#Bound and Determined made me laugh out loud

[fel-09]

Well thought out plan

The chaos began with your innocent laughter, echoing through the room like a mischievous melody. You had made the bold decision to tickle him—a choice that, in hindsight, might not have been the wisest. He despised being tickled to the very core of his being, and the look in his eyes quickly turned from surprise to unrestrained irritation.

"Wait—no, stop!" His protests were loud and frantic, but your playful determination knew no bounds. You darted forward, your fingers aiming for his sides, only for him to catch your wrists mid-air. His reflexes were annoyingly quick, and before you could comprehend what had happened, he had shifted his weight and maneuvered you with startling ease.

Now you found yourself trapped, sandwiched between his powerful thighs. His legs were strong, firm, and unyielding, locking you in place with no room to escape. It was an unexpected turn of events that left you both bewildered and oddly amused.

“Let me go!” you gasped, squirming against the iron grip of his thighs.

“Not a chance,” he replied smugly, leaning back slightly, his hands resting lazily on his knees as he watched you struggle. “You brought this on yourself.”

Your hands instinctively grabbed at his hips for leverage, your fingers pressing into the taut muscle beneath his skin. “I can’t breathe!” you whispered dramatically, your voice a mix of mock desperation and amusement.

“Oh, please,” he retorted, rolling his eyes. “When you actually start suffocating, maybe then I’ll believe you.”

What he didn’t realize, however, was that you had planned this all along. Every tickle, every laugh—it had all been part of your grand scheme. And now here you were, exactly where you wanted to be, ensnared between his thighs, savoring the warmth and the proximity you had orchestrated so cleverly.

If only he knew the truth.

______

New Year's gift for @bel0ved-heretic

[amongemeraldclouds]

Things I’ll Never Say

Why say things out loud when you can write them all down in a journal? No need to inconvenience everyone else with silly declarations of love that’s only guaranteed to break your heart. So what happens when your enemy - of all people - finds it?

Lorenzo Berkshire x Reader

“Is it that, or is it because you’re in love with me?”

Thanks to @thatdammchickennugget for the prompt. Here's my official entry for the Hogmarch challenge, prompt one. 1k words.

Author’s note: The way I screamed when this idea came to mind! Journaling is such a big part of my life, I’ll take any and every chance I can to incorporate it to my stories.

Indented text are journal entries.

Warning: Cursing, no use of y/n, slight angst but it’s kinda cute. Fluff express coming through!

✿ Masterlist

“Stop copying my notes!” I hiss at Lorenzo, moving my arm to cover my parchment.

“Come on, I missed class today. I need to catch up,” he says, tugging at the arm of my sweater.

“Go ask your friends,” I retort, moving my arm away from his grasp.

“You know they’re not in that class, just you,” he insists.

“Oh we’re not friends,” I deadpan.

“It won’t take long,” he tries again.

“If you weren’t busy sleeping around with everyone, Berkshire. You would have made it to class this morning.”

 He leans in to my ear and whispers, “I’ll make it worth your while.”

I grab the nearest hardbound book and swing it in his direction. Thwack! It strikes his shoulder.

The librarian looks at us sternly. “Your final warning was just given five minutes ago. No noise in the library!” She points her finger to the exit, “You two, out!”

“Great. Thanks for that, Berkshire. Good luck with your notes.” My face gets hot with embarrassment as I gather my things and rush off to the exit.

Enzo spots a black leather bound journal in the area you just vacated. He takes it with him as he exits the library. She’s always writing in this notebook. I’m sure she won’t mind if I take a peek, I’ll give it back to her anyway.

He damn well knew you would mind. When he reaches a quiet corner of the hallway, he proceeds to turn the cover anyway.

I know, I know. I’m not supposed to like Lorenzo Berkshire. Why the fuck did I just draw a heart over the “i”! That’s it. I’m losing my mind! I can’t be caught liking the boy who spewed the word mudblood in my direction our first year. Like it’s my fault I was born into my family. And screw him okay, muggles are awesome. I can break my own heart with my misguided affections, but I’d rather die before I ever let him break my heart. So before I check myself into a mental asylum, I need to just say this somewhere. Anywhere. A last ditch effort to save my sanity.

He’s the intrusive thought I love to entertain in my head.

As a dare, he took off his shirt at the party. My toes curled. I pretended not to notice him.

I heard him laughing with his friends. I love the way it lit up his face.

I saw him enter his dorm hand in hand with a girl. I never wish to be her, another one night stand. Once would never be enough. 

I nearly kissed him again.

He helped me pick up the pile of books I dropped at the library. He seemed kind and concerned. Ha! Who am I kidding?

I count down the hours until I see him again.

Maybe in another lifetime it wouldn’t matter: bloodlines, social status, and hierarchies. So unnecessary.

I noticed the veins in his arm at quidditch practice. I tried not to bite my lip. What must it be like to be wrapped in those arms?

And there he was again with his stupid hair breaking my stupid heart.

Enzo hears determined footsteps approaching and he shuts the journal, hiding it behind him.

“Fine, Berkshire,” I sigh when I reach him. “Here, take my notes,” I say, handing it out to him.

He quirks an eyebrow.

“Weren’t you so desperate to get them earlier?” I fold my arms. “I will not be part of the reason you fail in class.” I point at him, “you and your dumb ass can very well do it yourself. I have more important things to worry about.”

“Is it that, or is it because you’re in love with me?”

My brain short circuits, the fire freezing in my veins. How the hell does he know?

He smirks, pulling out a familiar black journal. My eyes widen.

“On second thought,” I say, stepping back. “It doesn’t matter,” I turn around and walk away. “Fail class for all I care.”

I’m yanked back when I feel Enzo’s grip on my wrist. “Wait.”

My heart thumps in my chest. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. He knows!

“I’m sorry,” he says. What? I turn back, my confused expression directed at him.

“That I called you a mudblood,” he explains. “I was a dumb ass when we were younger.”

“Finally, we agree on something,” I state, trying to mask the tremble in my voice.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you back then and I was prejudiced. Over the years, I enjoyed watching your passion for magic and studying. How you light up when you talk to your friends about a book you just read. And how you’re always the first to volunteer when someone needs help. You have this fire and warmth in you and I just need to be around it all the time. I’m reduced to being a moth to your flame and I don’t mind it at all.”

I blink, speechless.

He takes a step forward, voice softening. “Why do you think I tease you all the time?”

“Well how the fuck was I supposed to know?” The anger not quite there in my voice.

“I just wanted a chance to talk to you and I thought you hated me.” He brushes the hair from my face and cups my face. “Clearly, I was wrong.”

I roll my eyes, “Oh no, I do hate you.” I falter, “but maybe I kind of, just sort of, like you too.”

He grins. “It seems there are things we need to talk about. Will you go on a date with me?”

My heart stutters. “You already know my answer.”

He laughs, “stubborn as always. I’ll take that as a yes.” He pulls me in for a hug. 

Oh. Being wrapped in his strong arms is even better than I imagined. I rest my head on his shoulder when a thought occurs to me.

“You’re sure this is not just some elaborate ploy for me to keep giving you my notes?”

He sighs, “of course not, just enjoy this moment."

He moves his mouth to my ear, "But if you do, I solemnly swear I will make it worth your while.”

I don't hit him this time.

✿ Masterlist

A/N: For those who get the Avril Lavigne title reference, here's a tight hug for you! ♡

I may or may not have also had a place where I wrote down love confessions for someone I couldn’t have. Some of those may or may not have been included in the journal entries.

Two fics published in one day? Who is she?

[jijournal]

RIGHT HERE ALL ALONG | D.M

Summary: Camellia Rose and Draco Malfoy, childhood friends bound by loyalty, love, and unspoken words. As Camellia is torn between loyalty and betrayal as she discovers that Harry Potter, the one person she trust most, has been using her all along.

Word Count: 4.6k+

Warnings: Slight Angst but a happy ending

A/N: I really love the plot of this story. I Hope you guys enjoy!!🫰

⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

Camellia Rose had always been a force to be reckoned with—sharp-witted, quick-tongued, and effortlessly charming.

As a pureblood, she had been raised with certain expectations, yet she never let them define her. Unlike many in Slytherin, she found no joy in tormenting others. She preferred lighthearted mischief—switching sugar for salt at breakfast, charming books to sing opera in the library, and sneaking enchanted fireworks into classrooms. She was well-known for her pranks, but they were never cruel.

Draco Malfoy had been her best friend since childhood. They grew up together, attending the same pureblood gatherings, running through grand estates, and learning the intricacies of magic from their strict families. One of her favorite moments with him was on summer break.

⸻

The summer air was thick with warmth, the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming roses filling the vast Malfoy Manor gardens. Camellia Rose had never been the type to sit still, much to the dismay of her governess. At six years old, she was wild—fearless, even.

“Higher, Draco!” she called over her shoulder, her tiny hands gripping the handle of her broom as she hovered a few feet above the ground.

Draco, who was now frowning. “You’re going to fall.”

She scoffed, flipping her dark curls over her shoulder. “I won’t.” And to prove it, she shot up higher, laughing as the wind tangled in her hair.

Draco’s stomach twisted. He wasn’t scared of flying—he was a Malfoy, after all—but something about Camellia’s recklessness made his chest tighten.

Then it happened.

One moment, she was grinning down at him. The next, her broom wobbled violently, throwing her off balance.

She screamed.

Draco didn’t think. He just moved.

He darted forward just as she plummeted, arms outstretched. The impact sent them both crashing to the grass, Draco’s back hitting the ground hard as Camellia landed on top of him with a gasp.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, their breaths mingling in the space between them. Then, slowly, she pulled back, blinking down at him.

“You caught me.”

Draco scowled, his arms still around her waist. “Of course, I did, idiot.”

Her lips twitched. “Always so dramatic.”

He huffed, rolling his eyes, but he didn’t let go. “You shouldn’t be so reckless.”

“You shouldn’t worry so much.”

“I’ll always catch you, Cam,” he muttered, barely above a whisper.

She stilled. Then, a slow, knowing smile spread across her lips.

“Good.”

⸻

If anyone asked, Draco would claim he was her closest confidant, her protector. But what he would never admit—even to himself—was that he had always wanted to be more than just her best friend.

It was why, when Professor Snape paired Camellia with Harry Potter in Potions, Draco had nearly lost his mind.

“This is ridiculous,” he muttered as they left the classroom. “Snape is supposed to be on our side.”

Camellia rolled her eyes. “It’s just for Potions, Draco. It’s not like I’m suddenly going to start writing love letters to Potter.”

“You better not,” he scoffed. “He’s insufferable. And a liar. Always up to something.”

But as the weeks passed, Camellia started to notice things about Harry.

At first, he was just an ordinary boy—messy-haired, always running late, and somehow managing to botch even the simplest potions. But then she saw the determination in his eyes when he tried again, the way he never let frustration get the better of him. He was surprisingly funny, throwing in sarcastic remarks when she least expected it.

And—though she’d never admit it out loud—he had the most captivating green eyes.

She tried to push the thoughts aside. She wasn’t supposed to like him. He was Harry Potter. But the more she got to know him, the harder it became to ignore the way her heart raced when he smiled at her.

Draco noticed. Of course, he did.

“You’re delusional, Cam,” he said one evening in the common room. “Potter is always up to something. And you? You’re way out of his league.”

Camellia only laughed, shaking her head. Draco was always protective, but this time, he was just being dramatic. Right?

⸻

Sixth year had barely begun, and already, Camellia felt a shift in the air. Maybe it was the weight of looming war, or maybe it was something else—something she couldn’t quite place.

“I don’t like this,” Draco muttered beside her as they walked through the dimly lit corridors.

She sighed. “You don’t like a lot of things.”

Draco stopped, grabbing her wrist gently but firmly. She blinked up at him, startled by the intensity in his silver eyes.

“I mean it, Cam. Potter—he’s paying too much attention to you.”

She frowned. “We’re partners in Potions, Draco. It’s not a conspiracy.”

Draco’s jaw clenched. “He’s up to something.”

She rolled her eyes, shaking off his grip. “Not everything is about you and him, you know.”

His expression darkened, something unreadable flickering behind his gaze. “Just… be careful.”

Camellia sighed, giving him a playful shove. “You worry too much.”

But as she walked away, she missed the way Draco watched her, his fists curling at his sides.

He had a terrible feeling.

And the worst part?

She wouldn’t listen.

⸻

As sixth year progresses, Camellia’s heart had already made its choice.

Harry started seeking her out beyond their Potions lessons. He waited for her after class, walked with her to the Great Hall, and even helped her pull off a harmless prank or two. At first, she thought it was just a strange coincidence, but then she caught him looking at her.

Not in the way others did. Not with wariness or suspicion.

But with something else. Something softer.

The day he asked her out, she had laughed, assuming he was joking. But when she saw the earnestness in his expression, the heat rose to her cheeks.

⸻

It was a chilly afternoon in early December when it happened.

Camellia had been minding her own business, gathering ingredients from the Potions classroom after an impromptu lesson with Snape. She was just about to leave when she felt a presence beside her.

Harry Potter.

Her heart did a strange little jump, but she ignored it.

“Hey, Camellia,” he greeted, his usual messy hair looking even more unkempt than usual.

“Potter,” she replied, tilting her head. “To what do I owe the honor?”

He hesitated for a moment, shuffling his feet awkwardly. Camellia narrowed her eyes—he looked nervous. Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, nervous?

Then, he did something completely unexpected.

“Would you, er, want to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?”

Camellia blinked.

Then blinked again.

Surely, she misheard him.

“I—what?” she stammered, caught entirely off guard.

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at her. “I mean, you don’t have to. It’s just—well, we get along in Potions, and I thought—well, maybe you’d like to go together? For fun?”

For the first time in her life, Camellia Rose was at a complete loss for words.

A date. Harry Potter was asking her on a date.

Her usual quick wit abandoned her as warmth rushed to her cheeks. “Oh—um—y-yeah. That sounds… nice.”

Harry grinned, looking relieved. “Great. Saturday, then?”

She nodded, feeling entirely too warm despite the cold dungeon air. “Yeah. Saturday.”

And just like that, she had a date with Harry Potter.

⸻

Their first trip to Hogsmeade had been surprisingly easy. Despite her initial nerves, the moment they stepped into The Three Broomsticks, things felt… natural.

Harry had an easy way about him, making her laugh with his terrible impressions of Snape and dramatic reenactments of Ron’s chess games. They wandered through Honeydukes, where he insisted on buying her favorite chocolates, and even went into Zonko’s, where she taught him the fine art of selecting prank supplies.

One date turned into two. Then three. Then four.

Before she knew it, Camellia found herself looking forward to his presence, to his laughter, to the way his eyes softened whenever he looked at her.

And then, on a quiet night in the Astronomy Tower, under the light of a nearly full moon, Harry finally asked.

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

Her breath hitched.

She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. They had been dancing around this for weeks now, both knowing where it was headed. But hearing him say it out loud made her stomach flutter.

“I—yes,” she whispered, smiling.

And when Harry grinned back at her, she felt a warmth she had never known before.

For the first time, Camellia Rose thought that maybe, just maybe, she had found something real.

Draco, however, was less than pleased.

“You’re making a mistake,” he warned her. “Potter doesn’t care about you the way I do.”

“Draco, stop,” she sighed, rubbing her temples. “You’re being ridiculous.”

But he wasn’t. He had always known Harry Potter was up to something.

He just never wanted to be right.

⸻

Draco had never considered himself the jealous type.

He had always thought jealousy was beneath him—petty, irrational. But as he stood in the courtyard, watching Camellia and Potter, something twisted violently in his chest.

Camellia was laughing, her head thrown back, her eyes alight with something warm and soft. Harry was grinning down at her, his hand resting at the small of her back as they talked in hushed tones, as if they existed in a world of their own.

Draco’s jaw clenched.

It was nauseating.

He knew it was ridiculous—she had chosen this, him, and what was he supposed to do about it? But Merlin, did she have to look at Potter like that? Like he had hung the stars in the sky?

Draco’s fingers curled into fists, nails digging into his palms as he forced himself to look away.

“Draco?” Blaise's voice pulled him from his thoughts. He blinked, realizing too late that he had been glaring daggers at the couple.

“What?” he snapped, a little too harshly.

Blaise smirked, glancing at Camellia before arching a brow. “You’re brooding.”

“Am not,” he muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets.

But Blaise was perceptive, and he knew him. He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you looked jealous.���

Draco scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Jealous? Of Potter? Don’t be ridiculous.”

But as Camellia reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Harry’s ear, her touch lingering, Draco had to swallow the bitter taste in his mouth.

He turned on his heel and walked away before he did something he’d regret.

Because the truth was—he was jealous.

Furious, even.

Not at her. Never at her.

But at himself.

Because deep down, he knew—if he had been braver, if he had said something sooner, maybe it would be his name she whispered.

Maybe it would be him she looked at like that.

⸻

Camellia hadn't meant to eavesdrop

It had been a restless night, her thoughts too tangled to allow her any peace. So, she had wandered the corridors of Hogwarts, letting the quiet hum of the castle soothe her nerves. She wasn’t looking for anything—or anyone.

But then she heard it.

The soft murmur of voices, drifting from behind the portrait hole of the Gryffindor common room. She might have kept walking, might have ignored the familiar tones of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Until she heard her name.

Curiosity rooted her to the spot, her heart already picking up speed.

“Look, it’s not like I wanted to date her, Ron. It was just the best way to find out what Draco’s up to.”

The words sliced through the air, sharper than any blade.

Her breath caught in her throat.

No. No, she must have misheard.

“So, when do you end things?” Hermione’s voice was hesitant, uncertain.

“Soon,” Harry sighed. “I don’t want to drag it out. I got what I needed.”

Her vision blurred, her pulse roaring in her ears.

I don’t want to drag it out.

I got what I needed.

The world tilted beneath her feet, her stomach twisting into knots so tight she thought she might be sick.

Every stolen glance, every soft touch, every whispered joke—had it all been a lie?

The warmth of his hand in hers. The way he laughed at her pranks. The quiet nights spent talking about everything and nothing.

Had any of it ever meant anything?

She clapped a hand over her mouth, stifling the sob that threatened to escape. She couldn’t bear it—not here, not now.

She had to leave.

Blindly, she turned, stumbling down the corridor, her vision swimming with tears. Her body felt weightless, disconnected, as if her mind refused to accept what her heart already knew.

He never cared.

He never loved me.

He had used her.

She had been nothing more than a means to an end.

A foolish girl who had fallen for a boy who never saw her as anything more than a tool.

A strangled sob broke from her throat as she ran, the cold stone walls of the castle blurring around her. Her hands trembled, her breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps.

There was only one place she could go.

The one place she had always felt safe.

Draco.

⸻

Camellia didn’t know how she had made it to the dungeons. She barely remembered running through the castle, the weight of her heartbreak pressing down on her chest like an iron chain. Her vision was still blurred with tears, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps.

But before she could even reach the Slytherin common room, she felt a hand wrap gently around her wrist.

“Cam?”

His voice was softer than usual. Concerned.

Her body froze.

Draco.

The moment she looked up at him, the dam broke. A fresh wave of sobs wracked her body, and she crumpled forward before she could stop herself. Draco caught her instantly, his arms wrapping around her without hesitation. He was warm—steady—everything she needed in that moment.

“Hey, hey—what happened?” His voice was laced with urgency, but there was no impatience, no demand for answers. Just pure, quiet concern.

She tried to speak, but the words stuck in her throat. She was gasping between her cries, her entire body trembling against him.

He tightened his hold, his hand coming up to cradle the back of her head.

“Shh, I’ve got you. Just breathe, Cam.”

She clenched her fists in his robes, grasping onto him as if he were the only thing keeping her from falling apart completely. After a moment, she forced herself to take a shaky breath.

“He—he was using me, Draco,” she finally choked out. “I heard him—I heard him say it. He never actually cared.”

Draco stilled.

His entire body tensed, and she felt his breath hitch against the top of her head.

Then, slowly, he exhaled, his grip on her never loosening.

“I told you,” he murmured, voice rough, yet oddly gentle. “I told you he was up to something.”

But there was no smugness in his tone. No I told you so. Just quiet understanding.

That only made her cry harder.

She buried her face against his chest, the scent of his cologne grounding her, soothing her in ways she hadn’t thought possible. His hand moved in slow, steady circles against her back, as if he could physically rub away the ache in her heart.

“I hate him,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I hate myself for believing him. For thinking I mattered.”

Draco tensed again.

His hand slipped beneath her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. His silver eyes were stormy, filled with something dark and unreadable. But more than that, they were soft.

“Don’t,” he said firmly. “Don’t do that. Don’t blame yourself."

She swallowed, fresh tears pooling in her eyes.

“But—"

“No,” he interrupted. “You are not stupid for caring. You are not weak for wanting to be loved. You’re you, Camellia. And anyone who can’t see how amazing that is? They don’t deserve you.”

Her breath hitched.

For the first time since she had overheard Harry’s words, the tightness in her chest loosened—just a little.

Draco let out a slow breath before pressing his forehead against hers, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“I’ve got you, Cam.” His thumb brushed against her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “I’ve always got you.”

And he did.

Even when she didn’t realize it.

Even when she had been blind to it all.

Draco had always been there.

⸻

The pain didn’t fade overnight. It clung to her like a second skin, creeping into her thoughts when she least expected it. Some nights, she lay awake, staring at the canopy above her bed, replaying his words over and over again until they burned like poison in her veins.

But Draco never left her side.

He was a constant presence, unwavering and immovable, like the tide that always returned to the shore. When she refused to eat, he sneaked her favorite chocolates from the kitchens, casually dropping them in her lap with a smirk. When whispers about Harry Potter’s betrayal floated through the halls, he hexed anyone foolish enough to mention it in front of her.

And when she wanted to disappear, to let the weight of it all consume her, he made her laugh.

Not in the way Harry once had, with boyish charm and reckless spontaneity. No, Draco’s humor was effortless—dry, sharp, and perfectly timed. He would tilt his head, raise a brow, and say something so scathingly sarcastic that she couldn’t help but snort.

And for the first time in weeks, she felt lighter.

Then, she started noticing things.

The way his silver eyes softened whenever they landed on her. The way his fingers brushed against hers when he handed her a quill, lingering just a second too long. The way his touch, once casual and fleeting, now carried an unspoken promise.

He never pushed. Never asked for anything in return.

He was simply there.

And it was in those quiet moments, those stolen glances and unspoken words, that she realized—Draco Malfoy had always been there.

⸻

It wasn’t a grand revelation. It wasn’t fireworks exploding in her chest or some sudden, breathtaking epiphany.

It was quiet. Simple.

It was the way she felt when she was with him—steady, safe, whole.

It was the way her heart no longer ached when she saw Harry in the corridors because, for once, she wasn’t looking at him.

She was looking at Draco.

The same thing she did back then, before Harry

⸻

The Slytherin common room was unusually quiet for a Saturday night. The usual rowdiness from the younger students had died down, leaving only a few lingering upper years by the fireplace. Camellia Rose sat curled up on the emerald-green couch, her Transfiguration textbook open on her lap.

Across from her, Draco Malfoy sat with his arms crossed, pretending to read his Potions notes. She knew better. He had been stuck on the same page for at least fifteen minutes.

“You’re staring,” she mused without looking up.

Draco scoffed. “At what?”

Camellia smirked, finally meeting his gaze. “At me.”

He rolled his eyes. “I was not.”

She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. “You totally were.”

Draco huffed, flipping his page aggressively, as if to prove a point. But the slight pink dusting his cheeks didn’t go unnoticed.

Camellia chuckled to herself, stretching her arms above her head. “You know, if you’re that bored, you could at least pretend to be useful and quiz me.”

Draco groaned. “Why do you even bother with Transfiguration? You’re already top of the class.”

“Maybe I like the challenge.” She tilted her head. “Or maybe I just like seeing you sulk.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “Very funny, Rose.”

She grinned. “I try.”

It was always like this between them. Teasing. Challenging. A constant push and pull that felt as natural as breathing. She didn’t remember a time when Draco hadn’t been by her side, whether it was childhood duels with toy wands or sneaking into the Hogwarts kitchens for late-night snacks.

And maybe—just maybe—she liked it more than she should.

Not that she’d ever admit it.

Instead, she let her actions speak for her.

When he was cold, she would casually place her scarf around his neck, pretending not to notice the way his fingers hesitated before touching it. When he had a rough day, she’d steal one of his quills or nudge his shoulder until he stopped sulking. And when other girls batted their lashes at him in the corridors, she’d roll her eyes, casually hooking her arm through his as if to silently declare, he’s already taken—he just doesn’t know it yet.

Draco never questioned it. Maybe because deep down, a part of him knew.

But he was Draco Malfoy—stubborn, oblivious, and entirely too proud to admit what was right in front of him.

So, she waited.

For the day he’d finally see what had been there all along.

⸻

The Black Lake shimmered under the dying light of the sun, the sky ablaze in hues of pink and gold. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore filled the quiet space between them, but for once, Camellia found comfort in the silence.

She turned to him, her heart a wild drumbeat in her chest.

“Draco?”

He hummed, his gaze still fixed on the water, as if he could find all the answers hidden in its depths.

Camellia hesitated, but then, she saw the way the golden light touched his face—the boy who had always been there, standing quietly in the background, waiting for her to see him.

She took a deep breath. ���Do you remember when we were kids? That summer at the Manor? I fell off my broom, and you told me—”

“‘I’ll always catch you,’” Draco finished, his voice barely above a whisper.

Her chest tightened.

He had caught her every time—when she stumbled, when she doubted, when she lost herself in a war that turned her into something she didn’t recognize. And through it all, he had stayed.

And she had been too blind to see it.

She swallowed hard. “I think I’ve been blind this whole time.”

Draco finally turned to her, silver eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, the corner of his lips twitched.

“Took you long enough,” he murmured. His voice was teasing, light—but his eyes, Merlin, his eyes held something deeper.

Something that had always been there.

A laugh bubbled up from deep within her chest, soft and unburdened. And for the first time in months, it didn’t feel forced.

Draco exhaled a quiet chuckle, shaking his head, before lifting a hand and cupping her face—his touch warm, steady, sure.

She didn’t pull away.

Didn’t flinch.

Didn’t run.

Their lips met, soft and lingering, a whispered confession in the space between them. A promise.

And as she melted into him, as the weight of the past slipped from her shoulders like autumn leaves on the water, she knew—

She wasn’t blind anymore.

She was finally home.

She had been all along.

⊱ ─── ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ ─── ⊰

masterlist!

[momoa-hunnam-leto-reigns-inc]

Chocolate, Champagne, and Oral Fixation, pt. 2

Continued from Part 1

Summary: It’s the morning after you and Charlie made a ridiculous bet. How long will it take before you two succumb to desire?

Pairing: Charlie Hunnam x fem reader

Word count: 4.1k

Rating: 18+

Content/warnings: Unprotected piv sex, creampie, smut, dirty talk, teasing, strong language, fem masturbation, sweat fetish, oral (fem receiving), foot fetish (sort of, blink and you’ll miss it), fingering

The next morning…

You are woken up the next morning by someone (or something) gently tapping you on the nose.

“Meow! Meow!” it goes over and over.

It’s definitely not a phone ringtone or the TV. You open your eyes, and your heart immediately jumps when you see Lady Annabelle Snowbell, Charlie’s fat, white Angora cat, sitting right in your face and booping you on the nose.

“Meow… meow…” she beckons a few more times.

You laugh and sit up in bed after her tenth or so loud meow and boop on your nose. The first thing you notice is Charlie has already gotten up. You look at the clock and see it’s after 11 AM. Damn.

“Hey there, baby…” you speak in a soft, gentle voice. “Let me guess, Annabelle… your daddy forgot to feed you this morning?”

“Meow?” she replies.

You can smell tuna on her breath, so you doubt that’s true. You playfully boop her snoot a few times before you tell her to run along and play.

Once Annabelle has left the room, you wander into the adjoining bathroom. You remove your sexy, red nightgown and red lace thong and get into the shower… alone. You know your man has already showered without you this morning. The tile floor is still wet, and you can smell his manly coconut vanilla body wash. You stand there under the steamy hot water, allowing the seductive scent to overwhelm your senses. Your close your eyes and keep breathing in that rich aroma, and soon find yourself becoming unbelievably aroused.

You don’t open or use your own Tangy Mango body wash just yet. You continued inhaling that musky coconut vanilla smell, and wishing Charlie was in here with you. You reach down and begin rubbing your tingling clit with one finger. In your mind, you envision him backing you into the tile wall… lifting one of your legs… straddling you… and fucking you until you’re seeing stars. He always brings you to an earth-shaking orgasm every time and often has to catch you just so you won’t collapse from the powerful sensation.

You can feel tension building in your clit and slick walls, and you know you’re about to cum. But just then, you’re startled out of your fantasy by an unpleasant squeaking-scratching noise… almost like nails on a chalkboard.

“Meow!” Annabelle cries, digging her claws into the glass shower door.

“Shit, Annabelle!” you exclaim and then sigh, “I just can’t with you today.”

You sigh and promise to play with her later. Talk about having cold water thrown in your face. You finish your shower, not feeling very aroused anymore, and begin drying off. Annabelle is still sitting there in the bathroom, meowing her head off.

You realize the problem would be much, much worse if you had human kids. It’s no wonder you’re not ready yet.

You continue sweet talking the cat as you get dressed in a pair of tiny black workout shorts and a matching black sports bra, along with your gym shoes and socks. You’re bound and determined to make Charlie cave in and lose the bet today.

Annabelle runs several steps ahead of you down the hallway and down, down, down the stairs to the first floor. You follow her right into the kitchen, where you find your man sitting at the table eating breakfast and reading the papers. The table and kitchen island are covered with numerous vases of roses and red heart shaped balloons from yesterday. Charlie gave you a large quantity of roses, of course, plus that thick Tiffany diamond choker you wanted that covers your entire neck. The other roses, balloons, and the box of chocolates from last night were gifts from your besties.

“Good morning,” you greet him.

“Morning, y/n,” he replies, not looking up from the papers.

You sit down in your chair and then just stare at him. He’s wearing his reading glasses again and occasionally taking bites from a scone covered in strawberry jam. What you notice most is his white tank top… his broad shoulders… and his muscular arms. You take a quick glance under the table and look at his toned legs in his black gym shorts. He is such a snack.

It doesn’t take Charlie long to notice the way you’re likely undressing him with your eyes. Of course you are. He takes off his glasses and finally looks at you, smiling and making you more than a little wet.

From the way you two are smiling at each other, you almost wonder if he’s forgotten about that ridiculous bet from last night.

“Are you ready to work out today?” you ask, knowing that will definitely “break” you both.

“Hell yes, I am,” he replies, very confidently.

“You think you can keep up with me??” you challenge, taking a scone from the tray and slathering it with grape jam.

“You think you can keep up with me?” he counters, smirking and flexing his shoulders like he’s warming up.

Fuuuuuuuckkkk….

“Of course I can! I bet I can…” you start, but are quickly interrupted by a loud meowing again.

Charlie loses interest in your discussion to focus on his cat. “Commere, Annabelle… commere, baby…” he coos, gently clapping his hands for her to come over.

You sigh and shake your head as his spoiled rotten princess trots right over to him. He pets her on the head as she meows happily. Then she lies down on the hardwood floor, rolls over on her back, and wiggles around. He reaches down, and to your surprise, Annabelle lets him rub her belly. She tries to scratch you whenever you pet her there!

“Good girl…” he praises while she purrs.

After a minute or two, she gets up and walks over to her food dish, sticking her face in tuna pate.

“Maybe I should start lying down on the floor, rolling around on my back, and meowing to get your attention,” you suggest, only half-joking. “You would definitely make me purr.”

“If you want to get covered in cat hair, go right on ahead,” he snorts, pouring a glass of orange juice. Part of it spills over the side of the glass, and just like clockwork, he stretches out his long, juicy tongue to clean it up. He licks slowly up the side of the glass before even a drop hits the table.

You gasp. Holy shit was that hot. Charlie definitely knows how to tease you when he wants.

But then you remember the bet. Nope, you’re not caving in. But he might…

Quickly, you take a very large banana from the fruit bowl on the table. You peel it and then proceed to force the entire thing, about the same length as his cock, into your mouth and down your throat in one bite. You’re not very graceful in the end, however, and you almost choke while you’re swallowing. You make a quick grab for a glass of water on the table. So much for trying to look sexy!

He just sits there and shakes his pretty blonde head and looks like he’s trying not to laugh. “You know you look utterly ridiculous right now, yes?” he asks.

“And you looked utterly ridiculous licking that glass a moment ago,” you counter.

No, he really didn’t. You’re still sitting there creaming, imagining his slick tongue plunging deep into your sugar walls, licking and swirling around your clit…

Holy shit. You feel yourself breaking out in a sweat. You need some alone time, stat.

“We’ll see who looks ridiculous when she loses the bet later today!” he exclaims, smirking again.

You quickly excuse yourself from the roses-and-balloons-covered table. You don’t want to look suspicious, however.

“I’ll be right back, Charlie,” you inform him calmly, not even waiting for him to answer as you exit the dining room.

You sneak back upstairs and into the bathroom where some orgasmic magic almost happened a few minutes ago. You make sure that damn cat isn’t hiding anywhere and Charlie hasn’t followed you. Then you lock the door and sit down on the cold tile with the soles of your feet pressed tightly together. You slid one hand inside your tight gym shorts and begin furiously rubbing on your wet, tingling clit.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth your anxious finger goes. That familiar tension begins building once again… and releases. Your breath catches in your throat, your heart pounds, your eyes close, and your mouth drops open as you ride out the intense rush of euphoria.

It takes you a moment to start breathing normally again. When you finally do, you realize you’re sweating like mad. You laugh awkwardly when you notice your shorts are soaked. Damn, that was good, you think to yourself. Not as good as when Charlie makes you cum, but satisfying nonetheless.

You’re about to exit the bathroom when you hear someone knocking on the door. Your heart jumps a mile.

“I know what you’re doing in there, y/n. You should be ashamed of yourself,” Charlie calls through the door in a teasing manner.

Shit, how did he guess??

You quickly scramble to your feet. How long have you been in here, shamelessly pleasuring yourself?! You turn on your electric toothbrush to make it sound like you’re doing anything but.

“That’s what I thought,” he chortles.

Damn! The toothbrush does sound just like a vibrator!

You decide you’re tired of this little game. You put your electric toothbrush in your mouth and open the door.

“Darling, you must be bloody fucking desperate to pleasure yourself with that thing,” he jokes, looking at you like you’ve gone mad.

That does it. You’re fed up with Charlie’s teasing. You take the toothbrush out of your mouth and pull your hand back like you’re about to swing it at him. He grabs your wrist with one strong hand and stops you. He’s not laughing anymore, either.

(You weren’t really planning to hit him. Not someone as gorgeous as he is.)

“Hell hath no fury like a woman in heat,” he declares, shaking his head. His bold blue eyes stay locked with yours as he sets your electric toothbrush back on the counter. “Now stop fucking around and come downstairs. I’m going to wear your little arse out.”

God, why did his “threat” have to sound so hot? All you want to do is shove him down in bed and make him pound you like bread dough. Fuck the bet.

Charlie licks his lips again and doesn’t say a word as he walks away.  

You wait about five minutes after he’s gone to head out of the bathroom. When you finally emerge into the hallway, you can hear Mrs. Anderson hoovering in another room. You make your way downstairs to your home gym, where you find Charlie sitting on the bench, stretching and warming up. You tie your hair up in a high ponytail, which he usually likes.

“Ah, there you are, y/n. I thought you chickened out on me,” he muses, smirking.

“Dream on,” you dismiss, sitting down on the bench with your back to him.

You stretch your arms way up, and this way, and that way. You stand up, stretch your back, squat a few times (you glance behind you to see if he’s watching your booty, but no), up, down, up down, again, and again…

“Are you ready to begin?” he asks you after a few minutes of warming up.

“Of course,” you answer, determinedly.

“Then we’re going to do pushups first,” Charlie directs, getting down on the floor and into position. "I'll tell you when to stop.”

You get down on the floor next to him, and you both count while you do pushups. You glance up at him every so often and get insanely turned on by the way he is sweating so much.

“…nine-hundred and ninety-nine… one thousand. And stop,” he commands.

You both push down on the floor one last time and get into upright positions. Then you and Charlie rest for a moment, catching your breath.

“Tired yet?” he asks, a note of teasing in his voice.

“Nope,” you answer quickly. Then you cleverly add, “I was actually hoping we’d go to two thousand.”

He gives you this look. “We’re doing crunches next,” he states firmly. “Now lie down,”

Your heart nearly jumps through your throat. Usually when Charlie tells you to lie down, it’s because he’s about to climb on top of you and rail you all nice and rough. Your kitty salivates and tingles at the thought of his sweaty, muscular body on top of you, all over you, and of course, inside you.

“Y/n, are you listening to me?” he asks, after you just stand there staring at him for a moment (undoubtedly with a sly, eager grin on your face).

“Um, yes,” you reply, knowing that he knows exactly what you’re thinking. Then you get serious. “Let’s do this.”

You and Charlie lie down on the mat, side by side, and he counts as you both do endless abdominal crunches. You always love watching him do crunches because of the way he flexes his abs. You only wish he had gone shirtless today so you could thirst over him even more than you do.

He makes sure you don’t stop until he’s counted to five hundred. No wonder you two have such amazing bodies and high stamina… not to mention very high, insatiable sex drives.

Next, he leads you in squats and lunges. He scolds you for staring at his tight arse the whole time, even though you know he’s doing the same to you.

“You grab at my arse and you’ve lost the bet,” you tease, silently begging him to reach over and squeeze your buns. Not so he’ll lose the bet, but just because you’re dying for him to touch you.

“Same to you, love,” Charlie quickly reminds you.

Once you two are finished squatting and lunging, he informs you that he’s going to use his weight machine for a while. When it’s clear he’s not going to be your personal trainer anymore today, you head over to your elliptical. Your energy level is through the roof, and you’re in beast mode now. You ride that thing rough and hard, almost like you do Charlie when he lets you! He’s usually on top, so this doesn’t happen too often.

The whole time you’re riding, you keep one eye on your man, too. You love watching him flex his muscular arms… and the way he is sweating so hard. One reason you love post-workout sex is he gets his sweat all over you. It’s almost like a fetish of yours.

You stop riding after about fifteen minutes. Right as you climb down from your elliptical, Charlie ends his weight training for the day. Satisfied with his workout results, you watch as he kisses his biceps, one after the other. He then grabs a towel and dries his sweaty face and upper chest.

Dayyum!

You just stand there next to your elliptical with your mouth hanging wide open. It takes him a moment to notice the way you’re standing there staring at him and looking like you’re dying of thirst.

Charlie knows just what you’re thinking, and you know he is feeling the same way.

Slowly, as if you two are in a trance, you start walking towards each other. Your heart pounds in your ears and your kitty salivates as you and your man put your arms around each other… and begin kissing rough and furiously.

Your heartrate goes through the roof, and you instantly feel weak and breathless. You feel so faint that you have to grab onto him tightly for support. You two have finally succumbed to your desires… and the bet is off.

“Mmmmmphh…” you mumble as his eager mouth forces yours open. This time, though, you take the lead and let your tongue dart in and out of his mouth. You’re not going to let him have all the fun. You pull your face back just an inch or so and trace your eager tongue over his perfectly straight, white teeth. Then you flick your tongue over his gently parted lips.

Charlie responds by placing one strong hand on the back of your head and smashing his lips into yours. He slips his anxious hands under your sports bra, cupping your tits and making your nipples harden. At the same time, you two begin to slowly sink down onto the floor.

You gasp as he lays most of his bodyweight down on top of you, rips off your top and buries his rough face in your heaving bosom. He sits up for a moment and you stare into his baby blues longingly. You pull off his sweaty tank top and toss it aside, using your hands to absorb the sweat from his chest. Charlie climbs on top of you again, and you can feel his massive hard cock pressing into your thighs. At the same time, his long, agile fingers begin sliding under your barely-there shorts, gently kneading your firm ass.

“Oh God…” you moan into his mouth, feeling his fingers slipping into your wetness.

“You want it, y/n?” he asks, his voice husky and barely audible.

“Yes…” you respond, desperately. “Oh!” you cry sharply as one of his fingers brushes your tingling clit. This is enough to make your back arch stiffly.

  “You really want it, love??” Charlie teases, reaching down to lower his gym shorts.

Oh shit, your mind races. He’s about to fuck you senseless right here on the floor. You have another idea, though. Before he pulls down his and your shorts, you make your voice heard.

“Let’s go to bed…” you urge, your voice full of need.

“You want me to take you to bed?? Is that what you want?” he continues, grinning from the way he is killing you with desire. He knows it too.

“Please…” you whine.

“All right then, y/n,” he agrees in a soft, gentle voice.

He stands up slowly, picking you up with him. You don’t even bother to reach for your top. You put your arms around his neck and press your sweaty upper body into his chest. It’s almost like you’re melting into him. Slowly and steadily, your man carries you in his strong arms out of your home gym, up those soft, carpeted stairs, and into the cozy, warm darkness of your bedroom. Neither of you reach for the overhead light switch. There is a gentle glow of sunlight streaming in through the window. Charlie closes and locks the door behind him, and then lays you down on that huge, downy soft bed in which you two have had scorching, passionate sex so many times.

He lays you down on the edge of the bed on your back and gazes upon you for a moment, his eyes full of lust. Without saying a word, he removes your athletic shoes, socks, and your indecently short shorts. He gives you a sly grin, and you know it’s because you aren’t wearing panties. With your lower half hanging off the edge of the bed, Charlie straddles you and lifts up one of your long, toned legs. He presses your bare foot against his face for a while, maintaining eye contact with you the whole time. It’s almost like he’s trying to decide which one of your holes he wants first.

Charlie kisses your foot (kinky!) before slowly letting go of your leg. He keeps standing there between your legs, looking like he’s sizing up his prey.

“Please… fuck me…” you beg softly, unable to stand this thick tension any longer.

You keep staring at that huge bulging in his shorts, and your body aches to have him inside you.

“What was that, love??” he asks, reaching down to remove his gym shoes and socks.

He knows exactly what you said! Your heartrate suddenly jumps tenfold and your eyes grow very wide as he begins to climb on top of you. He kisses you hard and rough, leaving you unable to speak.

“Please… fuck me…” you plead desperately, your pussy salivating enough to make a wet spot where you lay.

“Be patient, y/n,” Charlie whispers gently, his luscious lips teasing and tormenting you to no end.

“No, I won’t be patient,” you protest. “I want your cock! I want you to…”

He puts his gently parted lips on yours long enough silence you. His kisses always take your breath away, and he knows you really enjoy his delicious foreplay.

You place your hands in his honey blonde hair as he aggressively kisses you all over your body, making you moan with abandon. He takes both of your large tits (which are natural and not a surgeon’s handiwork) into his powerful hands. Charlie buries his face in your cleavage, and then sucks both of your hard nipples at the same time. Your clit tenses and your toes curl under like you’re about to cum. He stops before you can, however. He lowers his head out of your grasp, and you feel him kiss, kiss, kissing the tender flesh of your inner thighs.

“Oh God! Charlie! Charlie!” you cry out in a strangled voice as his long, snakelike tongue takes one long lick of your soaking wet kitty, the tip of his tongue lingering on your tingling clit. He gets such a thrill out of hearing you shout his name like this.

He removes his face from your pussy and looks up at you. You’re lying there with your head sunk far back in the pillows and your eyes closed, like you’re completely comatose with pleasure. You open your eyes just in time to see your man pulling down his gym shorts and silky Calvins. He lets both of them slide down his strong legs and onto the floor, revealing his huge dick, which is harder than a rock.

Before you have time to process what is happening, Charlie forces your legs open with his own, sinks down on top of you and plunges his massive erection into the tight wetness of your cunt. A combination of a moan and sharp cry escapes your mouth as he begins thrusting, hitting just the right sweet spot every single time. He groans deeply as he pounds your slick pussy, thrusting harder… faster… and deeper with each thrust. You moan and shout desperately, knowing you’re not going to last much longer. Charlie grips your upper thighs with his powerful hands, holding your legs apart, and keeping you right where he wants you. You place your hands on his strong back while he fucks you senseless, feeling his sweat dripping onto your face. The salty taste of his sweat is both pleasant and bitter as it runs into your mouth and pushes you even closer to the breaking point.

Suddenly, your passion erupts. Your breath catches in your throat as your clit throbs and your sugar walls tighten and spasm. Your sigh deeply and your eyes close as wave after wave of electrifying orgasm rocks your body. You feel your fluid squirting all over his cock, and your acrylic tips dig into his back. Your toes curl into a death grip on the silky white sheet underneath you, and your body goes weak and limp.

Your climax sets off a powerful chain reaction.

“Oh… fuck… I’m gonna cum… ohhhhh…” Charlie exclaims, knowing how much you love hearing him say it.

He gives a deep, satisfied groan and his whole body stiffens as he cums in one powerful rush. His mouth opens wide and tears flood his eyes from the feeling of release. You feel his cock throbbing as he fills you with hot, sticky cum… spurting you full until you feel like a dam has burst inside your pussy. A few seconds later, he withdraws and lays his sweaty, exhausted body on top of yours. You are in such a state of cock-drunk euphoria that you don’t even seem to notice all the extra weight on your body. Charlie rests his head on your shoulder, and you feel his warm breath puffing against your neck as he recovers. You regain enough strength to put your arms around his shoulders and kiss the top of his head, burying your face in his sweat-soaked hair.

Finally, you sit up enough so that he can rest his head on your chest. He’s literally laying his head on your “pillows.” Sometimes he cradles your head against his hard chest post-sex, and sometimes, it’s the opposite. When his breathing has steadied and returned to normal, he gazes up at you with his piercing blue eyes and smiles. You smile back, without saying a word, and begin lovingly running your fingers through his hair. You two lay together, soaked in each other’s sweat, in post-coital bliss, knowing that this day of scorching hot passion is far from over.

Continued in part 3

[peoplewatchingsf]

You’re mine.

Warnings: 18+, smut, degrading language, choking, jealous Sam ‼️

The lights dim, and the buzz of the crowd grows louder. I can feel the excitement vibrating through the floor, and my heart skips a beat as the stage lights flicker, signaling that it’s almost time. The air backstage is thick with anticipation, the sound of roadies running around, adjusting cables, making last-minute checks. But I’m not focused on any of that right now. I’m focused on Sam.

It had been hard adjusting to life on the road with him, confined often to the tour bus with the rest of the band. Most nights he’d come back to the bus too tired to even think about giving me affection, it was bound to take its toll. Well, until today. I longed for Sam, watching him on stage knowing he’s mine made me so proud.

I’d decided to stand in the crowd today, ignoring Sam’s protests that it ‘isn’t safe for a pretty lass like you out there’, I was determined if not anything. So I made my way out there, right in the middle towards the front, so Sam would be able to see me perfectly.

The band came out, the crowd erupted into cheers. I’d positioned myself nicely with a group of lads probably a similar age to myself. We’d begun chatting, making small talk whilst waiting for Sam to come on.

“I’m Alex, by the way.” The tall brunette exclaimed to me.

“Nice to meet you, I’m YN” I smiled back politely.

The boys offered to help me out if the crowd gets too wild. I’d failed to mention the fact that Sam and his security had full eyes on me anyway.

Around half way through the gig, the beginning chords to ‘Spice’ rung out. That was it, the crowd went mental. I’ll admit I was having fun in the crowd, supporting my rockstar boyfriend and letting my hair down. I saw Sam glancing at me every so often, clearly keeping an eye.

When the crowd erupted into chaos at ‘Howden Aldi Death Queue’, I accepted Alex’s’ offer in getting me on his shoulders. Bad move in hindsight. But I knew Sam wanted me to be safe. After securing a safe spot, I looked up at my view of Sam. That was when I realised this was a very bad idea.

His eyes darkened, as he strummed his guitar with what I could only describe as rage. I thought back to the lack of attention he’d given me lately, the excuses of his ‘headaches’ or him being too ‘busy’. I enjoyed the rest of the concert on Alex’s shoulders, of course it meant nothing. No one would even come close to Sam, but I loved getting him riled up.

As the concert came to an end, I thanked Alex and his friends before quickly rushing back stage to meet Sam, who completely pushed past me in my attempt to congratulate him.

“Green room - now.” He demanded, not even glimpsing in my direction, although I knew he was talking to me. Everyone did.

Eager to please, I ran after him to the green room. When I arrived Sam was already opening a beer for himself. His back turned to me, his arms locked onto the table in the corner of the room. I could hear him taking deep breaths, he was pissed.

“You did amazing!” I said daringly.

Sam spun around at my words, his anger seeping through his facial expressions. He took a big swig of his beer before setting it down on the table with a loud thud.

“Aye, you had a decent view like, didn’t ya?” Sam taunted.

My face burnt red.

“He was just making sure I was safe, I thought that’s what you wanted.” I innocently spoke.

“Making sure you’re safe!” Sam laughed sarcastically. “He’d been practically shagging you with his eyes all night.”

“Well maybe some attention is nice, I don’t get it much elsewhere.” I knew it was a mistake, as soon as it came out of my mouth.

Sam flew towards me, pressing me against the door of the green room.

“Oh right, is that what it is? My needly little slut isn’t getting much attention is she?” His jaw tightened with every word as he looked harshly into my eyes.

I stared back at him, bucking my hips upwards to try and meet any sort of friction I could find. Sam clocked on straight away and began laughing to himself.

“So fucking desperate for me all the time. Just remind me who you belong to princess?” His voice was harsh in my ear.

“Y-you sir” I replied lowly.

“Ah right, so why is it you’re acting like a slut when daddy’s on stage? Huh?”

I didn’t answer. I had no answer for him. Nothing I said was going to suffice.

“Cat got your tongue darlin’?” He raised a hand around my neck. Not enough to hurt, but just enough to cut of a tiny bit of my air supply. My hips once again bucked up towards him as I moaned quietly at his roughness.

“God, you really can’t concentrate can you? All you think about is my cock, isn’t that right princess?”

I nodded, looking into his eyes.

He abruptly let go of my neck, his eyes darting to the sofa in the middle of the room.

“Take your dress off, get on all fours.”

I’ve never gotten undressed so quickly, as Sam stood and watched, I positioned myself on all fours for him. My back arched perfectly, ready to take him.

I heard his belt buckle coming undone. I gasped and jolted quickly when the belt struck my left arse cheek. He really was pissed off, but the action only fuelled my want for him more, heat building up in my core.

“Such a pretty little slut for me, it’s a shame you can’t be a good girl” Sam spoke as his belt came down for yet another spank. I moaned loudly this time.

“S-Sam, please. I’ll be good, just fuck me” I pleaded.

It was then that Sam thrust powerfully into me, sending my body forwards, my arms giving way until I was using my forearms to balance.

“Oh my god.” I moaned loudly at his thrusts as he bound my arms behind my back.

“Tell me who you belong to.” He demanded.

With tears in my eyes, I turned my face back towards him. “You Sam, only you.” I cried out to him in pure pleasure.

He grabbed my neck, pulling me up so my back was flush towards his front.

“Excuse me” his words spat in my ear.

“Sir, you sir. I’m sorry.”

His thrusts continued relentlessly, I felt that familiar burning in my stomach. A band ready to snap at any moment.

“I’m gonna cum sir!” I warned Sam.

“No you’re not, only good girls get to cum.” He spoke into my ear between breaths. His thrusts harder than ever.

Seconds before I’d managed to reach my peak, he spilled his load inside me before abruptly pulling out and using his fingers to ensure I was filled with his cum. I shuddered around them, chasing my orgasm that had disappeared with the absence of Sam’s cock in me.

“You show me how much of a good girl you can be, and maybe you can cum later.” He pulled his jeans up, securing his belt once more around them.

I stood in disbelief at his words, watching him as he scooped up my underwear and put them into his pocket.

“I think I’ll keep these, you won’t mind will you?” He looked up at me, a grin across his face.

[leaderpinhead]

Malleus - Generational Blessing

Day 27 of Fluffcember 2024 Prompt: Family Gatherings (Fluffcember) Rating: Teen Characters: Malleus, Silver, Lilia, OCs Pairings: Silver/OC, (background) Leona/Yuu Notes: Yes, this is the future children episode of fluff, and the AU where Leona/Yuu prevails.

A pair of large blue and purple eyes stared up at Malleus from the cradle. Malleus stared back, determined to outmatch the human child’s gaze. The stare possessed the innocence only a child could feasibly portray. A part of Malleus wanted to help preserve that innocence. 

But life could be cruel, and it was his duty to prepare the child for any potential hardships. “Listen to me, child of man. You must steel yourself for the challenges you will face. The world can be cruel and harsh to the innocent. Strangers may wish for your demise; friends will carve the deepest betrayal. Your loyalty will be tested, and your strength matched by your foes. Your spirit must stay strong but keep your heart malleable. For the worst enemy may one day be yourself. Never shut out those who love you the most. And with that, I gift you with Discernment. May you distinguish those who mean you harm but find lifelong friends to welcome into our fold. Be sensitive of your inner strength and turmoil and have the diligence to preserve yourself. Be wise, be charitable, and you shall thrive.” 

With a gentle wave of his hand, sparks of green magic descended over the cradle. They gently landed on the babe’s face and disappeared. Malleus waited for the child to respond. Purple and blue eyes continued to silently stare at him, but he could see a keen intelligence shining deep within the child’s gaze. Malleus smirked. Even young children knew to be in awe of a fae’s gift. 

The babe’s entire body jumped with a sudden hiccup. A loud fart echoed through the small cottage. Lilia’s high-pitched laughter soon followed where he stood in the kitchen. “Sounds to me like someone may need a diaper change!” 

Malleus huffed and stepped away from the cradle. The babe babbled, and little fists lifted into the air as if to stop his withdrawal. It worked because Malleus quickly returned to the cradle’s side. He extended a finger for the child to grab and smirked at the strong grip. There was little doubt in his mind that his goddaughter would become a strong warrior. 

A light chuckle beside him made him turn away from the babe fiercely kicking out of the blankets swaddling her. Silver gently smiled down into the cradle, and Malleus could immediately see the similarities between the two. As he should, considering Silver was the girl’s father. Her heterochromatic eyes were only one facet of Silver: Malleus could easily identify the same chin, nose, and ears between the two. Her fair blond hair and feisty attitude were all her mother. 

“Phyllis does say Oriana has perfect timing,” Silver said. He pulled the blanket back up to cover Oriana. She aggressively kicked it off again. “She will be a handful the older she becomes.” 

Malleus widely smirked. “Of course, she will be. With me as her magics tutor, she will be leaps and bounds ahead of her peers when she finally enrolls in Night Raven College. She will be a fine rival to Kingscholar’s progeny!” 

“Leona’s son should be walking now,” Silver said. As if the basic skill of walking should be a compliment. Malleus would see to it that Oriana was flying by the end of her first year! “It’s also a little too early to tell if Oriana has magic. Magic sometimes skips a generation in Phyllis’s family.” 

Malleus frowned and glanced into the kitchen. He could see Lilia happily zooming around the small area with Phyllis following him around like a confused chick. Every time she attempted to help him with a task, Lilia chided her with a laugh, “Don’t be silly! You’re my guests—go prop up your feet while I spoil my first grandchild!” 

Malleus leaned over the cradle and whispered, “I also gift you with an iron stomach for the moments Lilia foils your Discernment. Beware the dishes that look like rainbows. They are deadlier than the piles of ash.” 

Oriana blew a wet raspberry, which Malleus interpreted as her full acceptance of his wisdom. He nodded and addressed Silver once more. “My goddaughter will be the greatest mage of her generation.” 

Silver sighed, and his smile looked tired. In fact, most of Silver looked tired now that Malleus got a good look at him. The shadows under his eyes weren’t from the faulty lightbulb in the lamp Lilia refused to replace. If Malleus didn’t know any better, he would have said Silver wasn’t getting enough sleep. 

“I have no doubt Oriana could be a formidable mage under your tutelage,” Silver slowly said, “but if she doesn’t have magic she will still have the opportunities to be the greatest in whatever arena she chooses. If she wishes to become a knight, then she will be a formidable knight. If she wishes to become a scholar, then I have no doubt she will become one whose works will be quoted for decades.” 

Malleus emphatically nodded. “Of course. She will be all of those and more.” Malleus lifted a hand and made crushing motion with his fingers. “She will be superior in all ways when compared to Kingscholar’s boy.” 

Silver emitted a tired sigh, but it matched the return of his tired smile. “I was hoping Oriana and Haki could be close friends as they grew up.” 

“They may be close friends in the same manner Kingscholar and I are close friends. The rivalry brings us closer.” 

Oriana’s coos stole Malleus’s attention. She grabbed his pinkie when he offered it to her. He hummed a lullaby and watched her blue and purple eyes slowly drift shut. They shot open again when Lilia poked his head between Malleus and Silver to peer into the cradle. “How is my lovely first—and certainly not last—grandbaby? Grandpappy Lilia has prepared a scrumptious meal for you!” 

“Lilia!” Phyllis’s voice sounded strained from the kitchen. When Malleus glanced back at her, he found her battling to keep a bubbling pot from overflowing. “I told you, Ori is still too young to eat your food.” 

“Phooey! It’s been months since I last saw my grandbaby. Surely she’s old enough now.” 

“We visited last weekend.” 

“Months!” 

The door to the cottage suddenly flung open and loudly slammed against the wall. Sebek gasped for breath in the doorway, his hair uncharacteristically disheveled. Under his arm was a giant stuffed crocodile. He pointed an accusing finger in their direction. “Silver! How dare you not inform me you were visiting? I had to hear the news from my sister!” 

Sebek’s loud voice was matched only by Oriana’s louder shrieks. Malleus glared at Sebek, who looked completely flabbergasted by the reaction. Lilia cooed over Oriana while Silver carefully lifted her from the cradle. The babe only calmed when Phyllis abandoned the pot to cradle Oriana in her arms. 

Lilia giggled as Sebek profusely apologized and shoved the crocodile into Silver’s confused arms. “To think it was only a few years ago when you boys were just as tiny. Now, here we are: three generations of family I could never have imagined having. It brings this old soul a kind of joy I don’t think I could ever fully describe.” 

Malleus frowned as old memories threatened to sour his mood. He shook his head and decided to enjoy the show of Sebek attempting to convince Oriana to accept him only to have the girl scream every time he stepped too close. There were no tears in her eyes, and Malleus assumed she already associated loud screaming with Sebek. It meant she had a keen intellect already at such a young age. 

He doubted Kingscholar could say the same of his son, considering the last time Yuu had invited Malleus to Sunrise City the boy was still drooling on his teethers. It was truly a shame that the boy inherited Kingscholar's curse to always come in second place. Malleus supposed his blessings were simply superior. 

[beomie3]

to the mountains - huening kai

pairing: best friend! hueningkai x reader

summary: your friend group decides to take a weekend getaway trip to the mountains, but it isn't until you stay in a cabin in the woods that your crush on one of them begins to make itself known. mutually :)

wc: 5k

content: best friends to lovers, cozy woods fluff, the rest of txt is mentioned, light cursing, handholding, cuddles <3, and smooches ^3^

♬🌲soundtrack:

to the mountains - lizzy mcalpine

meet me in the woods - lord huron

let’s go outside - far caspian

apple cider - beabadoobee

evergreen - richy & the coal miners

home - edith whiskers

calico - haux

alps - novo amor

sparks - coldplay

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

you trailed your fingers along the soft wind; feeling it grow colder as you watched rows and rows of pine trees line the road, ears popping as the car climbed elevation.

you looked over at the dark-haired boy next to you; your best friend kai who was in the driver's seat, both hands clutching the wheel. a laugh erupted from your mouths when his voice horrendously cracked as he attempted the high note to a song playing on the radio, his contagious dolphin laugh echoing through the car as you both laughed your asses off.

“maybe i should've taken taehyun up on the vocal lessons," he says once he catches his breath, mentioning your guys’ other friend, who also happens to be the best singer you'd both ever met.

you snorted, patting him on the shoulder. "i mean you could right now, he's in the backseat," you motioned to the back where your friend taehyun lay sound asleep, headphones snug as he leaned on the window.

kai muffled a laugh with his hand, looking at the sleeping tae through the rear-view mirror. "oops! i totally forgot he was here," he giggled quieter now, trying to forget how he was once screaming the lyrics to a song.

"kai- we planned that taehyun would come with us and that the choi's would all follow us in yeonjun's caravan. actually- i wonder if they're there yet." you leaned against the window, checking the “six lo$ers” group chat to see if your other friends had arrived to the cabin.

"oh, no, we're definitely getting there first, i need to make sure i get dibs on the room with the comfiest bed," kai stepped on the gas, determined to reach the destination before the other three boys who would surely compete for the same thing. you laughed, rolling your eyes. this is going to be fun.

~

with a minute to spare, kai pulled into the gravel next to a large pine tree in front of the cabin you’ll be staying in, quickly opening your doors and running out of the car once he took the key out of the ignition.

“crap where’s the key?!” he patted his baby blue hoodie frantically, seemingly unable to locate the key to the cabin’s front door. your heart nearly stopped when you heard the familiar honk of a black caravan pulling into the driveway as well. shit! it’s our competition.

"kai hurry!" you held his arm, pulling at his hoodie impatiently as he was starting to panic and screaming his loud, usual screams you were long used to. you stuck your tongue out at beomgyu as he was quickly unfastening his seatbelt and went to open the car door but it was locked, turning to yell at yeonjun which was silent from where you stood.

“quick get in!” at the last second kai found the key in his jean pocket, quickly unlocking the door and shutting it behind the two of you before beomgyu could reach it as he was sprinting towards you. all you heard was his pounding fist and yells on the other side, telling you to open the stupid door!

you and kai stood shoulder to shoulder, backs to the door huffing and laughing as you made it inside first. you didn’t think the shenanigans would start this early on in the trip. but all six of you together? it's certainly bound to happen.

you give kai one look before he grabs your hand, pulling you into the cabin which is quite larger than what you expected. you didn’t quite get the chance to take it all in since you were being pulled down the hallway by your best friend, but it’s warm, wooden interior and cozy ambiance certainly made you feel right at home.

“quick! we need to find the room with the comfiest bed. they have a spare key and they’ll get in soon,” kai whisper-yelled as he pulled you into the nearest room, adrenaline pumping, jumping onto the bed together and rolling around in it before moving to the next.

the next room was a bit bigger, but the moment you hit the mattress, you felt as you had just fallen face down on a rock. “solid no!” you jumped up laughing and the two of you moved to the next room excitedly.

soon enough, you heard the front door rattle and you both jumped on the last bed, immediately hitting jackpot. before you knew it, beomgyu ran into the room with a mischievous look on his face, grimacing at kai. “they’re in here!” he motioned to the other two boys, immediately sprinting over to the bed.

beomgyu jumped right on top of kai, wresting one another and you helped kai by pushing gyu’s arm off, failing miserably when yeonjun also piled on top. soobin just watched from the doorway, shaking his head. “you realize there are other beds right? and where is taehyun?” soobin’s question made everyone stop in their tracks and look at one another.

“he’s still asleep in the car.” kai laughed and you all ran out to wake the poor boy up.

~

the warmth of delicious soup soothed your vocal chords after hours of karaoke in the living room with the boys, eating it on the back patio with kai as the rest of them were either inside napping or doing silly little things in their own world.

the two of you lounged on folding chairs like a storybook elderly couple on a sunday morning, basking in the crisp forest air as you observed the vibrant green trees. occasionally spotting an exuberant looking bird and excitedly pointing it out to one another.

“shh!” kai quickly shushed you as you were in the midst of slurping your soup, stopping abruptly with wide eyes.

“do you hear that?” he leaned in closer, pretty eyebrows furrowed as he cupped a hand to his ear. you shook your head, quietly setting down your soup.

“i think it’s…running water?” he looked over at you quizzically and you really tuned into the noise, at first only hearing the occasional chirp of a bird or wind through the pines, but then you began to faintly hear it. like white noise. water trickling down upon rocks in the distance.

your eyes lit up and kai was quick to notice, his bright smile spreading from cheek to cheek. “wanna go look for it?” he nudged your foot with his, both sporting mismatched fuzzy socks.

“what kind of question is that?” you scoffed, raising a brow; you didn’t even have to explain yourself for him to know it was a solid yes.

kai had a habit of grabbing your hand and pulling you along with him, that’s how your friendship separated itself from the rest of the boys since long ago. he was known to be the closest to you out of everyone, considering you were always practically attached at the hip.

and so he did his usual; grabbed your hand and pulled you into the cabin to get on shoes before heading out in search of this mystery body of water.

beomgyu lay asleep on the floor like an old watchdog, missing his opportunity to tag along when you and kai soundlessly slipped out of the front door.

you followed right behind him, quick footsteps in the gravel and then onto dried leaves and twigs snapping beneath you once you reached the forest. you both swiveled your heads all around and above you, infatuated with the way the tall evergreens and pines tower up into the sky, nearly disappearing into the foggy clouds.

the fresh, pine-scented afternoon air tickled your nose as it was much colder than what you were used to down in the city, but it was more refreshing than anything. it felt good to get away. to be in silence. especially getting to see all these amazing sights with kai.

you only whispered to one another, needing to be extra quiet to be able to hear in which direction the water was coming from. the sound did indeed grow louder, signifying you were getting closer.

kai beckoned you over to where he stood, eyes wide. you jogged over, crunching leaves under your feet as you reached him. low and behold, you had stumbled upon a tall, but gentle waterfall, it’s water cascading down upon large rocks.

your head reached his shoulder when you stood next to him, always a perfect place to rest it as you both looked up at the shimmering water, astonished smiles on your faces.

you made your way over to the body of water surrounded by rocks at the waterfall’s base, occasionally getting splashed by cold droplets that ricochet off of the large boulders.

“kai? what are you-” you shot him a confused glance as he bent down to take off his shoes and socks, slightly rolling up his shorts.

“we’re getting in silly!” he threw his leg over one of the rocks bordering the edge, screaming when his feet were submerged in the ice cold water.

“we’re?” you crossed your arms over your chest, raising an eyebrow at him as he held his hands out to you. you knew kai pretty well— he wouldn’t sabotage you by throwing you into the water like the others would. you trusted him to be gentle and civil with you, as he was more sincere than anything. of course, he loved to joke around but he knew you would despise getting thrown into ice cold water.

you removed your shoes and rolled your pants up before taking his soft and warm hands in yours, feeling his attentive eyes on you as you carefully dipped your foot in, the breath leaving your chest at how freaking ice cold it was. of course, your penguin-like friend was able to get in effortlessly.

“this is impossible ningning!” you grabbed his shoulder for support as you clenched your jaw and stepped all the way into the ice-cold water. he hid the small blush on his cheeks of the endearment of his name he so loved hearing you say.

the two of you waded over to the waterfall, hands occasionally brushing as you were careful not to slip over the moss and small pebbles under your feet.

your necks swiveled to look up at the waterfall, cold water pelting you as you stood mere inches from the cascading water. mesmerized, your hand drew out to run your fingers under the cold stream; kai following as he smiled at the icy sensation.

you watched your hands under the falling water, the only sound in your ears of it plunging in front of you, too loud to hear anything the happy boy next to you had said. you wiggled your fingers under the cold stream, numb by now that you didn’t notice the tips of your fingers had trailed onto huening’s under the water.

he stood there, a bit surprised, but subconsciously moved his fingers slightly closer to yours, hand nearly on top of yours. it wasn’t until he turned to look at you that you felt the need to hide your face, feeling your cheeks grow red and afraid he would notice.

something about the air. about being alone with kai in the forest. you had always found him pretty but right now— right now his beauty struck you in a way you felt your heart beat in your chest. sunshine radiating behind him like a golden halo over his dark locks, dreamy eyes and a smile to melt over. what is happening?

with a shy smile he interlaced his fingers with yours, opening his mouth to say something but not even bothering because what he had to say would be drowned out by the waterfall. so he began to pull you under the waterfall with him, your eyes widening when you realized what he was doing, but your heart took over and inevitably followed.

it was like ice, drenching your right shoulder and then your head and down your hair, then your left shoulder and you were completely submerged, mouth open at the sheer shock as it took the breath from you.

your best friend’s hair had matted down completely to his forehead, covering his eyes completely which drew a hysterical laugh from you. he reached up with your conjoined hands to sweep the hair over his forehead.

he showed you a toothy grin and you couldn’t help but examine his face through the sheen of water, beginning to fawn over droplets scurrying down his pretty nose.

you thought maybe you’d been staring for too long, darting your eyes away from him and over to the rocks around you, curious about the small flowers growing between the cracks.

yet, you caught him staring at you from out of the corner of your eye, small smile on his lips as his eyes darted around your face. you couldn’t avoid the small flutter in your chest.

you and kai were usually on the silly side. prolonged eye contact and blush on one another’s cheeks not exactly what you two usually share.

“whatttt?” you yelled over the roar of water, tilting your head to one side, noticing his apparent nervousness when he shyly looked down at your hands.

taking a small step forward, leaning in close so you could hear him over the roar of water around you, chest nearly pressed to yours.

he opened his mouth to say something and nothing came out but a small laugh, apparently nervous to say whatever it was. you cupped his cheek as to comfort him, suddenly aware of your gesture and shocked as to what you were doing. you’d never touched kai in such an affectionate way.

“you can say it, kai.” you assured him, your voice loud enough for him to hear. how couldn’t he hear you anyway? his face was a mere 3 inches from yours. you felt slightly uneasy at this proximity but you also kinda really liked it? your emotions buzzing all over the place at this unprecedented tension.

but kai didn’t say anything, he just stood there, looking at you like you were the beautiful waterfall in the forest, taking in all of your natural beauty.

out of no where, you leaned closer, standing on your tip toes and pressed your lips to his cute nose. what a stupid, stupid idea. what the hell am i doing?

but he found it absolutely adorable, face scrunching and high pitched laugh exiting his lips.

“you like my nose?” he asked you quizzically, and you nodded, having to look away with a slight tinge of embarrassment, squeezing your eyes shut.

then grabbing your chin to angle your face back to his, still flustered, he musters up the courage to look you in the eyes, flicking them down to your lips and back up to admire you.

you were simply overtaken by his dark brown eyes; noticing the way his pupils dilated as he focused nearly into your soul, sinking into the dreamy trance that you never knew your best friend was capable of pulling you into in this way.

in a million years, you never thought you'd share a kiss under a freezing cold waterfall in the middle of the forest with kai kamal huening. but here you were, leaning into him, the nearest proximity you ever had since knowing him, not paying any mind to the occasional shivers and goosebumps pelting your body.

he closed the small gap that was left between your lips and you stayed there, slightly squeezing his hand as your heart felt it would beat out of your chest. the kiss was short and sweet and you almost wished it had been a little longer. but kai pulled away slowly, his cheeks the reddest you had ever seen them.

“and i like your lips.” he giggled, eyes nearly shut with how big he was smiling. you never knew kai felt the same way about you until now, dropping small hints along your friendship that you didn’t quite pick up on until now, only now getting his message with a sweet peck to your lips.

by now, your body was frozen and you pulled kai out of the heavy stream with you, not able to withstand it any longer since the adrenaline was wearing off and you could now begin to realize just how cold you were.

you wrapped your arms around your body to withhold as much body heat as you could, violently shivering with how cold you were. kai was cold too, but he made warming you his priority, wrapping his arms around you to hopefully try and help.

“here, stand on my feet,” he requested and you did just that, balancing on the tops of his feet as he walked the two of you over to the exit, helping you over the rocks and getting your shoes and socks for you.

you smiled, the only warmth in your body provided by his kind gestures that would melt anyone’s heart.

“race you back?” you looked down at him as he tied your shoe for you, his eyes flicking up quickly at the sound of those words. and before you knew it you were sprinting after kai in the woods; feet numb but heart warm and racing just as fast as you were after him.

~

“never seen that hoodie on you, is it new?” yeonjun asks as he stirs his hot cocoa, gazing at him from your spot in front of the fire place.

“oh it’s kai’s, actually!” you sip your apple cider, snuggling into the oversized baby blue hoodie that kai lent you a couple days ago once you returned from your freezing cold adventure.

“oh so now you’re wearing his hoodies hmm?” beomgyu nudged you, a mischievous grin on his face as he wiggled his eyebrows at you suggestively, exaggeratedly winking at yeonjun from where he stood in the kitchen.

the boys had began to notice your closeness with hueningkai especially recently on this trip, due to the fact you two would sneak out at random times and leave them without a clue as to where you two were.

of course, they knew you were always close in comparison to everyone else, but recently, they hadn’t even seen you two much because of how much time you were spending together out who knows where.

they made conspiracies that you guys were secretly dating and would go out on little cute dates everyday, that’s why you wouldn’t tell them. yet they secretly cheered kai on because he was so happy lately. and when kai was extra happy, everyone was extra happy.

and to be honest, that conspiracy didn’t sound too completely far from the truth. ever since you and kai had kissed at the waterfall, you had grown even closer; your bond deepening and tangling so much that it was almost confusing. you hadn’t felt this way for anyone before and it confused you that it was your best friend; you didn’t want to ruin what you had.

but you wanted to be with kai every second of every day. and he wanted to be with you.

~

and at sunset, you and kai escaped again. hand in hand running into the woods as it was now your favorite place to go.

each time you ran off into the forest, you found something new about each other that you hadn’t known before. hell, you had even discovered what each other’s lips feel like the very first time you even ran off.

you spent your time climbing trees and sharing snacks amidst a deep talk and of course laughter, then carving both of your initials in whichever tree it was, marking it yours.

when you got too tired of walking, kai would carry you on his back, not minding at all. he enjoyed it actually, always offering to give you piggyback rides no matter how tired he got.

you would occasionally go back to the waterfall, sitting on the rocks or skipping stones across the water to see who’s would go further.

today kai wore a loose, earth-toned wool jacket with nothing under but a dainty silver necklace, zipped up enough to expose a bit of his chest. it drew your eyes like a magnet to his pretty collarbones glowing in the setting sunrays.

“i like this jacket on you,” you gingerly traced your fingers along the woven material, a shy smile on your lips. your compliment made his heart skip.

of course, you two were still bestest of friends, doing goofy things and blabbing about anything and everything. but when you caught his eye or exchanged a small compliment, you both got so shy and quiet and blushy around each other.

you were both aware of another option you had now, completely new and foreign to your relationship; the small kiss from a couple days ago. you held the memory fondly since the moment it happened, warmth spreading across your chest at the thought.

your head rested on his shoulder, watching the waterfall together as you decided to look up at him, eyeing the plush of his lips.

“can we..try it again?” you sort of beat around the bush, hoping kai would pick up on what you were throwing down. you felt too shy to ask your best friend directly if you could kiss him.

“what, race to the cabin?” he furrowed his brows and you laughed, head falling back onto his shoulder.

“i meant-”

“i know y/n, just messing with you,” he nudged you, a sweet smile on his lips.

somehow, it felt natural, like this had been something you had both long wanted to do. like something you were made to do. you kept the comfort of your head on his shoulder and he leaned down to place his lips on yours, slowly melting into the kiss with your eyes fluttered closed.

you could sense everything better now; the warmth of his soft lips, the subtle taste of the watermelon you had snacked on earlier whilst sitting atop a tree, the subtle cool breeze blowing pieces of your hair astray. you enjoyed it even more now, since the first was a bit interrupted by the freezing cold waterfall.

after a few moments, you broke the kiss with an interrupted thought, staring into his eyes and then trailing your gaze to the water where you stared at your reflections. his broad shoulders like a large blob in the water, then yours a smaller blob. it was always like this; next to one another for as long as you could remember. you love kai. and you don't want to ruin what you have.

“this…this won’t ruin our friendship, right?” you were hesitant to look up at him in the eye as you slowly look back up at him, almost worried he would regret it.

but he only smiled, shaking his head.

“never, y/n. you’ll always be riiight here,” he pointed to his chest, at the spot right over his heart. you warmly smiled, finding him the absolute most adorable boy in the world. how could you not have the biggest crush on him?

it all made sense now. kai was everything you wanted and needed in a partner, in a friend, in a lover. but you always pushed away any sort of feeling in fear of losing him. but how could you lose him- how could you lose him if he's always been by your side through it all.

“forever.”

~

the front door creaks as you both sneak back into the cabin, completely pitch black as the boys had gone to sleep, considering it was half past midnight.

you both tip-toe down the dark hallway, finding every room was closed and in use except for the one at the end of the hall; the one you and kai had claimed on the first day.

you could see his pearly smile faintly in the dark, silently cheering that they didn't all steal the room with the comfiest bed. you held onto his arm as you blindly walked down the hallway and into the room, flicking on the dim night light to provide just enough light to see his soft facial features, hair slightly tossed by the breeze seeping through the window.

you two were long past the i'll sleep on the floor so you can have the bed phase of your friendship, so you shared the bed as it was normal for the two of you. and through all these years, never once had it felt uncomfortable even in the slightest. all you ever did was look up at whoever's bedroom ceiling in deep conversation and occasionally kick at each other's feet under the covers.

tonight, a certain tension blanketed the two of you as you lay next to one another, pinkies interlaced under the sheets as you stare up at the high ceiling of the cabin, listening to the subtle whir of wind through the trees.

you felt cozy here, in this little cabin tucked away in the wilderness with your best friend(s). you almost wanted to snuggle into him, but that had yet to be established.

“i like you, kai.” your voice suddenly emerges lowly from the still room, the sound of his rustle under the blanket apparent as he tightened his pinky around yours. turning to face you, you did the same, facing one another with cheeks squished to the pillows.

"a lot." you whisper with a growing smile, just inches from his lips as you stare into the chocolate glimmer of his eyes. you could feel your heart pounding in your chest and drumming into your ears.

with a gentle finger, he lightly tucks away a stray piece of hair behind your ear, bringing intense warmth to blanket your cheeks. you couldn't quite see in the dark, but his were dusted with a rosy tinge as well.

“does this mean we can cuddle now?” his voice comes out shyly, smiling and red in the face at his own question.

you giggle, nodding and smiling so big that your eyes are nearly shut, slowly scooching closer to kai. almost unsure as to go about this, considering it's your best friend you're cuddling.

but you just go for it; pressing your chest to his, wrapping your arms around his torso, snuggling your head into him, cheek pressed to his warm neck and filling the space under his chin perfectly.

he wraps his arms around you and pulls you close, silence filling the room again once you both find the spot you are most comfortable in. you can hear his heartbeat as you breathe him in; warm calico fabric like fresh laundry. the closest you've been to this comforting scent that you wanted to be engulfed in eternally.

"i'm glad we agree, but i like you more," he adds. you giggle, burying your face into his warm chest and you can feel his smile grow with the way his voice flows like it always does when he's brimming with happiness, picturing his cute face in your mind and what he looks like right now.

"at the waterfall i did what i've wanted to for so long." his voice vibrates on the crown of your head, feeling his chest sink as he exhales, relaxing into you; relieved to confess what always weighed on him. eyes fluttering shut as he enjoys your warmth and the scent of your hair curling into his nose, tracing light circles into your back.

you pull your head away to the beautiful sight of his face, looking up at him and finding his eyes shut but then flutter open to look down at you, his lips curled into a pretty smile and slightly parted, looking too good not to kiss.

and so you lean up slowly, inviting him to lean down and close the gap for your third kiss, feeling his heart pound against yours. you're infatuated with the way his hand always comes up to cup your cheek, savoring every moment he had with you. in this moment, your love grew for your special boy, falling for him evermore.

~

"kai over here look!" your feet patter against the snow as you run towards familiar rock formations, sprinkled with snow as you point at it, covered in white.

he runs up, giving you a large hug from behind, his large wool jacket engulfing you in its warmth, a kiss to your cheek; now a normal thing.

summer and autumn had passed twice and your souls had intertwined more than you could even fathom; ever since your best friend had become your boyfriend, your life became filled with so much pure happiness that you could easily mistake any day for a fairytale.

with the help of his grasp, kai hoists you up so that you sit on the rock he had brushed the the light dusting of snow off of, threading his arms through yours to hold your waist as he places his chin in the crook of your neck.

it just felt so natural, like this was what the two of you were born to do. always destined to be together and never, ever apart.

the bitter winter breeze wasn't so bad with his warmth seeping into you, cradling you so good and you swear you'd never felt comfort until you fell in love with this boy.

after a few moments of enjoying the view of the frozen waterfall, kai pulls his arms away from you and instead dangles his dainty necklace around your neck, the same one you noticed two years ago in this same place.

the small bead at its end weighed down onto your sweater, drawing your eyes down to the sparkling jewel; noticing it was the shape of a heart. a token of his diamond love for you.

"i wanted to give this to you then," he whispered, a sweet smile on his lips when you turned to face him.

your eyes said it all, holding the words i’ll love you forever in them without having to say a word. he just knew.

“my heart is yours.” he says as he embraces you, hardly able to contain your emotions as you hug him even harder, as hard as you could, for that fact.

his love felt like warm blankets on a cold morning, a crackling fireplace as you sip warm apple cider, cuddles during a midnight storm, the much-needed hug after a long day. he felt like home.

"race you back?" he tilted his head with a sly smile, helping you down before disappearing off into the woods. you chased right behind, sure to beat him this time.

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

a/n: this is a very late hueningkai bday fic!! i share an august birthday with him so i wanted to write a comforting fic for our bdays lol :) hope everyone enjoys and happy late bday to anyone who had one in august or having one soon (yeonjun fic coming soon)!! 🥳 love u all <3

[sorceresssundries]

A Battle of Wits

Summary: As an arrogant wizard and a jaded cleric set out to find a suitable campsite, tensions rise between them. Tav finds herself wrestling with Gale's shadowed past, as well as other feelings which are starting to make themselves known...

Word count: 3,4k

Notes: SFW. Felt the need to write a one-shot which featured a more arrogant version of Gale than in my longer fic.

It had been two days since Gale had disclosed his dark secret, and Tav had decided she preferred the enigmatic stranger to the apparent ‘open-book’ he had turned into. Now that everything was clearly laid out, it was as though the flood banks had burst  and the constant stream of references to being Mystra’s chosen were wearing Tav thinner by the hour. 

The two of them had been tasked with finding an appropriate location for their merry band to set up camp, as last time Astarion had lumped them alarmingly close to a pack of Gnolls. His scouting privileges had since been rescinded, and instead he had been demoted to foraging duty with Wyll -  to the vampire’s loud and dramatic disappointment. This left Tav to navigate the nearby woodland alongside the insufferable wizard to try and find a suitable resting spot.

“There was this one particularly riveting occasion, where Mystra twisted the weave into an exceptionally elaborate piece of magic which allowed me to pleasure…

"I'm going to stop you right there," Tav declared, halting in her tracks and fixing Gale with a stern gaze. She folded her arms across her chest, her expression blazing with disapproval. "I do not want to hear any more disturbing stories about you and your... mother of all magic," she emphasised, her tone leaving no room for misunderstanding. She couldn't bear to entertain any more of his unsettling anecdotes.

"Envy is a predictable response from a devoted cleric such as yourself," he continued, his tone dripping with condescension. His casual demeanour contradicted the gravity of his situation, an arrogance unbefitting someone carrying a self-assembled bomb in their chest. "But I wouldn't expect you to grasp the complexity and intensity of our relationship."

“Listen wizard” Tav retorted “I serve with appropriate devotion. I am not blighted with the arrogance of believing I should be entangled with the deity who decides my fate and guides my hand” 

He laughed in a pitying kind of way which made her want to rip out his stupid little earring. “She was more than my deity, she was my lover.”

“There is no ‘more’ than a deity.” Tav sighed in frustration, determined to end the conversation and talk of it no longer. Gale was a man lost. She was bound on a journey with a vampire, a Sharran amnesiac, an extinguishing barbarian, a tortured Warlock, and Lae’zel - who quite frankly was a breath of fresh, albeit sharp, air compared to the others. 

Gale was the biggest challenge of them all. At least Astarion, the vampire spawn, was transparent in his values, a quality Tav could begrudgingly respect. Self-serving, untrusting, and manipulative, Astarion possessed qualities Tav, with her decades of clerical service to the downtrodden, could navigate. She had faced the darkest corners of humanity, offering healing and support to the most burdened and jaded souls society had cast aside. Dealing with Astarion was familiar territory.

Gale was… complex at best and a dangerous hypocrite at worst. While he professed a deep-seated value for kindness and the safeguarding of the vulnerable, his path was often clouded by impulsive decisions and an overbearing sense of self-importance. In him, Tav glimpsed the flicker of greatness which he seemed determined to extinguish. He could be a beacon of light, if only he wasn’t obscured by the fog of his self-delusion.

"I could delve into exquisite detail about the intricacies of our romantic entanglement, but I wouldn't want to overstimulate your senses," Gale's smug smile returned, his tone dripping with self-satisfaction. "So, I'll leave it to your somewhat limited imagination, shall I?"

Tav tilted her head ever so slightly, a gesture laden with subtle disdain, and let out a dramatic exhale. “Yes, what an arousing thought. One of countless wizards plucked and discarded by Mystra. A drop in an infinite ocean. How impressive you must have been.”

Gale's pride remained unshaken "I was quite impressive, actually. In various aspects. The youngest chosen in a century..." he bragged, his blind arrogance failing to grasp the heavy undertone of exploitation in his admission. It made Tav feel sick. “That was before I was cast aside and abandoned, obviously.”

“Tough was it? Moping around on your sunlit balcony in the city of splendours, caged in a luxurious prison of your own making?” Her mind wandered back to her days in the lower city of Baldur's Gate, where poverty was an ever-present spectre. There, her sanctuary had been anything but opulent—a humble cleric's tent nestled in the harbour, among the downtrodden and destitute.

While others struggled in the comforts of their gilded towers, Tav laboured tirelessly amidst the suffering and hardship of the masses. Her hands, calloused from endless toil, offered solace where there was none. Exhaustion had been her constant companion, born of the ceaseless tide of poverty that swept daily into her little tent. Some she could aid, yes, with her limited skills and the grace bestowed upon her. Yet, for many, the damage ran deeper than flesh wounds, and her healing incantations were mere whispers against the roar of their suffering.

How vividly she remembered those penniless urchins, the spark in their eyes smothered by the weight of their burdens. She recalled the heart-wrenching sight of a child slipping away in the grasp of a grieving mother unwilling to let go. In that moment, she was not just a healer, but a bearer of sorrow, tasked with the duty of ushering a fragile soul into the afterlife.

As Gale raised his finger, poised to deliver what Tav anticipated would be yet another vexing remark, the murmur of voices drifted toward them. With swift determination, Gale ushered her behind the shelter of a nearby tree, their bodies pressed close to conceal themselves from prying eyes. His back against the rough bark, he drew her against him to minimise their silhouette against the midday sun.

Tav couldn't stifle her yelp as she found herself with Gale’s arm around her waist. His hand swiftly covered her mouth, preventing any further noise she might have made, eliciting from her a muffled protest that manifested as a defiant 'hmph'. Gale couldn't help but give a low chuckle at her discomfort.

Tav tried to focus on what the approaching voices were saying, but her thoughts were muddied by how soft the skin of his hand was against her lips. This spoiled magician had obviously never done a hard day's labour in his life, everything about him seemed to get her riled up. What a frustrating, arrogant, soft, lavender scented…

She lost her train of thought as the voices became clearer.

“...hidden it away from camp. Don’t fink she trusts the others not to fuck about with it.”

“I don’t even know why we shittin’ bothered. It’s just a bit of wood shaped like an old man. Betcha couldn’t even bash someone over the head with it.” 

“It’s not for bashing, you mush-minded lump. It’s for fuckin’ with the druids. Those animal-wankers will be all over the place with their precious idol gone. And now Mistress Minthara knows where the grove is, it will be easier to kill ‘em all. I can’t wait to tell her.”

“She won’t fuck you, you know. She’s some kind of Drow princess, and you smell like shit.” 

Gale’s breathing had quickened at Tav’s ear, surely he wasn’t scared of a couple of Goblins? 

So, the Drow had figured out the location of the grove. It was inevitable really, Goblin search parties had been increasing by the day and with the added pressure of the Tiefling refugees, the sanctuary of the glade was becoming more and more difficult to keep hidden.

"We need to question them," With a deft flex of her tadpole connection, Tav probed her thoughts into Gale's. Each time she delved into his mind, it felt oddly intimate, a sensation amplified by their current proximity—her back pressed against his chest, his hand firmly covering her mouth.

“Ok, let me - i’m much more capable at the art of negotiation than…”

“No. I'll do it. You’ll just piss them off.” 

His hand dropped from Tav’s mouth, and she turned to glare at him. His pupils were wide, and breathing still heavy. His eyes seemed to flicker over her face and settled for a brief moment on her lips. The close contact and the heat of the day must have been addled her brain, she thought to herself.

Quickly and quietly she rummaged through her backpack, and pulled out a leather dog collar and a bunch of rope the group had found earlier. Tav had been saving it for Scratch, but she was very much going to enjoy putting it to a different use. 

“Put this on.” 

“Excuse me?” Gale held the collar up to study and his distaste was clear in her mind “I am an infamous, educated, revered…”

“You’re a whiny prick. Now put it on.” 

He grumbled intelligibly to himself as he fiddled with the strap around his neck. The leather pressed tightly around his tanned skin, and the small silver tag sat pretty in the hollow of his throat. Tav made a small sound of smug satisfaction at the sight of him, and the silver tag bobbed tellingly in response. She then bound his hands with the rope, and tightened it just a little more than was necessary. She was surprised that didn’t complain, the only noise between the two of them were his increasingly heavy breaths. He must be nervous, Tav thought.

It only took a couple of seconds for Tav to cast a quick spell to change her appearance to that of a dark-skinned under-elf, and Gale quickly picked up on her plan.

“Oh for the love of…” he exclaimed out loud.

“Who’s there, show yourself!” The slightly larger Goblin pointed its spear in their direction, and Tav took pleasure in pushing Gale out from their hiding place, before she swaggered out behind him.

“Oh! A drow! In the sunlight?” The Goblins looked at each other in confusion, surely only a True Soul could bear to be in this blistering daylight without any discomfort?

“And here I was thinking Goblin heads are just full of flies.” Tav sneered at the two of them.

“Why were you ‘iding behind that tree?” The Goblin did not lower its spear.

“Ah, there’s that tell-tale buzzing noise of gnats in an empty skull, or maybe it’s just because of your pungent scent.” Tav’s voice dripped with as much venom as she could muster, and Gale did his best not to turn his head to glare at her. “I was not hiding. I was allowing my recently-caught slave to grant me pleasure. It’s a warm day and I needed him to lick the sweat off me.” At those words, Gale seemed to shift a little on his feet. Tav revelled in the fact she was making him uncomfortable. 

"I've been sent by Minthara to check up on you. She said you useless cretins were taking longer than expected. She does not like to be kept waiting." Tav took a leaf out of Gale's book and tried her best to mimic the arrogant lilt that brushed his voice when he talked about being Mystra's chosen. 

“Oh.. do not fear your excellency, your loveliness, your dark majesty… we have completed our task! We buried the idol good and proper…” The Goblin bowed low in deference. 

“You buried it?! Out in the wilderness, where there are Gnolls and other wild animals clawing around for scraps?” 

“We are good at burying fings! Bozza here buried her whole family last week.” 

“That’s awful..” Gale’s reaction was instinctive, and Tav gave him a sharp shove in the back as a punishment. 

“Not really, I was the one what killed ‘em”, Bozza shrugs.

“Oh..”

“Silence, pet.” Tav pressed her foot to the back of one of Gale’s knees, causing him to drop to the ground. “You speak when I allow it.” 

Gale grimaced, he was going to be unbearable after this. 

“Good boy.” Tav purred. She could swear she noticed him shudder slightly at her words. Excellent, maybe this would knock him down a peg or two. 

Before Tav could delve further into her interrogation of the goblins, a sudden thwack cut through the air, and a well-aimed arrow found its mark, striking Bozza squarely in the forehead and snuffing her out in an instant. Startled, Tav barely had time to react before two more arrows whistled through the air. One found its mark through the second goblin's eye socket, while the other veered slightly off course, embedding itself in Tav's shoulder with searing pain.

"Fuck!" Tav exclaimed, the agony of the arrowhead piercing her flesh causing her concentration to falter, her disguise fading back to her usual appearance as she crumpled to the ground.

"Shit!" A familiar voice rang out from the nearby bushes, and Astarion and Lae'zel emerged, rushing to their aid.

"We thought Gale had been captured," Astarion explained hastily.

Gale, exasperated, raised his bound hands in frustration. "I am an exceptionally competent wizard! My knees may be a tad on the creaky side, but I can assure you I am more than capable of locating a suitable campsite without getting captured by a couple of goblins and a drow!"

“Yes, of course darling.” Astarion sneered “And that leather collar suits you quite well. A true mark of competent wizardry, wouldn't you say?" His laughter punctuated the jab as he deftly freed Gale from his bindings.

Tav's pained groan cut through their bickering, drawing their attention back to her.

"Tav requires healing, oh competent wizard," Lae'zel interjected, her voice carrying a hint of impatience. "She is fortunate it was the vampire's arrow that struck her. One of mine would have spelled her end.”

“That was your arrow!” Astarion argued.

“Chh’k” Laezel stowed her bow away and counted her remaining arrows. “Your many years have made your brain slow and your aim weak, blood-sucker. It cannot be helped. “ 

"Guys!" Tav's urgent interruption finally broke through their squabbling, drawing their attention back to the matter at hand.

“Go on then, chosen one. Do your thing.” Astarion waved his hand dismissively as he started rooting around the dead Goblins to see what goodies he could find. He started removing a pair of boots as Gale knelt by Tav’s side to examine the injury. 

“Healing magic isn’t my forte” he admitted a little sheepishly.

“Of course it isn’t” Tav panted between strained breaths. Her vision was blurring as the pain began to overcome her senses. 

“What is that supposed to mean?” His voice was coloured with offence.

“A wizard naturally blessed with control of the weave, an archmage, the chosen of the Goddess of Magic herself, and yet you never devoted any real time or effort into learning how to heal people? Why am I not surprised.”

He did not respond, just furrowed his brow as he looked through his pack to find any healing potions. 

There was another rustle from the bushes, and just as Lae’zel drew back the string of her bow for another shot, Scratch appeared wagging his tail - paws dirty from digging, and with the Idol of Silvanus clutched in his jaw. 

“I fucking love this dog.” Tav exclaimed through her pain-gritted teeth. “Good boy, Scratch.”

“Do not give that to the wizard, hound” Lae’zel commanded. “He will only eat it”

Gale dropped his attention in indignation. “Firstly Lae’zel, I do not eat magical items, I absorb the stands of the weave residing within them to sate the arcane hunger of the voracious orb which resides in my chest. Secondly, I would not dare to drain away the magic of something so significant! The trinkets that have been offered so far are more than enough to… “

Pain made the anger which suddenly coursed through Tav burn hotter. “That trinket we gave you was from one of the Tiefling refugees, who soon will be out in the wilderness with barely two coins to rub together!” she snapped, and Gale at least has the decency to redden slightly. 

“So, listen to me, former arch-wizard - everything we have is hard-won. A magical locket that was a gift from a family for saving the life of their child has now been sacrificed upon a dark altar of your own making. And it was just as significant to them, as that religious idol is to the druids.” 

“I did not mean…”

But Tav did not get to hear the end of his protest, pain and blood loss overtook her, and the last thing she remembered was the feeling of being slung over a lavender-scented shoulder before drifting away into unconsciousness. 

Tav awoke much later, the setting sun casting a soft pink glow over the Emerald Grove. The air had cooled, and the crickets began to sing their evening song. A bandage snugly covered her shoulder, and her arm was secured in a tight sling. She found herself laid out on a bedroll in the central circle of the Grove, where the Idol of Silvanus sat back in its rightful place, bathed in the fading light.

“Do not fear, all is well.” Lae’zel was sat on the ground next to her, deep in concentration sharpening a dagger. “The Idol has been returned, and the druids warned. In the morning, we must waste no more time in eradicating the goblin threat.”

Tav nodded in agreement, pain still thrumming steadily in her shoulder and head woozy from the potions she had been given. 

"You've just missed Gale explaining the intricacies of the Astral plane to me," Lae'zel said through gritted teeth.

"Oh," Tav replied, her confusion evident. Partly at how that conversation must have started, but mainly at how Gale wasn't lying dismembered at her feet. "The place where you grew up and your entire race is based?"

"Yes," Lae'zel hissed as she stalked off to practice her sparring technique, no doubt with Gale's face at the forefront of her mind as she brandished her sharpened blade with warrior's devotion.

Tav eventually stood up, still feeling lightheaded but strong enough to stretch her muscles and go in search of something to eat. As she approached a simmering cookpot, she noticed Arabella the Tiefling girl sneaking around with something behind her back.

"What's that you've got there, little one?" Tav inquired, her voice gentle as she approached the child.

"Boots that make you move faster!! Aren't they cool!" Arabella's eyes sparkled with excitement as she proudly displayed the pair of boots in her hands. "The handsom—uh, I mean the wizard gave them to me to give to my parents! He told me to tell them I found them in that abandoned Harpy nest."

Tav couldn't help but smile at Arabella's enthusiasm, her heart warming at the sight of the girl's joy. Yet, Arabella's grin faltered as realisation dawned upon her. "Oh! I don't think I was meant to tell you he gave them to me either", she admitted, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," Tav assured her, placing a comforting hand on Arabella's shoulder.

Arabella dashed off to reunite with her parents, her excitement contagious as she handed over the prized boots. Tav watched with a tenderness as Arabella's mother erupted into laughter, her husband joining in as they struggled to fit the boots over her legs.

Tav scanned the room, and saw Gale sat amidst a small gathering of wide-eyed Tiefling children, his presence commanding their undivided attention. In his outstretched palm, a small purple dragon breathed delicate sparks before flitting around the heads of the mesmerised youngsters, eliciting giggles and applause. Tav smiled at the heartwarming sight, her heart softening as she watched Gale perform for the small, awestruck faces.

As the scene unfolded, one of Mol's gang approached from behind, their intentions less than noble as they deftly detached Gale's coin purse from his robes, swiftly pocketing their ill-gotten gains. Tav tensed, ready to intervene and reclaim what was rightfully Gale's, but before she could make a move, something unexpected happened.

Behind Gale's back, a subtle wave of his hand went unnoticed by the children, yet Tav caught the faint glimmer of magic. In an instant, the purloined purse reappeared in Gale's grasp, his smile warm and genuine as he met Tav's gaze with a knowing look. A subtle wink followed, and Tav couldn't help but burst into laughter, her heart light and fluttering.

Perhaps there was hope for him yet.

[mvshortcut]

for the prompt game: “you came back for me, you actually came back for me”, with any characters you want!

Sticky and Kate are holding my brain hostage tonight. Enjoy!

Read on ao3 here

Two thousand three hundred and forty one …

Two thousand three hundred and forty two …

He paused to wipe sweat from his brow again. It did no good when his palms were just as drenched.

Two thousand three hundred and forty five …

The room tilted again. He squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again. The lights assaulted his vision; a buzzing noise resumed deep in his ear. 

Two thousand three hundred and forty nine …

He’d already checked if the room was actually tilting or if it was just a trick his mind was playing on him. Well—tried to check. He’d fished out a marble from his pocket that Kate had given him at breakfast—she’d sorted through her whole collection before finally settling on one that felt the most like him, based on some incomprehensible criteria. “For luck,” she’d said, placing it in his palm with a bright grin.

Fat lot of good that’d done him.

Two thousand three hundred and fifty seven …

He’d placed the marble against the wall to see if it actually rolled. Fat lot of good that’d done him, too. He couldn’t tell if the marble was moving with the wall or whether his vision was simply wobbly, couldn’t listen for the telltale whisper-clink of the marble in motion with the blood roaring in his ears.

But he’d found that rolling the marble between his thumb and forefinger produced a calming effect. Perhaps it was good for something after all.

Two thousand three hundred and sixty eight… or was it sixty nine …

He’d rolled the marble back and forth ten times … so that amounted to about seven and a half seconds … that is, if each roll was even with no pauses …

It was no good. He’d have to start over.

One …

Two …

Three …

A faint clanging sounded in his ear. Great. Now he was experiencing auditory hallucinations. Give it another hour and he’d start seeing things that weren’t there. Or maybe he was already, depending on whether that wall was really tilting or not.

Six …

Seven …

Eight …

Something tickled his nose. Dust, perhaps? He swiped at it with his palm, wincing when the motion rubbed more sweat onto his lenses.

Ten …

Eleven …

Clang!

Okay. That one was rather loud to be a hallucination.

Thirteen … no, fifteen …

More dust tickled his nose. He coughed. He swiped at his nose. He glanced up at the ceiling. 

Kate Wetherall grinned back at him.

“Hiya, sport!”

Sticky yelped and fell backwards off the chair.

“Yeaouch!” Kate backflipped out of the ceiling, removed her green beanie, vigorously shook it out, then settled it snug back on her head. “You okay, pal?”

“You came back for me?” Sticky gasped from the floor.

Kate snorted. “Did you hit your head? Of course we came back for you!”

He made an attempt at sitting up. His wrists wobbled. Kate bounded over and hauled him up by the shoulders, missing Sticky’s yelp.

“It’s just me on this mission, though. Stealth operation. Reynie’s off distracting Dr. Curtain, and Constance … well, Constance said that she had some ‘affairs to attend to,’ whatever that means—”

“Probably off crafting miniature dolls of us to stick pins into,” Sticky said with a tremulous laugh. He clutched at his aching shoulders.

“Y’know, I can hardly believe it myself, but I think she might actually be helping us, somehow,” Kate mused. “She had a very determined smile, even if it was a bit evil-looking, and I did hear screams from the Executives’ quarters on my way over—”

“You actually came back for me?” Sticky blurted again.

Kate looked at him sideways—actually tilted her whole head sideways on her neck to peer at him. “What happened in this room, buddy? I mean, this whole place reeks of malice. Just look at that shade of yellow … and why is that fish tank placed at that angle?”

“But why?” 

“Why wouldn’t we come back for you?” Kate said, as if it was so obvious even a baby could see it. “We need you.”

“Right,” Sticky nodded, finally understanding. “For the mission. But, I mean, Reynie’s very bright. You don’t really need—”

“Don’t bother finishing that sentence,” Kate said, utterly serious for the briefest of moments. She clapped a hand on his shoulder, and Sticky held back another wince. “Breakfast table would be real quiet without you, pal. Lunch was horrible. I don’t want to do that again.” “You … rescued me because you want me back?”

Kate rolled her eyes at him. “I haven’t rescued anybody yet. There’s still the extraction! And unless you want to stand around until Dr. Curtain comes back—”

“Right,” Sticky said, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt as though Kate had knocked him off-kilter, and he was still trying to get his bearings. “Right, let’s not do that. So? How do we get out of here?”

Kate grinned and looked up at the still-open hole in the ceiling.

“Absolutely not.”

“It’s our best option!”

“Never in a million years.”

“You’re really that against it?” Kate mused. “Well, if you say so. I do have other plans in mind. Reynie shot them down, a little prematurely if I do say so myself—I mean, there’s only a 79% chance of you losing your arm—but if you’re absolutely sure—”

“So how do we get into the ceiling?” Sticky asked.

Kate grinned. She knelt and patted her knee, clearly intending to boost Sticky up.

Still, he hesitated.

“This is gonna jeopardize the mission,” he said, though he hated to say it. “You know that, right, Kate? The best thing for everyone is if you just leave me here until—”

Again, Kate waved him off. “I promised I’d rescue you, and here I am. You’re top priority, pal. Besides, we’ll work it out. We always do!”

“How?”

“Well,” Kate said thoughtfully. “I proposed that we run away into the woods, surviving off berries and adapting to a nomadic lifestyle while we design some long-range weapons to take down Curtain … but for some reason, Constance is absolutely convinced that Curtain literally just forgot you in here. It’s well into the night by now. She can’t say for certain how she ‘knows’ this, but her idea is for all of us to just show up to class tomorrow like absolutely nothing is wrong and to tell Dr. Curtain he’s imagining things if he questions us, which, I have to admit, is pretty funny—”

Despite himself, Sticky grinned at the thought. He double-checked that his lucky marble was secure in his pocket, zipping it up to be extra certain. It wouldn’t do to have it roll away and clang through the vents above Dr. Curtain’s office. And besides. He’d really hate to lose it.

“Here goes nothing.”

Kate grinned, and Sticky flew up into the ceiling with a shriek.

[justagalwhowrites]

Beskar Doll - Ch. 23: Beloved

The Mandalorian wants to do something nice for you. It has unexpected results. A continuation of Beskar Doll Ch. 1-22 found on Tumblr here.

Pairing: the Mandalorian/Din Djarin x Female Reader

Warnings: Smut. Total smut. Fluffy fluffy fluffy smut smut smut smut smut. The Helmet Stays On SMUT. There's fucking, OK? They fuck. It took 120k words to get there but they fuck. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ only

Length: 4.6k

“You’re sure Karga doesn’t mind watching the kid this long?” You were frowning, looking at a poncho for a baby at one of the only market stands you hadn’t stopped at yet. 

“He’s happy for any excuse to spoil him rotten,” Din sighed, watching you and the people go by around you. “And your rifle won’t be done until morning. There’s no reason to rush.” 

“Think this will fit him?” You held up the tiny garment. “He doesn’t have much made to keep him warm…” 

Din shrugged before pulling out credits to pay for it, handing them to the woman behind the stand. You smiled, folding up the tiny poncho and adding it to a bag. 

“Give me that,” he held his hand out and you glared at him. 

“Just because I hurt my shoulder doesn’t mean I’m utterly incapable you know,” you said. 

“I never said you were, Doll.” 

“Then let me carry the damn bag, Mando.” 

He sighed. 

“We’re taking everything back to the Crest now, anyway,” he said. “We’ll pick up the kid after.” 

You seemed skeptical but you didn’t pry. He was oddly grateful for it. Doing something nice for you was difficult. You seemed bound and determined to make it damn difficult and he couldn’t figure out why for the life of him. He was beginning to think he could spend the rest of his life trying to understand you and wouldn’t be able to unravel you. 

Night fell as you walked back toward the ship, stopping at a food stand for you to grab something on a stick that you insisted was delicious that Din could only frown at. 

“You need to be more adventurous,” you said, finishing… whatever it was you’d bought. “I’m telling you, food stands? Better than anything you’re going to find in the visiting monarch quarters on Coruscant. Hands down.” 

He shook his head. 

“I’ll take your word for it, Doll.” 

The two of you just dropped off the supplies from town - rations, some bacta, ammunition, the poncho for the kid - and started back to town. 

“It’s quiet without the kid,” you said, looking up at the stars. 

“Almost forgot what quiet was like,” Din said. You smiled. 

“Especially when you’re stuck hauling me around, too,” you teased. You were walking closer to him than usual, your arm brushing his from time to time. 

“Quiet’s overrated.” 

You considered him for a moment but didn’t say anything. Instead, you looked back up at the stars, the galaxy swirling overhead. When you reached town, you started to go in the direction of Karga’s, but Din made you pause. 

“We’ve got one more stop first,” he said. You frowned but stayed close beside him. He led the way to a louder street, the only one left at this hour that was still filled with people. Your brows knitted together, peering around. 

“Did we pick up a local job?” You asked, voice low. 

“No,” he almost laughed. “Just… come on, Doll.” 

He brought you to a cantina, one he’d passed a few times but never stopped into. He’d never had a reason to, until now. 

The bar was loud, a band playing on a small stage, lights dim. He didn’t need them, though. Your smile spread slow and broad over your face, none of the artifice that was there when you smiled for someone else. This was for you. Din spotted a small table in a corner and he put his hand on your back, gently guiding you to it. You both sat down, you immediately leaning on the small table top, getting closer to the music, eyes glued to the band. 

“Are we here for them?” You asked as the song ended, finally looking to the Mandalorian. He shrugged. 

“You said you liked music.” 

You somehow managed to smile even wider, turning your attention back to the band. Din felt like he could hardly hear them. He was too busy absorbing everything you did, the way your head ever so slightly bobbed in time, the way your teeth found your lower lip when the strings picked up, the way you sank back into him without looking or thinking, tucking yourself below his arm and resting your head on his chest. His arm slipped around your shoulders, delicately at first, before he curled his fingers around your arm, pulling you against him. You looked up at him through your eyelashes, the colored lights from the cantina casting splotches of blue and purple over your skin. 

After a while, he flagged a waitress down and you ordered a cocktail he’d never heard of, whatever it was coming out from the bar with smoke rising over the rim of the glass. You took a sip, eyes closed in pleasure, before you set the drink down and moved closer to him. 

“I’ve never done this,” you looked up at him again. “Just… gone to a bar like this. For fun.” 

“Me either.” 

You smiled. 

“We’re quite a pair,” you joked. “Very well adjusted, history of very normal experiences.” 

He laughed. 

“That’s us.” 

Watching you enjoy yourself was something he liked more than he expected - and he’d expected to like it a lot. It was as though the forcefield you put up the rest of the time was down. Your feelings weren’t couched in other things, veiled and manipulated to avoid vulnerability. You were uniquely open, like every thought that crossed your mind was written easily on your face. It was a beautiful thing, watching you feel. 

You stayed for hours. Din wasn’t about to ask you to go, you were too happy here. He’d have found a way to move in if it would let you be this happy forever. But the bar started to empty, the music growing slower. 

“We should get back,” you said, nearly on his lap. Your legs were draped over his, his arm was wrapped around you, your head against his chest. “Karga is probably ready to kill us for leaving him with the kid this long.” 

“He knew we’d be out late,” Din said. “But we should get back.” You nodded against him. 

“Let me use the fresher before we start the walk back,” you said, pulling back from him slightly. Your hand went to the side of his helmet, like you’d be holding his cheek if you could touch his face. “Thank you. For this.” 

You, mercifully, didn’t wait for a reply. You just unfolded yourself from him and left the table. Din settled the bar tab and waited, watching the bar as more patrons filtered out. He almost didn’t notice you come out of the fresher, only to be stopped by a group of men hovering near the stage. 

They stopped you for a moment and you gave them a polite smile and said something before trying to leave when one stopped you, grabbing your arm - making you wince as your injured shoulder pulled - and holding you with the group. 

Din almost jumped to his feet, his fists clenched, and he stalked across the bar. The way they’d dragged you back… He couldn’t see your face, but the man’s hand was still on your arm. He was still touching you. Thought he could just touch you. 

“Look, gentleman, I’m flattered…” Din could barely make out your diplomat voice over the sound of the music. He gripped your uninjured shoulder and he pulled you back from them, putting his body between their hands and you. The men took a step back, the Mandalorian a few inches taller than even the tallest of them, his armor reflecting the lights from the stage. 

“We’re not looking for trouble,” the one who’d touched you began. 

“Yeah?” Din asked, stepping closer to him. “Then keep your hands to yourself.” 

“Mando,” you hissed from behind him but he ignored you. 

“She didn’t have a problem with it…” another one said. Mando rounded on him. 

“I do,” he said. He moved closer to the man, towering over him. 

“Mando!” You snapped. He glanced down at you. “It’s fine. Let’s go.” 

You were begging him with your eyes. He glanced back at the men before putting a hand at your back and following you out.

***

You waited until you were on a quieter street, grinding your teeth the whole way, before you turned to him. 

“Want to tell me what the hell that was?” You demanded. He looked down to you for a second before looking straight ahead again. 

“They touched you.” 

“Did you really think I was incapable of handling that on my own?” You snapped. 

“No.” 

You gaped at him for a moment. 

“Then why did you get involved!” 

He shrugged. 

“You’re…” you struggled to find the word. 

“I’m what, Doll?” 

“I’ll let you know when I figure it out.” 

The baby was asleep in his pod when you got to Karga’s. 

“You kids have fun?” Karga asked, a teasing edge to his voice. You frowned. 

“Mostly,” Din replied. “Some of the people here need to learn some manners.” 

“It was lovely,” you glared at the Mandalorian before looking back to Karga. “Thanks for keeping an eye on the kid.” 

“Sure, sure, he’s welcome any time,” he smiled. “I hope it won’t be three years before I see you again, Essa.” 

“Next time, I’ll avoid the blaster,” you smiled back. 

The walk back to the Razor Crest was quiet. The silence almost frustrated you more than the incident at the cantina. If he’d just left it alone, it would have been quiet, over in seconds. But apparently, he didn’t trust you to handle it yourself. 

“It’s a nice night,” you said when you made it back to the ship. “I think I’m going to look at the stars for a bit.” 

You didn’t wait for a response, just going to the ladder and pulling yourself up and climbing up to the top of the ship. It hadn’t been a lie, it was a nice night. Not a cloud in the sky, just cool enough that the air felt crisp on your exposed skin. Everything smelled fresh and clean. You brought your legs into your chest, wrapping your arms around your knees. 

There was the telltale sound of metal on metal and you felt the Mandalorian come up behind you, hovering for a moment before sitting down next to you. 

“Ever baffle you to think that you’ve been up there?” You asked, nodding up at the stars. “And how different it looks when you are?” 

He was quiet for a moment. 

“Sometimes.” You were both silent. He felt so close. It was almost hard to focus on anything else he was so close. 

“I’m sorry,” he said eventually. “They touched you and I lost my temper.” 

“So you didn’t think I needed your help.” 

“No,” he shook his head. 

You sighed. 

“Why?” 

“Why what.” 

“Why did him touching me make you mad?” You asked, watching him. Your voice was quiet.

“They could have hurt you,” he said. “I don’t like seeing you hurt.” 

“What is it that you want, Din?” You almost didn’t want to ask the question, afraid of what the answer would be. Your heart was pounding. “What is it that you want with me?” 

The galaxy was reflected on his beskar, the stars running over his body. It was like he contained everything, all creation present in him. He looked in your eyes, leaning in close, one hand finding your face, holding you gently. You closed your eyes, pressing your lips together as you leaned into his touch. You couldn’t help it. It seemed that anything he wanted to give you, you’d latch onto it. To him. Do anything you could to absorb it and hold it close. 

“I want to keep you safe,” he said, his voice gentle. “I want to see you. All of you. I want to know you. I want you to know me. I want you to be able to be… soft. I don’t… You weren’t made to be hard, Doll. You’re good at it. You’re strong and you’re capable. You might be the most capable person I’ve ever met. But I’ve seen you with the kid, with Layari, with people who need help, just with the worlds you’re on… you weren’t made to be hard. I want to make it so you don’t have to be.” 

“I don’t need…” 

“I know you don’t need it,” he cut you off. “You don’t need anyone to do anything for you. But I want to. I want to do things that make you smile and feel and let you be soft. I don’t want you to go through the galaxy alone. I want it to be with me.” 

“Din,” you leaned in closer to him. You could feel everything in your body. The thudding of your heart against your ribs, the gentle ache between your thighs, the way the blood moved down your limbs. Everything was heightened because he was there, so close to you, everything the galaxy had reflected in him. 

“Doll.” 

You moved - slowly, cautiously - until you were on his lap, your legs over his hips. His hands slid around to your waist. Your forehead pressed into the cool metal of his.

“You want me to stay?” You asked quietly, your arms draping over his shoulders. He had to look up at you ever so slightly from this angle, the chin of his helmet tilted up towards you. His hands slipped around to your back, pulling you closer. 

“I want you,” he said softly. “Everything with you.” 

Your core was pressed against him now and you rocked your hips against him, more on instinct than anything else. 

“What do you want, Doll?” He asked. His voice was strained, his breaths heavy. 

“You,” you breathed, your voice shaking. “Just you, as much of you as you’re willing to give me.” 

“Then I’m yours.” 

He pulled you tighter to him, his fingers almost harsh with need against your skin. The force of him pulled your bodies into alignment and you could feel him through your clothes, a soft moan slipping from your lips. You pulled your head from his and looked down at his armor, running your hands over the metal at his chest. 

“Can I…” 

He nodded, quickly, and you unbuckled his belt. It fell to the ship with a clatter that was almost shockingly loud compared to the quiet you’d enveloped yourselves in. You didn’t care. You moved on to his chest plate, freeing his cloak first and then fumbling with the straps at his shoulders until he helped you remove it, setting it aside. You touched him over the flight suit at first, with just your fingertips before pressing your palms against him, too. His eyes were on you as you explored him like this, until you found the zipper. You held it for a moment, looking at him, waiting for permission. He gave it with a single nod, and you slipped it down his body until the skin of his chest and stomach was exposed to you. 

Your eyes met his as you lowered your hand to his chest, your palm over his heart. You could feel it, beating as hard as yours. You looked down to his skin then, exploring him with your eyes and fingers. His skin was soft with a patchwork of scars, souvenirs of his survival as a warrior. You knew the cause of some of them but you wanted to know the story of each one. You wanted to know everything, all of him. 

“Can I?” He asked, looking at your shirt. You nodded. He slid his hands around to the front of you, almost reluctantly pulling them away from your body to remove his gloves before he took the hem of your shirt and reverently, slowly, lifted it over you. You fought the urge to cover yourself. You couldn’t see his eyes but you could feel them ranging over you. His breaths picked up, his hands going to your hips before sliding over your bared skin, slowly, to your waist, over your ribs, slipping around to your back to pull your naked chest to his. You gasped and then moaned at the feel of him like this. He was below you and in front of you and behind you. Utterly inescapable and swallowing everything around you. 

“Maker, you’re beautiful,” he gasped it, almost like a prayer, as he clutched onto you, pressing his hips up into yours. You rocked your core against him, acutely aware of where fabric still separated your bodies. You weren’t sure that you’d ever felt more exposed or more ready to strip away what little cover you had left. 

You worked your hips against him, moving harder and faster, your head dropping to his shoulder. One of his hands slid down your front, brushing over your exposed breasts, before slipping into your pants, gently stroking your clit, making you moan. The move and the growing need inside you made you daring, one of your hands traveling down his naked flesh and into the suit until you found his cock, hard and waiting for you. 

Your eyes went a little wide at the feel of it, you couldn’t help it. You’d been with men before, but you were positive he was far bigger than either you’d had in the past. Thick and long, you wrapped your fingers around his head and he groaned, looking down to where you touched him. You slid your hand down his hard length, the size of him forcing your fingers apart as you worked him up and down. He pressed harder against your clit and your breath stuttered in response, freezing your grip on him for a moment while you got your bearings. His hand moved further into your pants before his fingertip circled your entrance. You blushed a little, feeling how wet you were and knowing he felt it too. 

“You want me, Cyare,” he said. It wasn’t a question, but you answered it in a gasp anyway. 

“Yes.” 

“Like I want you.” 

He slid his finger into you. 

“Yes,” you managed in a strangled groan. Your hand stilled on him for a moment, too overwhelmed to think about anything but the fact that part of him was inside you. He started moving his finger and your hand slid over him again, your fingers finding the wetness at his tip and spreading it over him. Your other hand slid inside the flight suit and around his waist to his back, fingertips sinking into his skin. He groaned.

“What?” You asked, breathless.  

“No one’s ever touched me like that,” his voice was shaky. “Feels… incredible.” 

He sank another finger into you, making you shudder then freeze, body not able to do anything but focus on him stretching you. He worked his fingers into you until they were as deep as they could reach and he held them there, curving into your inner wall and pressing into the spot that made your eyes roll back and toes curl. 

“I need you, Doll,” he was panting with it. “Need to feel you, need to be inside you…” 

“Yes,” you nodded against him. “Please, Din…” 

“Need you to cum first,” he managed, moving his fingers inside you again. “You’re too tight, don’t want to hurt you… Fuck, please, Doll, cum for me…” 

His fingers were moving harder, faster, so much that you were frozen against him, unable to do anything but take what he was giving you. Your body tightened around him and you pressed yourself closer to him, feeling like you might explode if you weren’t somehow closer. 

“That’s it, Cyare,” he managed. “Give in to it, cum for me.” 

You obeyed, the unbearable tightness inside you snapping as you throbbed around his fingers and gasped his name. 

“Good girl,” he breathed as you went slack against him, leaving his fingers deep inside you as your orgasm eased, your whole body trembling with it. 

When he slipped his fingers from you, he got his cloak, putting it behind you before putting his hands on your back and rising onto his knees. He gently lay you on the cloak, kneeling between your legs. His hands went to the waist of your pants and he paused, looking at you for permission as you gasped for breath. You could only nod, quickly, and he slid your pants and underwear together down your body, exposing you to him fully. You bit your lip, your heart racing, hands instinctively covering yourself. He ran his hands over your legs until they met between your thighs, his thumbs gently running over your sensitive, wet slit.

“Don’t do that,” he said softly. 

“Do what?” You were still panting for breath, not yet recovered from your first orgasm. 

“Look insecure,” he said. “Like you’re not the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” 

He freed himself from his flight suit with one of his hands, covering his cock with your wetness. Your breath hitched at the sight of him, on his knees in front of you, one hand on his hard length and the other against your entrance. 

“Tell me if you want me to stop,” his voice was thick with want. You nodded. “Tell me if I hurt you.” 

Din lined himself up with your entrance, notching himself against you before leaning over you so your chest was against his, one of his hands cradling your head. You could feel his eyes on yours through the helmet and the thrumming, desperate need in you grew. You took a shaky breath, gave him a nod and he slowly, softly, began to sink into you. 

You groaned at the feel of it, the painfully pleasant stretch of him opening you inch by inch. It would have been overwhelming under any circumstance, the size of him alone reaching places in you you were certain no one else had ever touched as he pressed into you. But because it was him, his body inside and on top of yours, it was like something inside you broke open. Your heart ached with it. You needed to have him as close as possible - at least this close - as much as you could or you feared you’d go mad. You needed to be this full of him, have as much of him as your body could take. 

Consciously, you knew it couldn’t have been long before he was fully inside you, his hips flush with yours, his forehead pressed against your own, both of you panting for breath, but it felt like it had been an eternity. Your hand went to the side of his helmet, holding him so you could look in his eyes and feel him there, too. 

“Did I hurt you?” He asked. You could feel the head of him against your back wall, your core stretched to what felt like its limit around him. 

“No,” you breathed. “Fuck, Din…” 

He pulled back from you slowly, until only half of him remained, his eyes locked on yours before he thrust into you again. Your breaths picked up and he did it again, a little faster this time, a little harder. 

“Fuck, you feel incredible,” he groaned, pressing harder into you this time instead of pulling further back, working his hips and cock down into you instead. You moaned, keening below him, arching your back into him. “It’s like you were made for me, never felt anything…” 

He pressed harder into you and put one hand between your bodies to your clit, making you groan as your body tightened again. You worked your hips against his, your hands sliding into the flight suit to his back to hold him closer. He was inside you, making you so stretched and full and yet you couldn’t get enough of him. You needed him in your skin, your blood, needed him in a way you’d never needed anything else. 

“I need to feel you cum when I’m inside you,” one of his hands moved to your leg, pulling it tightly to his side, his fingers roaming over your flesh. “Tell me what you need, Doll. Tell me anything, I’ll give you anything…” 

“Harder,” you managed, panting for breath. “You won’t hurt me, I trust you…” 

He seemed happy to oblige, all but pinning you to the ship with the force of his body against yours, his hips nearly knocking the air out of you with each long, deep stroke. One of his hands came to your face again, holding your head still as his forehead met yours again, his fingers tangling in your hair as he clung to you. Your body grew tighter, more tense, a spring coiled to its breaking point. 

“Din,” you gasped. “I’m going to…” 

You came with a strangled cry, your back arching, and you felt him press into you and go still, his cock throbbing deep inside. His head dropped to your chest with a moan as he panted for breath and you went slack beneath him. 

The two of you stayed like that for a moment before he slowly separated from you, sliding himself from your drained body and all but collapsing beside you. The air was cool on your naked skin but you didn’t care. You wouldn’t have moved from your place beside him for all the warmth in the galaxy. 

He was still panting for breath beside you when he rolled onto his side, a hand sliding slowly over your chest, cupping each breast, his thumb gently running over your nipples, before sliding down your body to your overwrought slit. His finger slowly circled your still sensitive clit. 

“Din,” you whimpered. 

“Remember how I said we needed to make up for lost time?” He said softly. You nodded weakly. “I owe you three years worth of orgasms, Doll, and I know you can give me one more.” 

He pressed a little firmer on your clit and you groaned, reaching for his cock, but he stopped you. 

“This isn’t about me,” he said, putting your hand on your chest. “This is about you. Understand?” You nodded. “Good girl.” 

His fingers slipped lower and two slid inside your pleasantly sore center, working you slowly and gently as your third orgasm slowly built. It was soft, delicate, Din working your body as though he were an expert musician and you were his instrument of choice. 

“That’s it, Cyare,” he breathed. “You’re so close, I can feel it. Just give in to it. I’ve got you, it’s OK. You’re doing so well, just let go…” 

You groaned, body all but giving out as you came again, the pulsing in you weak and languid as your limbs went loose and numb. 

“That’s my girl,” he said gently, his fingers still inside you. He waited to slide them out of you until you turned onto your side, reaching for him. He pulled your body against his own, reaching over you to pull the cloak up and over your naked frame. You’d almost forgotten that it was chilly in the night air until he did. Your arm went over him, sliding into the flight suit to go around his waist and your fingers could be against his skin. You held each other like that for a while, sleep threatening to take you under before you were ready to give in to it. 

“Did you mean what you said before?” You managed, your eyes closed, unable to keep them open anymore. “That you wanted me with you?” 

“More than anything, Cyare.” 

You smiled a little at that. His metal forehead touched yours. 

“What does that mean?” You managed, worried the words were coming out as mush you were so exhausted. “You keep calling me that but I don’t know what it means…” 

“Cyare?” He asked. 

“Mmm.” 

“Beloved,” he said softly, his finger stroking your cheek. “It means beloved.” 

[toxicmalysh]

The link we share

Chapter 13: accidents happen

Word count: 3,032

Summary: Wanda helps you after an accident in the lab

Warnings: blood, depiction of hand injury I swear guys they will eventually be happy I'm just addicted to angst

⋆✧✦✧⋆

The next few weeks were slow, you were spending more time with Bruce down in the lab, and Wanda found herself spending more time with Vision simply playing board games and watching sitcoms.

Today you were in the lab early, or rather late as you hadn't slept yet, it was about six in the morning and you were working on the last few modifications of Bucky's grapple.

You were singing and dancing loudly whilst you worked, not fully paying attention as you spun from each side of the room. You simply couldn't help but dance whenever you had the chance.

You leaned over your desk still bouncing your leg, tightening a compartment on the hook.

“FUCK!” you let out a loud gasp as one of the punctures came loose causing a sharp piece of metal to slice across your hand deep.

“Fuckkkk.” you groaned through gritted teeth, gripping your hand tightly as you found a dirty rag not thinking about the oil that covered it.

You stood up fast, holding your hand tightly in a panic. You practically threw yourself out of the lab, bounding up the stairs skipping a few steps at a time.

You were running to the closest first aid kit which was in the kitchen. You turned the corner quickly, your eyes fixed on the green box in front of you.

“y/n you okay?” Wanda called out, she was sat at the island eating cereal, it was normal for her to be up and about this early so you weren't surprised to see her, but it did scare you.

“Fuck you scared me.” you turned from Wanda back to the first aid quickly, taking a minute as you processed letting go of your hand to open the box or to keep it there for pressure.

Wanda caught on to the blood dripping out of the rag, and your tense expression,

“What happened?” She ran over hurriedly, her voice panicked.

You clumsily tried to open the first aid box, failing as your fingers were covered in blood making them slippery.

“Whoever made these is a fucking idiot.” Wanda usually would have laughed at your use of profanity but right now she was more concerned at the sight of the blood soaked rag and the panic across your face.

“Woah woah let me help you.” Wanda took your headphones off, placing them on the side. She tried reaching for the box, opening it with ease, you reached for the bandages, but Wanda grabbed your wrist stopping you.

“You'll get it dirty wait,” she took you to the sink running the tap, speaking quickly,

“Wash it under this I'm going to sanitise my hands then I'll wrap it.” She moved confidently, calming herself instantly to take charge.

Wanda took your injured hand gently once she had the bandage, her touch soft and careful. She examined the wound, her expression serious as she assessed the damage. Blood was flowing from the cut staining your skin and dripping into the sink.

“It's not too deep but it's bleeding a lot. We need to clean and bandage it quickly.”

She spoke her voice steady ignoring her worry. Wanda put your hand under the water again, to rinse the blood and get a better look at the wound. You took your hand back slowly,

“It's alright I can fix it up.”

You walked to the end of the kitchen holding the bandage and your hand close to your stomach. Wanda's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her expression hardening in disapproval.

“Like hell you will.”

She stepped in front of you, blocking you from moving any further, her eyes fixed on yours, a stubborn determination radiating from her.

“You're not doing this alone. Let me help you.”

You stepped to the right side of Wanda trying to get past,

“Seriously, I can do it.”

Your tone was light, as if though this was a game but Wanda wasn't going to give up easily. She quickly moved to block your path again, her expression stern.

“No, you won't. There's no way I'm letting you do this on your own. You used a dirty rag for crying out loud.”

She held her ground, her arms crossed in front of her chest, daring you to challenge her, her eyes glowing a slight red.

“I'm not moving until you let me help you.”

Your eyes dropped trying to avoid Wanda’s gaze.

“Wanda seriously it's only a small cut I can do it myself.”

Wanda watched as you down played the wound. Her eyes followed you as she grabbed the bandage from her, a mix of frustration and concern as you walked past her. Her jaw clenched and her patience wore thin.

“It's not just a small cut. It's a deep cut and that needs to be cleaned and treated properly.”

She walked up behind you standing firmly.

“And I'm going to help you, so stop being stubborn and let me do my thing.”

You felt yourself grow hot at the feeling of Wanda being so close, how it was possible to be hurt this bad, and yet all you could focus on was her breath against the back of your neck.

You turned, stepping out of Wanda's reach keeping your tone stern.

“You're not my Mum, I can do it myself.”

Wanda's eyes flashed with annoyance, her patience practically nonexistent at this point. Being called ‘mum’ stung unexpectedly, causing her expression to harden further.

“Don't you dare pull that card on me. I may not be your mother, but I am more than capable of taking care of you.”

Wanda's voice was firm and authoritative. She walked forward closing the distance between you, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with you,

“Now stop being stubborn and let me help you.”

You walked away again, wrapping the bandage around your hand clumsily, your tone faltered in confidence,

“Can you back off? I'm not a kid, I can do it myself, I'm a medic for Christ sake.”

Wanda's frustration reached its boiling point, her patience completely snapping. She clenched her fists by her sides, her eyes narrowing dangerously at your tone and attitude.

“You may not be a kid, but you're still younger than me. And your brain is clearly not fully developed yet because you're being an immature brat!”

She stepped forward, her expression just as stern and unyielding,

“Now drop the attitude and let me take care of your damn hand before you do something more stupid.”

Your face sunk, being called stupid stung your chest, why couldn't Wanda just let you do it yourself,

“Wanda piss off already!”

Your chest ached as you walked away, fleeing to your bedroom. Wanda's eyes widened in surprise, your anger quickly giving way to a mix of disbelief and irritation. How dare you speak to her like that.

She shouted after you, her voice growing louder. She followed you down the hall towards your bedroom, her footsteps heavy and deliberate.

“No I won't ‘piss off’ until you stop being so damn stubborn. You're acting like a damn child, throwing a tantrum instead of letting me help you. And I won't just stand by and let that happen.”

Your anger was getting the better of you. You slammed the door in Wanda's face. She stood there in front of your door, her heart thudding in her chest, a mix of anger and concern coursing through her veins. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before raising her hand and knocking firmly on the door.

“Open the door.”

She demanded, her voice sharp and steady. You felt your anger waver, the idea of Wanda simply trying to help was difficult to process. You walked back out your room slowly, giving Wanda your left hand the bandage hanging loosely around it.

“My comments were unnecessary, I need to stop apologising and actually work on that.”

You paused slightly, taking a breath,

“I don't like people seeing me vulnerable, that's all.”

Wanda gently took your hand in hers, a small sigh escaping her lips. Her expression softened but there was still hurt and concern in her eyes.

“I understand that you don't like feeling vulnerable darling. But you need to let people… let me.. help you when you need it.”

She said gently, her tone softer and warmer she began unwrapping the loose bandage from your hand, inspecting the cut. Your breathing picked up, panicking over the idea of Wanda seeing you like this. Wanda noticed the change in your breathing, sensing your panic at the thought of being vulnerable in front her. Her eyes met yours, studying your expression carefully, noticing the fear that lay beneath it.

“Hey, hey y/n.”

She spoke softly, her voice low and soothing,

“You're alright darling. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help, not judge”

You nodded, you had a sense of certainty in your eyes despite your rapid breathing. You trusted her.

“There you go. Just breathe.”

Wanda reassured you gently, her focus now on your hand again. With her eyes still on the injury, she spoke in a calm, steady tone.

“This will sting a bit. But I need to clean it.”

You took a breath, walking Wanda into your room, letting her set up and clean it out. Wanda gently dabbed a piece of cotton wool soaked in antiseptic over the wound, her touch delicate and careful. She noticed the way you tensed up slightly, your breathing becoming more laboured as the antiseptic made contact with the open cuts. Her voice was soothing, a calm anchor in the midst of your discomfort.

“I know it hurts darling. Just bear with me. I'm almost done.”

You looked up at the taller woman, melting in the way she was caring for you feeling comfortable in this level of vulnerability. Your eyes closed softly, your heart beating loudly at Wanda's repeated use of the nickname.

A small compassionate smile tugged at the corner of Wanda's lips. She continued to dab at the wound, the antiseptic causing a slight sting. Her eyes were focused on your hand but she could see the vulnerability written all over your face, and it tugged at her heart.

“Just a few more seconds. You're doing so well for me.”

Your body tensed at her words. Your eyes opened as you bit your bottom lip at the stinging sensation. Wanda's eyes flicked up to your face, her face catching the way you bit your lip. She found herself admiring the way your features contorted slightly with the pain. She continued cleaning the injury, her touch becoming even gentler,

“Almost done. Just a little more.”

She repeated, her voice softer, more soothing. You pulled your hand away once Wanda had re-wrapped a new bandage, fully cleaning it.

“Thank you.” you spoke softly, a closed mouth smile spread across your face, you stepped back slightly, embarrassed by how weak you’d been in front of Wanda, causing you to frown.

“I need to get back to the lab so…” your eyes motioned at the door, stepping forward slightly. Wanda nodded understanding, making her way back out of the room.

You watched as Wanda walked back to the kitchen.

Your heart warmed over such an intimate interaction. You skipped back to the lab like a child who'd just gotten an ice-cream.

In the later afternoon, Bucky had made his way downstairs to the lab, finding you working away effortlessly.

His eyes fell to your hand, his eyebrows raising slightly,

“Should I ask?”

His tone was nonchalant but you knew he cared. You waved your hand reassuring Bucky,

“Little accident whilst working on this. No biggy.”

You stood up from your chair, taking the newest extension piece, and handing it to Bucky. Bucky looked at the hunk of metal for a moment, slightly confused on how he was supposed to use it.

You took a few minutes to show him exactly how it worked and how it was compatible with his vibranium arm. You spoke about your day’s whilst you worked away on Bucky's arm.

“How are you doing though y/n/n, seriously.” you remained focused on the task at hand, speaking comfortably with Bucky,

“I've been better. I relapsed, and I keep having nightmares sometimes even just flashbacks of Jenny, they've been worse recently so I guess I've just been focused on work to distract myself.”

Your voice was calm, feeling completely safe when talking to the older man. Bucky nodded watching your face as he spoke,

“Well I'm here, if you want to talk more about the nightmares. And relapsing isn't great, but progress isn't one straight line I understand that.”

You reached over to your speakers, turning the music down slightly, enjoying the conversation.

“It's complicated. There's this girl, and I really like her. I think there's a chance she likes me too but.. I can't help but feel guilty for moving on.”

Bucky face softened, his heart aching at your words, appreciating your vulnerability,

“You're allowed to move on y/n/n. Jenny would have wanted you to. You know how she used to talk. She always told you she wanted you to be happy. If this girl makes you happy, then go for it. And maybe if you're open about the nightmares with her. She might be able to help you.”

You nodded, even though Bucky didn't know who you were talking about. You admitted to yourself, all Wanda ever wanted to do was help. It was one of her most positive qualities.

You also felt a wash of reassurance wash over you at Bucky's words. You did say to yourself Jenny would have wanted the best for you. But actually hearing it from a team member, it made you feel relaxed at the idea. Maybe you could move on. Maybe you could really try and let someone in again.

“I'm just worried she might expect things from me that I can't give her yet. It's not easy and I don't want to burden her with my issues.”

Bucky spoke calmly,

“Kid, if she really likes you. She'll understand, she won't think your issues are a burden, she'll like you with them regardless. I of all people know that our broken pieces and traumas are what make us, us. Steve and the rest of the team adore me. It's difficult to tell myself sometimes but regardless of what happened to me with Hydra. They truly care for me.”

Your composure softened completely, believing Bucky's words with confidence. You pushed yourself back on your chair as you stood, dancing slightly to your music.

“You're all good to go, try it out on some of our old iron suits.”

You programmed one of the suits to stand in front of Bucky allowing him a perfect shot. Bucky raised his arm, flicking it quickly towards the suit. The grapple released piercing the suit of armour. Bucky whipped his hand back, the grapple pulling the iron suits towards him.

Bucky grunted as he moved out of the way quickly, the suit crashing into one of the desks behind the both of you.

“Whoops”

You both chuckled together, going back to your previous discussion slowly. Working through the rest of the evening.

Wanda was laying with Vision, cuddling into his chest as they watched sitcoms. Vision let out a low laughter from time to time, confirming with Wanda that it was funny.

Vision’s humour was not something the team could put up with. Wanda was the only person who found it adorable. The pair laid in comfortable silence until the credits rolled,

“Vision.” Wanda spoke softly. Vision nodded letting Wanda know she had his attention.

“I helped y/n today. We argued a lot, don't get me wrong, but she actually let me help her.”

Her tone was curious, a mix of gratefulness and concern.

“That is progress. Is it not?” Vision spoke his voice monotone,

“It is. It definitely is. But..” she paused for a moment,

“Natasha said y/n wasn't ready to explore, whatever it was we had. Is it selfish to want to ignore her?”

Vision nodded, speaking in an understanding tone,

“It is selfish, yes. But you are human, you have your own desires and needs. If you like what you share with y/n, and feel you want to take things further with her. That is a normal reaction one might have when sharing what you two have.”

He took Wanda's hands gently,

“I believe I disagree with Natasha. The only reason Steve knows what he knows about y/n is because he pushed her. He was direct, and reassured her the whole time.”

Her eyes met Wanda’s curiously,

“I believe y/n needs someone like you, to help overcome her fears and insecurities, to show her she's not alone, and that she can not shut everyone out.”

Wanda nodded appreciating his understanding,

“But what if we argue the same way we do now, that isn't healthy.”

Vision squeezed Wanda's hand gently his tone soft,

“It is not healthy. But you argue with y/m because you care for her. Whereas y/n argues because she doesn't want to be seen as weak. If you show her, it's okay to be weak, and prove to her regardless of her emotional state you're there for her. I doubt you'd have to argue with her to help her.”

He took another breath,

“The bickering you two share however is normal, y/n has behaviours that irritate you, and you are stubborn just as she is, you two are bound to argue. But if you two didn't, it would prove you two didn't care for eachother.”

Wanda hummed, Vision’s advice was always helpful, and she felt safe with him talking about her problems.

She laid her head back down on Vision, her eyes growing weary as the next episode began to play.

Vision felt Wanda's breathing slow into a steady rhythm realising she was asleep. He felt a wash of warmness over himself, happy she was able to find sleep early, it was unlike her to sleep so easily. He spoke softly, his hand running gently through her hair.

“Goodnight Wanda.”

[xdarkrealityx]

Pairing: Dave York/Female OC

Rating: 18+

Warnings: smut, nipple-play, p in v sex, fingering

Summary: Our protagonist attends a gruelling gym session in order to get fit in time for her cousin's wedding, and engages in a steamy private session with personal trainer Dave York.

The energy in the gym was electric as the pounding bass of the latest workout anthem reverberated through the space. Beads of sweat glistened on toned bodies, creating an air of raw, primal sexuality in the air. Among the sea of grunting muscle-bound men and flexible yoga babes, there was a stunning brunette with a mission. She had decided it was time to take control of her fitness and transform her body, especially with her cousin's wedding just a few months away. Determined to look her best in the bridesmaid's dress, she had signed up for an intense training program. It helped that the instructor happened to be a friend of her cousin's fiancé, and had come highly recommended. As she struggled to keep up with the demanding workout routine, her eyes locked onto the man who was well on his way to changing her life.

Dave York was a Roman god in flesh and blood. His chiselled physique made her heart skip a beat and her pussy tingle. He had a face that exuded raw masculinity, his intense gaze adding to his rugged allure. She could feel her heart rate escalating, and it wasn't just from the burpees she had been struggling with. Dave's presence seemed to fill the entire gym, his deep voice slicing through the music as he barked instructions at the class. She watched, captivated, as he moved with an effortless grace that contrasted starkly with the power she knew lay beneath his surface.

"Keep pushing, guys! You signed up for a challenge, and that's exactly what I'm giving you!" Dave's booming voice interrupted her admiration. He strode over to her, his muscular body dripping with sweat, and looked down at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

"You're doing great, but I want more. Dig deep. Show me what you're made of!" he growled, addressing her by name, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. As the class continued, she found herself determined to impress Dave. The more she pushed herself, the more his dark eyes seemed to linger on her, his normally stern face softening slightly. When the class finally ended, the brunette collapsed onto the bench in exhaustion. Dave took a seat beside her, his hands resting on his knees, and flashed a boyish grin that contrasted with his rugged exterior.

"You did great today. I can already see some improvements. Keep this up, and you'll turn heads at the wedding," he said, his gaze locking with hers. There was a moment of charged silence, the only sound being the heavy breathing of the exhausted class.

"I want to turn your head, Dave," she blurted out, surprised by her own boldness. His eyes widened for a moment before he broke into a slow, mischievous smile.

"How about a one-on-one session to celebrate your progress?" Dave suggested, his voice dropping an octave, hinting at the sensual promise beneath his words. Her heart raced as she quickly agreed.

The training room seemed to blur as Dave's powerful arms helped her to her feet, his rough hands lingering on her waist a little longer than necessary. In the privacy of the training room, the atmosphere intensified. Dave closed the door, the loud music and laughing, sweaty bodies of the gym suddenly left behind. They were alone now, and the realization made her skin tingle with anticipation.

"So, tell me, sweetheart, what's your motivation for this transformation? Is it just the wedding, or is there something... else... you want to achieve?" Dave's voice was like molten honey, rich with an underlying sexuality that made her breath catch. She felt a surge of confidence, driven by her desire for this man.

"Let's just say, I want to be the best damn bridesmaid this wedding has ever seen. I have my eye on one particular guest, and I want to make sure he notices me," she replied, holding his gaze with a challenge in her eyes. Dave's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, shefeared she had crossed a line, but then his lips curled into a wolfish grin. He stepped closer, his muscular body crowding her into the mirrored wall.

"I see. Well, in that case, we should make sure you're prepared for whatever adventures that night might bring."

Her breath caught in her throat as Dave's rough hands slid up her sides, his thumbs grazing the undersides of her breasts, causing her nipples to pebble beneath her tank top.

"L-like what kind of... adventures...?" she stammered, her voice hoarse with desire. Without breaking eye contact, Dave's hands moved to the hem of her shirt, lifting it slowly, revealing the lacy black bra that barely contained her full, heaving breasts.

"Oh, I think you know," he whispered, his hot breath ghosting over her lips. As if in a trance, she lifted her arms, letting Dave pull the shirt over her head, baring her creamy skin and swollen nipples. His hungry gaze drank in every inch of her, making her feel exposed and vulnerable in the best possible way.

"You're stunning," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "But we need to work on your endurance. I want to make sure you can keep going all night..."

With that, Dave's lips crashed down on hers, possessing her mouth with a hunger that matched her own. His tongue danced with hers, exploring and demanding, tasting her desire. She moaned into his mouth, her hands tangling in his thick hair, pulling him closer as if to fuse their bodies together. Dave's strong hands travelled down her body, cupping her curvaceous ass, lifting her effortlessly against the hard planes of his chest. She could feel his rock-hard erection straining against his shorts, a clear indication of the effect she had on him. Breaking the kiss, Dave nuzzled her neck, his lips leaving a trail of hot, wet kisses along her sensitive skin.

"I want to taste you. I want to make you come with my mouth," he growled, his hot breath making her shiver. Her head fell back against the mirror as Dave's fingers deftly unhooked her bra, freeing her heavy breasts. He took one swollen nipple into his mouth, sucking and teasing it with his tongue, while his fingers worked their magic on the other, rolling and pinching gently.

"Oh... God... Dave," she panted, her hips thrusting forward, seeking friction as her pussy throbbed and ached. But Dave was in no hurry to give her the release she craved. His mouth left a path of kisses down her trembling body until he reached her soaked panties. He pulled them to the side, revealing her glistening, pink pussy, already swollen with need.

"Fuck, you're gorgeous..." he murmured, his warm breath teasing her sensitive folds. "I can smell how much you want this."

She whimpered, pleading with her eyes for him to finally give her what she craved. Dave chuckled darkly, his hot breath torturing her swollen clit, bringing her to the brink of orgasm, only to pull back and deny her release.

"Not yet, sweetheart. We're working on endurance, remember?" he whispered, his fingers now replacing his mouth, sliding effortlessly into her slick heat. She cried out, her body yearning to be taken, her need building with every slow, torturous stroke of Dave's skilled fingers. He knew exactly how to touch her, how to bring her to the edge without pushing her over, his years of experience as a trainer translating perfectly to this erotic encounter. As he worked his magic, her body moved against his, each thrust of his fingers into her tight pussy bringing her closer to the edge of oblivion. She could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter within her, every nerve ending screaming for release.

"Please, Dave... let me cum," she begged, her words punctuated by ragged breaths.

"Not yet," he growled, his fingers quickening in her wet heat, his other hand reaching up to twist and pinch her taut nipple. "I want you to beg for it."

Her hands fisted in his hair, her body writhing against his, her hips moving with his fingers as she rode the wave of pleasure he was building within her.

"Please... I need to cum... Dave... please..."

Dave's growl of satisfaction vibrated against her clit as he finally gave her what she desperately craved.

His mouth descended, his tongue flicking and teasing her swollen bud, sending her over the edge. A cry ripped from her throat as her orgasm exploded through her, wave after wave of pleasure crashing over her as Dave's mouth and fingers worked in perfect harmony, drawing out every last drop of ecstasy. As her tremors subsided, Dave stood, his lips curving into a satisfied smile.

"That's it, baby. You're doing great. Now, let's see if we can make you last even longer next time."

She could only stare up at him, her body still quivering, her mind already envisioning the next time they would be together. She knew that under Dave's expert guidance, she was in for the workout of a lifetime—and she couldn't wait.

[dragonmama76]

Where We Fell In Love Matters

Written for @thefreakandthehair 's Summer Spicy Six Fanworks Challenge, my prompt was "rocking chair." Length: 3.5k, Rating: T

Also Posted on A03

Now 2023

“Ooof” Eddie puffed out as he lowered himself to the porch rocker.  Glancing over at the other chair he stretched out his legs and started rocking.  “Sorry, I’m late, Stevie.  Your grandchildren are running me ragged.  But I’ve got them set up with a movie and popcorn and I think they’ll stay put for now.  I remember the kids used to be a handful, no rose colored glasses here, but this generation is something else entirely.”  Feeling familiar eyes on him he continues smirking, “They are a bunch of nosy, mischievous brats who never do what they are told….”

“Grandpa Eddie!!” a small voice cries out, “Thas not true!  I’m notta cheevius brat!  I’m your little man!  You SAID!”  

“So I did, little man.  And seeing that I just set you up with a very cool movie, what may I ask what you are doing out here?”

“Auntie Robbie said not to come out ‘cause this was your special time with Grandpa Steve, but I wanted to come out to have special time with Grandpa Steve too! So I sneaked”

“Oh you did, did you?”  Eddie sighed and rolled his eyes in the direction of Steve’s rocking chair, but gathered the curly haired monster up into his lap and started them rocking.  “Well, I suppose I could share just this once.  I was just telling Grandpa Steve how much fun we had today.”

The little body settled into the warm lap and snuggled his head to Eddie’s chest.  “Mmmmm…we went mini golping!  And you won and you didn’t let ME win.”

“Golfing, yes.  And I don’t let anyone win.  I’m the best at mini golf and no one can beat me.”  Eddie grinned into his curls.

“Daddy says you never let him win either when he was little like me, but he says now if he wanted to he could beat you good.”  Eddie laughed out loud.  “Maybe he could and maybe he couldn’t, but I didn’t see him out there trying.”

“How come you and Grandpa Steve have special time every night?”

Eddie paused and looked at the boy.  It seemed like he was here to stay, so he began, “Have you ever heard the story of how your grandpa and I fell in love?  It started with a couple of rocking chairs….”

Then 1986

Steve was bound and determined to get Eddie up and outside.  The man had been staying with him for a few days after the hospital fast tracked his discharge.  The professionals reasoned he was awake, eating and drinking normally, could walk at least a few steps on his own, and (the real reason, Steve supposed) Eddie made the staff uncomfortable being a murder suspect and all.  The sooner he was out, the happier they would be.  That was all well and good, but the apartment Wayne had found for them was up on the second floor and there was no way Eddie could navigate the stairs yet.  Steve was in Eddie’s hospital room visiting when all this went down and shocked even himself when he insisted Eddie come home with him.  He was still waiting on Family Video to reopen so he had the time, his government payout had just come through, so money wasn’t an issue, and his parents were out of town indefinitely so he had the space.  Plus, his house had more than one guest bedroom including one on the first floor.  Steve made his case and all parties readily agreed to his idea.  

It wasn’t exactly what he expected.  Eddie was not a great patient.  When his pain levels were low he was great company and Steve was enjoying getting to know him without the oppressive weight of the upside down hanging over them.  They talked about music and movies and the kids and while their opinions didn’t always line up, they both enjoyed bickering like two little old ladies.  But Steve could always tell when the pain was bad because Eddie would shut down and refuse to leave his bed.  He wanted to respect Eddie’s boundaries as a guest in his home, but he also felt a keen responsibility for his well being.  Fresh air was what Eddie needed, so fresh air would be what Steve would provide.   

“C’mon Eddie!”  Steve was using his most persuasive tone in order to cajole the man into taking a few steps out onto the front porch where a double rocker packed with pillows and blankets waited for them.  It was just past sunset and the sky was still pink and creamy.  The street was quiet and the air was starting to cool down from the thick heat of the day.  

“Now listen, Eds, we’re going to sit out here for one hour every day and relax and get some fresh air.  If you want I can read to you while we’re out here or we can just talk or whatever, but you’ve got to get some exposure to the outside.  Hardly anyone ever drives by so you don’t need to worry about being seen and even in the unlikely event someone does see you and says something, I’ll be right here to protect you.”

“Fine,” Eddie groaned and then brightened, “And I can smoke?”

“Not a chance, man.  You quit in the hospital so no reason to start back up now.  If you’re good when we go back in I’ll make your favorite dinner.”  

“Mac and Cheese and hotdogs?”  Steve knew Eddie needed more fruits and vegetables in his diet, but he was dealing with a man who had the palate of a stubborn six year old so they were working up to more healthy stuff.  It wouldn’t hurt to skip the veggies this once.  

“Yup.  Now you get settled in all comfortable so we can enjoy our hour.  Do you want me to grab your book?”

Resigned to his fate, Eddie arranged the pillows so they would support his back and sides and tentatively leaned back.  “Yeah, okay, this is okay I guess. No book, we can just rock and talk.” 

Smirking, Steve carefully dropped down next to him so as not to jostle the pillows and gently set them on a back and forth motion.  Eddie closed his eyes and sighed with pleasure and Steve couldn’t resist  glancing over to appreciate just how pretty he was when he was relaxed like this.  It wasn’t particularly concerning to him that he thought of Eddie that way.  Steve had known for years that he found both men and women attractive, but growing up in Hawkins he had learned early on to keep those kinds of feelings to himself.  Even when his platonic soulmate, Robin, had confessed her affinity for the fairer sex, Steve had kept his secrets.  He knew she would encourage him, but he wasn’t ready for that kind of push.  Although, the more time he spent with Eddie the more he wondered if a push wasn’t exactly what he needed.

Steve relaxed back into his place next to Eddie and couldn’t help letting loose a small sigh of pleasure when Eddie leaned into him.  His heart felt like it might beat out of his chest, but he willed his breath to slow so as not to startle the injured man.  They rocked together slowly and allowed the fresh air to wash over them like a gentle calming wave soothing their hurts and calming their souls.  

It worked so well that Eddie allowed Steve to bully him out to the rocking chair every evening to watch the sun set.  His healing wasn’t linear, sometimes he walked and sometimes Steve had to pick him up and carry him out.  But without fail their bodies fell together in comfort and somewhere along the way, hands reached out to clasp and there were soft hesitant touches.  They never spoke of it inside the house.  Each night they came in feeling shy and a bit wary of the other as they fled to separate rooms until it felt normal to be together again, laughing and teasing and bickering.  

Eventually Eddie recovered enough to move back home with Uncle Wayne.  Steve was happy he was doing so well, but if he was being honest with himself, he was sorry to see him go.  It was selfish, but his feelings for Eddie had only grown and having him around made Steve feel like maybe he could keep him all to himself forever.  Not that he had confessed any of that to Eddie.  Especially when he didn’t know if his feelings would be returned.  So instead he helped pack Eddie’s things in the morning and drove him to the apartment Wayne had set up for them.  They lingered at the door neither wanting to be the one to say goodbye until Wayne yelled at them for letting the bugs in.  Steve managed to croak out, “Well, don’t be a stranger.”  And Eddie looked at his feet and managed a, “Yeah, you too,” and shut the door.  

That first afternoon without Eddie around felt so heavy.  Steve felt inexplicably restless and spent the day washing the guest room sheets and cleaning the bathrooms trying to keep busy.  It still wasn’t enough to fill the emptiness inside and out but he pressed on.  When the sun began to set, Steve found himself almost unconsciously grabbing a pillow and throw blanket.  When he opened the door, to his surprise Eddie was headed up the porch stairs and as Steve’s heart fluttered, Eddie settled himself in the rocking chair with a shy smile.  “I’m not late, am I?  I didn’t want to miss our rocker time.”

“Is that what we’re calling it now?”  Steve grinned as he slid into the chair next to Eddie.  They rocked in unison in the quiet afternoon, hearts lighter as they leaned towards each other exchanging stories of how they had spent their first day apart.

When the hour was up, Eddie reluctantly stood and stretched.  “I’ll head out, I guess.”  

Steve found himself trying to stall, “I’m making dinner, did you want to come in -”

“I promised Uncle Wayne I’d be back for our first dinner in the new place.”

“Of course, sorry.  Tell him I said hi.  I’m so glad you both have your own space back and everything,” Steve mumbled looking everywhere but at Eddie.

“Hey, sweetheart,”  Eddie reached out and gently cradled the side of Steve’s face, “It’s okay.  I’ll - I mean if it’s okay…I’ll be back tomorrow?  For rocker time?”

“Yeah?” Steve breathed out.  “I mean, if you want.  I’ll be here.”

“Me too, baby.  It’s the best part of my day.”  and with that Eddie gave Steve’s shoulder a quick squeeze and bounded down the stairs to his van.

Steve watched him go and when he turned the corner he bolted back in the house and dialed Robin.  When she picked up the phone with a quick, “Hello?” Steve took a breath and confessed, “I’m having a bathroom emergency.”  Robin snorted and snarked, “I’m not really up to hearing about your digestive issues.”  Steve felt like screaming, “Not that kind of bathroom emergency, I mean OUR kind of bathroom emergency.”  Ever since they had been brought together by Russians and truth serum, their deepest confessions had been whispered or sometimes shouted in the comforting privacy of a bathroom, whether in one of their houses or the employee bathroom at Family Video.  “Oh, shit!”  Robin stammered, “Okay, your place or mine?”  “Mine if you can get a ride, yours if you can’t.”  “Uh…I can get a ride.”  Robin replied in a strangely vague way, but Steve couldn’t be bothered to work out her deal as he was too far gone in his own.  They hung up and Steve sunk to the floor. 

When Robin knocked and Steve opened the door he glanced out to see Nancy, Steve filed that info away for later, pulling out of the driveway.  He wasn’t sure what that was about, but today was about him.  Without speaking he pulled Robin into the downstairs bathroom and fully sat in the tub.  Robin perched on the side and waited calmly for Steve to speak.  If it was a red alert kind of emergency, she knew he would have just said so, so she could afford to be patient.  They were safe in the bathroom now and it would come out eventually.  

“Uhhhh….” Steve began.  “Ever since we came out of the Upside Down I’ve sort of been dealing with developing feelings for someone.”  

“I know.” said Robin and to Steve she sounded…sad? 

 “You do?”  he looked up, a little alarmed at being so obvious and so oblivious at the same time.   “I mean I barely knew it myself until today.”  

“Really?”  Robin asked incredulously, “It’s only natural that fighting Vecna together would bring it all back…”  

“Back?” Steve wasn’t sure what was happening, “I barely knew Eddie before everything happened.” 

“Eddie??” Robin shrieked.  

“Who did you think I was talking about?  He’s been living in my house!  I haven’t even really seen anyone else for weeks.”  

“Nancy!  Obviously!”  Robin shouted. 

 “How is that obvious?  Nancy is old news.  I mean, I’ll always love her but not like love her, love her.  That’s over and done.”  Steve shook his head.  “You know what she did to me.  I forgave her but I would never set myself up like that again.”

“Okay….okay.  I just need to reorient myself.  I thought we were going to have a very different bathroom conversation.  Eddie?  EDDIE?  I thought you liked boobies.”

“I do.  But I also like not boobies. Bisexuality is a real thing you know.”

“Is it?”  Robin asked hopefully.

“Of course it is.  Look at Bowie.  It’s why I keep saying you have a chance with Vickie.”  Steve felt like Robin’s reaction to his coming out was not exactly what he had been hoping for, but he also didn’t know what he wanted from her.  Recognition?  Excitement?  A medal?  He saw a flicker of something across her face and then it was gone.  

“So you’re definitely not still pining for Nancy?”

“No!  Why are we still talking about Nancy?  This is my big bathroom confession and I feel like maybe you are focussing on the wrong things?” 

 Robin schooled her face and got with the program. Placing her hands on Steve’s cheeks she smooshed them together.  “Look at you!  My sweet bisexual baby is having a crush.”

This was more of what Steve had expected and he huffed out a laugh.  “Might be more than a crush, Robs.”  Steve blushed and Robin gaped at him.

“Okay, then.  Well.  You’ve got to go for it.  Turn up the Harrington Charm and don’t suck this time.”

Steve ran his hands through his hair. He could do this.  He was Steve fucking Harrington and he could do this.

The following afternoon Steve spent making sure his hair was perfect, but not too perfect.  He threw on what Robin had called his slutty polo - just a touch too small so it hugged his chest and his arms, and the jeans that cradled his ass just right.  He gave himself several pep talks and was waiting on the porch when Eddie pulled up.  Steve didn’t have to overthink the wide grin that spread across his face when Eddie got out of the van.  That man was so pretty it should be illegal.  Ripped jeans and a band tee were his standard uniform, but in Steve’s mind, no one wore it better.  

Eddie seemed to sense the subtle change in the air and when he got to the rocker his gaze flicked up and down and he let out a breathless, “Hi.”

Steve’s grin widened and he shifted a little to let Eddie flop down next to him.  The rocker started it’s slow movement and Steve bravely reached over and grabbed Eddie’s hand.  He began toying with his rings and making small circles on Eddie’s palm with his thumb.  Now that he was here, some of Steve’s resolve began to crumble and he felt shy and unsure.  What if he was reading this wrong?  What if this was an insane error in judgment and he was about to ruin everything he and Eddie had built up between them?  He couldn’t look at him.  Couldn’t stand to see rejection, or worse revulsion on Eddie’s face.  

A finger under his chin lifted his face up to where Eddie was waiting, mouth a little open in surprise.  “Stevie, sweetheart, what’s going on in there?  I can hear you thinking from here.”

“I, um, I’m just glad you’re here, Eds.  I miss having you around and I’m so happy you still wanna come back here and spend time with me.”  Steve’s voice caught a little.  Damn it.  He was doing this wrong.  He had meant to be bold and brave and he was too in his head.  

“Hey, hey, hey I’m not going anywhere baby.  I always want to spend time with you, that’s why I’m here.”  Eddie’s voice was low and reassuring and Steve was grateful for the opportunity to collect himself and start again.

He inched himself closer to Eddie and slowly raised his free hand to tuck one of Eddie’s curls behind his ear.  His thumb drew a gentle line down Eddie’s jawline and he heard a sharp intake of breath.  “Eds, tell me if I’m reading this wrong and it’s totally fine.  Nothing has to change.  But - I really want to kiss you right now.  Is that okay?”

Eddie placed a firm hand on Steve’s chest and he felt his heart drop and his vision blur.  Stupid.  He was so stupid.  “Wait,” Eddie managed.  “Just, can we back up just a little?  Because my straight best friend wants to kiss me and I’m not totally sure what to do with that.”

“Uh,” Steve stammered, “Not straight?  Um, bisexual actually.  It’s okay if it’s a no though, just I know I’m not cool and I used to be a huge asshole back in high school so -” 

Steve was forced to stop as the hand on his chest fisted his shirt and pulled him so close that he and Eddie were breathing the same air.  “Yes.”  Eddie said.  “Yes I was an asshole?” Steve was having a hard time following what was happening.  “Yes, kiss me.”  And then it was happening.  

As first kisses go, this should have been unremarkable.  A gentle meeting of lips, Steve’s hands coming up to cradle Eddie’s face, tilting his head so they slotted together seamlessly.  Instead it was extraordinary.  It was brief, but charged with so much emotion it left Steve gasping for air, a whimper in the back of his throat.  “Okay?” Eddie whispered.  “More than okay,” Steve managed to say, bringing him back a second time firmer and more sure of himself.  

Now 2023

“Is this a kissing story?”  interrupted a suspicious little voice, “Mama says kissing stories aren’t propriate for me.”

Eddie jumped, having gotten lost in the swirling memories, he had forgotten about his little captive audience.  He grinned.  “Your beautiful Mama is always right and we can absolutely skip to the end past the kissing parts.  Okay?”

“M’kay!” agreed curly locks.  “Was that the falling in love part?  Did you have a true love's kiss and live happily ever after?”

“Sort of,” laughed the old man, “Never let it be said that even true love is an easy path to happiness.  There were plenty of times we argued or hurt each other's feelings.  Sometimes we didn’t even like each other very much.  But we made a promise.  You know what that promise was?”

“Was it sittin’ in the rocking chairs?”  Eddie bounced the boy up and down on his lap and smothered him with kisses, “You are my most brilliant grandchild, you know that?  Yes!  No matter what was happening with us, as long as we were both home, we sat in those damn rocking chairs and talked about our day and our family and everything we loved.  And you want to know a secret?”

The child rose to his knees in Eddie’s lap and put his ear right to Eddie’s mouth.  “Yes!”

“Even if one of us wasn’t home, the other went and sat in their own rocker and shared all about their day.  Do you know why?”

“Why?” the child’s eyes were open wide.

“Because rocker time is magic.  No matter where we are or what is happening, we can talk to each other here in these rockers when the sun is going down and the air is sweet and we always hear each other.”  Eddie’s eyes were shining now with memories and longing.

“So even though Grandpa Steve isn’t here you can still talk to him and he hears you?  And that’s why you come out every night to have special time with Grandpa Steve?”

“That’s right, little man.  And sometimes when it’s quiet and still I can hear him talk back.  Want to try?”  Eddie looked down at the child with a gleam in his eye as his youngest grandson struggled to stay still.  “Can you hear him?”

“What is he saying?”  the little boy whispered, eyes wide, mouth open.

“He says………TOSS MY GRANDCHILD IN THE POOL!”  Eddie shrieked and raised his hands as his little man screamed with joy and took off across the lawn.  Hell, his Son and Daughter in law were going to scold him again, but it had been worth it.

Before leaving to chase after the boy, Eddie turned to the empty rocking chair, “Sorry to abandon you early tonight, my love.  But I told you your grandchildren were a menace.  I don’t know who they get it from.”  As he stood to leave he felt a breeze like the whisper of a caress against his cheek.  “Love you too, Stevie. See you tomorrow.”

[1lostsoul0fishbowl]

stepping stones: a deleted scene from next time i fall (895 wc)

for @strngerpairs valentines event: greatmage (gareth x eleven)

“Look, Bear.” El handed Gareth a smooth stone she’d just picked up by the edge of the lake. “This one is so pretty.”

“Yeah, it is.” He traced one finger along the small vein of purple threaded through the gray rock, then hefted it experimentally to feel its weight. “Would make a perfect skipping stone.”

She immediately caught his hand in hers. “No, please do not throw it! I want to keep it for my collection.” The moment the words were out, though, she regretted them. Was it weird to collect pretty rocks? Would he laugh? Their relationship was still fairly new, and Gareth seemed to adore every new facet of her personality he discovered, but that couldn’t possibly last, could it?

El was still trying to determine where his line was. The irrevocable line everyone drew between cute and weirdo. The line she was bound to stumble over one day soon, completely by accident; never sure just what it was she’d said or done to cross it, only knowing with a terrible certainty, as others’ smiles went from friendly to pitying or patronizing, that she had.

But Gareth didn’t laugh. “You have a rock collection?” he asked, handing back the stone. “That’s so cool. What are your favorite types?”

She shrugged, not meeting his eyes. “I do not know what they are. I just keep the ones I think are pretty.” Stuffing the stone into her pocket, she braced herself for whatever comments might be coming her way.

When he didn’t say anything, though, she finally dared to glance up. He wasn’t giving her the look she’d been dreading— wasn’t even looking at her at all. He’d crouched down at the water’s edge and was closely examining the rocks there. Plucking one from the water, he rubbed it dry on his jeans and held it out to her with a grin.

“Look at that one. It’s kinda sparkly.” His eyes were sparkly, too, shining up at her, and El’s heart did a funny little flip in her chest. “You want it?”

“Yes, please.” She returned his grin with a beaming smile of her own. “It is very pretty. You do not think it is weird, to keep pretty rocks?”

He shrugged. “Nope. Lots of people collect stuff they think is cool.” He picked up another rock, inspected it, then made a face and dropped it back where it had been. “I love that little things like pretty rocks make you happy.”

“You— you do?” El felt her eyes filling with tears. He did that all the time now, just casually mentioned something he loved about her, and it thrilled her every time. He was so generous, so free with his affection; not at all like Mike, who could barely bring himself to utter the word ‘love’ to her. Gareth not only said I love you easily, but he could make her feel it too, with nothing more than a smile or a touch of his hand. She doubted herself often, but he left no room for second-guessing the way he felt about her.

His cheeks flushed pink. “I thought it was obvious that I love pretty much everything about you. Even the stuff you think is weird.” He got to his feet and took both her hands in his, sparkly rock and all. “If you’re waiting for me to change my mind about you,” he added softly, “it’s not gonna happen, Janie.”

She gave him what, to herself, she called an Eddie-look; head tilted down, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “‘Pretty much’ everything?” she echoed, and he burst out in a loud delightful laugh, just exactly as she’d hoped he would. She loved to make him laugh, loved knowing he wanted to laugh with her and not at her. “What do you not love?”

He grinned mischievously. “I don’t love how you always steal all the purple Skittles.”

Now it was her turn to crack up laughing. “But they are the best ones!”

“I know! And you never leave me any!” He swept her up in his arms, lifting her feet completely off the ground as he spun her in circles, both of them giggling like crazy. “Just once, you could eat all the green ones—”

“I do not like the green ones.”

“What about orange, then? Hmm? Nooo, you’re single-minded in your grape thievery.” It was such a silly conversation— Max would’ve called them ‘dorks’ for sure if she’d heard it— but they were laughing so hard they could barely breathe, and El could literally feel his happiness, bright and unequivocal. Just like her own. She let her forehead drop to his shoulder as she came down, breathing him in, vital as the sunshine.

He touched her chin, gently lifting her face to his. “But, other than your complete disregard for candy sharing etiquette”— she couldn’t help it, another little giggle escaped her— “other than that, baby, I really do love everything about you.” His knuckles softly brushed her cheek. “You know that, don’t you?”

“Even the weird stuff?” She leaned into his hand, savored the comforting touch. “I know I am a weirdo.”

“You’re my weirdo. Yes, even the weird stuff. Everything, Janie.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

A promise like that ought to be sealed with a kiss, she thought, tilting her face up to his; he was only too happy to oblige.

[sentientgolfball]

Dew’s Turn

Part two

Tags: Era 3 ghouls, water ghoul Dew, elemental transition, descriptions of burning, brief suicidal thoughts, hurt/minimal comfort if you squint, polyghouls my beloved

Word count: 4459

Summary: It was time to start fresh with the Ghost Project and Ifrit was bound and determined to keep what remained of his pack safe, but we can’t always get what we want.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I wouldn’t pick anyone except for you.”

Dewdrop looked at the massive fire ghoul standing before him with a dumbfounded expression as the words started to sink in. He couldn’t be serious. There’s no way. Just moments before, Dew had been lounging in his bathtub enjoying the day off. He longed to go back and sink under the water and never come back up so he wouldn’t have to face whatever this was.

Ifrit had come to his room quietly, the first sign something was wrong. The fire ghoul was usually so loud and energetic, but when he came to Dew’s room, he seemed smaller, like someone had blown out his flame. When he knocked the water ghoul almost thought he imagined it before he heard it again.

At first he assumed Ifrit had come to blow off some steam by pounding his favorite little water ghoul into the bed. Dew was secretly hoping that was the case when he saw who was at his door. Ifrit has rarely been that close with any of the ghouls since Zephyr disappeared, and he missed the warmth that came with him. However, the moment he entered Dew’s room he could tell something serious happened. He could smell it on him, anxiety and grief rolled off of him leaving a sour taste in Dew’s mouth. That immediately made his heart spike and his chest tighten.

He’d only been on earth for a year or so, but so much has happened in that time. He still wasn’t fully adjusted to life topside and he had been quickly forced to learn an instrument he’s never seen before. He missed his pack back in the Pits. He became protective of his new one on earth as ghouls started to disappear. He was terrified of what Ifrit was going to say if he was shaken to silence. Did something happen to Mist? Is Mountain okay? Did Omega disappear too? What if it’s about Aether? The last thought made him feel lightheaded. He had been joined at the hip with the quintessence ghoul ever since their summoning day. He doesn't know what he’d do if Ifrit came to tell him another member of the pack went missing.

Almost as if Ifrit could sense the little ghoul’s anxieties he shook his head

“Everybody is fine, droplet, it’s okay.”

Dew was rigid. The pet name, coupled with the soft tone of his voice, told him all he needed to know.

“What’s going on Ifrit?” He held his breath waiting for the bigger ghoul to respond. He just looked at Dew for a long moment, admiring his features before he spoke.

“I’m getting replaced,” He said quietly, as if that would somehow lessen the impact of the words. Dew felt like a hole had opened under him and swallowed him. His stomach dropped as the words hung in the air.

“What.”

“I’m getting replaced,” He said again, this time a bit louder, “They want to start fresh. They asked me to pick a new lead or they’d do it themselves.”

Dew felt his mouth go dry. He wasn’t fucking with him. How could they replace him! Start fresh? What does that even mean? Suddenly a realization crept into his mind. His eyes snapped up to meet Ifrit’s. He looked terribly nervous.

“What about…?”

“The others? No. No Mountain and Aether are staying.”

He felt relief wash over him at that before it hit him. Ifrit didn’t say his name. Slowly the pieces started to fall into place.

“Frit… Who did you pick?” When the fire ghoul didn’t respond Dew asked the question again with a bit of force behind it. There was a moment of silence before Dew laughed dryly.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I wouldn’t pick anyone except for you.”

He stared at Ifrit in disbelief. He couldn’t be serious. It’s impossible; He wasn’t a leader, he couldn't be in charge of a whole pack. He couldn’t replace Ifrit. He was struck into silence until he realized something that could stop all of this.

“You can’t pick me. I’m a water ghoul and you need a fire ghoul to replace you.” He started to smile as if this was the most brilliant thing he’s ever thought of. That was quickly snuffed out when Ifrit started to speak again.

“You think they haven’t thought of that,” His voice cracked on the last word. Every ghoul knew the stories. The legends that it was possible to become a different element if you could adapt to it. But that’s all they were. Legends. No ghoul had ever tried it before, out of fear of what might happen if they couldn’t adapt.

Dew felt his blood run cold. All he could do was stare at Ifrit silently, begging that this was some sick prank on him.

“No,” Was all he could manage. He shook his head and started to back away from Ifrit in a panic. “No, you’re lying to me. It’s impossible. They’ll… It’ll kill me!” He tripped on the corner of the desk in his room and fell backwards hard onto the floor. He stared up at Ifrit in fear.

The scene broke the fire ghoul’s heart. The past few months had been too much for him. The disappearance of Zephyr hit him harder than anyone. Mist did her best to comfort him, but nothing seemed to work. When he found out about the plans to “start fresh” with the Ghost Project he knew he had to protect what remained of his pack.

So he made a deal with Sister Imperator. He would step down as the lead willingly so long as he got to pick the replacement. When he picked Dew he thought they’d put Mist back on bass. He could live with himself being gone, as long as the rest were okay. What he didn’t expect was for Omega to shove him against a wall days later threatening to rip his throat out.

Turns out, the quintessence ghoul had been tasked with gathering the necessary things to perform an elemental change ritual. Specifically, water to fire. Omega only put him down when he realized Ifrit had no idea that’s what the Clergy intended to do when Dew was picked as the replacement. Something about keeping tradition was all Sister had to offer when Ifrit stormed into her office with smoke rolling off of him. That was two weeks ago. He hadn’t had the strength to give the little ghoul his death sentence any sooner.

“Droplet, listen,” He took a cautious step towards Dew, causing him to crawl backwards away from him with a hiss. Ifrit stopped in his tracks and moved away so he wouldn’t scare the little water ghoul.

“Dew, please listen to me. I picked you for this because I knew if any ghoul could handle it, it’s you.”

He began to slowly crouch down, sitting himself across from the terrified water ghoul.

“I was there when you were summoned. I saw the way you clawed yourself out of the pits. I know you can be their leader.”

I know you can survive the transition. He couldn’t say the last part out loud. He didn’t want to think about what had to be done to make Dew a fire ghoul. Dewdrop slowly propped himself up so he was sitting with his knees to his chest, tail curled tightly around himself.

“When?” He whispered, still looking at Ifrit. His gills were fluttering nervously as he waited for his response.

Ifrit winced, “Tomorrow.”

He dropped his gaze, unable to look Dew in the eyes. He didn’t want to see the fear, or the betrayal.

Before he knew what was happening, he saw a flurry of white out of the corner of his eye, before he felt Dew’s entire weight crash into him. He tensed, expecting to feel the sting of his claws and fangs. He wouldn’t fight back; he knew he deserved it. But the assault never came. He slowly cracked his eyes open and looked down to see Dew shaking as he clung to him. His breath hitched when he heard him sniff. He buried his face into his white hair, pressing kisses and apologies to the top of his head. He had to blink away the tears that started to form in his eyes. He didn’t deserve to cry. This was his fault, after all.

A few moments passed before Dew mumbled something into Ifrit’s chest.

“What was that, droplet?” He forced himself to keep his voice even.

“Stay with me… Please. If this is my last night, I-“ Ifrit stopped him from finishing his thought by quickly scooping him up and setting both of them onto the bed.

“It’s not going to be your last night. You’re going to make it through that ritual and after you’ve recovered I’m going to show you all the abilities of fire and I’ll teach you how to play any song you want on guitar.” Ifrit squeezed Dew tighter as he spoke, trying to will his words into existence.

Dew looked up at him with wet eyes, “You promise?”

“Yeah. Yeah, Dewy, I promise. Anything you want and I’ll make it happen.”

“That… Sounds nice.”

“It does, doesn’t it?”

Ifrit curled himself around Dew’s tiny body, keeping him close to his chest. He would give Dew all of his warmth just to help him settle.

Eventually, the sounds of Dew’s soft sobs came to a stop as his breathing became even, and he fell asleep buried in the massive fire ghoul.

It was only then that Ifirt let himself cry.

I fucked up Zeph. I fucked up, and Dew is gonna be the one to pay for it.

He tried to be as quiet as he could so as to not disturb his sleep. He’d need his energy for tomorrow. There were a few times Ifrit had to turn his head and bury it into the pillows to stop a sob from breaking the silence of the evening.

~~~

Dew began to stir as the soft knocking turned into a pound. He cracked open his eyes. It was still dark out. He groaned and moved to get out of bed when he felt himself being squeezed. That’s when he remembered; Today was the day he would die. The pounding at the door was only getting louder. Ifrit was staring at the door with a growl deep in his chest.

“Frit, please.”

He knew he wasn’t going to let go of him unless he practically begged. Hearing Dew’s voice broke him out of the spell. He looked down at him with soft eyes and a flicker of hesitation before he slowly let him go and got up to open the door.

There stood Mountain, looking like someone had punched him in the gut.

“Omega… Sent me to come get you both. Said something about needing to start it before the sun started to rise.”

Mountain was usually pretty calm, but when he spoke, there was nothing but venom in his words. The scent of fear and hatred made Ifrit want to puke.

“Thanks Mountain, just give us a moment.”

The earth ghoul nodded and Ifrit shut the door. He turned back to Dew who was sitting on the side of the bed, back towards the door. Before Ifrit could say anything he slowly got up and walked to his dresser. He dug around before pulling something out. He held it to his chest for a moment before walking over to Ifrit.

“Hold out your hand,” He whispered. Ifrit did so without hesitation. Dew shakily placed the object into his hands. When Ifrit saw what it was he gasped. It was a silver grucifix necklace.

“Dew… This is what I gave you when you were first summoned. I didn’t know you kept it, I never saw you wear it.”

“Take it back.”

He blinked slowly, “What?”

“Take it so you have something to remember me by.”

Ifrit just stared at the necklace for a moment before closing his hand and clutching it to his chest, “I’m not keeping it.”

Dew looked like he was going to protest before Ifrit continued, “But I’ll hold onto it for you. I’ll give it right back when I see you after the ritual.”

He gave Dew the best smile he could manage. He had to believe he’d make it, that there was an ounce of truth to the legends.

Dew took a deep breath and pounced on Ifrit, wrapping his arms around him. Ifrit immediately returned the hug.

“I’m scared.”

“I know.”

“Will you be there?”

“I won’t leave. No matter what.”

Ifrit pulled back from the embrace to gaze at him. He took time to memorize Dew’s features. His piercing blue eyes, his pure white hair, the fins on his arms and tail, the way his gills fluttered. He squeezed Dew’s shoulders affectionately before pressing his forehead against the water ghouls. He was about to say something when Mountain knocked on the door again. He sighed and whispered something to him that made Dew rigid.

The two then pulled away from each other and left the room, following Mountain to wherever Omega was waiting for them.

Mountain led them outside to the very edge of the tree line. It was still dark outside, but the first rays of the day were starting to peek through the horizon. The Ministry was still visible from where the ghouls stood. The building was still dark, not a single soul had risen yet. As Dew walked he looked up at the sky, focusing on the few stars that still hung in the fading night. When his eyes caught on Venus, he muttered a quick prayer that he would be strong enough to live, and if not, that the rest of the pack would be okay without him. When the three ghouls were only a few feet away from the scene, Dew stopped. He couldn’t go any farther. His legs wouldn’t work. He stared at the piles of wood, at Omega muttering to himself as he read the ancient manuscript in his hands, at the knife Mist was holding.

He couldn’t do this. He didn’t want to die. He couldn’t care less about what element he possessed, but the thought of dying, the thought of just burning to nothing but ash, made him lightheaded.

His ears started to ring as his chest tightened. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t think. The only thought that went through his mind was I’m going to die as he felt his knees give out from under him. He barely registered that Mountain and Ifrit were crouched next to him trying to get his attention. All he could do was stare into nothing as he tried and failed to get his breathing under control. He hadn't realized he had curled in on himself until he felt his claws digging into his scalp. In that moment he wondered what would happen if he just dug his claws into his gills and pulled until his hands met in the middle. It would be quick. It would hurt a lot less than whatever was about to happen. It would be the same result, and at least there would be something left of him.

He only realized he had started to actually squeeze his gills when he felt hands on top of his. He looked up and was met with a pair of purple eyes looking at him with fear. Dew wanted to cry but he couldn’t. He was still shaking. He still wasn’t grounded enough to understand what was happening.

“Aether?” Was all he could manage to squeak out. If the quintessence ghoul spoke he didn’t hear it, all he felt was his arms wrapping him tight against his body, practically crushing him. With the weight around him, Dew finally started to feel like he was back in his body. He took a moment to breathe in Aether’s scent. The last time he’d ever do so.

“Aether, it’s going to hurt. I don’t want it to hurt.” He whined against his neck.

Aether took a breath before speaking, “I’ll do what I can to make it not hurt. The moment it’s done I won’t leave your side. You won’t have to feel a thing.”

As if to emphasize his point, he let a small amount of quintessence magic spark to life on his fingertips and through Dew’s body. He felt his whole body relax as the magic made his muscles loosen. He wanted to stay like this forever, curled up in Aether’s arms where he knew he’d be safe. The thought that this could be the last time he feels Aether’s touch made his stomach drop. He had only just gotten used to the constant closeness of him, and now it was about to be ripped away.

He had been so absorbed in his thoughts he hadn’t realized Aether had kept talking.

“I’ll be right there when you come back to us… Please just come back to us. Please just stay.”

Dew honestly couldn’t tell if he was talking to him or if he was talking to himself. He didn’t care either way, as long as Aether kept talking.

“Dewdrop.”

The scene was broken by the sound of Omega’s voice cutting in. There was no malice in it, it was actually the softest Dew had ever heard Omega speak his name. He cautiously lifted his head from where it was buried in Aether’s neck. He let out a gasp when he saw Omega’s face. His expression was pained, but that wasn’t what had caught Dew by surprise. It was the fact that he could actually see his face. Unlike the rest of the ghouls, Omega tended to stick to the rules and traditions of always wearing his mask. The only other times Dew had seen him without out was the day he was summoned, and one night when he was sneaking into the kitchen he caught him slipping out of the papal chambers.

Once again, the seriousness of the situation settled deep within Dew. It was too late to turn back, to do anything really. He had to face it. He had to be steadfast if he was going to survive. He took one final deep breath and pulled back away from Aether just enough to look at him. If he was going to die there was one last thing he wanted. He desperately crashed his lips against Aether’s, practically head butting him in the process. It wasn’t the first time they’d kissed, and Dew hoped it wasn’t the last, but if it was he wanted to convey every unspoken feeling he had to him. Aether kissed him back just as desperately. He reached a shaky hand up to hold the water ghoul’s face, using his quintessence to let Dew actually feel everything Aether felt for him.

After a moment, Dew broke the kiss and rested his forehead against Aether’s. He sucked in a breath and then untangled himself from his grasp and stood. He clenched his hands into fists and felt his claws prick against his palms.

“I’m ready.”

His voice didn’t shake, it didn't crack. His jaw was set in determination as he looked at Omega. He needed to live. Not just for himself anymore, but for Aether. For Mountain and Ifrit. For all of them. He thought back to last night as he approached Omega and Mist. If Ifrit believes I’m strong enough, then I am.

He watched as Aether, Mountain, and Ifrit came to stand behind Mist. Omega looked to the East and narrowed his eyes

“It’s time.”

He put down the ancient looking manuscript and began arranging the various types of wood. It was a mixture of ash, willow, and birch. Mountain helped him with this task. They arranged it in a way so that Dew would be able to lay fully stretched out on it. He tore his eyes away when he heard Mist approaching him. He wanted to reach out and have her hold him, but he couldn’t. He knew if he did he wouldn’t let go. She held the knife she had been carrying in one hand while the other came up to rest on his shoulder. She pressed their heads together. She didn’t say anything, she didn’t need to. She had spent all her time with Dew when he was summoned, teaching him how to play bass and how to live on land with a new body. She had watched him come into himself. While the other ghouls were leaning on false hope, too scared to think about what it would be like with no more Dew, Mist truly believed he was going to come out on the other side, and that was enough for her. He’ll be scarred, but he’ll still be her Dew, and that was what mattered most.

“You’re stronger than you know, Dew,” She said as she slowly brought the knife to his chest. She placed the tip of it just above where his water mark was on his sternum. She let it rest there for a moment. He sucked in a breath at the feeling of the cold metal. He wasn’t entirely sure what was going to happen, but he had an idea when he felt Mist begin to add pressure. Carefully, she began to carve as she repeated a phrase in Infernal. Dew had to bite his lip to keep himself from crying out. Aether tried to move forward to relieve the pain but Omega’s voice rang out

“Don’t. The process has begun. If you do anything now, you’ll mess it up.”

Mountain and Omega stood by the wooden altar watching as Mist did her part. Aether slunk back to the sidelines with an apology.

When she was finished, his chest was a bloody mess. She has carved a pointed side up triangle over his water mark. The symbol for fire. He watched for a moment, mesmerized by the little rivers of blood dripping down his chest.

No turning back.

Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion as he walked over to the wooden altar. He looked between Mountain and Omega and briefly wondered if it was the earth ghoul who had somehow managed to get ahold of wood from trees that grew in such vastly different areas. Almost as if he read his mind, Mountain nodded and spoke,

“They each mean something.”

“Oh? What are they?” Dew asked, trying to distract himself as Omega helped him lay down on the wooden altar. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears.

Mountain shook his head, “I’ll tell you when you wake up.”

Dew laid there on that wooden altar. A funeral pyre, really. He stared up at the sky as Omega and Mountain backed away. The day was bleeding into the little remains of the night sky. The stars weren’t visible anymore. He took it all in, enjoying the soft light of dawn. Even if he survived the transition of elements, this would be the last time he’d see the sky as a water ghoul.

Will the world be different when I’m a fire ghoul? He mused as he tried to not focus on the sounds of fire springing to life or Omega’s Infernal chanting.

“Ifrit. The fire,” Was the last thing Dewdrop heard before he felt pain like he’d never experienced before.

The first thing he felt was the heat of it all. It was too much for his amphibian-like skin. He could physically feel himself dry out. That feeling lasted for about 10 seconds before all he could feel was pain. It felt like someone had dropped the sun on him. He could feel his soft fins being burnt off. He felt like his skin was melting off and dissolving away. Everything was simultaneously too bright and too dark as the smoke from the wood started to rise. He only realized he had been screaming when he started to cough and choke. His gills fluttered uselessly as he tried to take in air. He couldn’t breathe. He started to flail trying to get away from the pain, but two hands held him down. Ifrit’s hands. This was the last thought Dew had before he became unconscious as his body burned.

Dewdrop was dead.

~~~

“He has to stay in the fire. It has to reach his core,” Omega kept a firm hand on Ifrit’s shoulder as he held Dew’s body in place, “If it doesn’t… Then the ritual will be a failure.”

Then he’ll be dead.

The true meaning of his words were left unspoken. Everyone knew what he meant. When Dew’s body had stopped moving and the screams had quieted, Ifrit finally removed his hands from the fire. That’s when Mist and Omega took a hand in theirs and squeezed. They were the only three to remain. Mountain had taken Aether back to the Ministry once the ritual had started, the sounds and smells of his companion burning to death was too much for him. If it wasn’t for Mountain holding him back, he would’ve ran over to extinguish the flames. He was acting on instinct. No one could blame him though; Not only were the two closer than any of the other ghouls, but he was quintessence. He could feel every emotion Dew was feeling. It was a miracle Omega was still standing that close to the pyre.

The three ghouls stood there for a long time, letting the reality of the situation sink in. There was nothing more they could do now, they just had to wait. It was only when the sun had fully risen did Omega turn to gather the excess materials and leave. Some time passed before Mist turned towards Ifrit, who had taken a seat right next to where the wooden altar was burning away.

“We should head back. Staring at it isn’t going to make him wake up any faster.”

Ifrit shook his head, “Omega said he has to stay in the fire. I have to make sure it doesn’t go out.”

To emphasize his point his eyes began to glow like embers as he stared at the pyre. He began to pool his magic into the flames to keep them strong.

Mist sat with him for a little while longer, until she couldn’t take the heat anymore. The morning sun and the proximity to the fire had started to dry her skin. Ifrit didn’t even notice her getting up to kiss him goodbye. He didn’t even realize she had left. His sole focus was on keeping the flame. He got Dew into this mess and he was going to make sure he came out alive on the other end.

[techniiciian]

@brokenmagxc sent: ECHO: sender leaves a voicemail, confessing their feelings ( ope !! )

matt doesn't remember leaving work. one moment he'd been hunched over his desk, focused on soldering circuit boards with tools in his hand and goggles snug on his face; the next moment he was picking up his phone to see a missed call and a voicemail. he'd played it once, then twice, then seven more times. he listened to artie's soft spoken confession, and then suddenly, without even realizing it, he was going 70 in a 35.

the roar of his engine was dull in comparison to how his heart hammered in his chest, a symphony of drums in his ears accompanied by the memory of artie's voice repeating, ❛i'm in love with you❜ again and again and again. there wasn't any caution, any logic, just a single minded determination to find artie. to get home to the man who just with five little words had flipped his world on its axis.

street lights, buildings, cars, all blurred past him as his foot pressed heavier on the pedal. and matt gave a silent thank you to han and the solo luck he'd inherited for the simple fact he hadn't been pulled over for his reckless driving. the sooner he could get to artie, the sooner he could hear those sweet words in person, the sooner he could say them back. matt couldn't get home fast enough.

the hood of his truck was steaming from effort when he finally whipped into a parking space and thew it into park. much like his abandoned workshop, he barely made sure the door was shut and locked before he was bounding up the stairs two at a time, heavy footfalls announcing his arrival for damn near the entire building to hear. but all matt could hear was that voicemail on repeat, playing over again and again and again in his head. it grew louder with every step closer he got to their shared apartment.

somehow, and with more effort than it should have taken, matt fumbled his way into their apartment. out of breath and frenzied as he was, matt hadn't even managed to shut the door behind him; too focused on continuing his search. he didn't get far into their shared space, however, before he was stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the pi sat on the couch. the roaring in his head went silent. blissful quiet overtaking him as he stood staring, like he so often did, at the object of his affections.

time seemed to slow. his adrenaline sputtering to it's end. one heavy step forward became two then three, and suddenly matt stood before artie, staring him down with an expression that spoke of adoration and amazement. swallowing around the knot in his throat, he manages a weak,

❝you're in love with me?❞

the other doesn't get time to answer before matt is on top of him, crushing the smaller man with his full weight to the couch bellow them. strong arms wrapped around artie's back to squeeze him impossibly close to the safety of matt's heaving chest. he laughed then, warm and loud and overjoyed before offering a confession of his own.

❝i'm in love with you too!❞