#But I wouldn’t like look at them in public if you catch my drift

[metalhealth-willdriveyoumad]

[dearieshima]

MOONLIT DREAM

✦ SUMMARY

╰┈➤ Based on Zayne's Moonlit Dream card, but expanded. Zayne and you are transported back to the Qing Dynasty by a jade pendant infused with protocore energy after it activates unexpectedly in Zayne's car. Reunited after being separated, you both set out to recover the pendant and return home, leading you to a skilled but strict jade craftsman.

"I pride myself on my thoroughness," he added, his voice now a deep, sensual rumble. "I promise I won't miss a single detail."

✦ C.W

╰┈➤ AFAB!reader, a little nibbling, some boob worship (f. receiving), teasing, switch!zayne, fingering, unprotected vaginal sex, a little roleplay with Zayne's status, praises, 4000+ words, idk public sex maybe, established relationship

As the sun began its slow descent, casting warm hues across the sky, Zayne decided to skip class, inviting you to a secluded picnic on the hillside, just beyond the city's edge. The air was fragrant with the scent of wildflowers, and time seemed to stretch lazily, each moment steeped in tranquility. You both lingered there, speaking in hushed tones as the world around you softened, the village fading into the distance like a dream.

The day gently gave way to the cold of dusk and Zayne’s modest home, nestled within his shifu’s Siheyuan, beckoned you back with warmth. The evening sky, now awash in the twilight’s embrace, slowly surrendered to the rising moon. Its soft, pale glow spilled across the landscape, transforming everything into silvered stillness.

After sharing a quiet dinner, you wandered together to the riverbank, where Zayne’s work table stood. Scattered across its weathered surface were fragments of jade and a small carving knife. Your gaze drifted to a jade pendant, rutty yet holding a quiet charm.

The pendant was rough and dulled in its crevices as you traced the intricate patterns with your fingers. Curiosity tugged at you, “Zayne, can I try?”

Half-expecting a gentle refusal, to your surprise, Zayne stepped aside, offering you the knife. “Go ahead then.”

Settling into his lap, you tried to mimic his movements from earlier, the jade cool beneath your fingers. Your hands fumbled awkwardly and it made you look like you were sharpening the knife sgainast the rock, when Zayne’s warm fingers enveloped yours, steadying them.

"Here, you need to use a little more force," he murmured softly, his breath warm against your ear. “Try again.”

As you grew more confident, he quietly let go, allowing you to work on your own. Minutes drifted by in the soft silence of the riverbank, where the boats occasionally knocked together, their gentle echoes lulling the air. You’d long since abandoned the pendant, drawn instead to the lake, dipping your feet into its cool waters as you gazed at the rising moon through its reflection.

“Do you think there's a moon as beautiful as this watching over Linkon right now?” you mused, your voice soft as the night, turning to look at Zayne.

His head was supported on his hand, eyes once cradling hazel nebulas, now sealed in peaceful slumber. He was propped facing you, as though he had watched you until sleep claimed him.

With a mischievous smile, you scooted near him and reached for the ink brush on his table and lightly trailed its tip down the bare skin of his chest, revealed by his loosely draped robe. His breath hitched, a shiver coursing through him at the gentle stroke. It was only when the brush dipped toward his stomach that he stirred, his hand catching yours in a swift yet lazy motion, his eyes fluttering open with a smile that matched the moon’s glow.

"Someone gets distracted easily between carving jade and admiring the moon," he teased, drawing you into his lap.

You laughed, wriggling in his hold, but Zayne wouldn’t let you go. In a playful tumble, you both fell together, with Zayne landing gently on top of you. His weight was warm, grounding, and for a moment, you simply stared into each other’s eyes, the world around you fading. Almost caught in a trance, you let go of the brush that was hanging from your hand over the patio, feeling the tiny splash kiss your fingers.

With a subtle motion, his fingers intertwined with your newly-found free hand, warm and steady, sending a shiver down your spine. You wrapped your legs around Zayne's waist, pulling him closer, feeling the heat of his body against yours. His breath quickened, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips. "During this period," he murmured, his voice teasingly casual, "the only practice in protection was abstinence."

"Really?" you purred, your voice low and sultry.

He shifted his weight, his body pressing firmly against yours, the heat between you discernible. His fingers traced a delicate path down your arm, forcing your sleeves to ball downwards. "Yes," he murmured. “Abstinence was considered the only effective birth control and prevention for sexually transmitted infections.”

"Interesting," you breathed, your eyes lowering to meet his desire flickering in their depths. "And why is Dr. Zayne enlightening me on this?"

"Consider it an added benefit of my profession,” Zayne said, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. His fingers continued to trace your skin, each touch igniting a fire within you. "As a doctor, I should make sure my patients are well-versed in the dangers of reckless sex,”

His fingers trailed back upwards to the pulse on your wrist. “And as a gentleman, I'm being cautious. But—"

His gaze darkened, a smoldering desire burning in his eyes.

"As a man, I'm testing the limits of my own restraint," he murmured.

"...Your shifu won't be too thrilled if you fail to hand over the finished pendant tomorrow."

"Then perhaps,” he murmured, his voice lowering to a sensuous tone before lifting off of you, “As a craftsman, I should direct my focus on finishing that pendant."

You pouted, your lips forming a perfect pucker as you reached out and grabbed him by the scruff of his neckline. The fabric of his shirt bunched up in your fingers as you pulled him closer, your eyes locked on his. With a sudden burst of passion, you pressed your lips against his, the softness of your mouth contrasting with the firmness of your grip.

Zayne's breath hitched in surprise at your boldness, his body tensing for a moment before relaxing into your embrace. He returned your kiss with equal fervor, his lips parting slightly as they moved against yours. His hands found your hips, fingers digging into the fabric of your clothes as he pulled you flush against him. You could feel the heat of his body radiating through your clothing, igniting a fire within you.

His tongue darted out, tracing the contours of your lower lip with a feather-light touch. The warmth of his breath mingled with yours, sending a tingle down your spine. His eyes, dark with desire, locked onto yours, silently asking for permission to deepen the connection.

Parting your lips, you welcomed his tongue into your mouth. A low groan rumbled in his chest as your fingers threaded through his hair, tugging lightly. The slight sting only fueled his growing arousal. Zayne's lips parted against yours as his tongue explored your mouth. He groaned softly as your fingers threaded through his hair, tugging lightly. His hands gripped your hips tighter, his fingers digging into your flesh as if he was afraid you might transform into water the next moment and slip through his hands.

As you both broke out of the kiss, gasping for air, you couldn't help but use your first gasp to call out Zayne's name.

The sound sent a jolt of electricity coursing through him, his arms encircling you tighter, almost involuntarily. You felt his nose press against the dip of where your shoulders and neck connect and giggled as his harsh exhales tickled you. His lips trail a hot path along your jawline, like hot wildfires spreading across it. When he reaches your neck, he nips at the sensitive skin, his voice a deep, husky murmur. "You're making this difficult," he confesses, his breath hot against your skin.

"Then should I make it easy?" You murmured as you hooked your finger over the open neckline of your robe. The anticipation was visible, and you knew that Zayne was watching your every move.

Slowly, you began to pull the fabric down, revealing the center of your chest where your breasts parted. The cool air against your newly exposed skin sent a shiver down your spine, and you couldn't help but let out a soft gasp.

Zayne's eyes darkened with desire as he watched the fabric slide over your skin. His throat constricted, the dryness making it difficult to swallow, and he had to force his Adam's apple to bob, trying to regain control of his body's reaction.

His gaze, now heavy with hunger, lingered on the newly exposed flesh, as if tracing the landscape of your body, feeling himself get lost in the soft, inviting curves of your breasts, parted like two lush mountains on opposite sides of a valley. The peaks, hardened from the cold, were a delicate shade of rose, as if a secret garden of roses bloomed at their tips. Each breath you took sent shivers through your body, causing the peaks to quiver, as if tiny earthquakes were tearing through these mountains.

Zayne's mind drifted, imagining the weight of your breasts in his hands, the softness of your skin against his calloused fingertips. His imagination painted vivid pictures, each more explicit than the last, until he could almost feel your nipples hardening further under his touch.

Slowly, Zayne reached out, his fingers trembling with anticipation as they brushed against your skin, sending shivers through you. He cupped one breast, feeling the softness envelop his hand, and then the other, savoring the contrast between the warmth of your body. Your arms lingered above your head, curling into fists as you allowed him to do whatever he pleased with your body.

Zayne's heart raced as his fingers explored the curves of your breasts, tracing the delicate lines and contours that made your body uniquely yours. He could feel the heat radiating from your skin, a stark contrast to the coolness of his own. As he gently squeezed, he marveled at the way your flesh yielded to his touch, soft and pliant beneath his fingertips.

"You're beautiful." He squeezed them in his hands once more before lowering his head to take one nipple into his mouth.

He sucked gently, the soft pull of his lips causing you to arch your back and moan softly. Zayne switched to the other nipple, repeating the tender ministrations, reveling in your responsiveness. He trailed kisses down to the center of your chest, turning his head slightly to nip at the swell of the breast.

"Your pulse has picked up," he murmured, his voice low and gruff.

The deep timbre of his voice resonated within you, making your heart race even faster. "I would be nervous if it didn’t," you said, your voice coming out breathier than you intended. "Yours did too."

“I wonder why that could be," he said, his voice laced with mock innocence.

"You're the heart doctor, you tell me why."

A slow smile spread across Zayne's face at your choice of words. "’Heart doctor’?" he drawled. "Yes, as a heart doctor, it could be because we're sitting so close together," he murmured, his voice dripping with innuendo. "Or it could be that I'm thinking about how you look right now, underneath me."

He shifted closer still, his body pressing against you more than before. "It's hard to say," he added softly, his breath warm against your neck. "Without a thorough evaluation, of course.”

"Evaluation?" you whispered, maintaining a playful tone. "That sounds scary."

Zayne's warm breath tickled your neck as he smiled. "Don't worry," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "It's nothing you haven't gone through before."

His hand on your hip slowly gilded upwards, finally fully parting the two sides of the silky robe that had been hiding your curves. The cool air caressed your exposed skin, sending a shiver down your spine. His thumb shifted lower, rubbing against the soft, sensitive skin of your abdomen, inching ever closer to the bundle of nerves below.

"I pride myself on my thoroughness," he added, his voice now a deep, sensual rumble. "I promise I won't miss a single detail."

Zayne noticed the subtle change in your breathing, and the way your eyes darted away from his. A soft, dark chuckle escaped his throat. "You're getting shy now," he teased, his hand slowly making its way down your body.

His strong, calloused fingers gently gripped your chin, tilting your face up to meet his intense, smoldering gaze. His dark eyes bore into yours, demanding your full attention. "No hiding," he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down your spine. "Look at me while I touch you."

His command was both thrilling and intimidating. You couldn't look away even if you wanted to. Your heart raced as he slowly, deliberately, pushed one long finger inside you. The sudden intimate invasion made you gasp and arch your back. He watched your every reaction, drinking in the way your body responded to his touch.

"That's it," he encouraged, his finger sliding deeper, stroking along your inner walls. He added a second finger, pumping them slowly, teasingly. His thumb found your sensitive clit, circling it maddeningly.

You were panting now, your hips rocking instinctively against his hand. Pleasure built inside you with each thrust of his fingers, each brush of his thumb.

He added his third finger to your tight space, the forefinger. He quickly put it to work, pushing it deeper and curling it just so to hit that perfect spot within you that made stars explode behind your eyelids.

You whimpered, your thighs trembling with the effort of keeping them spread wide for him. The obscene squelch of his fingers pumping in and out of your dripping cunt filled the room, mingling with your needy moans. "Keep looking at me," he commanded, his voice a low, gravelly whisper. You looked back into his eyes, swirling with lust.

Zayne held your gaze, his eyes intense and unwavering. "Good," he murmured, his movements slow, methodical, almost torturous.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your skull as waves of pleasure coursed through your body. "Are you still with me?" he murmured, a hint of a tease in his voice.

"Yes," you groaned, your voice thick with desire. You weren't sure if it was an abrupt groan or a response to his question, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was the feeling of his hands on your body, igniting a fire within you.

Zayne lifted an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I fear I might’ve lost the patient. I think I should check her vitals," he whispered, his voice low and rough. His free hand found its way trailing up your body with deliberate slowness.

He pressed his palm firmly against your chest, feeling the rapid, fluttering beat of your heart beneath his touch. "Mmm, listen to that," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Your heart is racing, thundering against my hand. It's like a wild animal, desperate to break free."

Your skin was hot to the touch, flushed with arousal and need. He could feel the heat radiating off you in waves, could see the way your chest heaved with each ragged breath. "You're so responsive," he breathed, marveling at the way your body reacted to even the slightest touch. "Every inch of you is alive, quivering, aching for more,"

As if to prove his point, your legs suddenly clamped down around his hand, your muscles tensing and quivering as you teetered on the brink of release

"All signs of a healthy woman.”

He could feel your body trembling, your muscles tensing as you teetered on the brink of ecstasy. With a final, gentle touch, he sent you over the edge. Your body arched, back bowing as the pleasure crashed over you like a tidal wave. A groan escaped your lips, his name falling from them like a prayer as you surrendered to the intense sensations. He held you close, his strong arms supporting you as your body shook with the force of your climax.

He slowly withdrew his fingers, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "You're in perfect health," he said, amusement lacing his tone.

You huffed, breathless, your chest heaving as Zayne's lips trailed searing kisses along the column of your throat.

Zayne chuckled at your huff, his touch growing gentler as he traced patterns on the skin of your hip. He lifted you up, moving to sit with his back against the siheyuan walls, his legs stretched out before him.

You gasped softly as your fingers brushed against the prominent bulge straining against Zayne's jeans. "You're hard," you breathed, a delicious shiver running down your spine at the realization of how much he wanted you.

A deep, rumbling chuckle vibrated through Zayne's chest at your words, unnatural to his vocabulary. "I know," he murmured, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of your neck. "You can blame that on you."

His teeth caught your earlobe, tugging gently before soothing the sting with his tongue. Your head fell back, granting him better access as your pulse raced beneath his lips.

"I can help," you offered breathlessly, even as you knew Zayne was notoriously strict about safe sex. His hips rolled forward, grinding his hard length against your core, and you couldn't help but moan. "Please, Zayne... I want you.”

Zayne chuckled again, his hands squeezing your hips ever so slightly. "You're getting bold," he murmured, his lips brushing against your jawline. He pulled back slightly to look at you, his expression a mix of amusement and desire.

"I can take a Plan B when we return to Linkon," you said with a playful pout.

Zayne's jaw grew taut, his grip tight on your hips. He was clearly struggling with the temptation you were offering. "We shouldn't," he said, a hoarse whisper against your neck.

But his body betrayed him, his hands roaming further up your body, trailing up and down your back. He was clearly very tempted.

You straightened and kissed him, luring him in. Zayne groaned, his resolve slipping as you kissed him. His hands came up to cup your face, his fingers gently tracing the curves of your features. He hesitated for a few more seconds, his eyes locked with yours, before he finally caved.

Zayne groaned as you sat in his lap, his hands gripping onto your hips. The sudden heat and friction sent a jolt through him, he swallowed another groan, his breathing becoming shallow.

He kissed a trail down your jaw, his teeth grazing against your skin as he reached your neck. His body grew taut, every part of him screaming for contact.

His robe hanged loosely around his shoulders and with a slow, deliberate motion, he let the silky fabric slide off his body, revealing his muscular form inch by tantalizing inch. His chest rose and fell with each ragged breath, his eyes burning with a desire so intense it could ignite a wildfire.

As the robe pooled around his waist, you couldn't help but let your gaze wander over his perfectly sculpted body, taking in every detail. The way his abs rippled with each breath, the defined lines of his pectorals, and the powerful thighs that could easily pin you down in a heartbeat.

With a gentle touch, you reached out to help him remove the last remnants of his clothing, your fingers brushing against his warm skin. Zayne's hands found their way to your thighs, sliding up.

His hands, slick with your arousal, reveled in the warmth of your skin beneath them. His gaze traveled over your exposed body, taking in every curve and dip, his eyes darkening with each passing second.

Without hesitation, you reached for his thick, pulsing cock, guiding it to your entrance. You felt the tip brush against your slick folds, and with a slow, deliberate motion, you entered him. Zayne's breath caught in his throat, a low, guttural groan escaping as you claimed him. His fingers dug into your hips, trying to maintain control, but the pleasure was too overwhelming, and he failed.

Your eyes met his, both of you lost in the haze of lust and desire. Zayne's pupils were blown wide, his breathing coming out in ragged gasps. The room was filled with the wet slap of your bodies connecting, and the guttural moans that escaped both of your lips.

You began to move, setting a slow, sensual rhythm. Zayne's feet were firmly planted on the patio so he could thrust his hips forward to meet yours, his thick length stretching you in the most delicious way. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body, building and building and building until you thought you might combust from the sheer intensity of it all.

Zayne's hands roamed your body, caressing every inch of your skin as if memorizing it. His lips found your neck once more, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along the column of your throat. You tilted your head back, giving him better access, a breathy moan escaping your lips as his teeth grazed your pulse point.

The open night was filled with the sounds of your lovemaking, the slick sound of your bodies connecting, and the symphony of moans and gasps that spilled from your lips. It was primal, raw, and utterly intoxicating.

Zayne's movements became more erratic, his thrusts harder and deeper as he chased his release. You could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter within him, his body trembling with the effort of holding back. His hands gripped your hips even tighter, his fingers digging into your flesh as he pulled you closer, burying himself deeper inside you.

"Hah,"

You could feel your own release approaching again, the pleasure building with each passing second. Your body tensed, your muscles coiling like a spring ready to snap.

As Zayne's body shuddered with the force of his release, his hot seed spilling deep inside you, you felt your own climax crash over you like a tidal wave. Your body convulsed, your walls clenching around him as a wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over you. You cried out his name, your voice raw and primal, lost in the throes of ecstasy.

Zayne held you closer, his arms wrapped around you, his face buried in the crook of your neck as he rode out the aftershocks of his orgasm. His breath came in ragged gasps, his heart pounding against your chest. You could feel the warmth of his shin, slick with sweat, pressed against yours.

The man's breath came in ragged gasps, his broad chest heaving with each shuddering inhale. You'd never seen him like this before - usually so composed and in control, but now he trembled against you, his powerful body wracked with the aftershocks of intense pleasure. His hair was mussed, dark strands falling across and sticking to his forehead in tousled waves.

He kept his face buried in the crook of your neck, his fuzzy jawline, from the days he spent here, scraping deliciously against your sensitive skin. His eyes were pinched shut, long lashes fanning out against his cheeks as he tried to regain his bearings.

"I'll... I'll accompany you to the pharmacy store," he managed to get out between labored breaths, his deep voice slightly hoarse.

You let out a soft sigh, your fingers unconsciously scratching and massaging the back of his head. Your own body still hummed with residual pleasure, your mind floating pleasantly in the clouds. "Okay," you whispered, a small smile playing on your lips.

Swallowing thickly, you gathered your courage and uttered the three words that had been on the tip of your tongue. "I love you."

The man's eyes fluttered open at your declaration, his dark gaze meeting yours with an intensity that took your breath away. A slow, tender smile spread across his handsome face, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I love you too," he murmured, his voice low and filled with emotion. He pressed a gentle kiss to your temple before reluctantly pulling back to look at you fully.

His hands came up to cup your face, thumbs stroking your cheeks with a reverence that made your heart swell. "You're incredible, you know that?" he said softly, his eyes roaming over your features as if memorizing every detail. "I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you by my side."

The jade pendant rests quietly in its box.

The old craftsman lifts it, his weathered hands gentle yet precise. His brow furrows, and for the first time, you catch a flicker of unease in Zayne's eyes, a vulnerability that rarely escapes him.

“Hmmm…” the craftsman murmurs, turning the pendant between his fingers. “The edges… a little rough. The details, perhaps, not as fine as they could be.”

Yet, even in his critique, a softness lingers in his gaze, a glimmer of admiration woven into his stern words. He pauses, studying the pendant as if searching for the heart of its creation. “Did you remember what I told you? To steady your hand… clear your mind… as you carved this?”

You glance at Zayne, and in that brief exchange, a shared warmth passes between you, but neither of you can hold the moment for long. Your eyes drop, averting away from each other in sudden shyness.

The old jade craftsman, wiser than you both, sighs, the weight of years in his voice. “Ah, nevermind. Take it back. I cannot keep it… for it was shaped from love, and that cannot be sold.”

[unluckiestmember]

Could I request headcanons for Remy, Kurt, and Logan reacting to his shy GN s/o asking him if they can sit on his lap in private nervously please?

Coming right up!

Sitting on their lap: X-Men '97 Daddies X Reader

Characters: Remy LeBeau/Gambit, Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler and Logan/Wolverine.

Warning: Some suggestive themes, but other than that, none. SFW.

A/N: Whose lap are you sitting on? I might sit on Gambit's, he seems like he'd have a balance between flirty and sweet.

Gambit

“Hey, Mon Cher! What are you thinking about in that pretty head of yours?… You want to sit on my lap? Well, then by all means! Make it your personal throne!”

When you first asked Remy if you could try sitting on his lap, he was a bit surprised. But of course he wasted no time opening himself up to you to take a seat. At first, he mainly kept his hands to himself but then when he could tell you were getting used to it, he wrapped his arm around your body and began to kiss along your cheek and your neck teasingly.

Sometimes he’ll use you sitting in his lap to flirt with you. Just to see if he can get your blood pumping, if you catch his drift. But most times, he’s just being a soft guy, rubbing his nose against your cheek, sneaking in some quick kisses along your lips and laying his head on your shoulder. Gambit will try to keep your antics on the low, but sometimes he just can’t help but hold you in public. You two are so cute the rest of the X-Men are sure they’ll get cavities just by looking at the cute display that is you and your boyfriend. Not that Remy cares- He’s too busy being on cloud nine with you so close to him!

Nightcrawler

“Was ist los, Sonnenblume?… Oh! Y-You want to sit on me? Um, I-I guess it wouldn’t hurt, no?”

Kurt was a bit hesitant when you first asked him to sit on his lap. He asked countlessly if you were sure of doing so before you could even try to sit next to him. After so much reassurance to the point you sounded like a broken record, he finally allowed you to sit on his lap. At first, it was awkward silence with the cute blue devil trying so hard to not lay his hands in any way onto you out of fear of being perceived as perverted or sexual. But as soon as you guide his hands to wrap around you, he just melts into you while you sit in the embrace of his arms.

Whenever you sit on his lap, he’ll always be shocked by the sudden action, but will immediately hold you close and just talk to you about his day if he’s not asking about your own. Sometimes he’ll find you ruffling his hair to make him ease up by laying his head onto your shoulder. In those moments, you find yourself appreciating the gentleness of your boyfriend, especially knowing you can make him relax after a long day of work.

Wolverine

“You wanna take a seat on my lap? Heh. Well who am I to say no? Get over here.”

Logan wasted no time grabbing you by your hand and guiding you onto his lap. His hands sat on your waist, watching your every move as you tried to avert your gaze from him to no avail. He loves when you sit against him because it’s always the perfect moment for him to make you blush a beet red at his sweet nothings being whispered into your ear. If he’s not using his voice to get you all riled up, he can rely on his thumbs brushing along your hips to do the trick.

Outside of his suggestive motives, sometimes he’ll just talk to you while you sit on his lap. Expect him to turn you around so you two are face to face and he can stare into your eyes and your fingers brush through his wild hair. Of course, there will be moments where Logan proceeds a makeout session with you sitting on him, whether you two are in private or not. He likes to make it known that you are his and vice versa because not only does he love to see Scott being pissed off by what he has, but he also likes to show you off as the precious jewel you are.

If you got any requests for X-Men '97, send them my way!

Likes and retweets are always appreciated! I love you all, stay hydrated and have a good day! <3

[valkyyriia]

Try This On For Size

Words: 2729 CW: Semi-Public Sex, Vaginal Sex, Voyeurism?, Mirror Sex, Creampie, Vaginal Fingering Pairing: Comte de Saint-Germain / Female-Bodied Reader Prompt(s): Fitting Room, Let Them Play Dress-Up With You

Notes: I cranked out another one at work tonight. I'm feeling even less confident with this one than I was with the other, but.. I hope it still makes sense.

Crossposted on AO3 here.

For @xxsycamore's event, Sexy Ikemen Summer!

The sticky summer heat of the French countryside was beginning to get to you. No amount of fanning yourself or loosening your collar was cutting it. 

Of all the things you could be missing from the modern era, air conditioning was not expected to be the crux of all of your issues. 

Just as you feared you would begin to melt into the parquet flooring, a cool hand brushed against the back of your neck. “Are you okay, ma chérie? You seem a little warm.” His voice was soothing, but tinged with concern.

“I’m alright,” you assured him with a content sigh, leaning back into his touch. “It’s just hotter than I’m used to.” 

Comte’s hands dropped to your shoulders and he began to massage them. He pressed a kiss to the crown of your head as the tension left your body. “You’ve been working hard lately. I think it’s time you take a break.”

“There’s too much to do for that,” You protested. “Sebas needs help with dinner, and we haven’t even begun cleaning up the book fort Leonardo created in the library.” 

Comte hummed, one of his hands gently caressing the side of your neck. “Should I give it as an order from your employer, then? If a heartfelt plea from your partner isn’t enough.” He moved to kiss your neck under your ear. “Please, mon amour. It wouldn’t do to have you suffer a heatstroke simply because you’re too stubborn to know when to take a break.” His lips moved towards your shoulder, teasing but affectionate. His arms moved to your waist, pulling you back into his embrace. He rested his head on your shoulder and held you close.

You leaned into him, your head draped over his other shoulder. Unlike the stifling heat of the outdoors, Comte’s warmth was comforting and welcome. He nuzzled into the joint between your neck and shoulder. “Let me spoil you today,” he said, kissing your neck again. 

“You spoil me every day, Abel,” you sighed, relaxing further into your partner. He was going to win this and you both knew it; it was just a matter of how long it took you to give in.

“And yet, somehow, I’m still not satisfied that it’s enough. You deserve more, chérie. You deserve the world, and you will get it if I have anything to say about it.” His arms tightened around your midsection, pulling you even closer. 

A cool, inviting breeze suddenly blew through the open window. The air rushed along your face and tousled your bangs. Even nature herself was trying to tempt you. With another sigh, you gave in. “Fine. But you have to let me get up on time tomorrow, okay? I don’t want to leave Sebas waiting again like the last time you took me out for the day.” 

The vampire chuckled into your neck, the reverberations rumbling through your own body due to the proximity. “I seem to recall you left my bed quite satisfied that morning.” 

You flushed at the memory. “I certainly was,” you agreed. “Until Sebas abused my forehead after breakfast. I had a bruise for a week.” 

“But it was worth it, non?” He looked up at you from his position on your shoulder. Comte’s golden eyes twinkled with amusement, but they were tinged with a subtle heat. His hands drifted slowly down your abdomen, his gaze never leaving yours. He offered you a coy smile.

You groaned. “It’s too hot, Abel,” you protested. “I will genuinely either melt into a puddle or catch on fire if you continue that line of thought right now.” 

“Alright, alright,” he relented, stepping back from you with a light chuckle and holding up his hands in defeat. “Let’s get you cooled off.” 

As it turns out, Comte’s idea of “cooling off” was taking a carriage into town and going clothes shopping. For you, of course. His reasoning was that your clothes were heavier than you were accustomed to in your time, so lighter fabric would help fend off the oppressive French sun. Comte’s logic was sound, but you were quite sure he was just fishing for an excuse to buy you even more dresses that you would only wear once. 

As the carriage stopped, he stepped out first, offering you his hand. Taking it, he kissed the back of it before tucking your arm into his. The two of you walked leisurely in the direction of his favorite boutique, the one the both of you frequented. The staff immediately recognized the both of you (you were pretty certain that Comte’s patronage alone could keep this store in business for centuries to come, and potentially push France into the forefront of the modern economy) and ushered you into a large fitting room in the back of the building. 

“How can we be of service on this day, Monsieur le Comte?” 

He looked around the room briefly. “My partner is in need of some lighter summer clothes. The heat is getting to her,” he said, brushing his knuckles against your cheek with affection. You hadn’t really considered it before today, but the dress you were wearing was made of a heavier material that was more suited for the later part of the year. Maybe a couple of thinner summer dresses would be a good idea - you just hoped you could keep your darling Comte from purchasing the entire store this time.

The shop worker nodded in agreement. “The Madame’s dress is much better for the cooler months. Yes, I will bring you some of our best. Un moment, s'il vous plaît,” they said, stepping out to rifle through a few clothing racks.

You looked around the room. Not much had changed from the last time you were here, except now they had frilly sun hats and sunglasses on display alongside the jewelry and shoes. 

“Has anything caught your eye, ma chérie?” Comte asked, tilting your chin up to look at him. 

“Aside from you, you mean?” You ask with a smile. He responds with a chuckle and a kiss to the forehead. 

“You are so.. Séduisant, mon amour,” Comte murmured, amused. “What am I going to do with you?” 

“Many things, I’d imagine,” you said sweetly. “After all, eternity is a long time.”

Before Comte could reply, the shop attendant returned with a large bundle of fabric bunched in her arms. “I selected a few similar to what you’ve purchased for le Comtesse before, along with a couple of other styles I’m sure would look lovely on her.” She smiled at you. 

“I truly think she could make anything look amazing. Merci beaucoup, mademoiselle,” Comte replied with a cordial smile. “We will take it from here.” 

The attendant curtsied on her way out of the fitting room. “If you have need of anything else, please just let us know.” 

Once you were alone, Comte sat on the ottoman in the room and grinned cheekily. “Strip.” 

Your cheeks bloomed a dark pink. “Don’t say it like that!” You hissed, untying the ribbon at your neck at his request anyway. His laughter filled the room. 

You tried on several outfits that day; all of which were far lighter material than what you had on. They were high-quality, lightweight cotton - and definitely outside of your normal budget. Not that Comte cared about price. If you expressed even the slightest desire for something, the vampire would have dozens of the item in question waiting for you within a day, regardless of practicality or expense. One time, you had been playing with Lumière and commented on how cute he was, and the next day you woke up to an entire litter of kittens in your room, courtesy of Comte. You ended up rehoming all but one of them - a little black thing you had named Minerva. She was probably sunning herself in the window right about now, absorbing all the sun she could. Disgusting.

Comte gave feedback on all of them, but he seemed pleased with every dress you tried on. He chose accessories and shoes for everything you tried on. While le Comte de Saint-Germain may not be the most fashionable of individuals, he could at least pick out matching shoes and jewelry. 

Throughout the fittings, Comte’s eyes only left your figure a handful of times, just long enough to grab a pair of shoes or another accessory. The rapt attention from your lover would have made you feel self-conscious if it weren’t so endearing. Your trained eye could tell that Comte grew somewhat more impatient with every article you tried on, but he never once rushed you. You wondered what had him so antsy, but you decided not to ask. After all, you would be done soon enough.

The last dress in the pile was a beautiful, floral-print cotton gown. The base fabric was white, but it was dyed with small daisies all over. You looked at yourself in the mirror and twisted to get a better look. You tried to reach behind you to lace up the back, but you stopped when you saw him come up behind you. Comte’s fingers gently batted yours aside and he began to lace the dress, looking at you in the mirror as he did so. Your breath caught in your throat as you saw the look he gave you - adoration, desire, and hunger. “It looks beautiful on you,” Comte said honestly as he secured the fastenings. He tightened the laces just enough so it would stay on, but not so much your movement would be inhibited. 

“Everything today has looked good on you, chérie,” he added, his now free hands settling on your hips and pulling you flush to him. You could feel his hardness straining against the smooth material of his trousers. He lightly rubbed his hips against yours.

The feeling of his arousal against your backside caused you to bite your lip and make eye contact with his reflection. His gaze had darkened further and you were suddenly reminded that he was a vampire - a predator - and you were his prey. Rather than fear, however, the sight was more arousing than anything. You almost felt empowered, knowing this man craved you so strongly that his control was only hanging on by a thread. 

Comte began to tug on the lace he had just tied up, loosening the bodice of the dress. You looked up at him in surprise. “I thought you liked the dress?”

“I do,” he said, pushing the sleeves down your shoulders and leaving hot kisses on the now bare skin. “I’ve rather enjoyed getting to play dress up with you today, but I have been looking forward to the moment I got to take them off of you. I can’t keep pretending to be a gentleman right now.” He pushed the dress down your hips, the decorated cotton pooling on the floor, leaving you in your chemise. Comte pulled you backwards, still keeping his eyes on you in the mirror, and bent you over the other side of the ottoman. You complied with his direction, your breath hitching when you felt him run his fingers through your already damp slit. You hung your head and inhaled sharply as he slid in one finger, then two, stretching you slightly.

“You’re already so wet,” he teased. “Such a naughty girl, getting worked up like this in public.” You pushed your hips back against his fingers, but he pulled them out and held you still instead. 

When you heard the sound of fabric rustling, your gaze shot up at the exact time Comte began to press the tip of his cock to your entrance. You looked back at him in surprise, but he turned your face towards the mirror once more. 

“I want you to see how pretty you look while I’m inside you,” Comte said, his voice deep with desire.

“What if someone walks back here?” You asked breathily, biting back a moan as Comte pushed in the rest of the way, filling you completely. “Then we let them enjoy the show,” he replied, snapping his hips against your ass once. You could feel him grinding against the sweet spot deep inside you and you bit your lip hard, straining not to cry out. “I have no intention of stopping. But if you stay quiet like a good girl, they won’t have any reason to come check on us, non?” 

Rather than fucking you into the ottoman, Comte instead opted for shallow thrusts deep in your warmth and continued to grind against you. The constant pressure and friction felt so good it was almost painful. You bit your lip harder, tears springing from the corners of your eyes. Comte reached around to your mouth and gently pulled your abused lip from between your teeth with his thumb. He then slipped the digit between your lips instead, giving you something to keep your mouth occupied without hurting yourself. 

Comte was insistent on keeping your attention on yourself in the mirror. Every time you looked away, he would pull out just enough to where you received no stimulation. When you looked back up at the mirror, you were rewarded with the head of his thick length grinding into your sweet spot again. 

Comte’s other hand slipped between your thighs, his fingers deftly stroking the sensitive bud there. He timed his fingers with his hips, setting a gentle yet insistent rhythm. The lack of movement kept the sounds to a minimum; all that could really be heard around the room was a rustling of fabric and the muffled sighs from the both of you. The extra fabric around the room served as a sort of soundproofing as well, masking the sounds as well. You could feel the tension building in your abdomen, and you pushed your hips back against him. Comte’s lips trailed against your neck, his hot breath puffing against the shell of your ear. 

“Come for me,” he whispered, punctuating his command with a kiss under your ear and the insistent motion of his fingers between your thighs. The pressure in your belly suddenly snapped and you leaned forward, forgetting about the mirror; your inner walls contracting around the cock buried deep in you. Comte’s thumb slipped out of your mouth at the motion, but his hand wrapped around your mouth to prevent you from crying out in pleasure and alerting the store personnel to what exactly you were doing in their fitting room.

With a soft grunt, Comte’s free hand suddenly held your hips still as he too found his release. He instinctually pressed himself even deeper into your warmth and emptied himself inside of you with a shudder. Comte’s mouth settled over your pulse point. The urge to bite you was so intense it was hard to resist. His fangs ached with the desire to sink them into the succulent flesh of your neck, but he couldn't - not yet. Comte instead settled for gritting his teeth and pressing his face against you, a quiet groan escaping his throat. With an exhale and a kiss pressed to your shoulder, he pulled out and neatly tucked himself back in his pants. He moved your underwear back into place, preventing any fluid leakage for now, and smoothed out the skirt of your chemise. 

Comte spent the next five minutes making you both presentable again. Your heart was still pounding in your chest. You weren’t sure you would be able to shop at this store anymore for the sake of embarrassment. Once you were both decent, he shot you a cheeky grin and kissed your forehead. Your face flushed. “You have the worst poker face, ma chérie,” he chuckled. 

“Shut up,” you grumbled weakly in response, exhaling and trying to calm the heat rising in your cheeks.

Comte offered you his arm once more and guided you out of the fitting room. “We’ll take everything she tried on today,” Comte told the store clerk. You groaned in exasperation. You’re going to need a whole wing of the mansion just for your clothes if Comte keeps getting his way. However, that’s a problem for tomorrow you, you decide. For today, you’re content to let him keep spoiling you. 

“Je t’aime, Comte,” you murmur, leaning against his arm. 

“Je t’aime aussi,” he replies, kissing the top of your head. “And I always will.”

Dividers by @natimiles

Taglist: @natimiles

[x0llaz]

Bro Code. Kim Gyuvin.

Chapter 30) Busted!!!

Written chapter. wc~2279

warnings: drinking, references to weed (no one smoked it it’s just in the background), suggestive, heavy make out session, NO SMUT I REPEAT NO SMUT mostly sfw. TLDR at the end.

Yn showed up to the party with her friends, wearing the dress she was hesitant to put on and some heels that by all means should be hurting her feet. Her hair was curled around her shoulders, draping softly against her skin. 

She walked in, linking arms with hanni, chatting with Anton before taking in the scene of the party. There were people all around passing bottles of beer, the smell of weed drifting through the crowd. They walked in further, finding rei and sohee and bringing them into their group. 

They expanded group found a spot to talk, catching up on whatever the most recent gossip was. Jaeyun had his first drink, celebrating as he drank. yn felt an arm drape over her shoulders. She looked up to see gunwook grinning at her. 

“Gunwook!” She smiled brightly. “What are you doing over here?”

“We saw you so I thought I should come grab you,” he smiled. “Do you guys mind if we steal miss yn for a little?”

“Go ahead,” Anton winks at yn who rolls her eyes, a playful smile across her lips. 

Gunwook walks yn over to the crowd of his friends, who are gathered around each other. Some of them smelled like beer, but it was expected of them all. When her eyes met gyuvin’s, she smiled a bit, walking over to him. 

He was wearing some loose fitted pants that rested low on his hips, a white tank top and black zip up. His hair was messy, holding a can of beer. He smiled at her, taking in the dress she wore and how pretty her makeup was done. 

“Hey,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder with a smile. 

“Hey,” she looked up at him. “I thought we agreed to not be so touchy in public?” She poked his chest, trying to shake off his arm, though she didn’t really want to. 

“Hanbin’s not here yet, let me enjoy you,” he sighed, kissing the top of her head. 

“How many of those have you had?” Yn asked cautiously. 

“This is my first one,” Gyuvin assured her. “I don’t get drunk that much, especially not at parties,” 

“Good,” she took the can of beer and had a sip of his drink, scowling at the taste. “That tastes like shit,” 

“Good thing it’s my drink,” Gyuvin grinned at her, taking it back from her hands, moving his arm to rest across her back, hand on her waist. 

Ricky and gunwook joined them, yn assumed they knew about her and Gyuvin, like her friends did. They started some small talk, Ricky was on his second drink while gunwook just had water. Gunwook was busy on lookout, like yn’s other friends were, in case hanbin was to walk in and see Gyuvin and yn. 

They talked about classes, and Ricky asked yn for homework answers, which she declined to give. Gunwook told them about the girl in his class who he’d been talking to. They had a date earlier that week, and gunwook really liked her. 

In the midst of their conversation, yn’s friends came to join them, hanni dragging yn away from gyuvin slightly, which both of them frowned at. Hanni linked arms with yn, leaning in and whispering hanbin’s name. Yn nodded and mouthed it to gyuvin. 

Hanbin soon approached with zhanghao and Matthew, joining in the group. The mood was more tense, a few of yn’s friends separating Yn and gyuvin so they wouldn’t be so obvious. The group did their best to continue as normal. 

Within a few minutes they started breaking off, some going to get more drinks, some meeting with other friends. Gyuvin and yn went to get yn a drink. Gyuvin stood next to yn as she fished out a bottle of the cherry cider she always liked. Gyuvin was standing too close for anyone to reasonably think they were just friends. She turned around and he opened the bottle for her, flicking off the cap before handing it back to her. 

The two of them shared their drinks as they mixed and mingled. Hanbin was always a good distance away, though his gaze found them more than once. The music in the house was trashy, and it smelled like sweat, beer and weed, but it didn’t bother them. They just took it all in, enjoying the moment. 

Ricky and gunwook were playing games upstairs with some other friends, and they could hear the commotion over the speakers. Hanni was with some of her friends, Jaeyun played drinking games while Anton sat on the couch with sohee and a couple other friends. 

Gyuvin and yn stayed close together, too crowded for either of them to want to be alone. At one point, when the drinks had kicked in, and hanbin was out of sight for quite a while, gyuvin’s hand fell back on her waist. Yn would have scolded him, but couldn’t bring herself to care about it. Neither of them were drunk, only on their second drinks. Neither of them could really care at the moment. 

When the bad pop and nauseating scent became too much for them, gyuvin leaned down a bit to speak into her ear. 

“Wanna go upstairs?” He asked softly, and yn looked at him with her eyebrows raised. He awaited her answer, which was a simple nod. 

As the two walked upstairs, hanbin spotted them, talking quietly amongst themselves. He decided to not jump to conclusions. He’d stay out of their business for the moment. 

“Are we allowed up here?” Yn asked, the sounds of the party muffled as they got to the second floor. 

“I mean I am,” Gyuvin grinned. “You’re just my plus one today,” 

“What an honor,” she smiled, holding his hand as Gyuvin opened the door to Ricky’s room, leading her inside. Gyuvin walked in and took his hoodie off, laying it on Ricky’s desk, turning to see yn standing in the middle of the room, arms wrapped around her body. 

“You cold?” He asked, tilting his head a bit. 

She shook her head. “No, just looking around,” she said, realizing her stance made her look uncomfortable. She brushed her hair out of her face. 

There was silence for a bit, neither of them knowing what to say to the other. Gyuvin took the chance to move closer to her, moving to stand in front of her, placing a hand on her waist, while the other brought her chin to look at him. 

“Have I told you how pretty you look tonight?” He asked, genuinely wondering. 

“No, I’m surprised it’s taken you so long,” yn smiled up at him. “But I do remember a conversation involving having sex on Ricky’s bed,” she raised an eyebrow. 

Gyuvin laughed a bit. “All jokes,” he told her, and she felt comfortable with his soft laugh. “Unless you wanted to,” 

She whacked his chest. “Perv,” she jokingly moved away, and he only brought her closer, laughing. 

“No! I’m just saying that if we as two consenting-“

“You’re such a nerd,” yn giggled and gyuvin fake gasped. 

“How dare you!” He brought her in closer, kissing her cheek. “I’m not a nerd, you take that back,” he said as he kissed her other cheek. 

Yn grinned, “it’s okay, I like nerds,” she told him and gyuvin pulled back a bit with the same smile. 

He brushed her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear as he smiled. His fingers rested lightly against her cheek. 

“You have no idea how hard it is to not call you my girlfriend every ten seconds,” he tells her. 

“Well maybe that’s because I’m not your girlfriend,” she pokes his nose. “You still haven’t asked.”

“I’ll ask soon,” he smiles, twirling a strand of hair between his fingers. 

“You know that means we have to tell hanbin, right?” She reminds him. 

“He can go cry about it,” he said, pressing a kiss to her lips. 

Yn pulled back with a laugh. “Gyuvin!”

“I’m just saying, it’s not like his approval matters that much,” he shrugged. 

Yn just sighed, sitting down on Ricky’s bed with a little smile. “You’re so-“

“Handsome?”

“Annoying,” she says as Gyuvin sits down next to her. 

“Lets think like this,” he says. “If hanbin didn’t approve, would you let that stop us?”

Yn just looked at him. She knew the answer, she knew that he was right, and she didn’t want to be held back by the fear of her brothers reaction. 

“No,” she answers with a smile. 

“Then I think that settles it,” he said, before leaning in and kissing her again. 

Their kiss was more than a peck that time, both of them fighting to deepen the kiss more and more. Yn’s hands rested on gyuvin’s chest while one of his hands held her waist, and the other cupped her cheek. The more they deepened the kiss, the more they realized what they wanted in the moment. 

There was little space between them, pressed against each other before gyuvin ended up over yn, her hair splayed across the pillow as Gyuvin kissed her neck. They both knew where it would end up. They’d owe Ricky an apology. 

But what they didn’t know was that about ten minutes after no sign of them, hanbin went upstairs to see if they were with everyone else. He walked into where the others were playing games, even asked a few other friends if they knew where they were. 

Hanbin had walked around the house one more time, asking hanni, sohee, Matthew, anyone who may have seen them before going back upstairs. This time he heard something from Ricky’s room, and opened the door. 

He saw gyuvin hovering over his sister, clothes still in tact as they kissed, neither of them noticed him. There probably was a right way to go about this- but hanbin wasn’t in the mood. 

“Kim Gyuvin, get off of her,” he said loudly and saw both of them jolt a bit in surprise. It took a moment, but slowly Gyuvin got off the bed, looking down at the floor, not brave enough to look at hanbin. 

“Get up yn,” hanbin said and yn quickly got up, pulling her dress down from where it had bunched up a bit. 

There was a long, awkward silence. One so thick it could be cut by a knife. 

“Do you want to explain?” Hanbin asked, arms folded. 

Gyuvin muttered something. Hanbin asked him to repeat it. “We don’t owe you one,” he said, trying to hold his voice steady. 

Hanbin scoffed. “How long has this been going on?”

“A few weeks,” yn said quietly, looking at her brother. 

“A few weeks? You’ve been sneaking around for a few weeks? What the hell?” Hanbin was clearly upset. 

“What did you expect us to do hanbin? You’ve made it glaringly obvious that you don’t like us being together. You’re just mad we didn’t give you the opportunity to stop us,” Gyuvin said and hanbin felt his anger surge. 

“You were about to fuck my sister you dick!” He approached gyuvin faster then normal, fists clenched at his side. 

Both gyuvin and yn could tell hanbin was about to throw the first punch. Both were ready, gyuvin ready to dodge as yn sprinted over and grabbed hanbin’s arms and yanked him back. She was shocked at how easily she drew him back. 

Her brother turned to look at her, anger fading into a mix of emotions as he looked at her. 

“You’re out of line hanbin,” she told him sternly. “Until you can handle the fact that I’ve grown up, you can fuck off,” her brows furrowed at her brother. “Go home, hanbin.”

She was surprised how easy it was for him to leave. A huff of annoyance, and he stomped his way down the hall. 

The two of them turned back to each other. The mood was ruined by her brothers appearance. Ricky’s bed was spared. 

“Do you wanna leave?” Gyuvin asked, brushing his hair back. “The alcohol wore off so I can drive,” 

Yn nodded, taking his hand and leading the way out. They said goodbye to their friends, and ended up in gyuvin’s car. Once the engine started, Gyuvin looked over at yn. She looked upset. 

“Are you okay?” He asked. 

She sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t know why he’s like that, I really don’t,” she apologized. 

“Hey it’s okay, it’s not your fault,” he told her, his hand resting on her knee. “I think you handled it well. And you stopped me from getting my ass beat,” 

Yn smiled. “It would’ve been a funny fight,” she told him. 

“It would’ve,” he smiled, leaning back in his seat as he drove them out the parking lot. “This might be forward, but do you want to stay the night?” He asked. “We don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to, I just want to… enjoy your presence without your brothers complaints,”

Yn laughed a bit. “Sure, I will,” 

“Cool,”

~~~~~

The drive to gyuvin’s apartment was quiet, walking up to his flat was quiet, but everything was peaceful. The two of them dropped their things in the kitchen, and gyuvin brought yn to his room. 

Gyuvin gave her a pair of sweatpants and a t shirt to wear, and they both changed into pajamas. With a movie playing in the background, they fell asleep in each others arms. 

Neither of them had the energy to care about how things would continue with hanbin. They just took each other in, letting the peace of their time together distract them. 

Regardless, they were busted. 

Masterlist. Previous. Next.

TLDR- they almost fuck and hanbin catches them. Ricky’s bed is saved.

IM SORRY THIS WAS LATE I HAD A BUSY WEEKEND. MIGHT HAVE ANOTHER CHAPTER OUT TMRW

Taglist (open):  @annoyingbitch83 , @shanb1n , @hyehae , @aerivrs , @skzhoe4life , @songkangspizza, @gyvnexe , @wheatrice , @zerose62 , @444itgurl , @wonnyy1 , @chewryy , @hittoki , @run2min , @beomgyusonlywife , @straykidswhoo789 , @klo1740 , @xiaoquanquans , @istphanie , @jiaant11 , @pwarkj , @f4iryho0n , @sionshiii , @minfolio @llearlert , @ddeuno-peach , @browniestraykidshiteu , @sleepingisweak , @jjungwonss

[whitexwolfxx310]

New Years Eve 2/2

Pairing: Bucky x female reader

Summary: You spend New Years Eve with Bucky at a big event which your ex happens to also be attending.

Warnings: Y/N, 18+, Cursing, **Graphic sexual content**, Smut, Oral (M to F), sexual asphyxiation, slightly physical encounter with ex, jealousy, edging.

Word Count: 4895

Gif: Credit goes to buck-n-cap & lowkeysebastianstan

A/Ns: This is the second part to my New Years Eve post. Thank you all so much for reading! If you want to be added to the Taglist, just let me know!

Previous Part

Masterlist

Today has been kind of a big deal and it’s far from over. It’s a declaration of your relationship with Bucky going public, even in front of your own father who has made it very clear that he disapproves.

Standing in the lobby of the elaborate hotel, you catch of glimpse of your reflection in the glass door. You smooth the sides of your long, simple, burgundy dress. Turning from side to side slowly seeing how the gown accentuates your hourglass figure. A coolness on your bare lower back causes you to suck in a breath through your teeth.

"You look beautiful." Bucky reassures as his warm breath grazes against your ear. Your cheeks instantly blush from the embarrassment. "Also," He starts, "I got us a room." Pulling back slightly from him, smirking and raising an eyebrow at the forwardness, his nose scrunches with an amused laugh. "Not what I meant. But I like your thinking." He says, planting a gentle kiss on your temple.

"Hey, Buck!" Both of you become aware of Steve and Peggy. "Wow, you guys look great!" Steve says energetically. God, it's like night and day with Bucky and Steve. The men greet each other with a small hug and firm pat on the back. Stepping forward, you acknowledge Peggy with a small kiss on the cheek.

"You look...wow. Peggy, you look fantastic!" You say, astonished by her classic, yet sophisticated, look. The bright red lipstick matches her dress, which accents her pale skin and dark brown pin curled hair.

“Likewise.” Peggy smiles “Good to see you, Y/N.”

“And Steve… handsome as always.” You say as you reach up to give him a friendly hug. He smiles, taking Peggy’s hand.

“Let’s head in, don’t want to be late.” As the couple starts to walk off, Bucky smirks and rolls his eyes.

“With out without the suit, he’s always Captain America.” He laughs, placing his hand around your waist, bringing you in nice and close as you walk into the party room.

The night is still young and reserved. Everyone is being cordial and polite. Give it about an hour or so when they’re all a few drinks in and it will be a different story.

It’s not a traditional party with decorations, it’s very organized and structured with speeches and awards, etc. The only type of display to distinguish what type of event you’re attending is the memorial board on an easel with the stone faced, uniformed pictures of those who have died. While you’re trying to actively avoid looking at it, you keep side eyeing it looking for your brother Luke’s picture.

For once, you’re the one who has the tight jawline. A gentle rub on your upper arm reminds you to try and relax, that you aren’t alone. You glance up at Bucky, attempting to smile. “Thank you.” You say softly.

“I know this isn’t easy for you. I appreciate you being here with me. ‘Till the end of the line, sunshine.” He says, giving a small wink along with a smile. And just like that you feel as though you could just melt onto the floor. For more reasons than one…

As soon as you feel the uneasiness drift away, it comes crashing back full force as you spot your parents talking with someone. Already knowing where they were, Bucky plants a small kiss on the top of your head. “You can’t avoid them forever. C’mon.” He gently encourages but waits for you to make a move. Taking a determined, deep breath you make your way over to them. If it weren’t for Bucky by your side, you wouldn’t have the courage to confront them.

Your steps become smaller the closer that you get, but he’s with you every single step along the way. Clearing your throat to get their attention, you give them a polite smile. Moms eyes instantly light up at the sight of you, reaching down to match the big smile from the corners of her mouth.

“Oh, honey!” Taking a few quick steps forward she quickly embraces you. Awkwardly, you hug her back, not letting go of Bucky. Not even for a second. The notion grabs your fathers attention, but it doesn’t seem to phase him. He nods slightly in acknowledgement, but nothing more. A part of you feels instantly crushed, knowing that he is still holding onto the last conversation the two of you had. About your life. About your choices. About Bucky.

“Dad.” You give him a small hello in return. His lips are a tight, thin line as he glances Bucky over.

“Sir.” Bucky says, holding his right black gloves hand out for a hand shake. Dad indulges, but most likely for appearances sake. A flash of amusement crosses Dads face, instantaneously making you feel as though you’re going to be sick.

“James.” He greets, his attention drawn to behind the both of you. “We were actually just catching up with Christopher.”

Christopher. You have to remind yourself to breathe as you turn around. And there he is. Fuck. Tall, dirty blonde hair, tan, green eyes that stand out even more so with his olive green class A’s and the obligatory Army crew cut.

“Hey, Y/N. It’s been a long time.” Chris steps in to hug you and your body goes completely stiff, not moving an inch, holding your breath. Bucky is looking between you and Chris, instantly understanding that this isn’t necessarily a happy reunion. Bucky’s eyes narrow as Chris steps back into his place, also putting his hand out to shake his as well.

“Nice to meet you, Christopher.” Bucky practically spits out as he looks him dead in the eyes.

“Sergeant Barnes.” Chris returns the same slender gaze along with a smirk as he puts his hands into Bucky’s. After an extended moment, Chris goes to pull away his hand but is met with Bucky’s gloved left hand closing over both their fists. Right away Chris flinches, the vibranium hand enclosing their hands just a little too hard.

“Hey guys!” Steve gets everyone’s attention as he walks up. Bucky and Chris hands fall to their side, looking like two children that were caught fighting over a toy. “How’s everyone doing tonight?” Steve smiles. Always the peacekeeper. He places his hand on Bucky’s shoulder. “I was just about to head to the bar. Would you two like to join Peggy and I for a round?”

“Sounds great!” You chime in, locking arms with Bucky and follow Steve to the bar where Peggy is sitting with a round of drinks. Grabbing the one that looks the strongest, you slam it back instantly. Everyone is quiet, looking between themselves extremely confused. You then feel a soft hand on your shoulder.

“Are you alright, Y/N?” Steve asks, concerned.

“I’m fine! Totally and completely fine!” Your voice comes out way too high pitched and is utter bullshit. Bucky and Steve exchange a nervous look between each other as you finish another one of the drinks. You can feel the tension, so much so that you could cut through it with a knife.

“So… are you going to tell me what is going on?” Bucky asks, his tone flat. His concern comes out in the form of resorting back to shutting down. The fact he hasn’t been dragged out of here kicking and screaming is already progress. In the words of Bucky: ‘Fight first, questions later…. Maybe.’

“So um-“ you start, taking in a deep breath. “Chris is, I mean… was, my brothers best friend.” There seems to be a collective understanding nod within the group. “He made it back and Luke just… didn’t.”

Bucky’s face softens at the realization, now knowing that Chris is a constant reminder of your older brother who is gone.

“But…he’s also my ex.” You’re holding your breath as Bucky continues to look into your eyes, no reaction whatsoever. Peggy’s fire engine red lips purse out as she stands up from the bar.

“Looks like we’re in need of more drinks. Steve?” She beacons for him to come with her, leaving you two alone to talk.

“What?” Bucky asks, cocking his head slightly to the side. He still hasn’t blinked. Or moved. Or even fucking breathed.

“It just didn’t work out between us. We all knew each other since we were kids. Him and my brother grew up together, enlisted together, deployed together-“

“And had you in common as well.” He says, matter of factly as he still remains calm. Which actually is the scariest part. Is he… jealous?

“Bucky…” You start, placing your hand over his. “I don’t care about him. He is nothing to me. His presence just brings back painful memories.”

He just sits, staring into your eyes, looking for a glimmer of lies. But, it won’t be found. Because this is, in fact, the truth. This is it. This is the moment where Bucky’s growth is put to the test. His reaction is everything. His jaw shifts slightly as his tongue runs across his top teeth, his lips still firmly pressed closed. He’s trying. He’s trying his best to keep his cool. You’re still holding your breath as you wait. Wait for him to explode. Wait for him to say that you two are done. Wait for him to walk out of this building, go under the radar as the Winter Soldier and never be heard from again. You’re mind is already racing at the thought of possibly losing him over something so trivial- but he takes a deep breath in through his nose.

“It’s in the past.” He murmurs. And, as if a lightbulb turned on, it suddenly makes sense. Bucky has tried now for many years to let go of what was, it would be hypocritical to hold something against you. A sigh of relief escapes from your mouth.

“But-“ he starts, making you hold your breath again. “I’m not above kicking his ass.” He’s smirking, but the truth of the matter is… he would and not think twice.

“Bucky!” You lightly slap his hand in a playful gesture. Suddenly, Steve and Peggy are back with more than just a few appreciated drinks.

“How about we find our seats.” Steve suggests “Ladies first.” He steps to the side, allowing you to walk side by side with Peggy. You give him a thankful smile as you get up from your seat at the bar. Bucky and Steve hang back for just a moment, talking low to one another so that they can only hear the conversation. Steve grips and ruffles Bucky’s shoulder, giving him an encouraging nudge.

After getting to your assigned table, the award ceremonies and long speeches start to blend together. Thankfully, there’s a never ending circling of servers so the drinks never stay too empty for long. Your attention gets drawn to your left thigh, where there is a warm hand gently caressing. You look to the left where Bucky is sitting next to you, being met with a small smile trying to disguise his concern. In return you mimic his smile to hide your uneasiness.

A familiar voice starts to ring through the speakers strategically placed through out the room so everyone is able to hear the person speaking. Dad. Swallowing down what feels like a rock in your throat as you watch him start to address the crowd for the next award, you look between your father and Bucky. Suddenly feeling antsy and unable to sit any longer, your hands smooth down your dress on your thighs.

"I'll um- I'll be right back." You say as you quickly get up from the table.

"Y/N..." Bucky says sympathetically as he moves to get up as well.

"It's fine." He stops midway, frozen in a squat position, as he struggles internally to be there for you but also respect your boundaries.

"Really..." You lean down, planting a small kiss on his lips. "I'm just going to freshen up." He places his hand on yours, reluctant to let go as you go to move away.

Walking out of the ballroom and into the main corridor to catch your breath, you feel a slight pull on your hand from behind.

"I said I was fi-..." Turning around expecting Bucky to have followed you, but instead you're now standing face to face with your ex. "Chris?" You say in repulsion.

"I know, I know. I just wanted to see how you're doing with everything." His tone is soft, concerned even. You scoff as you try to pull your hand away.

"How I'm doing? W-What? Let go of me!" You insist, trying to pull back, but he doesn't let go.

"Listen, Y/N. I know we didn't end on the best of terms, and I'm sorry I didn't reach out to you after Luke died-"

"Don't you dare talk to me about my brother!" You spit out, still trying to get your wrist out from his grasp. "I said...Let g-"

"I just want you to understand…" Christopher's grip is now getting firmer around your wrist to hold you in place. "It was hard for me too and I just didn't know what to say-"

"What part of 'let fucking go' are you not understanding?!" You yell, struggling to get out of his grasp.

"I'm here now! We can honor his memory…together! It’s what he would have wan-" Chris stops mid-sentence, realizing that a third person has placed their hand over his. He looks away from you to be met eye to eye with Bucky, who's vibranium hand is now clasped over his. This is probably the only time you'll be thankful for how stealth-like he can be.

"You heard her.” Bucky says, with an eerily calm tone which is met with no response. “Let her…the fuck…go.” He enunciates.

Christopher’s eyes narrow, not blinking as he grinds his teeth, thinking about how he wants to handle the situation. Your eyes dart between the two men, your wrist still held in place. Chris’s brows furrow as the grip around your wrist tighter, causing you to suck in a sharp breath between your teeth.

“Okay then.” Bucky says, matter of factly. Within what seems to be a blink of an eye, you’re free and now standing behind Bucky who has placed himself between you and Chris.

“Look, Barnes. I don’t want any trouble…” Christopher says, his tone less confident than before.

“Trouble will follow any man that puts his unwanted hand on a woman. Now go. I’m sure you’re next in line for some bullshit speech or medal.” Bucky says, assertively.

The air is thick and tense as the stare down between Bucky and Chris continues, knowing that even the slightest twitch would send them into a brawl. The question is, would Christopher be stupid enough to go toe to toe with a super soldier? Chris’s eyes move passed Bucky to make eye contact with you, which instantly makes you look away from how uncomfortable it feels.

Suddenly, Chris turns on his heels and heads back into the main ballroom. He has always been more concerned with appearances and will not do anything to jeopardize his career. Bucky doesn’t move until he’s out of sight, turning around and looking you up and down concerned.

“Are you okay?” He asks, not getting closer but gently takes your wrist, inspecting it.

“I’ll be fine.” You mutter, unable to look at him, your stomach still tied up in an enormous knot from the encounter. Bucky continuously looks you up and down, letting out a long sigh.

“Let’s find somewhere quiet. Somewhere private?” He suggests, and you nod slightly in agreement.

Bucky’s hand gently wraps around your waist, pulling you softly into his side as he leads you down the hall. You can’t but help but notice out of the corner of your eye, Steve had been standing there the entire time. Ready to have Bucky’s back, just as he always has.

Your head is spinning. What would have happened if Bucky didn’t intervene? Why did Chris want to have this conversation now, of all places? Was my father somehow behind this because of his dislike for Bucky? Would he really go that far? This is so embarra-

“This is us.” Bucky’s soft voice interrupts the never ending questions running through your mind. He takes out a plastic card, swiping it into the door. A small light beeps and turns green, allowing access. Opening the door, Bucky allows you to go into the room first, following closely behind and locks the door. The hotel room. You didn’t realize where he was leading you due to the rapid thinking.

Taking a few steps into the room, you glance around. On the king sized bed is two carryall bags; one for you and one for Bucky. He must have packed for both of us ahead of time, prepared for what was supposed to be a romantic night, turned into this. Looking out the large window at the dark city scenery, you smooth your dress down along your thighs; a nervous habit you’ve developed over time. Turning around, you find Bucky still standing close to the door, arms crossed and looking you over. You let out a long sigh as you take a few steps forward, unsure of what to say.

“Do you want to talk about it?” His tone is soft and slightly confused. Talking isn’t something that he is necessarily used to. The only person he has ever been willing to put everything on the line for, is Steve. This is new territory. For him. For you. For us.

“Not really.” You reply, honestly. Taking a few small steps forward, Bucky mirrors the motion. You place the side of your head on his chest, wrapping your arms around him as you do so. He returns the notion, placing his chin on top of your head as his arms wrap around you entirely. The warmth, comfort, and protection is more than welcomed. His arms are the safest place in the world.

Pulling your head back to look up into his eyes, you still need to stand on your tippy toes to plant your lips on his. His tall frame leans down to meet yours. The soft kiss starts as a way of saying thank you, showing gratitude for him being there for you. But it quickly turns into necessity, needing Bucky in every sense of the word. Your arms unwrap from around his torso, reaching gently to cup each side of his face as you pull him more to you. His hands on the small, bare part of your lower back, pressing you slightly more into his body.

“Get me out of this dress.” You demand between kisses. He pulls back a bit in surprise.

“Y/N… I don’t know if-“

“Shut up. And get me out of this dress, Bucky.” You say, sternly. Taking his right hand in yours, and placing it right at the zipper. Giving in, he pulls it down slowly. You shimmy slightly to shake the dress onto the floor, you’re now left in a black lace bra, and a matching black lace garter belt g-string clipped down to black thigh highs.

“You’re killing me here…” Bucky says, eyeing your body in the lingerie.

“I want you to fuck me.” You say, confidently. You’ve reached that level in your relationship that you can be crystal clear about what each of you want.

“I-“ He strains. Also hungry the same desire, but at the same time not wanting to feel as though he is taking advantage of your vulnerability. In return, you aggressively unbutton his fitted black suit jacket, bringing it down his shoulders and arms and it falls to the floor. You take his right hand and sensually remove the glove, also discarding it to the floor. When you take his left hand, he is more reluctant. Still self conscious of his vibranium arm when not using it for its original intention. Lightly sterner this time, you take his hand and also take off that glove. The coolness to the touch instantly gives your body goosebumps. You once again take his right hand, gently kissing the pad of each finger while looking up into his eyes. The flicker of more than usual craving ignited in his eyes.

You pull him closer by the buckle of his belt, eagerly undoing it along with his dress pants, leaving them to collapse to the floor. Bucky’s hands instantly find your waist, pulling you in to show his lust through kissing. Firmly, you unbutton his dress shirt, leaving him in only in a gray undershirt and matching boxer briefs. Your hand slips down between the heat of your bodies, cupping his growing bulge. He releases a deep breath, moan combination at your touch.

His reaction causes a surge of frenzied dopamine to be released. Your hand grips him just a little harder, moving it forward and back in rhythm with the aching throbbing deep in your core. Sensing the growing intensity, Bucky lifts you up into his arms, coaxing your legs to wrap around the trunk of his body. You oblige, your arms wrapping around his neck as well. Maintaining the fierce kiss, he pulls your body more into his own. Feeling your body’s press more into each other forces the urgency of him being inside you grow exponentially.

Taking a few steps towards the bed, Bucky lays you down, now hovering over you. His hips compress down into yours, causing your back to arch up into his chest and a small whimper to escape. Propped up on his left arm, his right hand grazes the curves of your body, leaving an anguished trail behind. Bucky's lips migrate from yours and down your neck. His deep breathing in your ear pulsates through your body, syncing with the gnawing, and growing, passion. He sits back on his knees, between your legs with an astonished look on his face.

"What?" You ask, laughing. He shakes his head, rubbing the palms of his hands on top of your knees, moving them up your thigh slightly on both sides, his fingers flicking against the straps against the thigh highs.

"You are just..." His eyes ricochet between different areas of your body. "So fucking beautiful." The statement makes you blush, gently biting your bottom lip in anticipation.

Bucky's tongue brushes across the front of his lips. He then takes hold of your hips, pulling you down to the edge of the bed. His hands only leave your body for a moment, pulling off his shirt and tossing it onto the floor. Staring up into his eyes, you start to become more restless, grinding your hips down into the cotton comforter. He leans over your body, meshing his lips eagerly into yours. While face to face, Bucky pulls down his briefs half way, allowing them to remain on his thighs.

Standing up, his chest is already rising and falling rapidly. Using his pointer finger, he hooks it into the bottom of your panties, pulling them to the side. While keeping the fabric in place, he bends down, his metal arm gripping your thigh as he places his tongue flat against your opening. Just pressing the wet warmth against you send a lightening bolt through your body. He drags his tongue up...and then down. Once, twice, and then pulls away. The instant chill and lack of stimulation leave you disgruntled. But he quickly rips the fabric he had been holding to the side, exposing you to him fully.

He brings his hand up to his mouth, spitting onto his fingers before rubbing the head of himself. He presses against you, only a few millimeters in, and you both suck in a sharp breath, already being able to tell just how narrow you are.

"Oh god..." Bucky's head tilts back slightly in gratification. "You're so tight..." He acknowledges, slowly pressing into you, deeper and deeper.

When pleasure is this fierce, it can cause your body to spasm. Almost as if it's too much to handle and tries to escape. But he doesn't let you. Tenderly, he takes your legs and rests them against his shoulders, kissing the inside of your ankle as you writhe softly underneath him. It doesn't take long to conform around him. He draws himself almost all the way out and then presses back in. Your body squirms in response, moaning as your way of demanding more. Bucky's hips glide in and out, also putting an extra thrust against your g-spot once he's fully in.

"Mmm..." You moan into a deep breath as your eyes slightly roll back. Once you make eye contact with Bucky again, he's smiling. Knowing that he can satisfy you in every meaning of the word.

Letting go of your legs, he falls forward, bracing himself on the bed, hovering while still inside you. He presses his forehead into yours, looking into your eyes as his hips collide into your own.

"Say it." He requests, but your slightly confused. No need for you to say anything, because as if he can read your mind, he responds:

"Tell me I'm the only one..." He breathes. "Tell me that you're mine."

"I'm yours." You indulge, truthfully. "Always." It comes out as a whisper. Within that moment, you press your lips up into his. He hungerly kisses you in return.

Pulling back slightly, but not pulling out, he continues to hover. His cool, metal fingertips outlining your collarbone. Bucky raises his eyebrows, not needing to say what he's thinking out loud. Without hesitation, you nod in approval. He's slightly taken aback by your answer but eager to indulge.

"Let me know if it's too much." Bucky holds your gaze as the palm of his left hand flattens at the base of your neck.

"I trust you."

And with that he slides his hand slightly forward, placing your neck between his thumb and pointer finger. Gradually, the grip gets tighter. But Bucky continually searches your face, looking for any sort of discomfort. The additional pressure along with his quickening rhythm, put you into a state of euphoria. The most perfect, metallic ice necklace. Each stroke ripples through your body, intensifying with each passing second. You've been holding your climax off, edging yourself intentionally so that you can orgasm together. Although, it is apparent that it is becoming more and more difficult for you both.

"Do you want me to come?" He asks, loudly enough to be heard over the sounds of body slapping intertwined with moaning and heavy breathing.

"I'm ready." It comes out as a plead.

"How much?" He grins.

“As much as you can.” You whisper, giving him a small smirk in return.

He let's go of your neck, bracing himself on the bed with both arms now. His dewy chest creating friction against yours as he quickens his pace just a little more. Your nails dig into his back, scratching down a little harder than you care to admit. But, something tells you that he really doesn't mind all that much. Bucky is moaning into your ear, the most gratifying sound, as you feel warmth start to fill inside of you. It instantly sends you over the edge, contracting around him in quick intervals of pure ecstasy. The world stops when the two of you are together. This just feels so right, so perfect. Regardless of what some people say, it's meant to be.

Laying together in bed, coming down from cloud nine, your leg is draped over his. Your fingers slowly trace the damp, defined lines of his muscles. His chin rests gently on the top of your head, breathing deeply as he resonates in the moment. In the distance, you can hear loud voices. You and Bucky look at each other, and then at the phone on the nightstand, laughing in understanding. Even across the hotel and away from the ballroom, you can hear the collective

Ten....Nine....Eight....Seven....Six....Five....Four....Three....Two....One. Happy New Year!

Using his pointer finger, Bucky lifts your chin up to give you a kiss.

"That is one hell of a way to bring in the new year." He laughs.

"Yeah..." You giggle a little. Looking at him, in this moment, this beautiful moment, it slips out. "Would it be super cliché if I said 'I love you'?"

His eyes widen. Oh no.

"I-" You sit up, scrambling for a bed sheet to cover yourself so that you aren't exposed physically. Just emotionally. "I'm sorry. It-It's too much." Shaking your head in embarrassment, clinging to the sheet that is masking your chest, unable to look anywhere aside from down at the bed.

"Hey..." Bucky says, tenderly as he sits up in the bed. His hand palms your face gently, coaxing you to look at him. "It may be the first time that you're saying 'I love you' to me, but just know that I will never grow tired of hearing it." He's smiling affectionately as his thumb grazes against the side of your mouth. "Would it be completely predictable to say 'I love you too'? Because I do, Y/N. You have made this old man the happiest he has ever been and ever expected to be. You are everything I could have dreamed of and more."

Squealing in excitement, you drop the sheet and quickly hop into his lap. Kissing him once again behind teary eyes.

Tag list: @peaches1958 @aquabrie @elsie-bells @pono-pura-vida @redbloodedgurl @almosttoopizza @beware-my-thorns @prettylittlepluviophile @annoyinglythoughtfuldestiny @calwitch @ozwriterchick @roofwitty779 @lessersole @lil-darhk @agoddoesnotplead

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[cal-daisies-and-briars]

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147 my god!!!!! This is over 1000 words

---

It feels as close to the experience of a hospital waiting room as probably exists anymore. 

Bobby nods. “It’s resolved. Not to worry.”

“The radio?” Athena asks.

“No longer transmitting. We don’t need anyone else finding this place,” Bobby explains. “I’m just glad it was you and not someone we don’t know.”

Athena nods. “The end of the world brings out the worst in people.”

“Enables the worst in them, certainly,” Bobby agrees. 

“Though I suppose not everyone,” Athena adds. “Look at what you’ve done here.”

Bobby smiles, gesture feeling slightly forced. “Thank you. We’re getting by.”

“Looks more like thriving, compared to some of what I’ve seen.”

Well, that’s fair. Bobby hasn’t seen as much. He’s happy not to know. Happy not to be part of a larger, more dangerous world. He can’t risk losing another family. 

Before Bobby can reply, Hen and Chim walk out of the utility closet where they’ve been treating May. 

“How is she?” Athena asks, rising to her feet. 

“She has an infection,” Hen says. “But not the infection. Likely, something got in the wound. Or, the zombie that scratched her had something gross on its hands.”

“We’re doing what we can,” Chim says. “If it gets worse, we’d have to take the leg.”

Athena gasps. 

“We’re not there yet, Athena,” Hen assures her. 

Athena takes a deep breath. 

“I trust you, Hen. Do what you have to do to save my baby. She’s more than a leg.”

Bobby swallows. His mind can’t help drifting to his own kids. He feels a desperate, nagging need to prevent her from experiencing his agony. He doesn’t know her kids at all, but he wouldn’t wish that loss on anyone. It’s completely unnatural. Completely soul-changing. So very hard to survive. 

“It’s a waiting game for now,” Chim tells her. “You and your son should rest. We’ll keep you updated, and you can see her.”

Athena sighs. “I can’t rest now. I have to go check the old house. See what I can crab. See if there are any signs of Michael.”

“Town’s not so bad for zombies anymore,” Chim tells her. “They’re mostly all dead.”

Bobby still feels a pang of anxiety at the thought of her going out into it alone, anyway. 

“You want backup?” He offers. 

Athena smiles a little ruefully. “I never did work with a partner, captain.”

“We’ve got an electric vehicle,” he shrugs. “Don’t waste your gas.”

Pragmatism often wins out over ego, he finds. Or just a desire to be alone. 

She nods. “Well, alright then. Thank you.”

▪️▪️▪️

Before the outbreak, Bobby had been a truck guy. Maybe that was just familiarity with the battalion trucks at work, maybe it was a lifetime of driving on snowier, rougher roads. The immediate halt of gasoline production changed that, of course. Hard to appreciate a gas guzzler when each refill is a chore. Siphoning is one thing. Locating gas to be siphoned? Another. 

Luckily for them, the community center already had one of the town’s only public EV charging stations. And a few of the more affluent residents, all of whom died fairly quickly, left behind their expensive cars. It was Karen who proposed they take as many as they could. She could work with their computer systems, and the rest of them were handy with vehicles on account of the job. So now Bobby finds himself driving a Tesla, covered in looted bumper stickers from the dollar store that Denny has artfully arranged. There’s a number of absurd slogans. I love my Bichon Frise. My kid is an honor roll student. Who rescued who? Coexist. Go green - go vegan. Athena reads them all as she climbs in the car. 

“We’re more pescatarian at this point,” Bobby says when he catches her eyeing the last one. “Buck catches a lot of fish.”

“You don’t strike me as a bumper sticker guy,” Athena smirks, climbing in the passenger seat and buckling up. 

He appreciates someone who uses their seat belt even post-apocalypse. It had been an argument with Buck until Chim made him watch a DVD copy of Zombieland. Not as funny of a film when it’s your reality. 

“That’s all Denny,” Bobby replies, chuckling. “We had to draw the line at someone’s NRA sticker.”

Athena laughs. “I’m guessing he didn’t understand?”

“No. We took the guy’s guns, left his agenda.” 

“Fair enough,” she chuckles.

“Where am I headed?” Bobby asks.

“Montalvo Drive,” Athena says. 

Fancy neighborhood. Damn. Not something she’d afford on a police salary. 

“You got it.”

A quiet falls over the car as Bobby drives. He knows very little about what happened between Athena Grant and her husband, Michael. A man Bobby has never met.  Hen knows. Karen knows. But they’ve never said. There wasn’t a reason to, after the outbreak. And before, it was a private matter. One day, they were called to an motorist accident, a different sergeant was at the scene who Bobby didn’t recognize, and Hen quietly told Bobby and Chim that Athena had taken the kids and gone to her parents. He found he missed seeing her at calls, as strange as that is to say. She has an energy about her, maybe. 

“What did your husband do?” Bobby asks finally, after five minutes, when they pull onto the street. 

“Architect,” Athena explains. 

Well that accounts for that. 

“He was - is, I don’t know - good at it, too.” Athena continues. “Successful.”

He’d have to be, to buy the home she ends up directing him to. Ocean view. Two stories. Big gates and a pool. Athena probably didn’t have to work at all. Let alone a dangerous, demanding job. Which just goes to say, she’s the kind of person that needs to. He understands that. 

Bobby parks outside the gate. He grabs the shotgun he brought with them as Athena checks the gate codelock. You never can be too sure. 

“The batteries in these things are supposed to last years,” Athena mutters as she punches in the code. 

The gate clicks open. 

“We can leave the security company a testimonial,” Bobby tells her. 

“Customer reviews are everything,” Athena agrees flatly. 

They slip through the creaking gate. It doesn’t have the power to automatically open. From there, it’s a short walk up to the front door of the home. The walkway is that flat, river stone look. It must once have been polished and beautiful. Now, it’s growing through with weeds and a little dusty. Athena sighs when she looks at it. 

[demonslayedher]

If Shinobu was affected by a demonic blood art where he was forced to say what he thinks for days, (even if the demon is already dead), even in writing, that so much time it took to realize this effect and be buried in a room until Will you pass? Will it be forced to continue with its work? How much will avoid Tomioka to avoid saying things like "I think you're nice" "I consider you my best friend", etc?

“Aoi, sit down for once and let Kanao make dinner. She’ll follow instructions.”

“Uhh—err… yes, Shinobu-sama…”

Shinobu gave her a sweet smile and then continued down the hall, with no awareness of what words had spilled out her mouth. The Demon’s Blood Technique had a odd way of altering one’s self-perception, and with the demon thoroughly dead, Shinobu had no reason to suspect anything amiss. She went about her day as usual, using the morning to check on her patients before wrapping up her notes and feeding her fish and settling down for a midday nap. “Let’s see. Zenitsu-kun, still in bed, I see?”

“Hello, Shinobu-san! You’re as pretty a sight as ever!”

“You’re not flattering anyone. Is this leftover medicine? You really make me wonder if I should be bothering to concoct all of this for you. Make sure you get lots of sunshine!”

When she left room, she did not notice the whimper behind her that said, “Pillars are scary.”

The others were busy in Functional Recovery Training, which Shinobu observed momentarily. They were playing tag, or at least some half-way version. “You’re looking pathetic!” she cheered, then went to her office to write some notes for the day. She wanted to make a record of the battle against the demon with an unusual knack for striking discord among the Corp members present.

I found it odd when I came across the lot of them arguing, she wrote, some of them were in tears. But there were also those two who were laughing and embracing each other. I always thought they’d make a good couple, but the battle was an inappropriate place for public displays of affection. They both looked like bad kissers anyway. Finding none of them helpful in the moment, I faced the demon on my own, and was hit with a cloud of pink smoke. It made me cough, but I didn’t notice anything off. I was my usual self as I asked it how many humans it has killed, but it was all a taunt because I meant to kill it mercilessly in the first place. Making friends with demons is stupid and got Neesan killed—

Her hand flinched as she felt herself referring to Kanae, who had nothing to do with the previous night’s battle. Was she so tired, to have found herself drifting to senselessness in her writing? She didn’t feel unwell, so it was strange to catch herself being so—

“Bad kissers? Did I write this?” held her diary to her face and exclaimed. Furrowing her brow, she reread the passage. The writing sounded like her, but it also distinctly did not sound like her. As she reflected on the battle, however, the truth of her situation dawned on her, and she felt herself go pale.

Neesan… this is big trouble.

--

“Kanao. I need to stay in my office. Don’t let anyone bother me.”

“Yes, Shihan.”

“It’s a good thing you follow directions so well without prying.”

“Yes, Shihan.”

“I wish you wouldn’t need directions all the time, though.”

“…?”

“Glad to know I can depend on you! Only bother me if it’s an emergency.”

“…”

Although this gave Shinobu space to test her blood samples for some clue of how to break the demon’s spell, Kanao was later asked to help with dinner, and a flip of a coin later, she left her guard post. The fact that the door had been guarded in the first place made Kiyo, Naho, and Sumi terribly upset, and they bravely decided to knock on Shinobu’s door.

When the knocking didn’t subside, Shinobu took a Breath to compose herself and answered it, and she was startled to find three teary-eyed little girls with a tray of tea and cookies. “We thought you might not be feeling well… it’s herbal tea… we hope it helps… we used our allowance to buy cookies… we hope you like them…”

Shinobu accepted the tray, all the while staring into the three teary-eyed faces. “You’re all the sweetest, most angelic creatures I’ve ever been blessed with encountering, and if anything ever happens to you, I will set fire to all my poisons before I inject that wretched thing with every last ounce of my wrath.”

“Ah… okay… enjoy the cookies.”

Shinobu very carefully and truthfully explained to her crow that she was not in proper condition for demon slaying that night, and that she required the night off. En, her crow, seemed insulted that Shinobu was talking in such short, simple statements as if to suggest the crow couldn’t understand otherwise, but a grouchy bird was a small price to pay. One night went by with no sign or whether or not Shinobu was cured, and she knew she wouldn’t be able to get a second night off in a row. As a Pillar, she had to get a grip and face whatever was ahead. It wasn’t as if being truthful was ever going to hurt anyone.

“CAAAW! TONIGHT YOU HAVE A MISSION WITH THE WATER PILLAR!! CAAAAAAW!”

“En!! You planned this! I knew you were a vindictive bird!”

“CAAAW!” En flapped and replied, though in truth, the crow was too embarrassed to admit she did not understand the word ‘vindictive.’

It would be fine. Tomioka didn’t like to talk anyway. They hadn’t seen each other since the Pillar Meeting, and hadn’t exchanged any words since Mt. Natagumo. Maybe a mission spent in silence would make repairing their relationship futile, but what relationship did they have in the first place? Despite all the missions they happened to go on together, Tomioka never made any effort to be friendly. Why should she keep bothering to be friendly back?

She meant to only say hello, but the words out her mouth were, “It makes me sad that you never talk to me.”

Giyuu froze in place. Shinobu still could not hear her own words, so his face was her only indication that she had said what she truly thought of him. What hurtful thing might she had said, she wondered?

He replied, “I’m sorry. If I had explained myself better, I wouldn’t had gotten Tanjiro into that mess.”

“Not to mention the mess you got us in, I could had plucked your eye out like a lollipop.”

He squeezed his eyes shut and turned red, bowing his head. “My apologies.”

“I wouldn’t had wanted to see you get hurt, Tomioka-san. Besides being someone who this Corp relies on, you’re among the Pillars who I want to get along with most.”

Oh, now what had she said?

She had never seen such a hurt and sad look on his eyes, his eyes so big and wet like he might cry. Though she knew she’d only make it worse by opening her mouth again, she kept going.

“I think you’re very nice. I consider you my friend.”

“T…Thank you.”

“Hm?” she paused.

“I like it when you talk to me. I consider you my friend, too.”

“…Hmmm?”

He walked past her and continued forward in his usual manner of ending their short dialogues. “The demon’s this way.”

Shinobu was left to wonder if that was the demon’s plan all along. Did that demon want episodes like this to happen, like those two Corp members among the ones arguing? It was too bad Shinobu had to get to work, for she wondered what she’d wind up writing if she could sit down with her diary at that moment. Before she caught that chance, the effects of the Blood Technique wore off, and a part of her wondered if she and that demon might ever had been friends. Friendship came in surprising places, after all.

[silverinkbottle]

Catch and Release Pt.2

Summary: So begins the ‘formal’ negotiations between Warlord and Paramour

Content Warning:NSFW 18+.

Tags: Fluff and Smut. Marking. General sexual content warning.

A/N: Highly recommend reading Pt.1 on my master list

Chapter 1 <-

Chapter 3 ->

Tag List: If you would like to notified of future updates to this series just DM me so I can throw ya here for a tag.

@togenabi

This feeling was strange for you. The uncomfortable flutter of ‘butterflies’ in your stomach as your fingertips smoothed over the white clasp buttons of the silk shirt. The excess of fabric trailed over your body as the soft material brushed against your lower thighs. Your heart sped up a tick as sunlight drifted lazily through the room’s vast balcony window, casting its rays against the material. It was almost sheer in the right angle as you laughed quietly under your breath as you clicked the buttons closed till your collarbone. Still, it wasn’t much of a shirt as the material slid down to your shoulders in a pseudo blouse.

There was a gentle knock on the bedroom door as Bathroy’s eyebrow rose in a silent question of your choice of dressing. Still, she kept quiet as ringed fingers trussed up the excessive lacing of your boots. Her sharp nails idly pulled at one of the ties as she looked up at you with poorly concealed impatience, teeth sinking into her lower lip as if her words would fly without thought. As you waved off her with your hand, a sigh of your own escaped you as you caught sight of yourself in the mirror. Was it too much? A touch dramatic?

“Is it too much?” You asked with hesitation as you fidgeted with one of black ribbons tying back the excessive fabric of your right sleeve. An ear-splitting squeal made you wince as Bathroy fluttered about you prattling on about nonsensical topics that were easy to tune out. All except for one, the origin of the shirt.

“I just can’t believe you would be so daring to ask for such a token. Especially before-”

“I didn’t ask.” You cut her off with a sharp retort, provoking further teasing as Bathroy smoothed out an errant crease of the shirt. Her brilliant smile was impossible to ignore as you could feel your own lips starting to curve.

“So, you stole from a Warlord, perhaps the World Government will raise your bounty. Such a bold display of piracy. That doesn’t explain-”

“Port. Hungover. End of discussion.” Your words were pointed, but it wasn’t malicious. No, it was because just the mere mention of the forever tainted wine made a cruel whisper of headache brush through the very depths of your skull. Miserable was the apt word for both you and Mihawk’s condition after that night of drinking. For once it wasn’t you silently pining for him to stay in your bed longer, it was for eternal darkness as Mihawk thoughtlessly threw open the curtains, allowing the bright sun in. Departing your chambers with a mere brush against bedraggled hair as you had curled deeper into your sheets. Your reward for your lush behavior, a day long hangover and a consolation prize that you quickly stashed in your wardrobe. A shirt.

The very article of clothing hadn’t seen the light of day until the very early hours of the morning today. Your demands for it to be washed, dried and presentable sent whatever unfortunate soul with laundry duty scrambling. Gossip was doubtlessly ablaze as the fine material could only belong to one soul. Followed by further fuel to the inferno as you discussed the affairs of the night before. To go public with such information would put more targets on you and the crew’s backs. You wouldn’t judge them for requesting a leave of absence or perhaps the proposal of disbanding the ship all together. All these gentle words came to a stuttering halt as Joan had let out a heavy sigh before muttering under her breath about losing a bet.

Pirates. Fucking pirates, looking to make coin in anyway possible. Yet instead of anger, laughter echoed through your chambers for a good fifteen minutes. You desperately reached for that warm feeling as you could feel your nerves begin to eat away at you. Bolting your polished boots to the floor before you lightly stumbled forward with Bathroy’s gentle shove. The warmth of her hands could be felt against the thin fabric as she wrapped an arm around your waist, ushering you forward from the chamber.

There was a sharp hiss of alarm as you were roughly tugged up onto the upper deck by Joan’s strong grip. Nearly catching yourself on the last step of the stairwell, you forced yourself to bite back your temper as your 1st Mate always had her reasons. Nearly missing the start of a duel was one of them as a hushed silence fell over the crew. Aside from the few notable clinks of coins exchanging hands for last minute bets. Perhaps you would put a ban of gambling for a short time. Your ship’s view was clear , in dead sights of the duel grounds. For a few seconds, it was like even the waves of the docks were rendered mute as there was a clear ring of swords being drawn. Two, Ronoro Zoro had two blades out as you had heard rumors of his supposed fighting style.

“You gotta be fucking with me.” Joan hissed as she roughly shoved aside a snickering crew member as Mihawk returned with a response of his own. The hidden blade around his neck against two swords.

“He’s..toying..with him..” You muttered as Joan hopelessly pressed her forehead against the railing. Evidently she had bet wrong as you sympathetically patted her shoulder. There were further stifled curses and whispers as the duel continued. If it could even be called that, Mihawk's footwork looked like a dance compared to Zoro’s bold attacks. Your nails sank deeper into the woodwork as the tips of the blades caught deadcenter against the small knife. Followed by the blunt display of strength as Zoro was easily pushed back with a single swipe.

Your breath caught in your throat as you could almost taste the tension in the air as the duel was drawing to a close. An introduction of Zoro’s third blade provoking a first display of Yoru, as the sentimental notes of antiseptic oils drifted over your nose. A gasp slipped from your lips as the final move of the duel was over in a second. Shattered metal, a compliment, and a defiant upstart with an unknown fate. That is, if the green-haired swordsman survived as the tainted notes of copper filled the air, his fallen form was hastily concealed by his concerned crewmates.

“Alright you LOT in the corner trying to scurry like a couple of filthy rats, PAY UP. I won the bet fair and square.” Joan’s booming voice pulled your attention from the front to the back as she looked seconds away from throttling a sheepish looking lineman. It wasn’t just the small group exchanging coins, no, you couldn’t help but huff as several winners and losers made themselves known. Not all bets with defined terms as squabbling broke out between two crew members over the exact start and end of the duel. Which in turn encouraged further disputes of terms and conditions as you wearily ran a hand over your face.

“Perhaps I shouldn’t accept duels so publicly. At least not without the condition that I earn a forty percent cut from any winnings..” Mihawk’s voice was gentle and warm against your ear. Flickers of amusement in it as the winner’s presence had rendered your bickering crew silent. It was better than any threats of punishment as you cleared your throat, lest you lose face to gossip.

“Now that all you jackasses have had your daily dose of entertainment, get back to work”! Your voice was steady in barking out the order while under the surface you could feel your nerves prickle.

“I was being serious.” Mihawk muttered as he fell in step with you. His head tipping in a silent question as he took in your all too familiar attire. You slapped away his curious hand lightly pulling at one ribbon on your sleeve as you reached the darkened staircase leading below deck glancing over your shoulder at Mihawk’s look of realization.

“As was I. I won’t have you distracting those layabouts after I..-” Your cool words felt strangled in your throat as you took a clumsy step backwards missing the solid wood step entirely. Strong arms easily caught you about your waist as you braced your hands against Mihawk’s shoulders lest you look like a rag-doll dangling mid air. Mihawk’s rare hint of a smile was all you needed for your cheeks to heat and stutter out a simple answer.

“Before I demand a tally of all the gambling that took place last night and today about-”

“Last night? Now what sort of stories have you-” Mihawk’s question was cut off by your hand gently covering his mouth.

“It doesn’t matter. Now, DOWN.” Your soft words turned into a barked command as you didn’t need further rumors swirling on the vessel. How Mihawk made you soft and pliable to suggestions. To allow yourself to be used as a commodity to make money without giving you your own cut. No,it wouldn’t stand. Yet, for now you stood on your own two feet as you stalked down the wooden vessel, eager for the quiet sanctuary that were your personal quarters.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice those gouge marks in the railing. Worried weren’t you?” Mihawk teased fondly as you puffed up with embarrassment, but kept venom behind painted lips as you stalked to the overstuffed seat in front of your dresser.

Your skin prickled as you could feel amber eyes watch each of your actions. The gentle tug of the brush through your hair, the soft click of metallic hoops against wood as you removed your earrings. The curl of your fingertips as you pull at the silken shirt collar.

Far larger calloused fingertips brushed along the length of your throat, dipping over the curve of your collarbone. Before stopping at the first buttoned clasp, drifting away from it to lightly tug at an errant strand of hair in a quiet scolding as you rolled your eyes.

“Dare I ask how-”

“Port.”

“Ah, the Port.” Mihawk mused as you took the smallest bit of satisfaction in seeing him wince at the phantom pain. Despite his bravado, you knew that he hadn’t been enjoying the morning after that disaster. Gentle fingers pulled at the two sets of ribbons about your elbows as you allowed the material to engulf your hands. However, the gentle affection was over all too quickly as you did your best to conceal your disappointment.

“Now don’t pout, Dove.” Mihawk chided as he brushed a calloused thumb over your lower lip before retreating to one of the overstuffed armchairs in front of the small heater. Soon an all too familiar scent drifted through the cabin of Mihawks’ cleaning oils and the gentle rasp of cloth against the blade. Elegant, he made it look so flawlessly simple as droplets of crimson liquid saturated the cloth, particles of miniscule blood from his opponent. Faint want brushed over your mind as you watched the process. Knowing the very hands reverently caring for the sword would be soon on your very body.

“A bath. I think it would be apt, Dove.” Mihawk’s low voice roused you from your staring as you sheepishly rang one of the alert bells tied to lower crew’s quarters. The muffled giggles and frantic whispers weren’t welcome as tittering women carried in the large brass claw-foot tub, followed by buckets of steaming water. Even lingering to fluff the plush towels laid gently on your bed as your glare could have killed them with their constant back and forth glances from yourself to Mihawk.

“I’m going to throttle Bathroy, I mean it this time.” You hissed as you didn’t even bother looking back at the departing staff. No, you could perfectly hear their muffled gasps when Mihawk stripped himself of his coat, allowing the leatherwork to hit the floor without a hint of shame. The delicate perfumes on your desk rattled from your fist hitting its surface as that sent the gossips skittering from the room. Scurrying after the interlopers your fist rapped loudly against the solid door as panicked whispers and retreating footsteps followed after. Eavesdroppers. The loud click of the door locking from your key felt all too loud in your ears, but it didn’t compare to the distinct noise of water splashing.

For once, Mihawk looked as relaxed as he did in a dead sleep, sighing under his breath from the warm water. You almost felt guilty lightly plucking his hat off his head as his expression turned from indulgent to curious as you gracefully knelt behind him. A small collection of shampoos and the like were prized on a ship like yours, your private stock wasn’t skimming on the luxury. His pleased groan sent tingles through your entire body as you lathered in the liquid into soft black hair. It wasn’t just lust that brushed over you, no it was a deeper satisfaction to provide something that Mihawk didn’t know he wanted. Comfort. Selfish, indulgent comfort in a hot bath and a bit of pampering.

“Remind me next time you are on a tear, to bring up a bath.” You whispered against the tip of his left ear as your nails rubbed deeper against his sensitive scalp.

A faint chuckle slipped from Mihawk as he lazily glanced at you before sinking into your rougher touch. If it were possible, the man would have been purring. Minutes passed by as the tinted notes of oil swirled with the floral ones of the products. The tranquil atmosphere was disrupted with a single direct question.

“Aren’t you joining me?”

It wasn’t an order or request, it was somewhere in between that. An expectation as your hands went still at the words. You jolted back as warm droplets fell against the bare skin of your neck as Mihawk’s wet fingers snapped open the first button of the stolen shirt.

“What are you doing.” Your words came out far too pitched for your liking. Embarrassment scorched your entire being at your startled response. Your flush worsened under Mihawk’s keen gaze as he tilted his head in that familiar manner against the brass bath’s side.

“Stealing back my shirt.”

“Can’t that wait?” You protested faintly as you quickly fled to the other side of the bath, perching on the edge. Your fingers curled over the top button as if it would fall from your frame without it. However, that didn’t stop its’ dangling sleeve from being pulled by Mihawk’s lighting fast grip.

Your pitched hiss of protest was quickly subdued by warm water enveloping your face and form. Bolting up from the water, you couldn’t help but glower as Mihawk’s amused chuckle. He had managed to get you in the bath on his terms.

Now here you were standing in front of him as his hand slowly pushed up the soaked fabric against your thigh. You did your best to keep your expression neutral even as his hand curled over your hip bone. His want was evident as you watched his gaze flicker over the near transparent fabric clinging to your skin. The tightening of his grip when your hands undid the first three buttons of the shirt. The swell of your breasts on display as your pointer finger curled over the fourth button.

“I could easily find a tailor for those troublesome buttons” Mihawk purred as your stomach dropped at the words.

“Now who is being impatient” You retorted as you tried to ignore the vivid image blooming in your mind. The phantom touch of a rougher act of clothes ripping. The roguish display of lust and possession.

“I can find a tailor” Mihawk corrected as his left hand slid under the soaked fabric over your lower abdomen, provoking goosebumps over your skin. You could feel your heartbeat all the faster as the last three pearl-like buttons sent small ripples through the warm water

The wet fabric hit the floor beside the bath with a loud slapping sound as your legs couldn’t help but tighten as Mihawk’s calloused fingertips moved upward. His thumb brushing under your left breast as you were quick to intercept the exploration. Cradling his hand in yours, your lips brushed over the thumb briefly before sharply nipping at it.

Mihawk was quick to pull his hand away with an amused hum. It was all too easy for you to cage yourself around him, skin on skin within seconds. You could his abdomen tightened from a sharper intake of breath as your breasts brushed against his chest. His hard cock felt like velvet against your stomach as your hips met. The faintest whimper from your lips at first contact as Mihawk’s nipped thumb brushed over your cheek.

Now the terms were even as you couldn’t help but smile in triumph when you felt him twitch against you.

“Whatever am I going to do with you?” Mihawk muttered as you curled against his chest. Watching the slow melting color of amber shift darker with each second. Each ‘accidental’ movement of your hips against his trapped cock.

“Make me your paramour. Obviously.” You teased as your lips skirted over his beard. Mere centimeters from your lips on his as you were blessed by the hint of smile. His forehead pressed against yours for a few seconds before the tender moment was disrupted.

A loud squeal escaped your lips as cold air enveloped your body instead of warm water within a blink of the eye. Mihawk easily lifted you out of the bath by your waist. Thrown over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes as you tried to preserve what little dignity you had left by not wiggling about. The world at was a tilt as you braced your hands against the middle of Mihawk’s back to lift yourself up. This new angle did give you an opportunity to try to slip from the tight grip as you could see the edge of your crimson bedspread.

Your escape attempt was stifled as Mihawk’s free hand ran down your spine soothingly. A rare impatient sigh slipped from his lips as if he could feel your brooding glare which at the moment was directed at a nearby painting.

“Down. Now” You hissed as a sigh was his only answer, but he did as you requested, lightly setting you down on your own two feet. You could almost call his faint scowl as a pout as you hastily wrapped a prepared towel around yourself.

“Is that really-“

“I can’t stand damp sheets, you know that-“

“But stained sex -“

“Fine. Yes. Fine.” You deadpanned as you tossed the spare towel to him. The offending material hit the sulking swordsman in the face as he reluctantly brushed it over his throat.

“Thank you.” Your words were shot over your shoulder as you lightly lifted the lid of the jar on your beside table. The metallic lid chimed briefly as it was set down on the table’s surface. Inside the jar was a clear, gel-like liquid that easily enveloped your pointer and index finger. The concoction easily spread over your fingers as anticipation built up in your guts.

Your nerves prickled at each movement as you were well-aware of Mihawk’s gaze. The almost cloud-like plush of the mattress under your knees as you settled yourself in the center of the bed. Your knees spread boldly as free hand curled into the comforter, while you couldn’t help but shudder at the first cool touch of the gel against your sex.

It was all too easy for your first finger to slip inside your cunt. The smallest sigh as you tried to curl the finger against its walls. Your cheeks burned as you glanced over your shoulder to Mihawk’s thunderstruck expression. Your knees threatened to buckle as your searching finger brushed over your spot in combination with the visual of Mihawk’s hard cock. A faint clear liquid dripping from the swollen head.

Strong hands curled around your ankles as you were pulled backward to the edge of the bed. Your sex clenched around your fingers as you reluctantly removed them. Both lube and arousal slipped down your fingers as Mihawk blinked blankly as you waggled the digits reflexively in the cool air. Like a predator triggered by the movement of prey, it was that simple action that seemed to reboot his brain.

“Wait-“ Your weak protest shifted into a muffled moan as your face brushed against the soft sheets. Mihawk’s knuckles slowly brushed over your spinal column as you couldn’t help but dig your nails into the soft fabric. Full, full, full, your wired brain seemed to flood with overstimulation as Mihawk’s cock slid into you inch by inch.

For a few moments, there was a strange calm over the room. A fragile little bit of heaven as both parties sighed in contentment. Right. It felt right as you couldn’t help but clench down in delight. A hiss slipped from Mihawk as he leaned down. His movement sent his cock deeper inside you as you couldn’t help but shudder at the action.

“Don’t clench.” Mihawk hissed as his lips caressed over the tips of your ear. Your response was a muffled jumble of words against the sheets as you did your best to comply. His pace was gentle and slow as your nails curled into the sheets with each thrust.

As if he was trying to make the encounter like some sort of starry’ eyed virgin’s dream. A faint flicker of mischief drifted into your hazy mind as you tightened around the head of his cock for a moment as he almost pulled out. His body jostled against yours in surprise as he breathed harshly against the back of your neck. Trying to control himself as you grinned against the bed.

“Don’t clench, dove. It’s going to-“

“Ruin the moment? Mihawk, I’m not-“

Your cheeky response was swiftly silenced as you couldn’t help but shudder from the new position. Now, Mihawk’s left hand gripped over your waist, as you were hovering over his cock. His right hand lightly held your face as his nose brushed against your throat. Teeth nipping at your vibrating vocal cords as you cried out when he thrust into you once more.

Your hips met in the same relaxed pace. All under Mihawk’s tight grip as you whimpered impatiently, wanting more than a slow pace. It was fruitless to try to respond as you couldn’t help but roll your eyes at his chuckle.

“I told you to not clench. Now look at the consequences” Mihawk rumbled against your throat. His lips brushing the edge of your own, another teasing gesture that further deepened your discontent. You wanted to fuck. You needed to fuck after a month long dry spell. Not be treated like a dainty doll.

“Mihawk.”

“Hm?” There was an edge of mocking in response as his fingers lightly tapped against your pouting expression.

“More.” There was a trickle of shame at your weakness as your tone could be defined as begging. Even in a single word, as you reluctantly waved the metaphorical white flag. He won this round as you gave into your baser desires.

“Open.” His fingers grazed over your lips as your wet tongue curled around his gentle intrusion. It was all too easy for you to sink into the pool of lust. Openly panting as sticky saliva dripped off Mihawk’s fingers, leaving cool trail down your stomach. Before stopping above that desperate bundle of twitching nerves.

“Please, please, please” Your begging pitched in tempo as your words echoed in the quiet room. A choked whine slipped from your mouth as dots of pleasure sparked in your vision. Within minutes it was like disjointed pleasure was smothering you on all sides. The slower pace of Mihawk’s thrusts in contrast with the sharper time of his fingers.

A slow burning coal licked at your insides as your whimpers turned to quieted gasps. Your thighs trembled with weak restraint as you tried to push back your orgasm. Anything to keep the pleasure building as you couldn’t help but give a broken sob of ecstasy with a touch of the sensitive bud. The world went silent around you like you floating in the warm bath once again. The caressing pleasure wrapping up your body in its’ web.

The plush cushioning of the pillow cradled your head as soft lips kissed each breast. Calloused fingertips stroking your face as your dilated gaze met Mihawk’s warmth. His eyes were like pools in a still pond, seemingly endless but one single movement could disrupt its tranquil beauty. Your hands curled into his dark hair to pull him closer. An almost girlish sigh fell from you as your lips met for the first time in a long while. Your heart thudding all the louder when your chest met his. As if the organ wanted to join with his own.

Kissing Mihawk was a rare event as you relished the quieter moments like this. Even if you never dare speak of it aloud. That he loved your kiss best when you were floating post orgasm, as if you tasted all the sweeter to him. His tongue swept into your mouth as your legs spread once more. Wanting, no needing him inside you in all ways.

The kiss ended with your surprised moan as Mihawk’s cock slid between your soaked sex. Now you welcomed the relaxed pace as his pleased sighs mingled with his lips against your collarbone. Relishing you with his affection in a gentle manner. Now it was a balancing act as his kiss mingled with light bites.

“You’re going to leave marks” You chided lazily as Mihawk’s hips stilled at your remark. There was something different in his gaze that sent a shiver of anticipation down your spine. Your befuddlement turned to cool realization. What would it matter if a Warlord left marks on a Paramour? Gossip hounds would be left starving from the obvious claim. That you weren’t some hidden little secret treasure, but out in the open like a gleaming gem.

“Mihawk, what happened to NOT ruining the moment.” You protested faintly as your hips were hastily propped underneath a pillow. Your legs thrown over Mihawk’s shoulders as his dark gaze could have drowned you. You have gladly accepted such a fate as he set a far harsher pace. His mouth crushed into yours as your moans were drowned out.

Claimed, prized, wanted all these adjectives bounced around your hormone addled mind.

“Fuck!” His teeth sank into the side of your throat as tears twinkled in the corner of your eyes. Pain and pleasure blurring together as hot heat swept over your core. Your dripping cunt gripped his cock as you shuddered through another orgasm. Panting against Mihawk’s mouth as you could feel hot cum threaten to drip out with each pulse of muscle.

“I know.” Mihawk mused quietly as he licked at the harsh bruise starting to form on skin. Your hands lazily stroked through damp locks as his body laid atop of yours. Strangely the normal irritation of such close contact post sex didn’t come. Instead it was a gentle warmth, a fluttering little thing. Not like the butterflies of this morning, but some entirely new unknown species.

“Don’t.” Your word came out a whine of protest as the familiar pressure of his cock left. Your legs unconsciously shut as you could feel the warm sticky liquid of sex seep out onto your heated skin. My heart dropped for a brief second as you watched Mihawk swing his legs out of the crumpled bedding.

‘He’s leaving you. Why act so surprised?’ That cruel whisper in the back of your mind swatted at those unknown butterflies. Like a cat battering a bird with an injured wing. The sadistic amusement of your reality. That a title like Paramour could be merely a minor accessory instead something more.

“Are you sulking?” Mihawk’s warm tone ripped you from your sullen thoughts. He was back! Your heart leapt as you did your best to keep your quiet smile to yourself. His touch was gentle as he carefully spread your legs, settling between them on his knees. Fingers curled over your calves with admiration at your cozy display. Your cheeks flushed from emotion, the bruising on your throat. Gentle reminders here and there on your skin from the friction of your bodies.

The gentle warmth against your inner thighs was far different than from earlier. A wet cloth gently wiping away fluids and sweat. Treating your sex as gently as he would Yoru after a fight.

“Stay for three days” Your request came out in a sudden rush of words. Almost childishly hopefully as the gentle touch of the cloth stilled. Mihawk glancing up as if he too was surprised at the request.

“Pardon?” His head tilted in that questioning manner as he leaned closer to your flushed expression. The damp cloth left forgotten on the bed as you impatiently threw it off the sheets.

“Really you think I would be okay with a damp-“ Your rant was cut off by his lips gently pressing against yours. The unexpected affection sent you back into the pillows as you returned the kiss. A slow and warm moment between lovers. True lovers.

“Now, what is it you want. Aside from your strange fixation with keeping your bed water-free” Mihawk sighed as he curled into your touch as your nails grazed his cheek.

“I want you to stay for three days. As a condition for becoming your Paramour.” Your voice was firm and business-like as if he was a mere merchant instead of the lover after a round of rousing sex.

His fingers tapped at the mark on your throat in a rhythmic pattern. Sending little flickers of pain and pleasure through you as if it was a difficult request to contemplate.

“Three days?”

“Yes.”

“You want to stay in bed for three days, dove? I think you won’t be able to walk. “ Mihawk teased as your blush darkened at the unexpected implications of your request.

“I didn’t mean like-“

His gentle kiss cut off your words as you tried to figure out the right explanation. Yet, for some reason it was like your brain stalled when Mihawk kissed you like this. Warm, gentle, protective as if nothing could go wrong with the dangerous world you lived in. He sighed pressing his forehead against yours.

“I’ll stay. If I can, Garp needs to know about his little wildcard..” Mihawk admitted with an edge of amusement. You rolled your eyes as you could all but see the gears turning. As much as Mihawk tried to be ‘above’ it, he still had that natural excitement of piracy. A chance for a new adventure. Potential newcomers to stir up the lackluster East Blue.

“And what of the swordsman? Think he will make it?” You asked as there was a flicker of curiously in Mihawk’s eyes.

“What do you think?” Mihawk retorted

“I don’t know swordplay. All I saw was cleaved muscle and blood. You are the self-proclaimed expert.” You responded as Mihawk chuckled at your rookie understanding. Childishly huffing you waited for his response as he seemed to mull it over for a moment.

“I imagine, if his will is strong enough. If not, I imagine his wildcard of a captain will be surpassing your bounty in no time..”

You blanched at the mention of your bounty. You hadn’t given the rudimentary document a thought in years. It wasn’t as if you were an ‘active’ pirate in the traditional sense. There wasn’t a need. Mihawk’s face brushed against your own, sensing you discomfort from the concept.

“Something red.”

The words were a mere muttering under Mihawk’s breath as you hissed in surprise as his fingers grazed over the love bite. Applying the smallest bit of pressure before quickly withdrawing his hand as you tried to bite him.

“Mihawk.” Your voice dropped low in warning as his arms spread on either side of your head. Blocking any possible retreat as anticipation curled up your spine as his lips brushed over the top of your head. Slowly making his way down your form as your fingers sank into his scalp. Lightly tugging his head upward as his darkened gaze blinked up at you.

“Bell for your thoughts. Shit, why-“

Your question was punctured by Mihawk’s bite against your right hip bone. Sucking at the skin before repeating the action on the other side. Marking his territory with an obvious display as you impatiently pulled once more.

“I want you in red in your next bounty” Mihawk responded slowly before you cried out as his affections fell onto your clit.

Three days could you survive three days of this?

You were sore. Sated, but sore as you accidentally rubbed your marked throat against the plush pillow. Every single twitch of your body against the silken sheets sent a new sensation over your body. Courtesy of the multiple love bites over your form given by the lax form of your lover. It was almost a shame that you didn’t leave your mark on him in any fashion. The thought hadn’t occurred to you in the midst of your passions. Until now as you examined your manicure nails with faint interest.

Your arms curled around Mihawk’s back, nails positioned underneath his pectorals. Your face pressed against his firm back, feeling each gentle inhale and exhale. It was almost enough to make you fall back to sleep as you shook your head to push back the drowsy thoughts. No, you had a goal to accomplish. You pressed your lips to back of his neck, teeth grazing his shoulder blade as your nails tapped against his chest.

“Let’s rethink that thought. Shall we Dove?” Mihawk scolded as you shrank away in surprise from the address. He had to have been asleep. His heartbeat was so quiet so like when he slept.

“You were awake?” You huffed as Mihawk rolled over to face you, stroking your face as he did his best to hide his amusement. The telltale twitch of his mouth was a dead giveaway as you scrambled atop of him.

“You’re toying with me. Really now?” You growled as you held down Mihawk’s wrists with force. You didn’t need him poking and prodding your markings after hours of making them. It was too vain for you to glance at yourself in the distant dresser. The primal satisfaction of each little bruised section of skin all while you had one of the notorious Warlords of the Sea under your form. Willfully submitting your light grip even as you teasingly rolled your hips.

“Dove.” Mihawk warned as you leaned down close. A mere breath apart as you smiled a coy smile. He wanted this arrangement and he was going to learn you weren’t going to be some passive little play thing. You never had been.

The stuttered ring of a Transponder Snail broke the intimate moment as Mihawk tried to wave you off him. It was an easy act of defiance to grip your knees tighter.

“Behave.” Mihawk whispered as he sat up to grab the small transponder snail headpiece from the dresser. There was the smallest sound of a click as you both cringed away from the excessively loud voice that boomed out of it.

“Hawkeyes, report. Now” Gruff, deep and demanding. Tilting your head to the side in a silent question, Mihawk rolled his eyes in obvious annoyance. Yet, kept his harsh tongue behind his teeth.

So. This was infamous Vice Admiral Garp. He had a reputation even amongst pirates like Mihawk. After all, he was the one who captured the last King of the Pirates. Something told you that his bark was as worse as his bite if provoked .

“It’s a bit early for my taste.” Mihawk tutted as his left hand brushed over your left nipple. Willing it into a stiff peak as you bit down your lower lip. It was too early for military affairs and his expected duties, but for sex? No. His hardening cock against your stomach was an obvious display.

Your nails grazed the reddened flesh as your lips ticked as a devious idea began floated by. Only for the haze of lust to be disrupted by a loud demand of the impatient admiral

“Report. Now. I don’t give a damn about your beauty sleep. Maybe you’ll wreak another fleet for good measure!”

There was a sudden click as the call was ended. The amorous mood throughly ruined by reality of the world. That despite his notoriety, he did have some minor obligations to the powers that be. Your nails tapped against his sullen expression as you pressed your lips to his chastely before clambering off him.

Stalking over to your wardrobe, you hastily threw open the double doors before gesturing to the varied outfits with a ‘ta-dah’. Mihawk lazily propped himself up on his elbow before blinking once.

“You said you wanted my next bounty outfit to be red. I just..figured..you could choose an example..and I could..” Your voice trailed off sheepishly. Mihawk’s laughter bounced around your chambers. The irritating phone call a mere thought as you pulled out the first dress with dramatic flair of fabric.

You could make this work. Right?

[deliciouskeys]

For @xieyaohuan because they were interested in something mentioned offhand about "the idea that as HL got older Vought tried to give him pleasant experiences to motivate him and prevent depression but that it was always in an isolated area, and away from any people who weren’t Vought employees."

It's not for @xieyaohuan because this fic probably outs me as a (former) baseball obsessive nerd, and is painfully American.

In any case...

Baseball is My Favorite Sport It's 1990. Homelander attends his first baseball game in a tiny minor league stadium, and Vogelbaum is a cold, cold man. Gen, in case that needs to be clarified D: Weird, like most of my bb HL content.

[ao3 link]

“Here we go... this is a nice spot, right here.” Vogelbaum sits down on an uncomfortable wooden bench seat and pats the spot beside him.

John looks around, stares, probably wondering why most people are trying to sit closer to home plate while they’re all the way out in right field, where there are hardly any people, but he doesn’t ask anything. He’s been exceedingly well behaved the entire four hour car ride to get to Utica, nose pressed to the window, watching the upstate New York countryside drift by. They could have chosen a venue closer to the City, but decided to play it safe. Vought wanted the boy exposed to crowds before he was going to be the subject of their attention. But this was also his first exposure to people who weren’t Vought employees. The crowd here is manageable, in the hundreds. If anything happened, they could probably cover it up in a small town like Utica. If they had gone to a game in Long Island, that probably wouldn’t be as easy and the margin for error would be very slim.

He glances back at the two Vought bodyguards who have seated themselves directly behind them. Insurance in case anything happens. Not that it’s clear how they could prevent anything catastrophic from happening if John somehow got out of control, but it’s good to have some backup. Vogelbaum thinks it’s ludicrous that they came in their usual black suits and sunglasses to sit in this tiny baseball stadium in an audience full of families with young children. They are far more conspicuous and out of place than John. In any case, Vogelbaum is the most important line of defense here to make sure the boy manages his first excursion into a public event.

“John, what rules did we agree on when you’re out here?”

The boy turns away from the field where the players are warming up to look at Vogelbaum earnestly. “Don’t move fast, don’t fly, don’t power up my eyes, don’t talk loudly,” he rattles off.

“That’s right. Just enjoy the game.”

“What if...” John hesitates. “In the movies sometimes a ball flies out of the field and then people can catch it. Can I move fast to do that, at least?”

“Absolutely not,” Vogelbaum cuts him off. “Don’t move out of your seat under any circumstances.”

John nods and folds his hands in his lap.

“Are these the best baseball players in the world?” he asks.

Vogelbaum can’t help but scoff. “No, John. This is A ball. These players are trying to get into the Big Leagues. Come on, you know the Blue Sox aren’t part of the American or National Leagues.”

John screws up his eyebrows, deep in thought. “Oh yeah. But they’re still pretty good right?”

“They’re okay I suppose. They still have double A and triple A ahead of them. Most of them will never make it to the Majors.”

John watches them warm up playing catch, and Vogelbaum can tell he’s scanning through the walls to look at the pitcher warming up in the bullpen.

“Which team are you a fan of?” John asks.

Vogelbaum grimaces. “I haven’t been to a game in ages. My father used to take me to Yankees games in the Bronx. They were an amazing team when I was a child. Not so much these days.”

“Do you take your children?” John asks and Vogelbaum’s body freezes. He’s tried to never mention his children anywhere near the lab building, but he supposes the other researchers might have blabbed something about him going home to his family. Or maybe it was because his wife sometimes insisted on calling him to ask when he’d be home in a passive aggressive tone. He’d never mention his children, but her voice through the receiver might have. And this boy can hear everything inside that building. Vogelbaum finds the idea of John knowing anything about his children intensely disconcerting. He breathes deeply to make sure his heart rate slows down.

“I do not. My daughters aren’t so interested.”

John beams. “Well, you can take me any time! Baseball is my favorite sport.”

Vogelbaum nods. “I’m well aware.” He always found Vought’s idea of what the boy’s hobbies should be gratingly on the nose.

“Do you think...” John pauses, as if sensing that he might get reprimanded for the question before even asking it. “Do you think I could become a baseball player when I’m old enough?”

“John. Come on now. You know baseball is an exclusion sport. They’re all about tradition. They haven’t let supes in yet, and seeing what happened to hockey, I don’t think they ever will.”

“But...” The boy looks upset for the first time that day. “You’re saying I wouldn’t be allowed to play even if I don’t use my powers?”

“Yes, even if you don’t use your powers. That’s a silly idea anyway. Would you hit the ball with one hundredth of the strength you actually have? Would you run the bases slowly? Besides, John, this game is beneath you. Everyone at Vought has such high hopes for you. You could do such interesting things with your life. This?” He gestures to the field. “It’s just a childish pastime.”

“But... isn’t it America’s favorite sport?”

“It certainly bills itself as that. But it’s just nostalgia. People longing for classic American sports before the first supes appeared in the 40s. It’s just sentimental.”

John looks back at him, still looking sad and perplexed. “You don’t like it?”

Vogelbaum realizes it’s strange to deride a sport they’re about to sit through seven innings of. “I like it just fine, but I don’t want you moping about not being allowed to play it. Let’s just enjoy watching.”

John seems mollified by that explanation and turns back to watch as the loudspeaker announces the beginning of the game. He seems to follow the game with interest. They’re sitting far enough away and to the side that the action isn’t very visible, but this child can see perfectly well at this distance.

“I can see catcher’s signs!” John announces, a little too proudly, and a little too loudly, so that a man sitting several empty rows in front of them with his two sons turns and looks at him. John seems oblivious, so Vogelbaum shushes him. John speaks in a more hushed tone. “He’s showing one finger for the pitcher to throw a fastball, and then the other ones are slower.”

“That’s right. I think the standard signs are two for a curve, three for a slider, and four for a changeup. And they’ll tilt their wrist to show which side of the plate they want it on.”

“Oh yeah,” John says, staring intently. Vogelbaum finds his eagerness to look through people’s bodies a little bit disconcerting, but he has resigned himself to the fact that John can look at anything he wants and there’s no good way to stop him from doing that.

“Now watch closely—if they get a runner on second, they’ll change the signs to a secret system they came up with beforehand.”

“Why?” John asks.

“Because with the runner on second, he can see the catcher’s hands, and he could whistle to the man up to bat.” Vogelbaum suddenly gets self-conscious. “I don’t know, it’s all pretty silly details.”

John doesn’t seem to think so and keeps watching the game raptly before he starts announcing the speed of the pitches. Vogelbaum hasn’t noticed too many superhuman mental powers show themselves in this child, except for these seemingly interrelated abilities to count quickly and estimate speeds and frequencies with surprising accuracy.

“76 miles an hour. That was a changeup. 90 miles an hour. That’s a fastball.”

“You see how slowly they throw? That’s as fast as they can lob it. You can throw, what, five, six times as fast as that? When you’re not even fully grown up. And you wanted to play with them?”

John shrugs, seemingly uncomfortable with the comparison and its implications and goes right back to announcing the pitches.

“84 miles an hour. Slider.”

The man in front of them turns around again. “Ha! Your kid almost sounds like he knows what he’s talking about and sees it all the way from over here.”

Vogelbaum nods woodenly. “Yes, he’s aspiring to be an announcer.” Then turning to John, he says much more quietly “Remember we agreed you’d keep your voice down? People here shouldn’t hear you.”

John nods and starts mumbling the pitches out very quietly. Vogelbaum is admittedly pleased that he makes himself busy with figuring out particulars, of course, but sometimes he worries this boy is growing up to be strange. He hopes it’s a phase where he just happens to get fixated on certain things easily.

The food vendors have been hovering where the majority of the sparse crowd is sitting but one finally makes his way over to their corner of the seats.

“Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs!” resonates across the many empty seats. The man in front of them motions the vendor over and starts buying some.

John is intensely interested. “Dr. Vogelbaum? May I please try one of those?”

Vogelbaum wearily motions the vendor over.

 “Alright little man. How old are you?”

“N-nine.” John mumbles. Maybe he’s intimidated by the vendor using that brash theatrical voice.

“An excellent age! You want relish with this?”

John stares wide-eyed. “Wh- what’s... wh-”

“He doesn’t need relish,” Vogelbaum interrupts him. John has a strange verbal tic when he gets nervous. Vogelbaum won’t go so far as to call it an outright stutter because it comes and goes, but it’s probably time to hire a speech therapist to nip this problem in the bud. Before the higher-ups become aware of it. They’re banking on him being a good public speaker.

“Anything for you sir?” the vendor offers and Vogelbaum shakes his head, trying to keep disdain off his face. “You want some Crackerjack too, little slugger?”

John looks questioningly, then sees the box the man pulls out and, before Vogelbaum has the chance to protest, answers with an emphatic “Yes!”

Vogelbaum relents and pays for both items to avoid a scene, and scoffs when the bodyguards seated behind them also get hot dogs.

“This is the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted in my life!” John declares loudly, only muffled because his mouth still full of hot dog and bun. One of the men behind them snickers.

“We don’t talk with our mouth full,” Vogelbaum says. Then adds “I’m glad you like it.”

John finishes the hot dog but Vogelbaum tells him to wait before he starts on the Crackerjack. Instead of focusing on home plate, John seems to be watching the people sitting in front of them. The two boys have gotten bored and are shoving each other.

“May I talk to those kids?” John asks.

“Absolutely not. We’re here just to visit and to see if you can behave yourself.”

John saddens again. “I won’t do anything wrong. I won’t show them that I’m a super.”

“Believe me, you don’t want to talk to them,” Vogelbaum grumbles, eager to cut off any more arguments.

John suddenly gets even more discreet and whispers in his ear. “Why are they shoving each other?”

“They’re siblings. Brothers will roughhouse like that.”

John stares at them. “Will I ever have a brother?”

Vogelbaum sighs and tries not to visibly roll his eyes. “No, John. You’re one of a kind. And not everyone has a brother. I was an only child growing up as well.”

John looks up at him and nods.

“Now why don’t you pay attention to the game instead.”

“I am. It’s bottom of the fourth, two outs, man on first.” The batter grounds out and the fielders start jogging toward the dugout. “And now it’s top of the fifth.” Now it’s John who’s rolling his eyes.

“Alright, I stand corrected. You were paying attention. But don’t roll your eyes at me.”

“Sorry,” John says, and he’s still a little morose, so Vogelbaum relents and hands over the box of Crackerjack.

“Hey there’s something in there!” John says, peering at the box, shaking it.

“Why don’t you open it instead of looking through it. I think those come with a little prize or something,” Vogelbaum says wearily. Thank god the Minors only play seven innings. He’s getting tired. It’s sad to admit but he never really finds a common language with children. John is, by most counts, a singularly interesting child and precocious in many ways, but Vogelbaum still finds it hard to be patient when he gets excited over small, inconsequential things.

“It’s a whistle!” John says.

“Don’t blow it loudly,” Vogelbaum warns.

John puts the whistle in his mouth and blows into it very quietly even as he’s watching the game. The player at bat suddenly hits a homerun and John springs up, excited. Vogelbaum is already worried that he’ll do something stupid and take off into the air and reveal himself, but instead John slumps back down into the seat, spitting out the whistle that he crushed to pieces with his teeth.

“I broke it,” he says despondently.

“It’s alright,” Vogelbaum says in the most reassuring tone he can muster. “You get excited and you forget your strength. At least it was just a toy.”

John’s staring at the pieces of cheap plastic in his hands.

“Just throw it on the floor,” Vogelbaum says.

John looks at him questioningly.

“It’s a stadium. People throw peanut shells on the floor. They’ll come by to clean it up.”

John tilts his hands and lets the broken pieces fall on the floor, apparently still in disbelief that he’s allowed to litter. Vogelbaum realizes that he should clarify.

“You’re right. In most places you shouldn’t throw trash on the ground. This is an exception.”

John seems satisfied by that explanation and starts on the Crackerjack, with a small shudder and grimace when he first tastes it. “Wow, it’s very sweet!”

Vogelbaum dreads the sugar rush the boy might have on the drive back to Long Island. Eight hours on the road in total, all just to prepare this child for being among people in a safe venue.

“Dr. Vogelbaum?”

“Yes, what is it.”

“This is the best day I’ve ever had. Thank you so much for taking me outside to see this game!”

Vogelbaum can tell John wants to hug him, but they haven’t done so in years, and Vogelbaum’s body language remains closed off to dissuade him. But he does smile. “I’m glad, John. I’m glad to see you’re having fun.”

“Maybe we could go again?” he asks, but looks back down at the Crackerjack box when he receives no response.

[corrodedbisexual]

Communication is key

Steddie | M | ~4.7k | AO3 link

Featuring: Fluff, POV Alternating, Developing Relationship, Sharing Clothes, Self-Discovery, Insecurity, Communication, Dom/sub Undertones, Non-Sexual Submission, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Tickling, Laughter, Boys Kissing, Cuddling, Soft dom Steve Harrington, Inexperienced Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson is Steve Harrington's good boy

Eddie takes a deep breath, reminds himself that he survived nearly becoming dinner for a swarm of bloodthirsty demobats. He can do this. “How much do you know about BDSM, Steve?” The boys brave through the mortifying ordeal of discussing their newfound sex dynamic.

By popular request in the comments, a non-smutty part 3 of Steve Harrington's unexpected soft dom awakening is here 🥰 (with a promise of more smut to come because what can I do... they live in my brain now)

***

Steve’s not sure how long they’ve been lying there quietly, on his couch, tangled together underneath the blanket. Eddie’s still half on top of him, head tucked underneath Steve’s chin. Steve can feel the boy’s slightly damp breaths on his skin. 

He’s heavy, but it’s not an unpleasant weight. Comfortable. Grounding. Steve could really get used to this; and it's not just that he's been feeling terribly touch-starved lately. He's not so desperate as to be jumping at the first opportunity of cuddling with someone. But with Eddie... it feels kind of perfect. And there's something about him, about how Steve felt being intimate with him, that makes him want to wrap his arms around the boy and never let him out of his sight again. It's probably not healthy to suddenly feel so dangerously possessive of someone after a couple of orgasms. Right?

Lost in his own thoughts, Steve assumes Eddie has drifted off; until he hears his voice, quiet, uncertain behind the humorous bravado.

“You freaking out yet, or should I wait a few more minutes?”

Steve frowns. 

“What do you mean?”

The weight lifts off his chest; Eddie shifts, tries to roll onto his back and yelps, losing his balance on the edge of the couch. Luckily, Steve’s reflexes are quick enough to catch him by the waist and pull him back in.

“My savior,” Eddie giggles in his face. 

“You’re welcome,” Steve replies, grinning, a bit stunned by the boy’s shy smile in front of him. It’s really pretty. Not the kind he usually shows in public, teasing and making fun of everyone and everything around him, although Steve wouldn’t call him not pretty when he does that either. But it’s these soft, unreserved smiles directed right at him keep doing funny things to Steve’s stomach. Kind of like being at the top of a rollercoaster, anticipating the big drop. 

He shifts as deep into the couch as he can, rolling onto his side so there’s enough space for Eddie to lie on his back next to him. 

Steve watches the side of his face for a moment. Eddie really is genuinely attractive, he thinks; kind of baffling how girls in school were always chasing after some of his jock ex-friends, at least half of whom, to be fair, didn’t offer much to look at, when Eddie was right there. Although from what Steve has put together over the past week, without Eddie explicitly saying it out loud, he likely wouldn’t care much for their attentions.  

“So… you were saying..?” He nudges Eddie’s foot with his own.

Eddie’s eyes dart towards him, then back up to the ceiling. He throws an arm behind his neck, resting his head on it; thankfully, it’s the one closer to the edge of the couch, or he probably would have accidentally elbowed Steve in the face. 

“I mean…” He looks uncertain, struggling with his words. “You hooked up with a guy. Twice now. That doesn’t bother you?”

Right. Steve has been expecting that question sooner or later. He’s not sure what he would have said if Eddie had asked him a week ago; luckily, he’s had time to think about it. He had a suspicion guys don’t normally rank other guys around them on their attractiveness. 

“Bother is probably the wrong word. It’s… different.” Steve rests his palm on Eddie’s chest, fingers brushing through the rare hairs there; Eddie’s not as hairy as himself, but it’s still there, one of many reminders the naked body next to him isn’t a girl’s. And that’s not a bad thing. It is different. Still hot, though. 

Steve looks up and meets Eddie’s eyes; his eyebrows are raised, like he expects Steve to elaborate. 

“Look, I don’t know what to tell you," Steve says honestly, shrugging with one shoulder, the one not currently trapped between couch cushions. “I wish I could say I meditated on this for five hours and came up with some striking revelation. I didn’t.”

Eddie chuckles, head rolling back again. He watches Steve’s hand trace random patterns on his chest, looking pensive; Steve can’t tell what Eddie might be thinking. He wishes he could be more reassuring. Better at saying words, putting what he’s feeling into them. He’s never been good at that. 

His hand drifts to the edge of Eddie’s chest, dips into his armpit. The hair’s longer and thicker there, where girls would usually shave it clean. Because they are supposed to, apparently. Steve remembers locker room talk, some guys laughing at a girl in their class whose biggest crime was walking around with hairy armpits. He found it kind of hypocritical; what’s wrong with girls having hair in places where it naturally grows? 

He idly runs his fingers through the hairs, brushing the soft skin underneath, and Eddie squirms. 

“Hey. I’m ticklish, and I kick.”

“Sorry,” Steve grins, moving his hand back to Eddie’s chest. “Got distracted.”

“By my pit hair? ” Eddie stares at him, eyebrows up to his fringe. 

“Everything about you is distracting,” Steve replies earnestly. 

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie mutters under his breath, turning away, failing to conceal his goofy smile. “Still not sure how I stumbled into this parallel universe in which Ste-e-eve Harrington finds me distracting, but you won’t hear me complaining, I guess.”

Steve snorts.

“We’re all in a parallel universe now, dude. Somewhere out there, there’s a version of me that… I don’t know, is off to college or something. Maybe hasn’t fucked things up with Nance. But I’m here, and… well. Life’s kind of insane here.” 

Steve wraps his arm around Eddie and settles more comfortably against him. He looks at one of the jagged scars above his hip, bigger and rougher than Steve’s own. Proofs that their nightmares are real. 

“So you ask me if this bothers me, and…” He chuckles. “You know what, I’d probably be bothered if I was suddenly attracted to demogorgons. Or Vecna.”

“Ew.” Eddie wrinkles his nose.

“Exactly. This, though? I don’t know. Feels normal. And the sex is… yeah, we should probably talk about it, but, I mean. Wow.” He mimes mind blown, then grins, seeing Eddie’s face. “You’re so fucking cute when you blush.”

“I have a feeling I’m gonna be doing that a lot with you around.” Eddie sighs, but he looks genuinely amused more than embarrassed.

“Feel free to, anytime,” Steve grins, leaning in to kiss Eddie. Just to check that he can, and… with the way Eddie opens up to him right away, yeah. He totally can. 

And he meant it, they should have a conversation about the rest of it, because honestly, while he’s not that weirded out by being attracted to Eddie, it’s… certain things he feels, when they’re intimate, that confuse him. But maybe they should get dressed for that, actually, because he’s not sure if he can keep that conversation going with Eddie’s naked body leaning into him under the blanket. 

Besides… he’s actually kind of hungry. And he needs to pee.

“Hey,” he says, pulling back from Eddie’s lips; Eddie’s eyelids flutter before he opens his eyes, looking a bit dazed. Steve’s grumbling stomach gives him just enough willpower not to push the man into the cushions and ravage him. “You hungry?”

“Uh. Yeah, I guess, I could eat.”

“Okay, come on then.” Steve runs his knuckles softly across Eddie’s cheek. “I’ll make us something.”

“I’m gonna need to borrow some clean boxers.” Eddie’s eyes dart down, at his own skull-patterned boxers peeking above Steve's waistline. “Quid pro quo, I guess.”

Steve smiles, sitting up and scrambling off the couch. He’s still wearing his jeans, but Eddie’s mostly naked, trying to wrap the blanket around himself like a makeshift toga.

“What, you suddenly shy?” Steve grins at him teasingly. 

Eddie rolls his eyes.

“No, I just look fucking ridiculous with my dick hanging out and my socks still on.”

“So lose the socks,” Steve jokes, finding his own T-shirt behind the couch and tugging it on, then turning and heading towards the stairs. 

Grumbling something under his nose, like ‘Jesus fucking Christ’ and ‘will be the death of me’, Eddie picks up his own clothes, scattered all around the living room; then, he follows Steve upstairs, stepping on the edges of the blanket and stumbling every few steps.

  The rest on AO3

[renee-writer]

Jamie and Jenny Chapter 15

AO3

He blinks at seeing her. She is breathtaking. Her eyes are wide, seemingly equally as stunned.

 

“You are.” They say together. Both giggle.

 

She is used to seeing him in jeans and T-shirts. He usually sees her in the same. To see each other so dressed up, it affects both of them.

 

“Ladies first.” He gestures for her to go on.

 

“Jamie, you are brilliant.”

 

“You, Claire you are exquisite.”

 

They still stand in her doorway.

 

“Thank you. Shall we?” She nods towards his car.

 

“Aye.” he offers his arm. She takes it and they step out. 

 

“I am just not used to seeing you so cleaned up.” Yes, he is now the CEO of Lallybroch Distillery but most of the time, he dresses casual. Only when he has business meetings outside Scotland does he dress up.

 

He looks over at her. “Same.”

 

She works in the garden. When she isn’t, she works in the outbuilding developing natural remedies. Therefore has very little opportunity to dress up.

 

“It is nice to feel like a full adult, you know. Getting dressed up going out to a nice restaurant.”  She looks around at the candles on the table, the real linen napkins, the heavy crystal glasses.

 

“That it is.” He has had very few opportunities to date, focused on helping his dad build the business. Most dates were in his teens, fast food restaurants and movies, mostly. Never has he taken a lass out like this.

 

“Is Jenny alone or …”

 

“Nae, Murtagh is with her. She didn’t like it,” a chuckle, “but I am not sure twelve is old enough to stay alone.”

 

She nods thoughtfully. “It depends on the child and circumstances. I think you are right. She is mature but, with all that has happened, all she is feeling right now, having an adult around is a good thing.”

 

He feels the tension leave his shoulders and neck. “Thank you. I just never know if I am doing right.”

 

“You love her. You want what is best for her. That goes a long way towards doing the right thing.”

 

He takes her hand across the table. “It helps to hear that.”

 

She smiles tilting her head a bit. “I am no expert. A lot of this comes from Uncle Lamb.”

 

“Thank God for Uncle Lamb.”

 

“Amen.” She stops when the waitress comes up. They order and return to the conversation.

 

“What else did he teach you?”

 

“To be independent. A hard worker. To give as much as possible to others. Self defense.” She grins after saying the last.

 

“Ah self defense. So if any lad tries to make advances…”

 

She leans on her free hand. He still holds one. “He would regret it unless I wished for them.”

 

His breath catches. “Have you ever wished thus?”

 

“Not until now.” The air grows heavy between them. He reminds himself that he is in public.

 

“We shall have to see about that later then.”

Both their eyes drift shut and both pull in deep breaths.

 

“You should know Jamie that I am inexperienced.”

 

“So, you are a virgin?” His heart thumps heavy in his chest. She is beautiful, been all over the world. How can…”

 

“Yes. Uncle Lamb isn’t a stickler about that type of stuff and I had opportunities. It is just, it never felt right.”

 

“No, it didn’t ,” at her wide eyed look, he continues, “I am too. Dad told me that the right lass would come along. One who would steal my heart and not just harden my cock, begging your pardon for the phrasing,” she waves it off, “anyway, that I wouldn’t regret waiting for her. I haven’t .”

 

They look at each other, both amazed.

 

“You are…”

 

“Him.”

 

“Her.”

 

They are laughing when the food arrives and giggle through the meal.

[nightghoul381]

A Little Surprise~ Clavis x Reader

Final four countdown! Thank you @aquagirl1978 and @violettduchess for hosting!

Prompt: 11. Fireflies Pairing: Clavis Lelouch x Reader Genre: Fluff WC: 1.2k

The soft tingle of fingers brushing along the skin on the back of your thighs stirs you from your sleep. Opening your eyes, rather than the amused golden irises of your lover, you see only more darkness. Your eyelashes catch on the fabric that has been carefully placed around your head and you mentally prepare yourself for whatever shenanigans your mischievous prince has cooked up for you today.

You turn to sit up, displacing Clavis’s teasing fingers and he lets out a short, displeased huff. As your hands move to take the fabric off of your face, Clavis’s warm fingers wrap around your wrists, halting them.

“Ah-ah-ah. No peeking! I’ve got quite the surprise for you today my dear! We’re going on a little excursion, you and I.”

“That sounds fantastic, Clavis. But, I do need to take the blindfold off.” You reply. His hands drop from your wrists and you can hear him start to grumble.

“But the surprise—“

 Your hand darts out and finds his face, a finger smushed against his lips cutting him off midsentence.

“I need to get dressed. As much as I love going out and doing things with you, I would never be seen in public with you like this.”

“Fine, fine. I suppose you can dress yourself, but after that, you put the blindfold back on?” He cedes, giving you an almost pitiful pleading look.

“How long will I have to wear it for?” You hesitate, recalling one ‘excursion’ where you were blindfolded for several hours before you reached your destination.

“Ah—yes, about that… it’s going to be a bit of a jaunt to get to our destination from here. Perhaps it would be best if I allow you to hold off on the blindfold until we get a little closer.” He admits, his own mind remembering how you had denied him access to your legs for the remainder of that night.

After several hours in the carriage, Clavis takes note of something out one of the windows and jumps over to cover your eyes with his hands.

“Oh dear, I’ve lost the blindfold…” he mutters, his body shifting as he looks around the seats.

“Keep your eyes closed for me, please darling?”

Nodding slowly, Clavis’s touch disappears, followed closely by the sound of ripping fabric.

You silently wait until he’s fastened the fabric around your eyes and wait for him to give further instructions.

Finally, the jostling comes to a stop and you can hear the faint call of insects.

“And we have arrived! Allow me to take your hand dear, I wouldn’t want to have you stumbling around blindly after all.” Your lover’s bright voice brings a smile to your lips as you allow him to lead you out of the carriage and through what appears to be a grassy hillside.

“Oh, dearie me, the timing must be off. I’m afraid you’ll have to keep the blindfold on just a bit longer.”

“Alright, but this had better be worth it,” you giggle, the excitement of your lover’s surprise buzzing through your body.

You feel his arm slide off of your shoulders, only to be tugged down and into his lap. He wraps you up in a warm embrace and rests his chin on your shoulder.

“Well now, this is nice all on its own.” He murmurs, his voice surprisingly tender as he presses a gentle kiss to your temple.

Pleasantly confused, you allow yourself to melt into him, only to be jolted as he suddenly squeezes you tightly.

“Oh-ho it’s time! Please close your eyes and let me take the blindfold off. I want to see your face when you see it!”

Moments later, Clavis gives you the go ahead to open your eyes and your breath catches.

Despite how dark the sky has grown, hundreds of tiny lights dance, blinking around the expanse of tall grasses before you. You stare in awe as they bob along with the cool summer breeze, some drifting up toward the sky and others disappearing into the grass below.

“What are they?” You ask incredulously.

“Fireflies.” Clavis responds, his eyes filled with delight at your reaction.

“They’re beautiful!” You whisper, eyes following one that happens to float nearby. It’s a struggle to keep track of the small insect as it blinks its light on and off.

“That’s precisely what they intended. To be beautiful, that is.” Clavis explains. “They use that light to attract a mate, so I would imagine, the more beautiful the light, the more likely they would be to find their lover.”

I’m not sure that’s quite how that works, bugs aren’t usually swayed by romantic notions like beauty.

“Can we go down there?” You ask, staring out into a small valley between two hills where the fireflies seem to be concentrated.

“Of course, I’ll be right behind you,” Clavis grins, waving you along. Down amongst the blinking yellow lights, you feel like you’re in a fairy tale full of magic and wonder. Turning to face Clavis, you notice that he isn’t there.

“Clavis?” You shout. No response.

Where did he go?

You can’t hold back the exasperated sigh that escapes you as you make your way back up the hill to where the two of you had started out.

Still no sign of the purple-haired hellcat.

“Damn it Clavis! Where are you?” You yell, hoping desperately that he isn’t hiding in a bush to scare you.

A loud rustle draws your attention to the wall of trees to your left. A gentle yellow glow seems to be moving in the darkness within the forest, before it disappears, reappearing moments later a few paces away.

Shaking your head, you laugh to yourself. He’s ridiculous, clearly trying to ‘attract’ his own mate, and it makes you love him all the more.

“Clavis, you don’t need to attract me with a light,” you laugh, “I’m already very much so attracted to you.”

Drawing near the light, you see it has stopped moving so you pick up the pace. You see a lantern sitting on the ground a little way ahead.

Is he wanting me to do it now? You wonder, approaching the soft yellow light. And suddenly you’re falling.

Raucous laughter echoes above you as you land with a thud on the dirt below.

“Haha! I’m surprised you fell for that!” Clavis hoots, offering an arm to help you out of his pit.

“Why on earth would you dig a pit for me to fall into?!” You stare at him indignantly as he wipes away a tear forming in his eye.

“Ah—ahaha, why that was the surprise—” He can’t seem to hold back the wheezing gasps. “And I dare say you were quite surprised!”

You struggle between the desire to punch him for luring you into a trap and the desire to join in with his laughter, the joy on his face causing your heart to ache so sweetly. You realize he had meticulously planned this prank, down to the time of day, just to get you to fall into a pit.

The ridiculousness of the plan strikes you and you relent, letting yourself start laughing as well.

 “I love you, Clavis. Don’t ever change.”

[noforkingclue]

No Questions Asked (Laszlo Kreizler x reader) Chapter 17

No Questions Asked tag list: @fandom-lover-4, @ajeff855, @booksarekindaneat, @greeneyedblondie44

Everything tag list: @greenrevolutionary, @byebyebreezywrites, @spngingerbread21, @layazul, @lov3vivian, @simonsbluee

You stuck your hands in your pockets as you walked down the streets of New York. People pushed passed you and didn’t bother giving you a second glance. People never sparred you a second glance. To ‘respectable society’ you were invisible.

Well, unless they wanted something.

“Hey, Doc.”

You paused and looked around to see who call your name. Your eyes lit when you saw Polly and she beckoned you over. You dashed into the alley she was hiding in and she said,

“I saw him again.”

“Pol,” you gave her a disapproving look, “I thought I told you not to. He isn’t good for you.”

“Huh? What?”

“Your,” you waved a hand and scrunched your nose as you tried to find the right word, “companion. Man.”

“Doc-“

“I told you what I thought of him and it’s your choice.”

“Doc.”

“Now it’s your choice whether you listen to me or not but-“

“Y/n,” Polly hissed, “will you shut the fuck up and listen to me.”

You froze at the use of your actual name. Polly hardly ever used your name and never in public.

“By him I meant John Smith,” said Polly, “looking for business.”

“You weren’t interested?”

“Not that desperate,” Polly jerked her head down the alley, “he went that way. If you’re quick you might catch him.”

“Right,” you gave Polly a bright smile, “thanks Pol. If you want to stay at mine feel free.”

“Thanks Doc but I’ve still got the night ahead of me,” Polly winked at you and wrapped her shawl around her, “might catch up with you later. Oh, and Doc?”

“Yeah.”

“Be careful.”

The unusually serious tone of Polly’s voice and made you pause. You smiled faintly and nodded before saying,

“I feel like that’s something I should be saying that to you. I’ll catch up with you later ok?”

You dashed off down the alley not hearing what Polly called after you. There were a few people but they didn’t pay you much attention. Unless you could give them something people had little interest in you. It didn’t take you long to find him. He was talking to another one of the girls who was giving him a suspicious look. Her gaze drifted over to you and she looked between you and the man. John, seeing that she wasn’t paying him any attention looked over his shoulder and made eye contact with you.

Which caused him to take off running.

He pushed the girl out of the way, causing her to give out a shout. You had to ignore her this time as you took off running after him. You’d make sure to make it up to her later but now you had more important things to do. John looked behind you and grimaced when he saw you running after him.

“Wait,” you said, “just wait. I have some questions for you.”

“Like fuck you do. I know who you are.”

“Yeah, no surprise there, most people do.”

“And I know who you’re working for.”

Ah. Now that was new.

“Oh do you? And how do you know that?”

The two of you slowed down and you leant against the wall to catch your breath. John Smith was giving you a suspicious look and you smirked.

“So, someone’s been leaking information. Who?” you asked

“It’s more than my life is worth to tell you.”

John backed away but you were quicker. You lurched forward and grabbed his wrist tightly.

“More people could die,” you hissed, “More children. Can you really live with that on your conscience?”

“If I tell you anything I wouldn’t live long enough for it to weigh me down.”

“Then you shouldn’t have an issue telling me. Now why don’t you- OOF!”

To your surprise his fist connected with your stomach. You gasped for air and let go of John’s wrist as he darted away. You slumped against the alley wall as you struggled to take in air. Of course this wasn’t the first time you had been punched but somehow you weren’t expecting it.

“Doctor.”

A warm hand was placed on your shoulder and you looked up into a familiar face.

“Moore,” you gasped, “What a-“

You were cut off by a coughing fit. Moore frowned slightly and you waved a hand at him.

“I’ve had worse.” You said

“Sounds like it.”

“What are you doing here?”

You slid down to the ground and looked up at him.

“Following up on a lead,” he said, “Laszlo said you had an idea and wanted me to check it out.”

“Did he?”

“You sound surprised.”

“Wasn’t actually expecting anyone to take me seriously.”

Moore offered you his hand which you took gratefully.

“Why don’t I buy you a drink,” he said, “And you can let me know of any other information that you might’ve found out. You’ve got to have a bit more faith in us. We’re all on the same side now.”

[sweet-honey-tears]

Hold me

katsuki bakugou x self-conscious!fem reader

Just a quickish blurb I couldn’t get out of my head. First time writing like this so any tips are welcomed lol.

Might delete this later NGL

Spelling is bleh

Story takes place at a hero banquet but the reader is feeling really self conscious and like spiraling- but then getting snapped out of it by someone (Kat) coming up behind them- and yes, ya were zoning out to a point you didn’t even notice. And yes, in my mind they wear medals on their tuxes/formal uniforms because it’s a night of recognition.

It felt like someone had pushed all the air out of your lungs, the shallow breath fanning outwards at the feeling of strong hands slipping their way onto your hips. The offender's strong fingers pushed into the fat and pulled you back till you were flushed against them. The feeling of multiple cold medals pressing into your bare back sending shivers down your spine. Not many men here had so many medals; only a few and they knew to never get this intimate with you.

“Kat”

“Teddy Bear” He rasped out into your ear, his hot breath fanning across your face. Fingers worked across your body till his arms were protecting you and yet caging you in. You feel your body relax at the touch, leaning into the warmth your husband gave. A hum admitted itself as you gazed up, catching sight of his clean-shaven face and ruby eyes.

“You seem tense Teddy Bear” He mumbled into your hair. Now swaying his hip, making you drift side to side with him. You knew the question that lay on his tongue, ‘why?’. But also knew he wouldn’t ask it. Not wanting to force an answer out of you in such a public place.

“Just…” you paused, not wanting him to worry about you- or ruin the party for him. “I’m not sure why.” You let out a small, fake, laugh while unconsciously pulling his arms tighter around you. Protecting from the stares and giggles of the heroes and their employees. Why were you here? You didn't fit it.

“Hmmm,” The sound vibrates in your neck, sending tingles down your spine and toes. He could sense your discomfort, the anxiety your body held. He knew how you felt about yourself, your body. The body he fucking loved. “I'm pissed that others get to see you.” He gruffed. “I should be the only one able to see you look this fucken’ good.” He growled into your ear, no longer allowing either of you to sway to the music. “Those damn extras keep looking at you, like some shitty wolves. It's pissing me off.” He whispered into your shoulder, but you could feel the pout on his lips. The tone of his voice switched ever so slightly. You couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled its way out, resting your head back against him as you started to sway again. His arms loosened ever so slightly.

He grinned, feeling the lightweight feeling in his chest he got from hearing you laugh. You're a beautiful laugh. He kept going:

“Why the fuck did you wear this damn dress? Huh?! Where are you trying to tease me all night” he spoke into your ear. Feather-light kisses are placed in the area where your neck meets your shoulders. “Ya too fucking beautiful for this damn planet…” He mumbled before stopping completely, spinning around till you faced him. One of his large hands wrapped around your waist, the other lightly taking yours, making you sway with him. He’s feared by so many, known for his brash and animating attitude. And yet only you get to see the soft look in those blood-ruby eyes. The fondness and love they hold.

He leaned down, pressing a loving and gentle kiss to your glossy lips, bringing you back to the present.

“I don’t ever want you to feel bad TeddyBear, you’re too good for it, too good for me.” The words caused your heart to pump faster and your eyes to become glossy.

You both have always had this unspoken understanding of each other. You lift him from the hell of hero work. Save him from the deafening guilt of a failure or loss. Hold him and praise him on the days he comes home broken.

He would always lift you from the darkness that floods your mind. Pull you away from the mirror, force you to eat on the days you refused to.

He wished he knew you felt this before you both left for the banquet- he would have called the whole thing off. He would have stayed home with you, snuggling and whispering how much he loved you and how beautiful you are until you saw what he did- if only for a second. He wouldn’t have let you come in a dress that made you feel self-conscious putting on a fake fucking smile to appease a bunch of extras! Sure, some of them were good, but not all. He’s met and worked with some vile people in his career, sharks, going after anyone that looked vulnerable. He fucking murder them if it didn’t mean having to leave you.

He snapped out of his thoughts from your soft voice.

“Thank you Suki” you whisper lovingly, tears threatening to spill over.

“Anytime TeddyBear” he smiled, pressing a kiss to your forehead before continuing to sway with you.

[aloneinthehellfire]

Chapter 3: Phantom Lord

Raining Hellfire (Eddie's Version) | Part One

Word Count: 3580

Warnings: swearing, bullying, i swear writing these is boosting my serotonin levels he's just adorable rn

[A/N: Massive applause to anyone mildly interested in this fic , I've been writing these chapters just to distract my mind from the many horrors of life-]

Phantom Lord

Paired with RH1: Chapter 3: Photo-Op

“Hey there, freak.”

“Wow, who let the freak out?”

“Who is that guy, again?”

Eddie walked through the murmurs of gossip and attention-seekers, ignoring the disgusted looks from the cheerleading team. As he passed them, he thought he recognised one of the girls, her head down as she hugged her books, barely glancing up through her blonde bangs. She looked kind of embarrassed.

If he hadn’t caught his Walkman in his driver’s seat door, then he wouldn’t have to put up with this. He’d be strolling through the halls with Metallica soothing his urge to scream.

When he finally made it to his locker, he began shoving in his new DnD campaign ideas and caught sight of a slip of paper resting among an old plastic bag. With a frown, Eddie plucked it from his locker and turned the paper over. His heart dropped a little.

‘You won’t be so lucky next time Freak’

Eddie’s gaze drifted over his shoulder to where Tommy and Carol were stood, smiling sinisterly at him. Carol gave a little wave just as Tommy loosened his arm from her shoulders and started walking over to him.

Crumpling up the paper, Eddie chucks it back in his locker and takes a deep breath. Not one day went by where he was just left alone.

Tommy’s hand reached out and slammed his locker shut, leaning with a grin. Eddie simply rolls his eyes and, in turn, catches a glimpse of something that boosted his day by millions.

You’re shoving books into your backpack, looking over your shoulder and frowning. Eddie watches as you walk over to the bulletin board and rip away a poster that looked to be graffitied with red ink. There was something about you that looked a little sadder today, almost closed off. And his theory became apparent when you actively avoided talking to Wheeler and Harrington, a sick look on your features.

Eddie knows you’re upset, a jumpy look anytime a locker slammed shut. He wanted to go up to you, but he was too busy listening to Tommy’s rants about how ‘freaks like him shouldn’t be let into public places’ or something along the lines of that stupidity.

And once the shrill echo of the bell echoed through the halls, he didn’t have time to say hello or attempt to help you with whatever was clouding your mind. You were off in a rush, gripping tightly onto the marked paper in your hand and disappearing into the crowd.

He knew he should be attending his English class. It was important to his grades, ones that were failing miserably. Once upon a time, Eddie had been ahead of his class. But once he started giving up on trying to prove himself, his attention span plummeted drastically.

It didn’t help that in their last session, they were given a pop quiz that Eddie struggled through entirely. He couldn’t help it; the longer he stared at the page, the worse the words became. He found that he seriously couldn’t concentrate without music blaring into his ears.

So, instead, he made the executive decision to skip.

There wasn’t anywhere he could really go without old Princi showing up and threatening another suspension or whatever. Not inside the school, anyway.

That’s how he ended up with his back against the bark of a thick tree, staring out into the distance. And he had been there for about 2 hours.

It wasn’t his fault really. As soon as he sat down, his mind had raced through his campaign for the following evening, trying to remember any inconsistencies. And, in turn, he started to drift off. It wasn’t until the second bell rang that he was startled awake, rubbing his eyes against the blinding sun.

Eddie wondered where you were right now. Probably doing school work like he was meant to. And he bet you were a genius. Nothing like him, then. Jesus, why would someone like you even want to be seen around him? He wasn’t smart enough, or cool enough, or-

With a frustrated sigh, Eddie knocked the back of his head against the tree trunk and scrunched his eyes shut. He really wished he had a functioning Walkman right about now.

In a desperate attempt to distract himself from all his thoughts, he bends his knees and begins tapping them. It felt like a natural move; air guitar just wouldn’t hit right. Soon the tapping became a furious beat, the last song he listened to taking over his fingers with the metal rhythm. In fact, he was so used to the Metallica song blaring at him recently that his imagination soon took over.

Hear the cry of war

Louder than before

With his sword in hand-

Someone plopped down on the grass beside him and Eddie’s heart leaped into his throat, practically bouncing off the tree. Then a sweet melody erupted in the air and he instantly knew who it belonged to.

“Don’t let me stop you.” You laughed, shuffling around the tree and, once you were satisfied, stretching your legs.

“You’re really good at sneaking up on a person.” He laughed back, moving around until he was sat directly next to you. It was an automatic response for him to be as close as he could get.

“Why did I have to move to this side of the tree? Mine was much comfier.” Eddie asked, slumping down with one of his legs bent. He was trying desperately not to stare at you, instead positioning his head so he could look into the distance. It didn’t stop his eyes however.

“I skipped History.” You said simply, resting your head against the tree trunk. The way the sun hit your face- jesus, you were killing him.

“Ah. I suppose I’m in the presence of a… rebel?” Eddie faked shock, clasping both his hands on either side of his face. It made you smile, and his life felt complete.

“A regular trouble-maker.” You nodded, looking out at the field before you.

“Well, I’m glad. Can’t argue with the company.” He smirked, glancing your way. When your eyes met his it always made his heart flutter.

“So, what were you pretending to listen to?” You asked, raising your eyebrows. Eddie winced.

“You saw that?”

“I think everyone in my class could see it.”

“I hope they enjoyed the show.” He chuckled. Now he understood why you positioned yourself further around the oak tree. You were tactical.

“You play the drums?” You say, mimicking his earlier solo demonstration and he couldn’t help grin.

“Nope, more of a guitar guy.” He admits. The best part of Eddie’s day was getting home after a long day and just strumming along another song he cooked up for his band. Just thinking about it now made him that much more peaceful.

“You’re so obsessed with your guitar. I can feel it.” You deduced suddenly and Eddie’s eyes widen.

You were laughing as his shocked face met yours.

“If you were to see her, you would be too.” Eddie defends. Maybe he should be a little more embarrassed at his love for an inanimate object. But at this point, he felt too comfortable with you to try and hide it.

“I’ll take your word for it.” You nudge his shoulder, and Eddie narrows his eyes. This was the perfect opportunity to test the waters.

“No, I don’t think I accept that. You will definitely meet her someday and bow to her greatness.”

A smile happened, something shy and giddy. You look down, fiddling with the hem of your jacket. Fuck, you were so unbelievably cute.

Rather than admit to his feelings, he clears his throat. “What about you? Any instruments? You could join my band.”

“Uh no, not really, but you have a band?” You ask with full excitement.

“Yeah!” He smiled, sitting upright. “We’re called, uh, Corroded Coffin.” He added quietly, scared of your response.

It wasn’t everyone’s taste, for sure. And certainly not something approved by parents. In fact, maybe it was a stupid name. You’re gonna hate it, he’ll hate it, they’ll just have to come up with something brand new or just quit altogether-

“That’s…” You begin, eyes light. “...so freaking cool.”

“You think?” Eddie grabbed onto his hair and covered his face, hoping to hide the little red that crept onto his cheeks. It made you smile.

“Definitely.” You assured, earning a wide smile from Eddie, his big brown eyes staring back at you.

You really exceeded every expectation Eddie had of you. Just when he thought you couldn’t get any more perfect, you always topped it. Everything you did was just mesmerising, even little things like the way you adjusted your jacket against the hot weather, revealing a hint of the shirt you wore.

Eddie thought he stopped breathing.

“Wait, Metallica?” He said excitedly, spinning around the grass so he was sat directly in front of you and pointing at your shirt.

“Ah, yeah, I found it earlier this year when I was shopping with Nancy. She didn’t really like it but they just came out with their album ‘Kill Them All’ and I understand it’s not really her kind of music but once you start listening it’s so hard to stop.” You ramble, smiling down at the fabric.

Eddie was fully shocked.

“Favourite song?” He questioned, determined to find out if you were just playing with him.

“Phantom Lord.” You replied immediately. Oh fuck.

“Good choice.” He nodded casually, trying not to scream in absolute awe of the woman you are. “I didn’t think you listened to that kind of music.”

“I listen to basically every kind of music. Growing up in a house where everyone had different music tastes will do that to you, I guess.” You laughed, but Eddie noticed your smile faltered at the mention of your family.

He figured you didn’t have a great home life. From avoiding your surname completely to the way your face fell anytime you talked about them… he understood, he really did. It’s why he decided not to push it until you were ready to talk about it.

“So you get the best of everything. It’s a sweet deal.” Eddie decided to say, a relieved look in your expression when he didn’t pry.

“Yeah, until I spend all my money on cassette tapes.” You laugh softly.

“Any you think I would like?” He asked. He was looking at you now, not even distracted by the sound of bell as students rushed around to get to lunch.

“Hm, I’ll think about it.” You smile as if you already knew.

As soon as you stand, Eddie mirrors your movements, leaning down to grab your bag and hand it over to you. Should he have carried it? Shit, Wayne always told him to offer to carry a lady’s bag. Or would it send the wrong impression?

Even with his flurry of anxious thoughts, you managed to calm him when you asked what other bands he listened to, what Corroded Coffin played and if you could attend any gigs. Every little gesture you made to being genuinely interested in what he had to say meant everything.

In your own world, you both somehow drifted towards the cafeteria. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the Hellfire Club sat at their usual table, busy discussing something that normally Eddie would be invested in knowing. But he didn’t think bringing you to the table of freaks and nerds would be a good idea. Not when you obviously have problems with the assholes ‘running’ this place.

So, instead, he sat across from you at a free space on the end of a busy table, the other kids too busy in their conversations to even notice. Eddie wondered why he had never seen you in the cafeteria before. Surely he would have noticed you?

As Eddie goes to answer your question on which Black Sabbath songs you should begin with, laughter erupted from behind him before some pretty unholy sounds echoed about. From the annoyed look on your face, he just had to turn around.

“Oh Steve!” Carol was moaning while Tommy proceeded to make clear gestures to their joke. Nancy Wheeler was retreating further into her seat while Harrington was attempting to diffuse the situation. As if he could ever have control over those idiots.

Eddie turns back to you just in time to see you lean across the table and snag an apple from a deserted plate. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow, your eyes set across the room before your raise your arm and the apple slipped from your fingers.

Following the direction, he watched the hard fruit fly across the room until it hit Tommy’s back. Their little show came to an abrupt end as Tommy began searching for the culprit. Eddie ducked down, shifting his head to see you had done the same.

Once Tommy had returned to his seat and the air was deemed safe, you both popped your heads back up. Your eyes lock and you burst into laughter.

“Nice aim.” Eddie laughed, looking over at Tommy now rubbing the sore spot on his back.

He caught sight of Nancy’s smile sent your way. Eddie’s suspicions of you were confirmed there and then; you would fight anything to make your friends happy. He wished he had that confidence instead of running from his problems all the time.

Just as Eddie was about to shift back around, he clocked the frown Harrington was sending to you, the boy’s eyes meeting his before settling back on yours. You must have responded because then he was looking away and joining in a conversation. That was weird. Too weird.

Eddie started to feel something horrid twisting his insides.

“Are you free later?” He broke the silence, focusing back on his sandwich in hope that it made him appear nonchalant.

“Yeah.” You reply quickly, but then your face twists. “I mean, no. I’m not. I have plans today.”

“Oh.” He responded before he could stop his mouth voicing his disappointment.

“But I’m free tomorrow.” You quickly add and he meets your eyes again, smiling. He waited for you to explain your plans for tonight, but you never did. Maybe it wasn’t his business.

“Well, did you want to... hang out?” Eddie threw it out there, trying to make it as vague as possible just in case he was wrong.

“Definitely.” You grin at him and his heart skips. Thank god. Eddie wasn’t even sure how he was gonna brush it off if you said no.

He notices your eyes flicker to something behind him and, once again, you became very distracted. But he was used to that already; he wasn’t offended.

“Uh, I’ll see you tomorrow then? I have some stuff I need to sort out.” You start to stand from your seat, slipping the bag onto your shoulder.

“See you tomorrow.” He nods as you walk away.

He barely has time to acknowledge that he’s going to be spending more time with you when someone jumps on him from behind. Eddie truly thinks his heart stopped beating.

“Take us to your leader.” A fake robotic voice drawled into his ear and he’s immediately laughing, shoving them off his back.

“Jesus, Gareth, you tryna kill me?” Eddie shakes his head as his Hellfire members slide into the seats opposite.

He simply just stares at Eddie, a weird smile staining his face.

“The hell are you making that face for?” Eddie grimaces, noticing Jeff’s snicker.

“You wanna, uh, share something with the group?” Gareth insinuates, leaning forward with a smirk.

Eddie knows exactly what he’s referring to. His reputation among his peers was pretty good, they respected him for sure, but they certainly didn’t see him as a ladies-man.

“Yeah, matter of fact, I do.” Eddie nods, dumping the rest of his sandwich on an empty tray. “Hellfire’s off tomorrow.”

“What?” Jeff’s mouth drops open and Gareth recoils.

Never in his time as Hellfire Dungeon Master has he ever cancelled a campaign. Not even when Louis was attacked by a cat (that thing was the devil incarnate and not in a cool way) and ended up in hospital getting shots for every kind of disease. Or even when Carl’s dad was reversing the car in their driveway and accidentally ran over his son’s foot; that scream would have been heard for miles but in a few months he was good as new. And yet, here he was, doing it with such ease that his friends couldn’t believe their ears.

“Why the hell would you do that?” Gareth interrogates, narrowing his eyes.

“I have plans.” Eddie shrugs, but Gareth sees straight through him.

“Shit, man, don’t tell me you’re letting a girl control your life already?” He assesses and Eddie groans.

“No, asshole, I just decided that we should move Hellfire to Fridays. End of the week makes more sense, right?”

“It would make my mom happier that I wasn’t staying late on a school night.” Jeff concludes quietly and Gareth sucks his teeth.

“Who is she, anyway?” He asks and Eddie is ready for the ground to swallow him whole. “She one of the wannabes?”

“No.” Eddie answers too quickly for there to be any chance in convincing them his feelings were only casual.

“Oh my god.” Jeff leans back, blinking. “Eddie Munson has a crush.”

“A crush? Dude, no.” Gareth grimaces, “We already agreed that girls are only gonna drag us down and tear us away from valuable time we could be spending on finishing a god damn campaign.”

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie rubs his temple, “you’re so dramatic sometimes.”

Jeff mindlessly nods until Gareth sends him a look and then he’s vigorously shaking his head.

“Whatever, man, I can deal with Hellfire Fridays.” Gareth sighs, slumping in his seat. “But I swear to God, if you end up ditching us-”

“Not gonna happen.” Eddie insists, palms against the table as she pushes off his seat. “Now I gotta sort some shit out before Wayne’s back so I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Yeah, just not at Hellfire.” Gareth grumbles and Jeff jabs his side, earning a yelp of objection.

Soon they’re all standing, Gareth making his way past Eddie and Jeff following behind.

Eddie’s about to leave for his van when he feels Jeff’s hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.

“Just ignore him, man.” Jeff smiles, nodding to the doors you had disappeared through earlier. “She seems cool.”

“She is.” Eddie frowns as Jeff catches up with Gareth.

He can’t help feeling like he’s disappointed his friends. Gareth had every right to be annoyed by his sudden change. Hell, even Eddie didn’t know what was happening to him. He had barely known you two days and suddenly he’s shifting everything in his life to make room for you?

He thinks about this as he trails through the halls, aware that the clock was ticking. Eddie was meant to be in the woods by now, meeting another client. If he wasn’t so broke, Eddie would have ditched the deal and headed straight home instead.

Once he made it to the parking lot, he spots his van and fishes the keys out from his back pocket. His eye catches something not so far from him.

You’re crouched with Jonathan Byers, picking up small pieces from the ground. Eddie rears closer, overhearing conversation.

“You didn’t have to do that. Stick up for me?”

“Well, they didn’t have to do that.”

“Y/n is quite the hero type.” Eddie interrupts, smiling. It falters immediately when he sees the tangled patch of hair on the back of your head, a shattered camera laying at your feet. His eyes flicker between you and Byers. “What happened?”

“Harrington happened.” You explain, standing up and brushing at your tatted hair.

Eddie’s face twists. “Ugh. I hate that guy.”

“You do?” There’s a surprise in your voice, a hint of a smirk on your lips.

Eddie shoves his hands into his pockets. “Yeah. All that hair? Nothing but ego and asshole-ry.”

“Agreed.” Jonathan spoke up, the remains of his camera now in his bag and his attention shifts to you, a soft look on his face. Eddie feels that familiar twist in his stomach. “I’m gonna head home, thanks, Y/n. Do you need a ride?”

“Yeah, actually, can you drop me off just outside the route to the power lines? I’d go straight to the Wheelers but I figure Nancy’s heading there with Steve…” Your voice trailed off and Jonathan chuckles, nodding.

“Uh, bye.” He says to Eddie and he almost misses it, too transfixed on trying to assess the situation.

He hadn’t really realised until now how much time you and Jonathan spend together. Maybe because he wasn’t looking for it before. But the way you both so easily conversed, looking at eachother like it’s been years of bonding. The twist in his stomach grew tighter and tighter until he thought he was gonna throw up. How could he be so stupid?

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Eddie.” You smile at him, snapping his attention back and giving a small wave.

“Yeah.” He manages to reply, backing away until he was walking back to his van, barely acknowledging his other Hellfire members stood there. They were probably wanting to know the deal behind cancelling their campaign tomorrow.

It made sense that you already found someone; you were everything any guy could want.

Chapter 4: No Use Pretending ->

taglist: @cherrymedicine13 . @nix-rose-q .