bags down and into the car just like the rest of their pack. Returning to the house once more to see if they had grabbed any picture or piece of memory they might be able to save, Liam realized the door to the basement was open and slowly walked down the stairs. 

The hyenas had been down here as well and trashed the few things the pack had stored like Christmas decoration. Liam sighed when he looked at the cracked Christmas balls and ornaments. They even trashed the lamp hanging from the naked ceiling, only the broken lightbulb hanging up there still. And there was a smell in here, under the hyena’s smell, Liam couldn’t place. 

“Lee? Everything okay?” Mason has followed Liam.  “Mase, do you smell that?” Liam asked.  “That strange smell? Yeah, even I get that. Is that...” He sniffed and flipped on the light switch. “Maybe if we have light we see what this is.” There came a crackling sound when the broken lightbulb tried to do what it was supposed to do. Liam raised his head and to him, it seemed like the air around the bulb flickered. It dawned to him.  “Mason, that smell is....”  “Gas, I realized it too!”  The best friends turned around and ran up the stairs as fast as they could again. Another crackle behind them and then Liam heard a fire being ignited. The gas had caught the sparks from the broken lamp. The heat became unbearable and then the explosion came. Starting from the center of the basement, it spread out immediately. They rarely made it out of the house when it broke through the ceiling and into the ground floor and then the whole house exploded.  “There is a gas leak!” Mason yelled. Thankfully he and Liam had been the last ones in the house.  And thank god for Ever as well because the minute the windows burst and the whole house fell victim to the explosion, she raised both hands and concentrated all her magic on the house. She could not control the raging fire but she could create a protective shield so the explosion didn’t cause harm to the pack or other houses.  The Betas stood there and watch their home go up in one immense fireball, watched the ceilings burst when the explosion crashed through, watched everything still inside burn to ashes.  Sadie screamed and clasped both hands in front of her mouth, Maya had silent tears streams down her face, and the others didn’t fare any better.  “So much for going back. We can’t,” Mike whispered.  Liam cried as he watched the flames dance in front of their eyes. "We’re essentially homeless now.”

If this was a tv series, it probably would have been the season finale, I realized while writing it. It is longer than any other chapter I have written for this story so far. But I didn't want to put the end at the beginning of another chapter, that didn't feel right. I thought about this for a while but nope. It is good the way it is, storytelling wise.

We finally reached the part I was working towards to for such a long time. Sure, there are still things to come I'm also excited about but this is huge. I feel like it's a turning point in the story. This part is crucial and while I still have things planned for the next chapters and I already know what will happen in most parts (this story always surprises me as I write it and things get added so I never know 100%) I am proud we reached this point. I am basically burning with excitement to show you what's coming next but the next chapters will be a bit slower now due to work. I try not to keep you waiting for too long.

I really hope you don't kill me. If you want will I make it better if I promise you there will be a few more surprises down the line? No deaths!! Nope, no one of the Morning Dew Pack dies!!! That is a promise and I know this is probably something you might be worried about.  If anybody needs one or several tissues, I will provide them. I can't lie I am curious to see what you have to say about this. And if you want to yell at me, might as well do this, I will take it. Share your thoughts with me, guys. ♥