#Daisy using her powers

[rosecandyart]

Daisy's trophy cutscene in Mario Power Tennis is all about emphasizing how she is the coolest person ever.

[3point14a]

HAHAHHAHAHA IM SORRYYYYYYYY SHES STRAIGHTTTTTTTTTTTT but also you wont ever guess what i say every time i draw her

her being straight is FUNNY ENOUGH relevant to her story. and i think thats hilarious. token straight and she's gnc, hilarious

AGSHIAOHSGJojakljagh ok so like... ok so like robin info out of my chest BEFORE i get sent to no power hell again: RRRROBINNNN is 25!!!!! i have another finished thing with her here and she is best friends with vincent AKA Owynn's older brother. The reason her relationship with chica is so strained because she and chica both had the same passion. Robin used to LOVE designing and making clothes and dedicated all of her life to it. and then suddenly one day she just stopped enjoying it.

She stopped enjoying every single aspect of it, she got burnt out and bitter and resented that something that she once saw as her lifes purpose now felt so utterly awful and that she couldn't do anything to fix it at all. Chica!!! is still going strong!! And it feels awful to see someone be filled with so much passion just like she was, she's envious and she's bitter that chica gets to enjoy it while she spins a wheel to find out what to do with her life now that she has lost such a big part of it. Chica is still her sister and she loves her but MAN it feels horrible to see her enjoy something she lost. Something that she GOT from Robin. On the other side of the coin Chica is scared shitless to end up like robin, absolutely terrified of being similar and also burning out to hell and losing something so big to her, and that doesn't really help with the whole lack of closeness

Robin has a lot of shit in her noggin, lost her passion in life for seemingly no reason, her dad dying (yeah their dad is dead, hence chica being half siblings with eak haha me when i remarry), and gender but in a weird cis way She hates looking femenine and she hates her curves and her chest and absolutely everything about it so she went "ok so i must be trans. or gay. or something" and then she wasn't! and that fucks her up! because she feels like it's easier to explain how she feels about this stuff if she had a community to fall back into, but she's just a straight woman who feels like no man ever will ever want to get into a serious relationship with because she simply does not "look like one". And does not intend to revert back into looking like one. rip anyways another reason why they are sort of tense around eachother is because all of that made Robin very prone to just have a billion breakdowns and yell at chica sometimes

very low quality drawing but yeah your sibling going through ten million identity hoops and being emotionally unstable leaves a BIT of a lasting impression on you She's a lot happier now, she got to take her chest out, and cut her hair and grew a bit of stubble and she likes how she feels! There's still shit on the back of her head going "you'll never get a job as a doctor and you'll never find love if you dont revert back to looking at least a little femenine" BUT SHES BIG TIME IGNORING THAT

uh really strong change of tone but here's some extra stupid fake tweets of her because i think she's silly, also she and vincent have opposite bangs and i think thats so silly ur grown adults what are you doing matching

loops divulged the secret playlist (/JOKE) so ill just put it here why not im a free man

[adanseying]

agents of shield s7 really was a shockingly good conclusion to something I like… like on it’s own it’s a good season but I don’t really realize how highly I think of it overall (it’s not agents of shield s4 who’s praises I’ll sing any day of the week) until I think about how many concluding seasons or books of shows or series I love could have been better if they were more like it in a variety of ways…

[calibrationneeded]

@c0l0re See, I don’t think Jon would dare fight Cecil, Jon’s a big scaredy-cat. I also think it be so much funnier if their dynamic was that Cecil hated Jon with a burning passion, and Jon is just somewhat oblivious to it. Jon has a habit of picking up friends, who hate his guts anyways, so I feel he would just be like “okay” 

I’ve said this before but if Cecil Gershwin Palmer met Jonathan Sims he’d beat the ever loving shit out of him on sight and Jon wouldn’t stand a chance

[helaintoloki]

Misunderstanding

pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!reader

warnings/notes: angst, reader is described as timid/shy, fluff

a/n: this prompt was sent in as a request! hope you all enjoy <3

summary: you accept Bucky’s invitation to attend Tony’s charity gala as his date, but your night quickly turns sour when you find out about his bet with Natasha

Your hands tremble as you raise the gun towards your target and fixate your aim on the bullseye. You’ve never handled a weapon like this before, but your novice status in the shooting range isn’t what has you feeling so nervous.

“Relax your arms a bit,” Bucky suggests, his hands gently resting on your biceps as he positions them in the correct form. His chest is pressed against your back, strong arms encasing you against him while he uses his leg to gently nudge your own into the proper stance. His metal hand comes to rest on yours and adjust your aim so that it’s aligned with the target across the way from you both. You hope he can’t hear the rapid beating of your heart or feel the growing perspiration resulting from being so close to the man, and you hope he doesn’t take notice of the fact that your powers are slowly manifesting themselves around you in result of your emotions.

You’ve been an Avenger for a few months now, having joined the team after they’d been sent to investigate an environmental disturbance in a quiet California town. You had just developed your powers after becoming an unwilling test subject for your father’s experiments and had little to no control over your ability to manipulate the flora around you. The city had been turned into your own arboretum overrun with a multitude of different plants, some more dangerous than others, and it was only with their help had you been able to clean up the mess.

Your first months training had been spent solely focusing on controlling your powers, managing your emotions to prevent plants from popping up in places they didn’t belong, but this was easier said than done. Your abilities still had the tendency to activate even when you didn’t want them to, but you were doing much better now with practice. Your regime had slowly begun to include more practical elements like hand-to-hand combat, stealth, and weaponry. That’s how you ended up alone in the shooting range with Bucky who had been more than happy to help you learn.

“Now when you’re ready, pull the trigger,” his encouraging voice sounds in your ear.

You clicked with Bucky almost immediately after joining the team. As a victim of scientific experimentation himself, he understood the trepidation you held towards your abilities and the loss of autonomy you were experiencing. He was a calming presence that provided you with comfort every time you felt like your body was turning against you, and it wasn’t long before he decided to take you under his wing. You’d become fast friends in no time, and it was a rare occurrence at the tower to see one of you without the other.

Calming your nerves, you let out a slow exhale before pulling the trigger. You watch anxiously as the bullet flies out of the barrel and hits your target dead on.

“Right on the mark!” Bucky compliments proudly before removing himself from you. You find yourself already missing the closeness, but you play it cool by flashing him a bashful smile. Your joy has already begun to present itself as tiny daisies bloom at your feet, but the super soldier doesn’t seem to mind in the slightest. “See, wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“I just got lucky,” you admit with a sheepish shrug. Bucky laughs before giving you an encouraging pat on the back.

“You just need some practice. I’m sure you’ll be able to start shooting at moving targets in no time.”

“She’s a natural, isn’t she?” A third voice chimes. You turn your heads to find Natasha standing in the doorway, a knowing smile on her face as she greets you two with a nod before settling her gaze on Bucky. “Steve’s asking for you. Wants to talk strategy for the mission you two were assigned.”

“Right,” Bucky sighs before turning to you. “I’m going to be gone for a few days. Will you be alright without me?”

“I’ll manage,” you joke with a halfhearted smile that Bucky is quick to match. Your heart nearly jumps out of your chest from the way his blue eyes stare down at you, and you hope neither he nor Natasha can pick up on your nerves.

“Don’t worry, Barnes,” Natasha quips as she comes to wrap an arm around your frame, “she’ll be in good hands while you’re gone.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” he affirms with a nod, bidding you both a goodbye before making his way to Steve.

You’d been holding back your powers for as long as you could in Bucky’s presence, so once the man is gone you let out a sigh of relief and finally release the tension within you. Red carnations bloom in a circle around you before quickly wilting once you will them away with a wave of your hand. You wish your abilities weren’t so intertwined with your thoughts, and you wish you weren’t so infatuated with your teammate.

“Rough day of training?” Natasha prompts with a raised brow.

“Just overwhelmed, I guess,” you offer with a weak shrug before gesturing to your surroundings, “and a bit intimidated by all of this.”

“You’ll get the hang of it,” she assures you with a faint smile. “It just takes time.”

You settle into a comfortable silence as you begin to clean up the mess left behind from your training session. Natasha simply watches on in silence, but you can tell by the look on her face that she’s heavily contemplating her next words.

“So you and Barnes?” She finally prompts, acting as inconspicuously as possible. You stiffen slightly at the question but immediately regain your composure as you unload your gun.

“What about me and Barnes?” You retort as nonchalantly as possible, though the mere mention of the man has your heart skipping a beat.

“You guys have gotten awfully close these last few months.”

“He’s a good friend,” you retort defensively, but it’s clear that Natasha isn’t buying your story. Her gaze suddenly becomes fixated on your head, and you watch with uncertainty as she reaches forward and lightly plucks something out of your hair. You blanch at the sight of the rosebud in her hand and try to avoid her knowing stare.

“You like him, don’t you?” She says with a coy smile.

“God, please don’t tell anyone,” you beg her in earnest while snatching the flower away, eyes full of panic and desperation. You thought you were doing well at hiding your little crush on Bucky, but you should have known better than to think an amateur like you could fool a top agent like Natasha.

“My lips are sealed, but even if I wanted to tell I think these flowers would end up blowing your cover before I could.”

“I can’t help it!” You exclaim in exasperation. “Wanda has been helping me learn to control my thoughts, but it’s like that all goes out the window whenever I’m with him.”

“Have you ever considered telling him?” She asks with a raised brow as if it’s the most obvious solution.

“Are you crazy? I think I’d rather die.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” she scoffs with an amused roll of her eyes. “What’s the harm in playing the field?”

“I doubt there’s any part of him that sees me as more than the new teammate he has to babysit,” you denote woefully, clearly having already accepted defeat in your predicament. “Why risk making things horribly awkward for everyone?”

“It’ll only be horribly awkward if he actually rejects you,” Natasha reminds you thoughtfully, “and he won’t. But, Bucky also won’t make the first move either, so you have to.”

“Fat chance,” you murmur under your breath before turning to the armory to return your gun. You miss the look of determination that flashes across her features as she mulls over your conversation. It’s clear to her that your feelings for Bucky aren’t something that can just be swept under the rug, and she’s well aware of the fact that you won’t be able to muster up the courage to voice your feelings.

It seems it’ll be up to her to make the first move on your behalf.

~~~

“Y/n, just the person I wanted to see!” Tony’s voice calls, prompting you to halt in your tracks and remove your headphones. You’d just finished a workout session with Thor and were dying to let your aching muscles relax under a hot shower, but it seems your teammate had other plans.

“What is it?” You press gently while slowing your brisk pace so that Tony can walk alongside you in the hall. You watch with piqued interest as he pulls an envelope out of his pocket and hands it over to you.

“This, my dear, is an invitation to your very first charity gala,” he replies proudly. “I’ve already taken the liberty of RSVPing for you, so consider this as more of a formality than anything.”

“Charity gala?” You retort with a raised brow.

“Stark Industries throws one every year to raise money for good causes around the world, and it’s customary that every Avenger attends.”

“I don’t know,” you drawl nervously, already anxious at the thought of a huge party full of random strangers who know you as the girl that almost turned the state of California into an uninhabitable forest.

“You’re an Avenger now, sweetheart,” Tony reminds you thoughtfully, “and this will be a great way to introduce our newest member to the public and let them get to know you more. You wouldn’t say no to charity, would you?”

“No,” you sigh in defeat, clearly bested by Tony’s guilt tripping. You will yourself to open the envelope and take in the extravagant detailing on the card listing the time and date for the event. You’re not exactly the most extroverted person on the team, but you figure if you can fight world ending threats with no problem then you should be able to stomach one night of being paraded around like a show pony. “I guess I better find something to wear.”

“There’s the spirit,” Tony grins cheekily, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his wallet before producing his credit card. “You know what, since this is your first event why don’t you take my card and buy something new. Sky’s the limit.”

You look at him stunned before hesitantly pocketing the card and thanking the man for his generosity. You never imagined that one day you’d be able to have access to Tony Stark’s credit card, but then again, you also never imagined you’d be living under the same roof as Captain America and Black Widow.

After your conversation with Tony, you finally make your way back to your own room and step into the shower to freshen up. You spend most of it anxiously mulling over the upcoming gala and worrying about how you’re going to present yourself. You hate being perceived by strangers, but you suppose that’s what happens when you become a public figure.

Once you make yourself presentable again, you roam the tower in search of Wanda to seek out some guidance for your attire. You make your way through the hallways hoping to run into her after finding her bedroom empty, but you instead stumble upon a hushed conversation taking place in the kitchen. You falter slightly at the sound of Natasha’s voice, and though you can’t make out what she says you’re curious to know what she could be speaking so secretively about. Not wanting to eavesdrop, you make your presence known by rounding the corner only to be met with the startled faces of Nat and Bucky.

“Bucky?” You retort in surprise, stomach already twisting with nerveous knots the moment you meet his eyes. “I didn’t know you were back.”

“Just got back an hour ago,” he explains with a tired smile, but you don’t miss the way he subtly shoots a glance at Natasha before returning his gaze to you. The two look suspicious, almost as if you’d caught them in the middle of something you weren’t mean to be privy of, and though you tried to ignore it you felt unnerved. You didn’t think your teammates capable of keeping secrets from you, especially not Bucky or Natasha, but it seemed apparent that they knew something you didn’t and intended to keep it that way.

“I’m glad you made it back safe,” you offer with a timid smile, swallowing down your nerves to keep your powers at bay. You can feel the itchiness on your palms resulting from a flower attempting to bloom and decide it’s best to make your exit as quickly as possible. “I, uh… I guess I’ll leave you two alone now.”

“You don’t have to go,” Bucky assures you with a frown, but you quickly shake your head and already begin making your exit before he can argue further.

“I have to find Wanda,” you answer almost breathlessly. You quicken your pace before either of them can stop you, your heart pounding in your chest and thorn covered vines trailing in your wake at the sudden emotional discomfort you’re experiencing.

You can’t help but to think you’d accidentally walked in on an intimate moment between the two and perhaps discovered a secret bond they shared. Your stomach flipped violently at the thought. Surely Bucky and Natasha weren’t involved romantically, were they? You knew she could be harsh, but you don’t think she’d be cruel enough to fill your head with encouragement to pursue Bucky just to end up pursing him herself.

You give up on your plans to find Wanda and instead shut yourself into your room for the remainder of the evening to wallow in your ruminative overthinking. You’re left to your own devices for a good hour before a knock sounds at your bedroom door.

“Come in,” you call out quietly. You watch on in interest as your door slowly creeps open so Bucky can peek his head inside.

“You got a minute?” He asks with a bashful smile that makes it impossible to deny him. You give him a small nod and watch as the man makes his way into your room before timidly seating himself on the edge of your bed. “I wanted to talk to you earlier but you sort of just bolted out of there.”

“Sorry,” you reply with a meek smile, eyes glancing away towards the floor. “I was feeling a little overwhelmed about Tony’s charity gala. Plus, it looked like you and Natasha were having a pretty intense conversation…”

“Right, that,” Bucky says with a sigh.

You muster up the courage to peek over at him and ask, “Are you two…?”

“What? No, of course not,” he quickly interjects, and despite the subtle guilt that arises within you, you feel relieved to hear him say this. “I know it might have looked suspect, but I was actually talking to her about you.”

“Me?” You repeat in surprise, shifting closer to the soldier and hanging onto his every word. A fond smile washes over him as he sets his eyes upon you and carefully reaches for your hand.

“I wanted to know if I’d have a shot at being your date to Tony’s charity gala,” Bucky admits with a charming grin. Your heart nearly leaps out of your chest, and you can’t help the sudden triggering of your powers as bushes of roses plant themselves around your bed. Your face heats with embarrassment at the display, but the giddy smile on your face says otherwise as you look to Bucky with wide eyes.

“You want to be my date?” You repeat in disbelief, nearly swooning when Bucky carefully picks a rose from beside him and hands it to you.

“I’d be honored if you’ll have me,” he utters sincerely, voice gentle and eyes full of admiration as he gazes upon your flushed face.

“Of course I’ll have you!” You exclaim, all inhibitions thrown out the window as you fling yourself into his arms and tightly embrace the super soldier. He lets out a soft laugh before gently wrapping his arms around your figure and encasing you against him. You never would have dreamed that Bucky would be hugging you so tightly in your room, that you’d ever be going to a charity gala as his date, or that he’d ever return your affections so sweetly as he was now. You’re overjoyed, a multitude of colorful flowers blooming around you much to Bucky’s amusement.

You suddenly find that you’re not so nervous now about Tony’s party.

~~~

“Hold still,” Wanda scolds lightly as she carefully swipes the makeup brush across your eyelids.

“I can’t help it, it tickles!” You retort defensively only for the witch to roll her eyes in amusement.

The night of the gala had finally arrived, and you were grateful for the fact that Wanda had been more than thrilled to handle your makeup for you. You worried your nerves would prevent you from creating a flawless look, and you entrusted her steady hands much more than your own trembling ones. You had purchased the perfect dress and jewelry to match, and all you were missing was a pair of heels to go along with it.

“I found them,” Natasha’s voice announces as she enters the room with the shoes she’d offered to lend you. “These should fit perfect for you.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” you gush in earnest, earning a pleased smile from her in response.

“Barnes is going to lose his mind when he sees you tonight,” she compliments with a wink.

“I had a feeling about you two,” Wanda adds teasingly as she puts the finishing touches on your makeup. “I’ve caught him thinking about you when you’re not around. He’s smitten.”

You smile bashfully at the floor in response to their comments and nervously rub your arm as you think about Bucky. You’ve been waiting for this night for weeks, and now that it’s here you couldn’t be more excited. You were finally going to spend a romantic evening with the man you’d harbored feelings for since joining the team, and you had high hopes that the night would end with your friendship becoming something more.

After Wanda finishes your makeup and Natasha helps you learn how to balance in the heels, you make your way downstairs where Bucky waits patiently in his best suit and tie. His eyes brighten when they land on you, and you let out an embarrassed laugh when he releases a long whistle at the sight of you.

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” he compliments in earnest before taking your hand in his own and prompting you to twirl. “Come on, give me a little spin.”

You do as requested and giggle in delight at the attention you’re receiving. You always thought yourself to be fairly pretty, but Bucky makes you feel like you’re the most gorgeous woman on the planet. His eyes rake over your figure and admire every detail of your ensemble while still managing to be respectful of your person. You never thought the man who always appeared so solemn and reserved on the outside could be so romantically sweet.

“You don’t think it’s too much?” You ask meekly, somewhat apprehensive about your look. This isn’t how you’d typically style yourself, and though you enjoy the glamour and excitement that come with attending the gala you’re worried about how the public will perceive your image as the newest Avenger.

“I think you look perfect,” Bucky assures you before opening your door and helping you into the car. The drive is filled with quiet conversation as he informs you on what to expect at a Stark party and how to expertly avoid nosy reporters. You’re absolutely enamored by the Winter Soldier, and you don’t think you’ve ever felt as secure as you do now alongside Bucky.

Just as Bucky had warned you, a gaggle of journalists surround your car as you arrive at the party. You feel the nerves beginning to overtake you, but Bucky’s gentle touch against your arm brings you back down to earth as he assures you he’s got your back. He helps you out of the car and allows you to take his arm before guiding you up the stairs into the building. You’re blinded by the flash of cameras and overwhelmed by the multitude of voices that try to get your attention, something Bucky can sense by the way your grip on his arm tightens.

“Don’t worry,” he assures you, leaning in close enough for you to feel his breath fan against your ear as he whispers, “I’ve got you.”

You feel your heart nearly burst from the gentleness of the words and the way he lovingly gaze down at you. Everything around you seems to melt away when your eyes meet his own blue ones, and all your mind can comprehend is Bucky- the smell of his cologne, the way the corners of his eyes crinkle with his smile, the softness of his touch. You’re completely enamored, and you hope he feels as strongly as you do.

Despite your initial apprehension towards the charity gala, the night almost seems to go seamlessly for you and the Avengers. Tony is able to secure generous donations from his richest guests, your teammates are able to relax for a rare night of festivities, and since gaining your powers you’re finally able to feel comfortable in your own skin.

Halfway through the party you end up on the dance floor with Bucky, your head resting against his shoulder as he holds you close and gently sways you in time to the slow song being played by the band. Despite the excitement you feel, you’ve been able to keep your powers at bay the entire night.

“You having a good time?” Bucky asks after twirling you on the dance floor. You smile as he immediately pulls you back into his arms, finding solace in him as you drape your arms around his neck.

“It’s not as scary as I thought it would be,” you admit with a sheepish smile. “I was afraid I’d mess it all up, but Tony says the journalists loved me.”

“Why wouldn’t they?” Bucky says adamantly. “You’re sweet and funny and so strong.”

“You really mean that?”

“Course I do,” he assures you with a charming wink. You let out a quiet laugh and bashfully look away only for Bucky to gently grab your chin and redirect your gaze back to his own. “You’re the prettiest girl in this entire room, and I’m the luckiest guy to get to have you on my arm tonight.”

You swallow nervously as you meet his intense stare, unused to having him look upon you in such a way. Bucky had always been sweet on you, but you assumed his kindness was a result of platonic affection and understanding for the new girl on the team. You were vulnerable and alone when you first joined the Avengers, and you assumed the extra care he gave you was merely him trying to smoothen your transition into the life of a hero. But now, with eyes boring into your soul while his metal hand gently presses against the small of your back to bring you closer to him, it seems as if your hopes for his affection are finally coming true.

“Bucky?” You murmur softly, stomach twisting itself into nervous knots.

“Yeah, doll?”

“I’ve been wanting to tell you that I… well, I-“

“Mind if I cut in?” A voice interrupts, startling you both out of the moment as you turn to meet Natasha’s expectant gaze. She looks between you both with a raised before asking, “Did I interrupt something?”

“No, not at all,” you quickly interject before Bucky can answer. You look to the man with an apologetic smile in search of approval. “I’ll find you after this dance, okay?”

“Sure,” he relents with an understanding nod, “I’ll get us some drinks in the meantime.”

You watch his figure disappear into the crowd before allowing Natasha to pull you in for a dance. You shamelessly let her take the lead as she guides your steps to match with hers, and she wears a knowing smirk on her face as she looks to you. “I didn’t mean to interrupt the moment, but I wanted to see how things were going.”

“I’m kind of glad you did,” you offer with a despondent sigh. “I almost told him how I feel.”

“What? That’s great!” Natasha retorts, confusion clearly etched on her features. “I feel like you should be more upset with me than you are right now.”

“I’m just afraid of the possibility that I could be reading it all wrong. I mean, I know he asked me to be his date, but what if this is just a one-night only type of deal? Steve said Bucky was a charmer back in his day, so maybe he’s just trying to be nice and show me a good time.”

“Wow,” the redhead breathes out with a shake of her head. “You really are dense.”

“Natasha!” You exclaim in offense only to receive an eye roll in response.

“If you can’t see how completely enamored that man is with you then I can’t help you,” she states bluntly. In a gentler tone now, Natasha gives your hip an encouraging squeeze before continuing, “I have never seen you as sure or confident in yourself as you’ve been tonight, so don’t be so quick to revert back to doubting your worth. You deserve to get what you want.”

Despite the initial harshness of her words, you know that Natasha is right. You’ve worked hard these last few months to earn your spot on the team, to prove your capabilities, and to force yourself out of your protective shell. Gaining your powers and overrunning an entire city with plants had been terrifying but you’d gotten through it, so there was no reason to believe you couldn’t handle putting yourself out there and sharing with Bucky the feelings you’d been harboring for him. His actions tonight were clear indicators that the possibility of him viewing you in more than a platonic lens was real, and if a woman like Natasha who’d been trained to easily read others could clearly see his interest in you, then you shouldn’t have any ounce of doubt left within you.

“You’re right,” you utter undauntedly with a firm nod of your head. “I should just get over my fears and tell him how I feel.”

“There’s the spirit,” Natasha retorts with a proud smirk. She releases you once your dance is over and sends you off with a wink, watching on proudly as you leave to search for Bucky. “Good luck!”

You manage to push your way through the crowded banquet halls towards the bar, but Bucky isn’t there. Your eyes anxiously scan the room for any sign of your date, and you’re barely able to catch sight of him stepping out onto the patio with Steve and Sam. You smile in relief before briskly making your way over to him. You’re not as nervous as you thought you’d be, and your body feels as if it’s vibrating with the exhilaration you feel at finally taking charge in your life for once. You don’t want to be the shy or timid Avenger your teammates know you as any longer; you want to be seen as someone who knows what she wants and is sure in her ability to achieve it, and you hope that after tonight you’ll be able to prove that.

The cool night air sends immediate shivers across your bare arms as you reach the doorway to the patio. The three men have their backs turned to you as they converse amongst one another away from the crowded party, enjoying a moment of peace free of reporters and fanatic guests. You know that you should make yourself known instead of eavesdropping, yet you can’t help but falter when you hear your name arise in the conversation.

“So you and y/n?” Steve prompts with a pleased smile. “You two looked like you were having a lot of fun out on the dance floor.”

“She’s great, isn’t she?” Bucky voices, admiration present in his tone. You feel your heart swell with bliss at hearing the way he talks so fondly of you when he thinks you’re not around, and it only makes you more sure of your decision to tell him how you feel.

“I like you two together,” his friend says with sincerity. “I think you’ve both helped each other come out of your shells.”

“Not to mention she makes you less grumpy,” Sam notes with a playful smirk. “I just can’t believe you managed to pull off getting her to agree to come as your date tonight. She’s gorgeous and clearly way out of your league.”

You muffle your quiet laugh with your hand and decide that now is probably a good time to reveal yourself to save Bucky from Sam’s teasing, but his next words have you stopped dead in your tracks.

“Well, it wasn’t really my idea,” he explains while uncomfortably running a hand through his hair. “Natasha put me up to it.”

You can practically feel your heart sinking in your chest as the words settle into your mind. Your lips part in quiet shock and your stomach tightens in disgust at the reality you’re met with.

“Natasha?” Steve retorts with a raised brow. Bucky nods.

“We made a deal that she’d take over my next field assignment for me if I got y/n to be my date to Tony’s party.”

You slowly shake your head in disbelief and begin to back away as the weight of his confession sinks down onto your mind. You thought that Bucky was finally beginning to see you the way you see him, that he meant it when he said how lucky he was to have you on his arm tonight, that you were finally crossing over from being platonic friends to something more.

But it had all been a lie.

Sam turns to set his glass on a nearby table only to freeze when he sees you standing there. He takes in your trembling figure and wide eyes and is quickly able to piece together the fact that you’d heard everything.

“Shit,” he curses under his breath, garnering the attention of both men as all three now turn to find you lingering in the doorway. Bucky’s face falls as he makes contact with your glossy eyes and trembling lips.

“Y/n,” he utters remorsefully, taking a step towards you only for you to step back.

“I can’t believe you,” you manage to get out in a quivering voice, holding back a sob before quickly turning and making your exit.

You’re overwhelmed by the music that now feels like it’s blaring in your ears and the suffocation that overtakes you as you push through the crowded hall. You feel like you can’t breathe, and all you want is to get out of this party as fast as possible so you can return to the tower.

“Y/n, wait!” Bucky’s voice calls after, garnering the attention of a few onlookers who pause their conversations to watch the super soldier chase after you. He finally catches up to you once you make it to the front room away from the party, gently grasping onto your hand to halt your frenzied escape. “Doll, let me explain-“

“Explain what?” You spit harshly despite the tears that fall down your cheeks. “That you lied to me? That you only brought me here because of some stupid bet?!”

“It’s not like that,” he insists only for you to yank your hand away with a frustrated groan.

“Really? Because that’s what it sounded like to me,” you utter in quiet disbelief. “I can’t believe I actually fell for it.”

“You weren’t supposed to hear that,” Bucky pleads gently before carefully reaching out for your arm. His words only infuriate you further, prompting thorns to sprout from your skin and protect you from his touch.

“Oh, right, because that makes it better,” you retort sarcastically. “I actually thought that you could like me the way I like you… I let you make me believe that I was the prettiest girl in the room and that you could actually want to be with me.”

Your shoulders tremble as you let out a quiet sob, and Bucky can only watch on in despair as he tries to remedy the situation he’d created. He never meant to hurt you, and he hated to see you cry as a result of his own actions.

“Y/n, come on,” he urges you softly, now using his metal hand to try and reach for you. “Let me fix this, let me explain everything and I promise-“

“You want to fix this?” You interrupt in a shaky voice, swallowing down another sob that threatens to fall before backing away from the man. “Then leave me alone. I want nothing to do with you.”

“Y/n…”

“Congratulations on winning your bet,” you utter despondently before slamming the doors shut behind you and leaving Bucky to ruminate in the mess he’d created.

It was never supposed to be like this.

~~~

You haven’t left your room since returning from the party last night.

Your evening of glamour and excitement had come crashing down after your argument, and once you got home you immediately rid yourself of all remnants of the charity gala. You initially had been filled with anger and rage, but all you felt now was an embarrassing sadness. Natasha had filled your head with fantasies and gotten your hopes up about Bucky only for you to end up humiliated. A rational part of you knew she must have meant well by bribing Bucky into taking you to the charity gala as his date, but you wished she never would have meddled in the first place.

You don’t think you can ever stand to be around him let alone even look at him after hearing him talk about your night as if it was something less tedious to be done in comparison to being sent out into the field. You thought you were worth more to him than a stupid bet to be made, but his words had clearly proven you wrong.

No one has attempted to enter your room since last night, though it’s not like they could even if they tried considering you’d barricaded your door with a wall of prickling vines and thorn bushes to block their path. You didn’t want to see or speak to anyone, even if you knew that eventually you’d have to face your teammates at some point.

As you try to pass the time by tending to the plants littered around the room, a knock at the door interrupts the peaceful atmosphere you’ve created. You’re honestly surprised someone had managed to pull it off considering the multitude of thorns should have stopped them from doing so, but you make no move to answer it.

“Y/n, it’s me,” Bucky’s voice sounds, prompting you to bristle with unease. The thorns on the outside grow larger, but this does not deter the super soldier who uses his metal arm to knock against them. “Please talk to me. You have no idea how much this is killing me.”

“I told you I want nothing to do with you,” you shout back wrathfully. “Leave me alone!”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that doll.”

“Why don’t you go make another deal with Natasha and bet you can get me to open the door,” you retort sarcastically much to Bucky’s dismay. The quiet and timid girl he’d been so used to was nowhere to be found now, and you weren’t about to let him win you over again with charming flatteries.

Bucky groans in frustration, moving to walk away only to halt in his steps and turn back towards your door. He’s determined to get through to you, and despite the cold shoulder you’re giving him he’s not going to give up until you hear him out.

“Fine, you don’t have to open the door,” he says calmly, hands raised in surrender as he ceases his pounding. "I’ll just talk to you from here.”

You roll your eyes at his statement and try to block out his voice as you water your plants, but you can’t help the part inside of you that desperately wants to know why he would ever stoop so low to use you as leverage in a bet. You adored him, but he’d broken your heart, and you felt you did deserve an answer even if you didn’t want to hear it. You don’t respond to his proclamation, but you also don’t interrupt him, and Bucky takes this as a sign to keep going.

“I know I screwed up, and I shouldn’t have agreed to making that deal, but you have to understand that I didn’t ask you out just to get out of a field assignment,” Bucky says earnestly, prompting you to pause your ministrations and set your watering can aside as you slowly make your way closer to the door. “I worded it all wrong when I was telling Steve and Sam, and you didn’t give me the chance to explain myself.”

“When I came home from my mission with Steve, Natasha cornered me in the kitchen to talk to me about Tony’s charity gala. I had no plans to attend whatsoever until she warned me that if I didn’t go, some other guy would get the chance to sweep you off your feet instead. And I realized… I realized I didn’t want that to happen.”

Your eyebrows raise slightly at his confession before furrowing in confusion. You recalled the night you’d stumbled upon him with Nat in the kitchen, and you remember he had explicitly told you they’d been discussing you. You hadn’t been able to hear anything said between the two, and you were now finally learning for the first time what they’d been so secretively conversing about.

“She said I didn’t have the guts to man up and ask you out,” he says quietly, features forlorn as he leans back against the wall. “She bet I’d be too scared to ever make the first move, and I wanted to prove her wrong. I didn’t make that deal because I thought it would be an easy way to get out of work or to humiliate you. I did it because I like you, and I would hate for Natasha to be right about me letting some other lucky guy win you over all because I was too scared to open my mouth and tell you how I feel.”

A heavy silence fills the hallway as Bucky stands with bated breath before your door and waits for any sort of response from the other side. A part of him fears that you hadn’t heard a word he’d said, or even worse, had heard everything and simply chose to ignore it. However, just when he feels like giving up and finally leaving you alone, the vines guarding your room slowly begin to rescind until there’s nothing left. The door slides open and reveals your hesitant figure standing on the other side. Neither of you speaks at first, too nervous to make the first move, but after a moment you finally work up the nerve to talk.

“You said you wanted to tell me how you feel,” you utter softly, taking a nervous swallow before continuing, “so tell me.”

Bucky can’t help but to smile after finally being able to see you again, and you watch in uncertainty as he takes a step towards you and carefully takes your hands in his.

“I’ve had feelings for you since the day you touched my metal arm and accidentally made daises bloom around it,” he voices with an affectionate grin. “You make me want to be a better man every time I’m around you, and I know that if you gave me the chance I’d do everything in my power to be the guy you deserve.”

You bite back the tears that begin to well at his confession, a smile playing upon your trembling lips as you listen to Bucky say the words you’ve only ever dreamed about hearing. You can see the sincerity swimming in his eyes and know that he isn’t lying to make you feel better. What he says is real, and he means it with every fiber of his being.

“I believe you,” you relent quietly, “and I’m sorry I didn’t give you the chance to apologize.”

“I’m the idiot who should be apologizing,” Bucky avows with a chuckle while giving your hands a gentle squeeze. “I shouldn’t have needed a bet to tell you how I feel. Will you still have me, doll? Even after how stupid I’ve been?”

You giggle quietly as you pull him closer and prompt him to wrap his strong arms around your figure. You peer up to meet his loving gaze while gently placing a hand on his cheek, heart thrumming rapidly in your chest when he immediately melts at the feel of your touch. “Of course I’ll have you.”

Bucky bites back a smile, holding you close as he leans down to meet your lips in a kiss. Your arms find their way around his neck while his hands press against your back to hold you tightly against him as if he never wants to let you go again. The doorway once covered in thorns now blooms with beautiful roses, signifying your reconciliation with the man you adore.

Maybe that bet wasn’t so bad after all.

[ilovemilestellersmoustache]

Second Times a Charm

Bob Reynolds x Reader

Summary: After a small dog escape, Bob meets you and doesn’t end up exchanging details with you. Thinking it was just meant to be a one time thing till Maisie your dog brings you back together and eventually starts a relationship. But the Thunderbolts are suspicious when Bob lately has been in a too good of a mood so they all decide to track and investigate it.

WC: 3.3K

A/N: Guys… I might redo this it’s def not the best fic ive down, i’m like drained with all the fica ive released in the last week. #grind #slowingdownnow

⸻

Central Park, Late Spring.

Bob wasn’t much of a runner, yet.

He liked walking. He’d only recently learned to enjoy the quiet discipline of it. No heavy footfalls, no pounding heart. Just motion. Just breath. A rhythm he could set. Something calm and human and entirely his own.

The chaos in his head, dark, howling, bottomless, was quieter when he walked. Especially here.

Central Park in the spring was like something from a memory he’d never had. Trees budding green again. Sunlight catching in the ripples of the lake. Children laughing distantly, dogs barking somewhere beyond the trees. The world felt simple when he was out here. Manageable.

His boots crunched lightly against the gravel path as he made his way to his usual spot, a bench by the water, partially shaded by an overgrown maple. The bench itself was old, paint worn off at the edges, wood slightly splintered at the armrests. But it was his bench. The one he rested on during each walk, always at the same point in the loop.

He sat down with a soft sigh, stretched his long legs out, and tilted his face toward the sun. Eyes closed. Breathing even. Peace-

THUD.

Something hit his knee.

Bob startled slightly, blinking down in confusion. A leash, frayed and pink with little daisies on it, was coiled loosely around his shin. And attached to the other end.

A golden retriever.

Tongue out, tail wagging like it was powered by joy alone. Its big brown eyes looked up at him like he was the best thing it had seen all day. The leash dragged behind her like an afterthought.

“Oh- hey, buddy.” Bob said softly, as if afraid to scare her off. “You… uh. You got loose?”

The dog barked once, as if to answer.

Then-

“Maisie!” a voice called out, breathless, somewhere down the path. “You little menace, come back!”

He looked up.

And there you were.

Jogging toward him, your stride uneven from the sudden sprint. A t-shirt clung damply to your back, your hair pulled messily away from your face, cheeks flushed from exertion and probably a little embarrassment. There was something raw and real about you, like you hadn’t had time to smooth yourself into what the world expected yet. Something golden about the way the light seemed to settle on you, drawn in like gravity.

Bob felt the breath knock out of him in a way that had nothing to do with superpowers.

You reached him with a huff, one hand clutching your phone, the other already moving to scoop up the leash.

“I’m so sorry.” you said, slightly winded but grinning as you crouched beside him. “She gets overly excited when people sit down. Thinks everyone’s her new best friend.”

Bob smiled, half-crouched next to the retriever. “She’s not wrong. I could use a friend.”

You gave a short, surprised laugh. It made his stomach do something it hadn’t done in years.

“She didn’t bite you or anything, did she?”

“No, she just… announced herself with enthusiasm.” He gave the dog a fond pat. “Maisie, right?”

You nodded, finally catching your breath. “Yeah. I’m Y/N.”

“I’m Bob.” he said, rising a bit awkwardly and offering a hand. You shook it, firm but warm.

“Thanks for catching her.”

“Of course. It’s not every day someone runs into you with a leash.”

Your smile turned shy at the edges. “No, usually I wait until the third date for that.”

Bob blinked.

You blinked.

Then you both burst out laughing.

The tension in his chest eased. Something about your energy was grounding. You weren’t looking at him like you sensed something was off, like people so often did. You were just… smiling.

You ended up walking together. Slowly at first, letting Maisie sniff her way along the path. You talked about how long you’d lived in the city, how your dog hated pigeons with irrational fury, how the best bagels were always from the sketchy places with no signs.

Bob told you he’d just recently gotten into walking every day. That it helped clear his head. That he liked being outside, in the real world. You asked what he did for work and he gave you the kind of vague answer that didn’t invite more questions, freelance consulting, logistics, a lot of government red tape. You nodded like you understood. Like you weren’t going to pry.

He liked that.

You laughed easily, shared the story of how you got Maisie from a rescue uptown, and how she’d managed to eat an entire rotisserie chicken when you turned your back on her once. Bob listened, enraptured. Every word from you felt like it mattered.

Eventually, the path forked.

“This is me.” you said, motioning left toward a small side path. The sun dappled your skin, your smile soft and open.

He pointed to the opposite direction. “And this is me.”

“See you around?”

“I hope so.”

You both turned, walking away.

Bob finds himself turning around to get one last glimpse of you just to properly engrave your memory into his head permanently. So he can brood and think about the time he was sure he met his future wife but forgot to ask for her number and couldn’t ask for it after because he was far too far already to ask without making it awkward.

Five feet.

Ten.

Twenty-

Then, the clatter of a leash.

“Maisie!” you gasped.

Bob turned just in time to catch the dog as she barreled into him like a guided missile. He braced, kneeling again, catching the leash before it tangled. Maisie’s tongue was already swiping at his face.

You came jogging back, hands on your hips, a groan half-laughing in your throat. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

He stood, leash in hand, grinning.

“I think she’s in love with you.” you said, huffing as you reached him.

Bob looked at you, really looked.

His voice was quiet, but sincere. “Yeah. Me too.”

There was a heartbeat of silence between you.

You tilted your head, eyes flickering with interest.

He panicked.

“I mean- I didn’t mean me, I meant her-obviously, she- your dog- I just- uh-“

You laughed. A full, sparkling, head-tossing laugh that made Maisie wag her tail harder.

“Just- give me your phone, smooth-talker.”

He blinked.

You tapped your fingers. “Come on. Before she escapes again.”

He fumbled to pull it out, handing it over. You typed in your number, saved it with a little dog emoji next to your name, and handed it back.

“There. Now next time she escapes, you’ll have someone to blame.”

He looked at your name glowing on the screen.

“I’ll take that risk.”

Maisie barked again, triumphant, like she’d orchestrated this entire meeting with divine precision. Bob was still staring at your contact in his phone, thumb hovering over the screen like it was too delicate to touch, as if the moment might vanish if he blinked too hard.

You watched him for a beat longer, a smile tucked lazily in the corner of your mouth. There was something about him, tall and a little awkward, like he wasn’t used to being seen, really seen, but trying his best not to flinch when he was.

“I’ll, uh, text you,” Bob said, looking up, finally pocketing his phone. His voice was shy, but hopeful.

You nodded, stepping back, tugging gently on Maisie’s leash. “Good. And if you don’t, Maisie has your scent now. She’ll track you down.”

Bob gave a quiet, stunned laugh. “I believe it.”

You gave a mock salute and turned again, this time getting a few full strides before Maisie glanced back one more time, gave a soft whine, and mercifully kept walking with you.

He stood there, still half-smiling, until you and the dog disappeared down the winding path. The sounds of the park filtered back in, the breeze shaking the leaves above him, the faint honk of a distant cab, a couple laughing somewhere nearby.

And yet, everything felt different now.

It wasn’t until he sat back on the bench and

his fingers brushed the screen of his phone again, flicking it on to see your name one more time ”Y/N 🐾” glowing there like a small miracle.

⸻

Several weeks later. Thunderbolts tower.

Something had shifted.

It wasn’t drastic. No dramatic speeches. No cape swirling in the wind. But everyone noticed.

Bob was… different.

Lighter, somehow. More present. Like the edges of him, usually a little frayed from the weight he carried, had softened.

He was humming in the kitchen again, swaying slightly as he flipped pancakes with ease, the scent of cinnamon and maple drifting through the tower. Not unusual for Bob, he always cooked but there was something extra in it now. A rhythm. A bounce.

He didn’t pester John or clap back when John picked on him.

He smiled, a full, crinkled-eyes smile when Bucky called him Bobert.

And he hadn’t once spent the evening perched on the edge of the roof with a faraway look in his eyes.

It was deeply suspicious.

Yelena narrowed her eyes over the rim of her chipped mug, the steam from her jasmine tea curling around her face like mist. “You’re in love.”

Bob, mid-sip of his chalky protein shake, choked. Hard. He slammed the cup down and coughed until his ears turned pink.

“What?” he rasped.

“Don’t play dumb.” She leaned back, eyes sharp as glass. “You’re glowing. Like a woman in a shampoo commercial. Maybe Herbal Essences.”

Ava didn’t look up from polishing her blade. “He does smell like flowers lately.”

“Lavender and bergamot.” John added helpfully, arms crossed, brows raised. “He’s got that post-date aura. Like a dog who got into someone’s picnic basket and is too proud to feel bad.”

He is in love.” Alexei declared, pounding the arm of the couch like it was a gavel. “We must find her. See if she is worthy. Possibly interrogate her.”

Bob set down his smoothie and raised both hands. “Okay. No. First of all, no one’s evaluating anyone’s bloodline. Second, there is no girl.”

Yelena ignored him and reached for her phone. “He always leaves early. Walks the same route. Central Park. South entrance. Between 9:00 to 9:20.”

“You’ve been tracking me?” Bob blinked.

“You radiate suspicious energy.” she said simply. “We go. We spy. We report.”

“Absolutely not.” Bob said, half-laughing, half-panicked. “You are not stalking my-”

He froze.

Yelena’s eyes glittered. “My…?”

Bob sighed, pressing his hands to his face. “This is a violation of privacy.”

“This is family,” Yelena said smugly. “Deal with it, Bobert.”

“Don’t care.” Ava said. “If she broke his heart, he’d black out the sky.”

“She’s not going to break my heart.” Bob said quietly.

Everyone fell silent for a beat.

John grinned, nudging Ava. “Oh, he’s gone. Deep in the fluffy feelings.”

“Leave him alone.” Bucky muttered from the kitchen, pouring coffee. “Let the man have his peace.”

Yelena looked up with a sly smirk. “I will. After surveillance.”

“Yelena.”

“Fine.” she said, tossing her phone aside. “But if she shows up at tower, we’re giving her the talk.”

Bob rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks faintly pink. “She’s not showing up. She doesn’t even know who I really am yet.”

“Oh my God,” John whispered. “You met her as Bob, not The Sentry.”

Bob nodded.

Alexei let out a low whistle. “A civilian. You are in love.”

Bob just smiled softly into his hands, then reached for the waffle iron.

⸻

The Next Morning

The sun hadn’t quite crested over the tops of the brownstone buildings, but the world was already beginning to stir with the soft hum of morning life. The air was crisp and clean, the kind of morning that made everything feel a little more possible.

You jogged at an easy pace, Maisie trotting contentedly beside you, her leash loose in your hand. The rhythmic beat of your sneakers on the pavement echoed faintly through the quiet streets, punctuated only by birdsong and the rustling of early spring leaves dancing in the breeze. Your breath came steady, matching the easy cadence of the run, a ritual that had quickly become your favorite part of the day.

As you rounded the familiar bend, your eyes were drawn to the sprawling oak tree up ahead, the one that sat at the edge of the park like a quiet sentinel. The one where, not long ago, your world had started to shift.

And there he was.

Bob stood beneath it, leaning casually against the trunk like some lost chapter from a storybook, sunlight catching in the soft strands of his hair. He was wearing that same beat-up flannel jacket you’d teased him about, sleeves pushed up to his elbows, revealing forearms that didn’t match his otherwise gentle demeanor. His posture was relaxed, but there was a tension in his hands, like he was trying not to fidget too much, not to overthink how this moment would go.

He saw you and straightened, raising a hand in a shy wave. That smile, the one that looked like it started in his chest before reaching his lips curled faintly at the edges of his mouth.

Your heart stuttered in your chest. Not the jarring kind of panic, but the warm flutter that made your fingers buzz and your throat tighten just slightly. The hopeful kind.

“Morning.” he called out softly, stepping forward.

In his hands, like a peace offering or a promise, was a steaming cup of coffee.

You slowed to a stop in front of him, brushing a few loose strands of hair from your damp forehead as Maisie circled your legs before flopping dramatically at your feet, before giving him sincere kiss on the lips.

Even after the countless times Bob still can’t help but feel himself grow hot and red.

“You remembered my order.”you said with a grin, accepting the cup. The warmth of it bled into your palms instantly.

“Black, two sugars,” Bob said with a quiet nod sheepishly. “Just how you like it.”

There was something almost reverent about the way he looked at you, like he was surprised you were real, standing there in front of him, flushed from your run and smiling at him like that kiss didn’t just make him see stars.

You were about to thank him when a strange rustling noise rose from the dense shrubbery a few feet away. You turned your head, brows furrowed.

Then, you heard it.

“Oh my god, she’s real.”

“Shut up, John.”

“Bob’s got moves?”

“I told you he had game.”

Your eyes narrowed, confusion knitting across your brow. You looked back at Bob, who had suddenly gone still, his expression a blend of horror and resignation. He muttered something under his breath, something that might’ve been a prayer or a curse before dragging a hand down his face like a man preparing for battle.

“…Did your coffee just talk?” you asked, clutching the cup tighter.

And then it happened.

Like the world’s worst magic trick or maybe a particularly ill-conceived prank, five adults dressed in tactical gear emerged from behind the bushes, one by one. They looked like they’d walked off the set of some spy movie, complete with holsters, combat boots, and the deeply awkward expressions of people who had absolutely not been invited to the party.

You blinked. Maisie let out a low, confused whimper and sat up straight beside you, ears alert.

“What the…” you murmured.

Bob let out a breath like it hurt. “No. No, I’m not being hunted.” He gave you a sheepish glance, eyes full of something between embarrassment and silent pleading. “It’s worse. That’s… that’s my team.”

Yelena strode forward like a woman on a mission, sharp eyes locked on you with unsettling precision. She had the look of someone who could kill a man with a paperclip and still be the most charming person in the room.

“You’re very pretty.” she smiles, offering you a firm handshake. “Congratulations.”

You stared. “…Thank you?”

Before you could process that, another stepped forward, a tall man with slightly blonde hair and a sharp face, who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. He gave you a polite nod, his voice low and oddly gentle for someone wearing enough gear to storm a bunker.

“I’m John.” he said. “Bobby here has never acted like this around anyone. Ever.”

Your heart rate kicked up a notch. “I’m scared.” you whispered.

Ava moved closer, her approach quieter, more thoughtful. She had a steadiness about her, like she was used to chaos and knew how to navigate it. She gave your arm a soft, almost comforting pat.

“So are we.” she said, deadpan.

Interrupting the two, Alexei decided it was his turn to say something but by grabbing her and picking her up to spin her around all while yelling to Bob who looked like he was going to pass out if he as so much dropped her by an inch. “Robert! Yes! I am so glad you will not be sad lonely sad man rest of your life!”

Finally after being put down to Bob’s protest and mummurs from the team “Too much buddy.” Behind her, Bucky followed, trying to look casual despite the overwhelming energy of intervention. Bucky, simply nodded once, arms crossed, eyes flickering between you and Bob like he was trying to decode a threat level.

Bob sighed audibly, then leaned in just slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t… I didn’t know they were going to do this.”

You stared at him, at his ridiculous, sweet face and the earnestness in his eyes. And against your better judgment, despite the absolutely surreal moment, your lips twitched.

“You’re lucky I love you, i would have ran screaming. Not every you meet The Avengers on your run.” you muttered.

A long beat of silence passed, broken only by Maisie giving a grumble of displeasure and flopping dramatically against your calf. Then Bob looked back at his team, then at you, and offered a half-resigned shrug.

“Well uh- Welcome to the family.” he said softly.

And somehow, despite the thick gear, the ambush, and the fact that your morning coffee had turned into a stakeout, you believed him.

⸻

That night, in the kitchen.

Bob sat perched on the counter, cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink, not from exertion, but from a quiet embarrassment as the team retold the morning’s story for what felt like the fifteenth time.

You had left with a smile and a wave, promising to call. That promise replayed in Bob’s mind, steady and surreal.

He wasn’t sure if it was real. If you were real. If something this ordinary, this good, could really happen to someone like him.

“She liked you.” Yelena said, eyes sharp but kind. “Even after meeting us. That’s real love.”

The words hung in the air, warm and heavy.

And then Bob… cracked.

He pushed off the counter, fingers running through his hair in nervous rhythm. He paced a little, then turned back to them, eyes wide, raw.

“I’m dating her.” he blurted.

Bucky, never missing a beat, deadpanned, “We noticed.”

“No, I mean really dating. She calls me. She texts me. She wants to know how my day went. She laughs at my dumb jokes and all of them. And she… she touches my hand like it’s normal. Like I’m not made of… whatever I’m made of.”

His voice faltered as he took a shaky breath.

“I didn’t think I’d ever get something like this. Not with what’s in my head. Not with what I’ve done or what I could do. But she looks at me like I’m just some guy she met in the park. And I want to keep being that guy. For her.”

Silence settled over the kitchen.

Then Alexei broke it with a loud clap. “Bob is in love.”

John raised his glass with a sly grin. “To leash girl.”

“To Maisie.” Ava added, a soft smile touching her lips.

Bucky simply smiled, steady and warm. “To hope of a regular life.”

Bob sank back down on the counter, dazed, full of it, full of something he hadn’t dared to hope for in a long time.

⸻

[your-greatest-queen]

I'm currently updating all of my 2022, uh, creatures (?) and at the moment I'm working on my insert OC, Mac, and while updating her physical design I started thinking about her lore.

And I realized that, entirely without meaning to, I originally created her as a sort of personification of my journey through being grey-romantic. And the irony of this is that I'm updating her while in the middle of my strongest, longest lasting crush.

SO. with that, I've decided to flesh out her backstory and fully connect her to my grey-ro journey; on purpose this time :)

I am very excited because I've already come up with loads of ideas on how everything is gonna work and I can't wait to keep updating her as I continue growing and changing in my identity <333

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

25 Prose Tips For Writers 🖋️✨ Part 1

Hey there!📚✨

As writers, we all know that feeling when we read a sentence so beautifully crafted that it takes our breath away. We pause, reread it, and marvel at how the author managed to string those words together in such a captivating way. Well, today I'm going to unpack a few secrets to creating that same magic in your own writing. These same tips I use in my writing.

But before I begin, please remember that writing is an art form, and like any art, it's subjective. What sounds beautiful to one person might not resonate with another. The tips I'm about to share are meant to be tools in your writer's toolkit, not rigid rules. Feel free to experiment, play around, and find what works best for your unique voice and style.

Power of Rhythm 🎵

One of the most overlooked aspects of beautiful prose is rhythm. Just like music, writing has a flow and cadence that can make it pleasing to the ear (or mind's ear, in this case). Here are some ways to incorporate rhythm into your writing:

a) Vary your sentence length: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, flowing ones. This creates a natural ebb and flow that keeps your reader engaged.

Example: "The sun set. Darkness crept in, wrapping the world in its velvet embrace. Stars winked to life, one by one, until the sky was a glittering tapestry of light."

b) Use repetition strategically: Repeating words or phrases can create a hypnotic effect and emphasize important points.

Example: "She walked through the forest, through the shadows, through the whispers of ancient trees. Through it all, she walked with purpose."

c) Pay attention to the stressed syllables: In English, we naturally stress certain syllables in words. Try to end important sentences with stressed syllables for a stronger impact.

Example: "Her heart raced as she approached the door." (Stronger ending) vs. "She approached the door as her heart raced." (Weaker ending)

Paint with Words 🎨

Beautiful prose often creates vivid imagery in the reader's mind. Here are some techniques to help you paint with words:

a) Use specific, concrete details: Instead of general descriptions, zoom in on particular details that bring a scene to life.

Example: Instead of: "The room was messy." Try: "Crumpled papers overflowed from the waste bin, books lay spine-up on every surface, and a half-eaten sandwich peeked out from under a stack of wrinkled clothes."

b) Appeal to all five senses: Don't just describe what things look like. Include smells, sounds, textures, and tastes to create a fully immersive experience.

Example: "The market bustled with life. Colorful fruits glistened in the morning sun, their sweet aroma mingling with the earthy scent of fresh herbs. Vendors called out their wares in sing-song voices, while customers haggled in animated tones. Sarah's fingers brushed against the rough burlap sacks of grain as she passed, and she could almost taste the tang of ripe oranges on her tongue."

c) Use unexpected comparisons: Fresh similes and metaphors can breathe new life into descriptions.

Example: Instead of: "The old man was very thin." Try: "The old man was a whisper of his former self, as if life had slowly erased him, leaving behind only the faintest outline."

Choose Your Words Wisely 📚

Every word in your prose should earn its place. Here are some tips for selecting the right words:

a) Embrace strong verbs: Replace weak verb + adverb combinations with single, powerful verbs.

Example: Instead of: "She walked quickly to the store." Try: "She hurried to the store." or "She dashed to the store."

b) Be specific: Use precise nouns instead of general ones.

Example: Instead of: "She picked up the flower." Try: "She plucked the daisy."

c) Avoid clichés: Clichés can make your writing feel stale. Try to find fresh ways to express common ideas.

Example: Instead of: "It was raining cats and dogs." Try: "The rain fell in sheets, transforming the streets into rushing rivers."

Play with Sound 🎶

The sound of words can contribute greatly to the beauty of your prose. Here are some techniques to make your writing more musical:

a) Alliteration: Repeating initial consonant sounds can create a pleasing effect.

Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

b) Assonance: Repeating vowel sounds can add a subtle musicality to your prose.

Example: "The light of the bright sky might ignite a fight."

c) Onomatopoeia: Using words that sound like what they describe can make your writing more immersive.

Example: "The bees buzzed and hummed as they flitted from flower to flower."

Art of Sentence Structure 🏗️

How you structure your sentences can greatly affect the flow and impact of your prose. Here are some tips:

a) Use parallel structure: When listing items or actions, keep the grammatical structure consistent.

Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."

b) Try periodic sentences: Build suspense by putting the main clause at the end of the sentence.

Example: "Through storm and strife, across oceans and continents, despite all odds and obstacles, they persevered."

c) Experiment with sentence fragments: While not grammatically correct, sentence fragments can be powerful when used intentionally for emphasis or style.

Example: "She stood at the edge of the cliff. Heart racing. Palms sweating. Ready to jump."

Power of White Space ⬜

Sometimes, what you don't say is just as important as what you do. Use paragraph breaks and short sentences to create pauses and emphasize important moments.

Example: "He opened the letter with trembling hands.

Inside, a single word.

'Yes.'"

Read Your Work Aloud 🗣️

One of the best ways to polish your prose is to read it aloud. This helps you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and rhythm issues that you might miss when reading silently.

Edit Ruthlessly ✂️

Beautiful prose often comes from rigorous editing. Don't be afraid to cut words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs if they don't serve the overall beauty and effectiveness of your writing.

Study the Masters 📖

Please! Read widely and pay attention to how your favorite authors craft their prose. Analyze sentences you find particularly beautiful and try to understand what makes them work.

Practice, Practice, Practice 💪

Like any skill, writing beautiful prose takes practice. Set aside time to experiment with different techniques and styles. Try writing exercises focused on specific aspects of prose, like describing a scene using only sound words, or rewriting a simple sentence in ten different ways.

Remember, that developing your prose style is a journey, not a destination. It's okay if your first draft isn't perfect – that's what editing is for! The most important thing is to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep finding joy in the process.

Here are a few more unique tips to help you on your prose-perfecting journey:

Create a Word Bank 🏦

Keep a notebook or digital file where you collect beautiful words, phrases, or sentences you come across in your reading. This can be a great resource when you're looking for inspiration or the perfect word to complete a sentence.

Use the "Rule of Three" 3️⃣

There's something inherently satisfying about groups of three. Use this to your advantage in your writing, whether it's in listing items, repeating phrases, or structuring your paragraphs.

Example: "The old house groaned, creaked, and whispered its secrets to the night."

Power of Silence 🤫

Sometimes, the most powerful prose comes from what's left unsaid. Use implication and subtext to add depth to your writing.

Example: Instead of: "She was heartbroken when he left." Try: "She stared at his empty chair across the breakfast table, the untouched coffee growing cold."

Play with Perspective 👁️

Experiment with different points of view to find the most impactful way to tell your story. Sometimes, an unexpected perspective can make your prose truly memorable.

Example: Instead of describing a bustling city from a human perspective, try describing it from the point of view of a bird soaring overhead, or a coin passed from hand to hand.

Use Punctuation Creatively 🖋️

While it's important to use punctuation correctly, don't be afraid to bend the rules a little for stylistic effect. Em dashes, ellipses, and even unconventional use of periods can add rhythm and emphasis to your prose.

Example: "She hesitated—heart pounding, palms sweating—then knocked on the door."

Create Contrast 🌓

Juxtapose different elements in your writing to create interest and emphasis. This can be in terms of tone, pacing, or even the literal elements you're describing.

Example: "The delicate butterfly alighted on the rusted barrel of the abandoned tank."

Use Synesthesia 🌈

Synesthesia is a condition where one sensory experience triggers another. While not everyone experiences this, using synesthetic descriptions in your writing can create vivid and unique imagery.

Example: "The violin's melody tasted like honey on her tongue."

Experiment with Sentence Diagrams 📊

Remember those sentence diagrams from school? Try diagramming some of your favorite sentences from literature. This can give you insight into how complex sentences are structured and help you craft your own.

Create a Sensory Tour 🚶‍♀️

When describing a setting, try taking your reader on a sensory tour. Move from one sense to another, creating a full, immersive experience.

Example: "The old bookstore welcomed her with the musty scent of aging paper. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight piercing the high windows. Her fingers trailed over the cracked leather spines as she moved deeper into the stacks, the floorboards creaking a greeting beneath her feet. In the distance, she could hear the soft ticking of an ancient clock and taste the faint bitterness of old coffee in the air."

Use Active Voice (Most of the Time) 🏃‍♂️

While passive voice has its place, active voice generally creates more dynamic and engaging prose. Compare these two sentences:

Passive: "The ball was thrown by the boy." Active: "The boy threw the ball."

Magic of Ordinary Moments ✨

Sometimes, the most beautiful prose comes from describing everyday occurrences in a new light. Challenge yourself to find beauty and meaning in the mundane.

Example: "The kettle's whistle pierced the quiet morning, a clarion call heralding the day's first cup of possibility."

Play with Time ⏳

Experiment with how you present the passage of time in your prose. You can stretch a moment out over several paragraphs or compress years into a single sentence.

Example: "In that heartbeat between his question and her answer, universes were born and died, civilizations rose and fell, and their entire future hung in the balance."

Use Anaphora for Emphasis 🔁

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It can create a powerful rhythm and emphasize key points.

Example: "She was the sunrise after the longest night. She was the first bloom of spring after a harsh winter. She was the cool breeze on a sweltering summer day. She was hope personified, walking among us."

Create Word Pictures 🖼️

Try to create images that linger in the reader's mind long after they've finished reading. These don't have to be elaborate – sometimes a simple, unexpected combination of words can be incredibly powerful.

Example: "Her laughter was a flock of birds taking flight."

Use Rhetorical Devices 🎭

Familiarize yourself with rhetorical devices like chiasmus, antithesis, and oxymoron. These can add depth and interest to your prose.

Example of chiasmus: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy

Even the most accomplished authors continue to hone their craft with each new piece they write. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't sound exactly like you imagined – keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep writing.

Your unique voice and perspective are what will ultimately make your prose beautiful. These techniques are simply tools to help you express that voice more effectively. Use them, adapt them, or discard them as you see fit. The most important thing is to write in a way that feels authentic to you and brings you joy.

Happy writing, everyone! 🖋️💖📚 - Rin T

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[psychicsolanum]

jesus fucking christ i did not know how bad it was gonna get. i'm on s5e15 and last episode fucked me up. why does every season get more and more depressing 😭

Like i don't have the kind of anxiety where i need to spoil myself on everything i watch because i find it too stressful thankfully, but i actually had to look up how the season ended because it's too much 😭😭😭

like maybe i'm just hormonal but this season has me freaking the fuck out. what they're doing with fitz is so horrible 😭😭😭

Agents of Shield is an EVIL show with EVIL writes who make the most fucked up nightmare scenarios that tortures some of the most lovable characters ever made. I have not felt this stressed watching a show since the Last of Us. Just rewatching the end of season 4, Fitz's arc mirroring Daisy's but it's worse because that was supposedly all him. Him saying "I think I'm a bad person"?!!??!?! this how is trying to kill me😭😭😭😭😭

[desublimitate]

Allure of darkness

❛ Let's make a deal: if you beg me to fuck you again, you will be mine from now on ❜

Author's note: MDNI. This is the first chapter of a fic you can find on Ao3 here. OC (y/n) is afab and uses she/her, no body type or any characteristics specified so you all can identify with her 🖤 Timeline is canon compliant i guess (?)

Content: yami sukehiro x reader, smut, rough sex, vaginal sex, dom/sub, oral sex, size kink, dirty talk, praise kink

As surprising it was that you became a Magic Knight, it didn't shock anyone when you joined the Black Bull. Such a wasted talent you were, if only you were born in a noble family, everyone knew you would have been a shiny jewel for the Clover Kingdom, but you, born a peasant didn't have much hopes for your future. If it wasn't for that man.

The priest of your village begged you to visit the church and confess your sin of envy, seeing you getting greener and meaner day by day.

You deserved more than everyone else, that's what your face read.

Born a gifted kid, your talent succeeded any expectations, therefore, when at 14 your grimoire picked you, the world was ready to see you shine.

Speaking in tongues magic.

 What a rare and unique grimoire.

You were just a sprout when that spellbook appeared before your eyes.

Thin as a spring daisy, latched to your childhood dreams, your inner wisdom was always a sign that something bigger was coming your way.

That day, surrounded by all your friends, you played imagining what type of magic would have chosen you.

Water magic would have been so beautiful to wield, spatial magic would have helped you travel around the world, god you were so excited to see your natural talent.

Your mother had food magic, she would replenish mana thanks to her meals while your father's stone magic was celebrated in the whole Clover Kingdom, even nobles would rely on him to build their palaces. It was all coming up to you, wasn't it?

Your mother cried tears of pride, your father clapped his strong hands when you, small and bubbly, got picked by that majestic grimoire.

 Speaking in tongues magic, the wise men of the village were enthusiast for the recognition you would bring. With your talent you were going to be able to decode the most ancient tomes, discovering parts of history still kept secret. Your future seemed set in stone: after years of deep studies, you would have reached the Capital, and joined the Wizard King and served him, opening doors to unknown worlds with your magic.

But then it all went wrong.

Your father fell ill and couldn't continue with his work as before.

The less money he brought home, the less provisions you could afford.

Food at the village market seemed always more expensive, affecting both your parents magic. If your mother couldn't cook, your father's mana couldn't really catch up.

Nor you could pay for healers.

There was only one painful but inevitable solutions.

With a tight heart you gave up your studies at the academy to find a job in town that could provide for your family.

With the weight of your home on your shoulders, you served ale and stews at the village tavern, always with a smile, but crying inside.

You watched them all leave for the Capital, your childhood friends and their not-so-special magic.

You grew colder and crueler, blaming fate or whoever weaved the strings of life for what they did to you.

They were out there, with their common powers, mingling with other commoners, while you were a sparkling diamond forced to stay under the dirt.

Someone like you, able to decode and translate ancient inscriptions had to spend your nights among drunkhards who never knew when to keep their hands at bay.

You deserved more than that, you were born for more than that.

All that talent couldn't have gone to waste.

Always more isolated, your family started to grow worried.

Lost in your thoughts, in private studies you started doing on your own, sneaking books from the local library in your bag, they believed you were going down a dark path.

Who knew what kind of books you were studying, what kind of obscure magic you were uncovering.

Darkness called to you, like a siren with her hypnotic song.

You were going to take your destiny in your hands.

If life wasn't going to give you what you deserved, you were going to take it yourself.

No matter what.

There was a certain allure to darkness you couldn't deny.

The books you were learning to read on your own were so full of wonders and secrets. It didn't matter how exhausted you were, if you came home from at the tavern at the break of dawn, you looked forward to be hiding under your blankets with even a small light to read your stolen tomes.

Of course you would return them, at some point.

Your parents never noticed them, or if they did, they never asked.

There was so much out there, demons caged in the depths of hell, monsters of ancient times. All with magic so undefeatable you couldn't begin to imagine them.

Stories of the first Wizard King, of the Demon he slayed.

There was so much in that world and you deserved to be a part of it.

You deserved to have a piece of power.

That night was particularly ectic at the tavern. You hated those kind of nights, when dozens of failed Magic Knights reunited to drink to forget their missed opportunities. Soldiers retired after injuries, former knights that served their time in prison after the Wizard King found them guilty of taking advantage of their role.

They were just the worst, they started the night already quite high and at the end of your shift even your clothes stenched of beer and sweat.

-Born to be a scholar, forced to clean after drunkhards's vomit- You brushed the floor hard, covering your nose from the disgusting smell.

-What was it, y/n?!- Your boss's voice came loud booming from the kitchen.

-Nothing, nothing!- You groaned with annoyance.

-Get your ass back here, The Table asked for more ale-

''Of course they did'' You made sure to keep that thought for yourself, but not for long -Look, boss, are we sure we want to keep doing this? We are losing customers everytime someone sits at The Table, is it really worth it?!-

Your boss was an old greasy man, short in height but full of rage.

-Since when I asked your opinion on business matters?! When I will need the opinion of a vomit-cleaning maid I will come to you! Now, off you go and you make sure I don't hear your voice for the rest of the evening!-

The unspeakable curses you swallowed burned your throat, but you knew better than crying, at least in that man's presence.

You waited for when you were under your blankets, surrounded by your books, to cry your misfortune.

-Are you still here?!-

-I'm going, I'm going- Your hand slightly shook when lifting the overfilled tray.

If you didn't burned down that place yet it was all because of the little money that kept your family going.

The smell of alcohol filled your nostrils and made you dizzy as soon as you stepped into The Table room.

The Table room was the aisle reserved for bets: the worst kind of men, usually addicted to gambling spent their nights and their fortunes at The Table.

Whether it was cards, chips, dice, at The Table, those men would even bet on their life.

Many times they were left with nothing to offer and tried to sneak you in their games, someone even tried to put your body on the table, as if you were a good they could exchange.

As if you would have given yourself to a loser like them.

 

-Here is the beauty of the house! Are you included in the meal deal, precious!- Someone chanted as soon as you stepped in.

-Ah ah ah, I never heard that- You rolled your eyes and landed the cups on the table.

-Bold of you to even ask for a meal deal, when you are not even paying a shitty dime, sir-

The room boomed with a roar for your comeback.

Insulted in his pride, the man tugged at your apron, forcing you to bend down.

God, he reeked.

-Listen here, precious, shoot another of your smart comebacks at me and I will make you pay for the meal deal, one way or another-

As if he could intimidate you.

You snatched back your apron in place -Sure thing, sir, as if you can afford me-

Now a new sound surprised you.

A laugh you never heard before caught your attention among the others.

Your eyes quickly scanned the table of the loyal vile customers, and immediately your heart skipped a beat.

Wow.

There was a man there, he had never been here before you were certain of it. You knew all those fools by name, and the stranger was definitely a new entrance.

God, what was a man like that doing there?

-She surely has a silver tongue!- The man then pointed a pocket knife to your harasser, with a dark snarl he threatened -I think you will want to think about it twice before speaking like that to the lady, asshole!-

You stood still like a salt statue. No one ever stood up for you, especially not like that, holding the drunks at knifepoint.

That stranger had awakened something dormient in you.

A thirst for life that made your blood boil.

His voice was baritonal, almost coming from the pits of hell, with a charm to it that made it impossible to forget.

Almost magnetic.

His eyes were like those of a hawk.

Foreigner, you were sure, no one had eyes like that in the kingdom of Clover.

Sharp, gleaming.

Wild.

Everything about that foreigner called to parts of you you believed dead for good.

His six pack and pecs were almost tearing the fabric of his white tank top apart.

His biceps as big as your head.

God, he was immense and the more you stared at his rough fingers playing with a cigarette, the more your mind went blank.

The foreigner took a drag on the thin cigarette and your throat ran dry.

The way his lips sucked on the end and breathed out the smoke made your legs quiver.

-Are you going to stand there and stare much longer, my love?-

He didn't even acknowledged you, yet he knew somehow.

Fuck.

With a jump you left -I'm not your love, asshole-

That laugh dug inside you -We will see about that-

Needless to say you couldn't just focus on anything that night.

Your boss noticed it, how you dropped plates, forgot orders, misplaced tables.

-What is it with you tonight?! God you are so useless-

What was with you? You wished you knew.

There was a man at The Table, among the worst ones you knew, that got under your skin with just his voice.

How dared he calling you ''my love'', how dared he made fun of you for staring at him?

There had to be something you could do about your blushing cheeks.

-Hey boss- You tried to not want to go back to The Table room, but you started looking forward for them to order more drinks, so that you could catch a glimpse of him -Do you know who is tha guy? I have never seen him here-

The short man peaked through the door and chuckled -Tsk, is he back for real?-

So he knew him.

Your boss made a happy face, brushing his palms.

That wasn't a good sign.

-That...- He pointed with his thumb -...is one of the biggest losers I've ever seen-

You curled your lips, well, that was disappointing.

So handsome and yet a loser.

He wouldn't sit at The Table after all.

Now, you noticed something that those bunch of drunk pigs would never be able to.

He noted down his points and strategies for game in a language from so far away.

A language you knew well and studied in your books.

But god, was he a loser for real.

Your boss was right, that handsome, muscular foreigner, had already lost his shoes and jacket, after having no more money to bet on.

Everytime you had to serve his table you had to hold your breath, to not get lost in his smell, of cigarettes and oils.

His grey eyes always locked with yours, as if he perceived you coming before you even stepped in.

And you couldn't resist them.

The way he looked at you was...no, you didn't want to think about it.

He was a drunk and a loser.

How could he even lose with such easy cards?

All night long you wanted to try and do something, a test, and finally when everyone was a bit too drunk to notice, you took your chance.

-Midori- The moment you said that word, he lifted his head quickly.

Bingo, you were right.

He must have thought to be completely wasted, he even started hearing his own native language now.

But as surprised as he was, never taking his eyes off you, he picked the green card from his hand and threw it on the table.

To the other players's discontent.

He won.

And for the rest of the night, you played with him, cheating for him under everyone's nose.

He clearly loved gambling but had no idea how to play, so it was you everytime you brought cups of beers to suggest him, in his own language, the colors, the numbers, the cards to pick.

Slowly, the foreigner won back his shoes, his jacket and started gaining the others players's money.

It never happened before, which made The Table room want to witness that unique event.

Why did you want that man to win? Maybe because his satisfied laugh freed all the butterflies in your stomach, maybe because for once you met someone more interesting.

Or mostly, it was because you loved to have his eyes on you.

Always scanning your ass whenever you turned your back, or your breasts whenever you bent on the table.

For the first time since you started working at the tavern you wished your shift never ended.

 But it did, as always.

Your boss gave you your pay for the day, less than the half of what you deserved, but better than nothing.

It was dark and chill outside, you loved to feel the cold wind on your face after a night in the tavern.

The dark of the night shielded you from your troubles and the cold washed you from the dirt.

With your coat under your arm, you slammed the door open to leave for good.

God, you hated that bell on the doorframe.

At first you didn't notice him, hidden in the shadows, but the moment the tail of your eye catched the frame in the corner, you gasped and jumped.

-FUCK!- You almost dropped your belongings from the scare -God, you scared me!-

Yet, he didn't seem impressed.

Leaning on the wall, foot against the stone to enhance the size of his thick thighs through the marroon leather pants, lighting a cigarette.

The man stretched his arm, offering you the packet.

-Want a smoke?-

At loss of words you didn't know how to react.

If it was anyone else you would have ran away, or attacked them, but him you felt you could trust.

You shouldn't have, your conscence was trying to talk to you, you don't talk to strangers who drink and gamble and spend the night staring at your ass.

-No, I don't smoke-

He shrugged -Better for your health, I guess-

-Wha...what are you doing here?-

In the dark he looked intimidating, as if he belonged to the night,

as if he was born from the shadows.

His tanned skin, his dark brown hair, the rougly shaven beard.

Everything about him screamed wilderness.

And it called you.

-What, a man can't enjoy a smoke at night without being harassed now?-

He loved to play.

You rolled your eyes -As if you haven't stared at my tits all night-

The man laughed -God, you do have a silver tongue, don't you? Does that pretty mouth of yours ever get you in trouble?-

-More than you can imagine-

He lifted an eyebrow, intrigued -And do you have a name to accompany your brains?-

You swallowed.

Never give your name to a stranger in a dark alley.

But when you thought, your mouth already gave it off.

-And you, do you have a name to accompany all those muscles?-

The foreigner put down his foot -You don't know who I am?-

Were you supposed to?

-I mean, your reputation preceeds you. You really are bad at cards-

He offered you his hand to shake -Yami Sukehiro-

Sukehiro.

You shook his hand and the size difference made you weak at your knees. His hand seemed to devour yours.

-Yami. It means darkness-

Yami squeezed your hand, and perhaps taking advantage of the grasp, he reduced the distance between the two of you.

Forcing you to lift your head to look at him.

-What does a girl that knows the language of the Land of The Sun does in a tavern, serving beers to gamblers?-

That confirmation almost made you wanna jump around like a kid -So I was right, you really come from the Land of The Sun!-

Yami looked genuinely surprised, but was trying his best to not show it.

Clearly failing.

-It's the first time I meet someone that actually knows my country, leave alone speaks its language. How?-

And it was the first time for you that someone acknowledged your talent. For you it was just natural, but it wasn't.

It was your uniqueness.

-My magic. Speaking in tongues-

Yami took a deep drag, the smoke that came out of his mouth dissolved close in your face, giving you an hint of what his lips might have tasted like.

-Never heard that one-

No one ever asked you, and now you were afraid you would have annoyed him by talking about it.

-Oh, it's...uh, well...the name says it all I mean-

Yami shook his head, leaning on your face, slowly.

So slow you could feel your cheeks starting to burn like bonfires.

-I want you to tell me about it...or did the cat eat your silver tongue?-

The effect he had on you was the closest thing you knew to being drunk.

You felt light, floating from the floor in his presence.

Your mind blank, all your ability to speak gone to hell.

You started muttering.

-Oh, well...uh- You scratched your head. Did you look good? Were you a mess? -My magic allows me to...know languages. All of them, actually! From all countries, even those far from here. And ancient ones, lost ones too! I can speak demon language, or angelic language if that matters. Yours is pretty easy compared to those, you know, and...-

Yami stopped you, pressing a finger on your lips.

You halted and stopped breathing all of a sudden.

-This brings me back to my first question. What does a girl like you do in a tavern like this?- His eyes, darting you, digging into your skin -Why are you not a Magic Knight?-

Ouch, did he have to ask that?

-Did I strike a nerve?- Yami tilted his head in way that reads...concern?

You lowered your gaze, ashamed.

-No, no it's okay. I just..I just can't afford it-

Yami smoked, and let you continue speaking.

-My family is not doing well. My father used to work in the Capital, but then he fell ill and my mother is a healer so we really are not swimming in good waters right now. I wanted to try and become one, I did, I studied in an academy for a while but yeah, my family needs food and money, not books-

Yami hinted a smile, the muscles at the corner of his mouth slightly twitched but he didn't speak for a few seconds.

-Next week the Capital is hosting the yearly exam to recruit Magic Knights. Come-

For a moment, you believed he was truly stupid. Didn't he listen what you just said?

-I can't, Yami, my family won't survive without me! And it would be a stupid waste of time, I have no combat skills or anything like that, I would never be chosen, so...-

-If you got chosen though, your family will be provided everything they need, they pay good money you know-

At this point, you just wanted to leave.

You turned away, but Yami grabbed your arm, pulling you towards him.

Too close.

Too dangerous.

-What the fuck are you doing! Are you deaf or what?!- You kicked him on the knees and that made him laugh loud.

So loud he could have woken the neighbourhood.

-And you say you don't have combat skills?! Listen to me very well, y/n- He had your wrist tight against his chest.

His pectorals were so swollen, you just couldn't help yourself.

-You will be chosen- Yami sounded so confident in himself.

-What?!-

-You have a power that Jul..the Wizard King would never, for anything in the world, want to miss out. The things you could do, knowing the ancient languages and the dark tongues...come with me to the Capital-

You were lost in his eyes, in the inflections of his voice, how it made his chest vibrate.

-Why, do you also want to become a Magic Knight? Will you attend at the exam?-

He smiled, and tucked a strand of your hair back behind your ears with a gentleness that had nothing to do with his brute attire.

-Yeah, I will attend-

What were you? A stupid teenager, thinking of running away in the night with the first handsome man that you met?

Yet, his darkness was so compelling, and his body so inviting.

You noticed how his eyes had dropped on your lips, the movement of his tongue, licking his.

Hungry.

Feral.

-Suddenly so quiet?- Yami pressed you against his chest. You could feel his heart racing -Where did your silver tongue go, uh?-

Where did your self control go, you had no idea.

The proximity to Yami Sukehiro, a stranger from a foreign land, that sparked in you again the wish to pursue your talent, made you feel like an animal.

All about him called to you, even his name.

You loved how it rolled on your tongue.

Sukehiro.

You wanted to whisper it over and over.

And how immense he was compared to you, that really stole all reason in your mind.

Your body was reacting to him, since the first moment you caught a glimpse of him, he woke your instincts.

You were thirsty, and hungry for him, for a man like that you could have really lost control.

-You are still staring, y/n- Yami lifted your chin -My eyes are up here-

Your lips were dry -I could say the same about you, you have been staring all night, Sukehiro-

-Mhm- He hummed -Calling me by my first name, now? Who gave you the permission, my love?-

Your cheeks set ablaze and your legs trembled.

Between your thighs you could feel a wet pond forming, your clit pulsing everytime he spoke.

-I don't need anyone's permission to do anything-

Yami was taking deep breaths, all of his muscles were tense.

But after your last reply, he sighed with a groan and grabbed your face.

-Show me what else that cursed mouth can do-

Yami devoured your lips, invading your mouth with his tongue and moaning when he found yours was ready to return the kiss.

You licked him per instinct, followed the movement of his lips.

God, he tasted like heaven, you almost fell on your knees.

His kiss was wild, needy, brutal.

-You are so good at it...-He panted in between kisses, before penetrating your mouth again with his tongue.

He knew what you liked, how you couldn't tell.

-Bite me- You sighed -My lips, bite me-

Yami still had your face in his hands, as if you could have escaped him.

He bit you and when he did, he opened his eyes, making sure he wasn't hurting you.

You wanted it, nothing could have hurt.

Yami drowned his head on your neck, where your skin was thin and that sent a shiver down your spine, making your toes curl.

-Fuck, Sukehiro-

-Do you like that?- He bit your skin, it stung and burned, and he sucked.

And sealed his mark with a lap of his tongue -Do you like being marked?-

You nodded, in trance.

Having his mark, the mere thought made your pussy wetter than it already was. Just by kissing him, your womb was on fire, now that he was marking you, thin trails of wetness started flowing down your thighs.

Not anyone, but him.

The mark of this stranger appeared out of nowhere, sent by the darkness.

He was in your destiny, that was the only reason you could find for letting go so casually with a stranger.

This stranger though, you wanted him.

-I want you- Your moan made Yami clench his fist.

-Say that again, y/n- His low voice echoed on your neck and you wrapped your arms around his shoulder, grabbing a fistful of his dark hair.

-I want you, Sukehiro-

That must have been the signal.

Because Yami bent down and grabbed your ass in his full hands, gave it a rough squeeze and lifted you.

After locking your thighs around his waist he looked at you straight in the eyes.

A hunter with his prey.

-Good, because I have been wanting to fuck you all night-

Yami Sukehiro was a man of instinct, he knew how to trust his guts and that night for some reason, he sensed that it was his lucky night.

Ever since he stepped into the tavern, ready to lose all his belongings as always, he knew that he wouldn't have left with empty hands.

When he saw you, his primeval awareness locked in. He was an apex predator and you were the perfect mate.

Your snarl, your smart replies, everything about your rudeness was appealing to him. And god knew how he struggled all night to hide the boner in his pants everytime you showed up.

How you milk-smooth skin shone under the candle light, the softness of your breasts made him starve.

The perfect shape of your ass filling your clothes was mesmerizing, how many hands of cards did he lose while lost staring at you walking away, just to catch a glimpse of it.

But there were too many layers of skirts for his liking, thank goodness he found a remedy for that.

When he groped your ass to lift you, his fingers dug into your cheeks, spreading them apart.

Yami kneaded your ass and sneered when you mewled in his mouth.

-Oh yeah? You wanna fuck me?- Repeating his words made you come to terms with the truth: he was gonna fuck you, and the anticipation was almost feverish. You just couldn't wait any longer, each step Yami took on the staircase that led to the rooms upstairs of the tavern made your heart flutter.

Confidently, Yami didn't miss a single step, while still licking and biting your jaw.

-Mhm mhm- He confirmed -I wouldn't have left this village without making you mine first-

Yami noticed how his words affected you: your panties were soaked under a couple underskirts, so soaked that your wetness had reached his white shirt and spread -So wet for me already, and I haven't even touched you yet? You don't seem so bossy now, do you-

It wasn't your fault, but his.

You never met someone like him, someone that made you fall for lust so quickly. For all you knew, he could have been a criminal of the worst grade, but it didn't matter.

Your brain was fogged by desire, all your body ached for him.

Your breasts were squished against his pecs, your nipples hardened and got so sensitive just by friction that electricity jolted through your nerves; your thighs were numb and your core, well, you were trying to mantain a certain decency to not beg him to fill you right away.

Yami kicked the door of the room he rented, the wooden plank slammed against the wall and he didn't really cared about making sure he closed it behind his back, than he threw you on the mattress.

-Sukehiro...-You gasped, stretching your arms for him, needing those muscles back on you, that scent overtaking you.

Yami stood at the end of the bed, kicking his boots in a corner and brought his hands on his white top.

A translucent stain of your wetness made his skin visible through the fabric.

-Look what you have done to my favourite shirt, naughty-

Hungrily, you reached for his pants, with your fingers you tried to undo the strings and bottons that separated you from pleasure.

While you untied the knots, Yami stripped off his shirt, leaving your mouth dry and your eyes glazed.

-You are so hot- The words left your lips like you were hypnotized.

His six pack was so defined, hard at touch and over his bulky pectorals a thin layer of dark hair.

-Take your fucking clothes off- Yami commanded with a sigh, his chest rising with deep breaths.

He wanted it as much as you did.

You didn't let him repeat himself, as soon as your corset came undone and your tits were revealed to him, Yami let out a soft groan.

-Fuck-

His pants disappeared from sight, making you aware of the biggest cock you ever seen.

You had good partners in your history, you never complained but this...there was no way that could fit inside you.

And your pulsing cunt was aching for the challenge.

-Fuck, you are so big- You licked your lips, looking at Yami grabbing his cock in his hands and stroking it.

Shivers spread across your cunt, his full hand could barely circle the girth of that rock-hard cock.

In the moonlight, droplets of precum glistened on the head and leaked all acroos the veiny lenght.

Yami stood proud of his size and his build, he was born to be a dominant, that was clear as day.

It was clear for his presence turned you into a mute goldfish.

Speechless, a mess of pants and purrs, you welcomed Yami Sukehiro, the stranger that entranced you with his darkness, between your legs, where he tore apart your skirts with his bare hands.

-Lemme see you, lemme see how...-Yami lifted your legs, pushing your knees onto your chest, exposing your naked, gleaming, pussy.

He exhaled, a deep deep sigh sent a cool breeze over your soaked sex.

Like a soft rain over a fire.

Yami took his time to admire your naked body, after trying to imagine it all night through your clothes, his fantasy could have never made justice to the perfection you were.

The firm shape of your tits, how they mellowed in his fingers, your perky nipples and the way you squirmed as soon as he tickled them.

Your hips and waist, perfect for his hands to grab, he made sure to give them a good squeeze when he pulled you under him to assert his dominance.

And then, your pussy.

-This is all mine- He growled as he towered over you, bringing your legs on his strong broad shoulders.

Drunk in his gaze, you nodded.

-Yeah? Is your pussy all mine, my love?- He cucked his brows, faking a desperate expression. Probably making an impression of your face, pathetically needing him, all of him.

-Say it, I want your smart mouth to say your pussy belongs to me now-

There was something in the way he commanded you that turned your brain into mush.

Sterness, the magnetic tone of his voice, his dominating size.

-It's yours, Yami. Just please...- You bit your lips.

You begged? You were really begging now? What did this man do to you to reduce you to a cock begging submissive?

A wicked grin appeared on his lips, and Yami pushed himself slowly on you, his weight taking over all your resistance.

-Please...what? What were you trying to say?- The head of his cock nudged at your entrance with a wet sound.

You tilted your head back, fighting with the last ounce of self control you stored, but your clit said otherwise when Yami stroked it with his middle finger.

His cock ready to penetrate you and his hand playing with your bud, if your legs weren't kept tight on his shoulders, you would have kicked them in the air.

Yami made slow circles around your wet and swollen clit, and the stimulation was a trap for your pussy.

Through the growing louder moans, you felt his cock having an easier access inside you.

Your hole loosening.

God, Yami knew what to do with a woman's body.

And the idea of other having fucked that cock before, having his lustful eyes, made you burn with jealousy.

And desire to satisfy him.

Now he didn't stop fiddling with your clith when he bit your collabone and whispered again -Please...what? Say it, show me how dirty can that wicked mouth really be- Yami reached your mouth and chocked your moan with a kiss. His beard was tickling you, everywhere he left bites your skin was on fire -Are you only good at giving smart comebacks? You keep bragging about your tongue, until now I've only tasted desperation in it. Will you really beg me to fuck you, uh? Is that what you were trying to say?-

You were on the verge of tears, thirsty and hungry for Yami like your life depended on him taking your body.

You needed his touch, as rough as he could be.

You needed to disappear under him, to be conquered.

You never wanted anyone as much as you wanted that stranger.

-Sukehiro...please- With a hand you cupped his face and he followed your movement, curling his lips.

-What a good little girl you are, I will offer you a deal-

A deal?

If there was trouble you were way too late to escape now.

-What do you want?- Your voice a sob.

-You. I want you-

-I don't understand-

-If you beg me to fuck you, you will be mine. You will belong to me, your precious little cunt will belong to me-

Whatever it meant, it was what your body was screaming for.

Did he want to buy you? Were you going to be his concubine?

You should have reflected on it, on the consequences, on the conditions, but how could you reflect on anything when a man like Yami Sukehiro was feasting on your tits, filling his mouth with your soft flesh, nibbling and sucking your nipples.

-Fuck me- It finally escaped you -I am yours, Yami-

A hard, deep thrust filled you to the point of choking you.

Yami pounded his way inside you, with a fast thrust that made your pubic bones clash against his, and his balls smack against your ass.

His cock reached so deep inside you that you gasped for air, while he roared.

Your pussy stretched all at once to welcome his size but not enough.

Your muscles wrapped and squeezed his throbbing cock.

Yami didn't take his grey eyes off you, with a smile upon seeing you finally getting what you have asked for.

He didn't move, for as rough as his penetration was, he still realized how big he was for you and waited for your body to adjust to his size.

You grabbed a fistful of his hair.

-You are mine now- He said, low, like a promise from hell.

Yami was inside you, his cock throbbed against your walls, his head already nudging a spot that no one ever found before.

You moaned his name again and he grabbed your wrist, bringing it behind your head.

Then kissed you deeply while entwining his fingers with yours.

That kiss was different, less brutal, less carnal.

He kissed you like he...

No, you couldn't be that stupid. You didn't even know him, you knew nothing about him.

No strings attached whatsoever.

It was just casual sex, the best sex, but just casual.

Nothing else, right?

His kiss, slow, passionate seemed to say otherwise.

But when he moved his cock, you forgot about everything else.

In and out of your pussy, Yami started slowly to pount in you, so slow he made you die in anticipation for the next thrust, but deep and rough enough to make you scream.

-Now that's a sound I like coming from your mouth-

His teeth were once again on your neck, right under your jaw, your chin.

Yami was leaving you a necklace of lovebites.

The contrast between the pleasure of his cock in your cunt and the bites on your skin sent you in a spiral.

Your fingers reached for his shoulders.

-Faster- You moaned into his ear.

And faster he went.

Yami panted and moaned, he wasn't the kind of man that kept his pleasure all for himself, on the contrary he had no restraint when it came to growling for what your pussy did to him.

Each thrust faster than the previous, the smacking sound your pussy was making and the slippery movement of his cock were a sign of how both of your juices were mixing.

His precum mixed with your pleasure and leaked over your butthole and dripped on the sheets, already drenched by sweat.

-You like it like this, sweetheart? Is it fast enough for your needy pussy?- Yami smiled even through his growls and didn't even reacted when your nails scratched his back.

-You are a fucking asshole- You managed to say, his weight and his cock choked air out of you.

-You have no idea- Yami squeezed your tit and kept drilling you.

If he kept pounding that deep, you were sure he was going to break you in half, but your pussy was made for his cock, he was molding it in his shape and you just couldn't have enough of the sound of his voice.

Of knowing that that was you driving him crazy as much as he was doing with you.

-Where the fuck have you been until now?-

He finally arched his back when your nails scratched deeper, that question caught completely unprepared.

You wanted him, you wanted to please him.

-Tell me I'm yours, Yami-

Every word coming out of you almost incomprehensible.

-You are mine, you are fucking mine-

Every word coming out of him accompanied by a thrust.

That's all you needed to know.

You were his to please.

-I wanna ride your cock, Sukehiro-

He barely let you finish the sentence, that his hands were already on your hips, squeezing you and rolling over the bed.

Yami held you firm in place and now that you were sitting on his thick thighs, that you were observing his skin, coated by a shiny layer of sweat, you realized how truly big he was compared to you.

Your whole body would fit on one of his thigh only, his abdomen spread across the mattress, barely enough to contain him.

Yami crossed his swollen biceps under his head and rocked his hips, making you bounce.

-You said you wanted to ride me, are you just words?-

Fuck, what a piece of shit he was.

You wanted him to destroy you.

That arrogant sneer on his face made you grab his cock, wet of both your wetness and his precum, and bring it to your entrance.

It was heavy in your hand that couldn't circle it, and it smelled of heat.

A part of you, the most irrational and drunk of him, almost gave up on the desire to have him inside to taste him instead.

You wanted that massive shaft in your mouth, discover how much of it you would fit before you choked on it.

Discover the taste of that man, see him crumble for your lips.

But Yami had other plans for you: with another sudden and unexpected hump, he filled your cunt.

The meowing gasp you let out made him chuckle.

-Now that's more like that- He watched you lose that last crumb of sanity as you fall on his chest.

His cock drilled up to your stomach, a visible bulge rising on your womb, touching muscles and nerves no one ever touched before.

Looking for stability, grabbing his pecs, you stuck your tongue out in pure bliss.

Yami didn't miss the chance of sucking on your tongue and to make fun of your addiction -You really look cock drunk, sweetheart. Do you like being fucked like this?-

With his cruel fingers, he reached for your clit and as if his cock wasn't enough, he stroked it.

-Uh, you like being fucked like this? Naughty girl, look at your face-

The wetness of your pleasure was being stroked by Yami, spurting all over his hairy pube, his pounding reaching for your womb.

Like a predator breeding his mate.

-Ngh...Suke...hiro-

A new energy was growing inside you, an electricity that spread across your legs and down your spine.

-Yeah? Are you close to cumming?-

Your head nodded, eyes seeing stars.

With each deep pound he smacked in your pussy, his thighs slapped against your ass, a soft wet friction of sweat merged your skins together.

If he kept drilling at that depth and pace, you would pass out.

Your thighs grinded on him, with the intention of grasping every single inch of pleasure.

That take of charge made Yami moan.

Your pussy twitched when his voice reached your ear with a loud growl.

And you grinded again, locking your eyes on his.

-That's a good girl, keep doing that...fuck-

Inside you, that weight throbbed, readjusting your insides

Yami's cock was growing harder.

He tilted his head back, closing his eyes, lost in pure lust of your cunt clenching him.

Your walls sucked him in and out, the air suction with the lewd wet noises was a sign of how both your sexes were addicted to each other.

-Ya..Yami...I'm...-

Yami didn't open his eyes, but still found your hips, grabbing them tight, making it impossible for you to escape his next action.

-Cum on my cock, fuck- He roared, before rocking as fast as he could, fucking the air out of you -Cum on me, ugh-

Your climax blossomed in you like a flaming flower.

The spark ignited in your womb, a liquid light exploded as for a moment, you lost consciousness.

You came like you never came before.

Your legs outstretched and seizured, so did your back, like struck by a thunder.

Your cunt exploded on Yami's cock, tigthening, twitching.

Immediately, he was there to grab you.

As he rose to seize you in his arm, the movement pushed his cock even deeper in you.

-SUKEHIRO- You screamed, your nose invaded by the smell of sex and sweat that emanated from Yami.

His hot breath collided on your neck, while you disappeared into his embrace.

And he kept pumping his cock inside you, making sure of stealing every piece of orgasm out of you.

When his pace slowed and his breath became unsteady, your head spinned.

-Where do you want me to cum, answer quickly before I breed you-

His.

You wanted to be his.

-In my mouth- You hiccupped.

Yami remained in silence for a hot second, he wasn't sure he heard correctly, in the heat of the moment.

Did you say you wanted his load in your mouth? Didn't his ears deceive him?

-Say it again-

-Cum in my mouth, Yami. I want to taste you-

With manly arrogance, he lifted you from his cock, glazed by your juices.

Your pussy leaked your creamy orgasm on his thigh and with a sigh of relief your womb was freed by Yami's cock.

You felt empty now that he wasn't inside you anymore, already addicted to his presence and shape.

You laid on the edge of the mattress, legs spread and sore while he sat on his knees stroking his erection at full speed.

The wet pumping made Yami look aching to cum.

Head down and focused, his brow furrowed, chest going up and down in unsteady breaths.

You could tell he needed to cum just by how swollen his balls were.

-Will you be mine?- He growled under his breath, giving a hard stroke to his glistening head.

-I will be yours- You nodded, ready to take all of him.

Whatever that meant, you wanted it.

You wanted to be his.

You wanted to be ruined by this stranger you couldn't get enough of.

There was a before and a after Yami Sukehiro. You knew, the moment he first kissed you that no one else would have ever compared.

How could anyone compare to that strength, that stamina, that size.

-No one fucks like you do- Your body spoke for you, your brain was long shut down.

That confession erupted from you made Yami shudder.

Without ceasing to jerk off, he grabbed a fistful of your hair and pulled you towards him.

-Take it, open your mouth- He commanded, when your lips met with his hairy pube and the salty smell of his cock -Take it-

You obeyed, the reddened and swollen head of Yami's cock caressed your lips and your tongue, and the contact made him explode.

Yami bent on you, keeping your head firm as he released his load.

With your eyes up on him, you saw him hissing and roaring.

-Fuu..unf...Fuckk- He let go loud, beastly.

Suddenly your mouth was filled with a warm and thick liquid, the amount of Yami's seed was impressive.

How much did he need it, how long was he keeping all that.

And you did it, that was all for you.

Your effect on him and your doing.

His cock throbbed against your lips, shooting strings of sperm to decorate your tongue.

He tasted like salt, like heat, like lust.

Yami kept your head down until you drank him to the last drop.

And sighed, deeply, releasing you and abandoning himself back on the mattress.

Not before grabbing your arm and pulling you on his chest.

He swallowed, slicking his sweaty hair back.

He regained lucidity and caressed your back with the tip of his fingers -You alright?-

You lifted your head and nodded.

-Did you swallow my cum?!- Yami seemed surprised at the idea, as if he wasn't expecting that.

-Well, of course, that's why I wanted you to cum in my mouth-

Now Yami made a sound, resting his arm over his eyes.

Exhausted, relieved and utterly lost in you.

That wicked mouth of yours was going to be his ruin, he knew it.

Squeezing your cheeks he kissed you, savouring his own taste still lingering in your mouth.

A sloppy kiss, that's what you both needed after losing your minds in each other.

-You are a naughty, naughty, girl. Where did you learn how to fuck like that, uh?- He smacked your ass as he made himself cozy, lying on his side -Do your books say how to ride a man?-

You hid a laugh, tracing his hard muscles lines with your fingers -I had my experiences you know.

Yami's eyes darkened suddenly, the playful grin disappeared before he crashed onto your mouth again, forcing you to lay down with his imposing weight.

Slow, with soft petal kisses in between, never taking his eyes off you as he fought the urge to own you again.

-You are mine now-

Would have it ruined the mood if you asked what he meant? You really didn't care, for a part of you knew he was right.

That you would have looked for him in all the men you slept with.

Yami made you his.

-Only mine to kiss...- Yami licked under your jaw -...to touch...- Then he went low on your tits -...to fuck...- On your abdomen -...to ruin- And he stopped right above your clit, on your soft bushy pube.

Biting your lips you were already savouring the experience of Yami licking you, his mouth was so close.

-Jerk- You spat out when he cruelly crawled back to your face, with a playful smile.

He chuckled -Ready to go again, uh? You loved my cock that much?-

You nodded, scratching his light beard -I've never been fucked like this-

Yami gave you a squeeze on your hips and nudged his big nose against yours -You can say it outloud-

Yami Sukehiro snored, not that it surprised you that a brute like him would keep his rudeness even in his sleep, what surprised you was that his snoring woke you.

You forgot to have even fallen asleep.

He was sleeping like a babe, a soldier proud of his won battle, bicep under his head and one hand resting on his abdomen, one knee up to make a tent of the messed up sheets.

When you woke up you were still naked, covered in shivers after the sweat had cooled on your skin.

You must have fallen asleep together, after all you were both sore.

So sore that even rising from the bed pained you.

God, that man really fucked you like no one did, your legs were twitching from cramps.

You looked at him quickly, he was handsome when he slept. His chest rose in deep breaths and on his face was a dreamless serenity.

But you couldn't stay the night, what would have your boss said if he saw you coming down for breakfast with one of his customers, especially in the conditions you were?

What would have your parents said if they didn't see you at home by daylight?

It was all just sex, you reminded yourself.

You didn't know this guy, you didn't know his businesses.

No strings attached, just good, amazing, breath-taking, unforgettable sex.

When you gathered your clothes back they were a mess, completely torn apart, and then your eyes fell on something glittering in the dark.

You looked back, making sure Yami didn't wake from you stepping on the wooden tiles, and peeked inside his pouch.

There was a black shawl, or cape with a sygil embroidered on it.

A black bull.

That must have been the insigna of his gang or whatever. Under it, far more interesting, the leather sachet with the gold he won at The Table.

So much gold, what did he need it for?

He said he was going to the Clover Kingdom Capital, to attend the exam for the Magic Knights.

And asked you to join him.

It was then that a thought came to your mind.

You helped him win that gold, actually, if it wasn't for you he wouldn't have seen a dime, that meant that a big part of that win was also yours, right?

When Yami woke up the next morning he was alone and for a moment he believed that last night was a dream.

The most beautiful dream he ever had.

But your smell was still all over him, your sweet scent filled the room and yet, you were nowhere to be seen.

Not that he expected his breakfast in bed, but it was the first time that someone ran away in the middle of the night after fucking.

Usually it was him.

You were a surprise after the other.

Arrogant and clever, the best fuck he had and also a runaway.

Weren't you just a catch?

His insight was never wrong and led him to his pouch.

With a loud -AH!- Yami laughed seeing all of his gold vanished, and replaced by a small parchment in the leather sachet.

The ink was not completely dry yet, and it read

I'm sorry, I just took my part. I guess I will see you at the Magic Knight exams, don't forget it. You really have the best cock I ever fucked.

See you at the Capital, Yami Sukehiro

You clearly had no idea in what trouble you just put yourself.

Yami crumpled up your letter and put it in his pockets, somehow a way to feel you close and went about his day laughing.

-Oh, you will see my love, I will be there-

[rafesplaymate]

I am begging for somnophilia with rafe and best friend of sarah y/n

Y/n coming over for a sleepover

Rafe Cameron x Sarah’s BestFriend!Reader

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི. ݁₊⊹ navigation. ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི. ݁₊⊹ masterlist.

warnings: smut. oral (f receiving). power dynamics. somnophillia. noncon / dubcon. adult themes / dark content.

a/n: not entirely proofread!

ᡣ𐭩. ݁˖ . ݁༉‧₊˚.ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི

Rafe can’t believe his luck, thanking whatever high power listened to his prayers and granted them. He’s taking full advantage of the time he’s been gifted and using it to his heart’s delight. Sarah and y/n had been having a sleep over at Tannyhill. The two girls attached by their hips, often alternating between houses and having sleep overs every chance they get. Which is quite often. When you live in luxury like they do and have the means to host it becomes quite a ritual.

A ritual that Rafe loves but is driving him insane all the same. Y/n is everything he’s ever dreamed of, he remembers when she first moved in down the street. He’d been driving by in his truck and saw her bent over looking through a cardboard box; daisy dukes high on her stunning legs and the bent position spreading her out perfectly in his line of sight. He remembers almost crashing his truck from how distracted he was. Driving away to the country club and thinking about the sweet piece of ass he saw on his way there; and he completely remembers when Sarah brought her over for the first time. He was in heaven and an angel fell right in front of him. Dressed in a tight little sundress that was see through in the sunlight, nipples poking through and plump tits sitting pretty making his mouth water. Her pretty face with dewey makeup and glossed lips, wispy lashes batting at him as she looked every bit like the goddess he wants to worship. He can still remember the way he fumbled over introducing himself to her, Sarah giving him a mocking smirk as he sneered at her after when y/n turned to greet Rose and Ward.

Since then she’s been traipsing and fluttering around his home any chance she get. Y/n loves Tannyhill! It’s so light and big! She knows she has a house just as grand but something about this one calls out to her more. Rafe’s resolve has been breaking day by day seeing her waltz around his house in skimpy outfits and little thongs with no fucking bra. He’s going insane, he needs to feel her smooth skin on his fingertips and pressed to him bare. He wants to lick every inch of her and mark ever bit of flawless skin with his ownership. He wants her so bad and tonight he’s fucking taking it.

Sarah had snuck out to see Topper he presumes, he doesn’t know what sucker she has under her thumb this month and he really doesn’t give a fuck. Rafe saw her running down the driveway to god knows where. Smirking to himself as he slipped down the hall to her bedroom, slowly opening the door and seeing the very figure that has been invading his mind since the moment he met her months ago. Lying in Sarah’s messed up sheets with her legs sticking out, presumably due to the heat. The sight of her skin glowing with whatever lotion she’s slathered herself in under the moonlight is what pushes him to step forward quietly. Shutting the door behind him and securing the lock.

Rafe gently walks to the edge of the bed near, groaning to himself quietly under his breath as he takes in the sight of her laying there so beautifully. She’s on her stomach with one leg bent forward; the other laying straight out as she hugs the pillow to her. Her satin slip ridden up and fuck -she’s not wearing any underwear. Rafe’s eyes widen when he sees her cute pussy in his sight and her plump butt looking so enticing. She’s wet, a small drip of clear arousal dripping from her hole down her cute clit and it nails the coffin shut in what Rafe plans on doing tonight. He would be stupid to waste an opportunity like this. It’s almost perfect, Sarah gone and his prize laying there with her cute pussy out in the prettiest little slip he wants to rip off her.

Rafe’s been just watching over her, like the perv he is. His eyes glued to her soaked pussy as he reaches his hand to grip his rock-solid cock over his grey sweats; groaning under his breath when he does. Rafe circles the bed and walks down the side she’s closest too. His hand reaching out, middle finger lightly grazing her smooth leg as he ends up standing next to her sleeping face. Bulge right in front of her as his shadow blocks the moonlight that was shining on her. He coos softly to himself when he sees her pretty wispy lashes laying long over her smooth cheeks. Lips pouted from her cheek being squished into the pillow as she breathes in slowly. He reaches out and runs the tip of his index finger against her beautiful pout. Leaning down and slightly cupping her cheek as he presses soft, feathery light kisses to her forehead. He continues down her nose to her lips, brushing his against hers when he reaches them. He presses a long kiss to her pout as he lightly rubs a thumb over her cheek.

When Rafe pulls back, she subconsciously seeks him out; a low whine leaving her when his caresses stop. It fills Rafe’s chest with pride and pushes him to be bolder. Growing his already over inflated confidence and pushing him to to lightly began moving her body to lay on her back. He slowly rolled her, no complaints coming from her and still sleeping deeply. When he gets her onto her back he’s ready to devour her whole. Her slip lifted up and her bare cunt now on display for him fully, legs spread apart and straight on the bed. Arms falling to the sides of her head and head tilting to the side as she snores softly. Her plump tits almost slipping out of the deep V of her slip; Rafe reached out to graze his fingertips over her protruding nipples. He’s imagined this so many times and he wishes he could give her a full grope. But he’ll settle for light touches, for now.

Rafe gently and carefully moves his body onto the bed; using his knees to stabilize himself as he straddles her body. He’s mindful of not sitting on her legs and just stands over her, knees on both sides of her as he stares down at her beautiful sleeping figure. Sarah mentioned she was a deep sleeper but he didn’t think he’d even get this far without waking her up. He leans down, one hand over her head and the other next to her head as he holds himself up. He nuzzles her nose with his, sighing softly as he runs the tip of his nose over her cheek. He drags it all the way down to her neck that is exposed to him from the tilt she has on her head. Rafe begins pressing feathery light kisses against her pretty skin, taking in her vanilla perfume as he moves to her chin then her lips again. He loves the way she responds to him in her sleep. Seeking him out every-time he moves away or stops with soft little whines.

He decides he’ll save putting his cock in her another time, right now he wants to feel her body all over his mouth. He pushes himself up gently then using a hand to push the strap of her slip to the side; pushing it down her arm till her pretty tit pops out. His mouth immediately waters at the sight, hastily doing the same to the other side with precaution. The upper half of her cute pajamas that she should only be wearing in his bed, now off her chest. She’s practically naked, wet pussy out from the skirt lifted up. She’s all his for the taking and he’s gonna enjoy his meal.

He leans down again, pressing soft kisses against her beautiful tits. He’s careful not to lean his weight onto her, he doesn’t want her to wake up just yet. He moved his kisses down her body, a light moan slipping from her that makes him stare at her face to secure that she’s not awake. When he realizes she’s still fast asleep he moves himself down the bed, face to face with something he’s been longing to get a taste of for months.

Rafe doesn’t waste any time as he lightly lays on his stomach; moving her legs over his arms gently and hooking them so his hands are resting lightly on her stomach. He pushed the skirt of her slip up so that it’s only wrapped around her waist; her pussy in front of his face as he groans to himself softly. Lightly groping her cute tummy in his hands as he leans in and grazes the tip of his nose against her wet folds. Her scent is driving him insane and he can’t help but bring out his tongue to kitten lick the arousal that drips out of her cute hole; moaning to himself to the taste of how sweet she was. He’s ravenous, immediately burying his face into her folds as he eats a meal he’s been dying to have for so long.

Rafe eats her out like no other, his mouth on her now swollen clit as he gives it firms sucks. Moans start dripping from her lips and her legs start shaking in her sleep. He doesn’t care if she wakes up, he wants her too. Wants her too look down at him and cum around his tongue. He needs to see her pretty eyes glazed over as she cums in his mouth. Rafe is bold, bringing both hands that were on her tummy to grope her pretty tits. Tweaking her nipples between his fingers as he continues burying his tongue in her hole; moaning again when her arousal starts leaking out of her like a faucet. It’s when he goes back up to suck on her clit again, giving it a soft bite and her nipples a harsh pinch that rises her from her deep sleep, “Sa-sarah?” she gasp out. Her hands immediately reaching down into the hair inbetween her legs, feeling the short stringy strands that she knows exactly who they belong to. The sleep from her body slowly leaving as she looks down to the source of all her pleasure. “Raaaafffeee,” she moans in a long, airy gasp as she grips him harsher and brings him closer; not caring about anything except cumming.

Rafe sucks on her clit, pulling back slightly until he lets it go with a pop; her arousal soaking his face and dripping down is chin as he lifts his head to smirk at her. “Wake up, sleepyhead,” he mocks her, listening to her whine as she her hips start bucking up but her mouth begins questioning, “wha-what are you doing?” She cries out, one hand reaching behind her to grip the pillow and the other caressing the strands of his head as she comes to terms that this is really happening. She’s not dreaming, but she doesn’t know if the haziness in her head is from sleep or being on the brink of an orgasm.

He unwraps his left arm as his other hand moves down to press on her stomach to hold her down. He brings his hand down to her drippy hole, swiping his fingers through her arousal before he reaches up again. Rafe shoves his wet fingers into her mouth that’s ready to question him again; feeling her gasp with a gag as he harshly shuts her up. “M’taking what I want, and you’re not gonna do a damn thing except lay there and let me eat. Alright?” He says gruffly, pushing his fingers in and out of her mouth as she wraps her lips around them and begins sucking. She’s too tired to fight, too lost to completely understand what’s happening and most importantly way too turned on to reject an orgasm from the prettiest boy she knows.

Y/n relaxes back into the bed, her hands both reaching back into his hair to push his head down where she needs him the most. Nodding her head quickly as she submits to him and continues giving his fingers soft suckles, whining when they leave her mouth to which Rafe gives a quick shush. He brings his wet fingers back down, spitting onto her pussy to add to the wetness already pooling on Sarah’s sheets. Her then circle his middle and ringer finger around her tight hole; working them in softly and immediately curling as he reattaches his lips to her pulsing clit that’s begging for his affection. “Sweet fucking pussy,” he moans against her, his eyes shutting tightly as he sucks on her and rams his fingers against her harder.

��Raffeeeyyyy,” she moans light, airy with soft squeaks and whines falling from those lips he can’t wait to kiss again. “Feels s’good,” she slurs out, the hand gripping the pillow next to her head now reaching down to tangle in his hair next to the other one. Using it as leverage to buck her hips against his mouth while Rafe bullies her hole with his fingers. His hand other hand pressing harder on her stomach as he feels it contracting. “Such a fucking slut, didn’t even need permission,” he mocks her willingness to letting him take what he wants without even asking her when he pulls back. He pounds his fingers harder as her arousal drips down his hand to his wrist and moves the hand on her stomach to lay over her mound as his thumb begins rubbing circles over her clit.

“When m’done eating this little pussy, you’re coming to my room and letting me take whatever else I want. Got it?” He says gruffly; not willing to leave her here when she belongs in his sheets right next to him. He’s not letting her go after this, she’ll just have to accept she’s his now even if she hasn’t already. His face hardens when she doesn’t answer him; pulling his fingers out and giving her puffy pussy a harsh smack as she cries out at the feeling. “I said, got it?” He bites, smacking her folds again when she takes a beat too long ready to give her another one as she cries out a, “yes! Whatever you want!” He’s almost worried Ward and Rose or Wheezie can hear down the hall. He wouldn’t care though, he needs everyone to know she’s his for life. “That’s what I thought,” he says with deep satisfaction settling in his chest. Taking his arousal covered hand as he shoves his wet fingers back in her mouth.

“You and me are gonna have so much fun.”

ᡣ𐭩. ݁˖ . ݁༉‧₊˚.ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི

a/n: the only way i’d like to be woken up tbh! pls let me know your thoughts! much love!

[photos-or-inkblots]

there's a lot of love for computer science genius Skye/Daisy Johnson, but i think a lot about pattern recognition anaylsis expert Daisy too. she was the first to react to Fitz's run-down of the Peruvian 0-8-4, clocked how highly militarized the Hub was about Ward and Fitz's mission despite the brief being about disabling a weapon, saw the connection between Hannah Hutchins and Tobias Ford and this is just off from the top of my head from season 1 alone.

she knew something was happening in SHIELD when the Iliad crew hunted for her in the Retreat. she understood Fitz's theory of using her powers to open the Kree Monolith when he was still halfway explaining himself. she found Ivanov and Coulson’s connection in 4x14 The Man Behind the Shield, which ultimately revealed Ivanov’s motive. she even knew that there would be some incident or event in which they will need her powers back in season 5, which was her entire reason of staying behind.

also the Framework. it’s essentially a world made of binary. it makes sense that even if she didn’t have her avatar’s memories, she caught on when May and Coulson pointed out AIDA’s strategy in 4x22 World’s End. May saves the girl in Bahrain, the Cambridge Incident happens, Hydra reveals themselves and blames the Inhumans. “It’s me. I’ll be the monster. She wants the same fascist state she had in the Framework.” she was there for ten days tops and she got all that without the memory duplicity thing? she fucking rocks

[forensicheart]

You’re Drunk

Lando Norris x Reader

Summary: Lando gets a call to pick up his not so sober girlfriend

A/N: Not particularly feelings this one but hope you guys enjoy!

Laughing to himself Lando sits on the couch scrolling through his Instagram stories coming across his girlfriends, where she looks to be having a great time with her friends. He replays the video that's been shared and smiles brightly at her drunken giggles as her and her friends stumble down the street. Lando can't help but go to rewatch the video for a third time but before he can an unknown number flashes on his screen. Confusion fills his mind as the phone rings but Lando decides to answer.

"Hello?"

"Lando, hey, it's Y/f/n" This made Lando more confused as he wasn't sure why one of his girlfriend's friends would be calling him. Until he heard your voice in the background. He could hear your small cries as you complained to your friends about being hungry but refused everything option of food they offered you.

"Need me to come get her?" Lando predicted.

"Pleaseeeee, we can't deal with her any longer. She just got us kicked out of the club" Y/f/n pleaded with your boyfriend causing Lando to let out a laugh being requesting your location and hanging up.

-

Pulling up outside the club you'd been kicked out of 30 minutes prior Lando swore you looked even more drunk then you had sounded on call 20 minutes ago. As soon as he stepped out the car you were running towards him with a speed he'd never seen from you. But unfortunately your legs couldn't keep up with your wanted speed and steps before you would reach Lando he watched you fall flat on your face. Holding in a laugh Lando quickly moved to your aid and looked at you with sympathy as you held onto him, tears welling in your wide eyes. Turning to look at your friends Lando simply nodded as a goodbye and they all seemed to let out a sigh of relief as they knew you were no longer their responsibility.

Now Lando had delt with you on a few occasions when you'd gotten a bit too drunk to have any independence but this time you seemed a bit more reliant than usual. After spending close to 10 minutes to even get you into the car and buckle your seatbelt without you unclipping it seconds later and laughing like it was the funniest joke ever, Lando was finally able to hop into the drivers side and begin the drive to your shared house.

The drive back started peacefully, no sound but the quiet hum of the radio as you had seemed to drifted into her own world staring out the window. Well that was until-

"Aeroplan!" You shouted giving Lando a scare causing him to almost slam on the breaks.

"What was that baby?" He asked softly glancing over to see both your hands planted on the glass as you started into the night sky with a child like wonder.

"There's an aeroplan" You spoke matter-of-factly even though as Lando looked into the sky through the car windows he saw nothing but stars littering the darkness.

"I don't see anything baby, maybe it was a star" Lando suggested cautiously but the suggestion still caused you to scoff loudly.

"You must be blind, because- maccas! I want maccas Landoooo" Your interest changed as you saw the golden 'm' in the distance.

-

You'd finally arrived home now after a detour to not only maccas but the supermarket as well to gather some baking ingredients as you were determined to make some cupcakes in your drunken state.

"Baby!" Lando panicked as he saw flour all over the floor. He'd left for one minute to use the bathroom, the kitchen far more spotless than it was now.

"Oopsie daisy" You giggled and when you spun to face Lando he couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter. Your face coated in the white power, barely a spot of skin uncovered. Lando stepped towards you and took your face in his hands uncaring of the flour now coating his hands.

"Y/n, what have you done?" He asks rhetorically and receives a shrug in response from the girl in question but a sneaky grin never left her face.

"I want to sleep" You decided stepping back from Lando's touch and trying to make your way to the bedroom only to be stopped by Lando's hand grabbing yours.

"No, no, no. Not like that you aren't. You'll get flour all over the bed!" You groaned at Lando's words and wrapped your arms around his waist and nuzzling your face into his neck.

"I don't careee" Your words were both mumbled and slurred and Lando wrapped his arms around you humming.

"I know drunk Y/n doesn't mind but trust me I don't want to be dealing with her when she's sober and see's the mess from tonight's antics, ok baby?" You begrudgingly agreed seeming slightly more sober than you had previously.

"Good, come on let's go shower baby" Lando unwrapped you from the hug and led you to the bathroom by hand.

"Sexy time!"

Ok. Maybe you weren't that sober yet.

[eviesaurusrex]

Though I'm just halfway through Iron Flame and don't know how Xaden turns into a venin and of like rest of the fandom and Vi, as of now we don't know the cure for it too. I stumbled upon some 'venin-cure' theories and one of it inspired this idea so hear me out.

Ik Xaden turned into a venin for Violet. As per theories, if he can become one for his love, he has come into the realization and give up what he took (the direct power).

Finally the idea: the reader is actually pregnant. It's up to you if Xaden knew it earlier or not but maybe like idk they're in a war zone or whatever situation, he was going to kill somebody or whatever and at that moment reader faces Xaden. Telling him that she's not going to fight him, she let go of her dagger or sword, trying to remind him of himself, showing him his ring still on her finger. When she sees him calming down, she may take his hand and touch her barely visible (or visible) belly, begging him to let go of the power, reminding him that he's in control of himself, begging him to come to her and their baby.

summary: After Xaden turned venin, YN tries everything in her power to get the love of her life—and the father of her unborn child—back.

word count: 5.3k (whoopsie-daisy)

warnings: dragons, injuries, weapons, blood, pregnant!YN, incorrect events, my lacking knowledge about the majority of IF and OS, my take on the venin topic, angst, survivor’s guilt, fluff, Brennan being the older brother type of friend, venin!Xaden, post-venin!Xaden

author’s note: Thank you for the ask, dear anon! I haven’t read Iron Flame and Onyx Storm yet (I’ve started with IF a couple days ago), so this is my take on the plot and has nothing to do with the actual plot in the books. I hope you enjoy my silly ideas! (And please, don’t come for my head :x) I'm sorry it took so long to get this thing done—I just couldn't stop writing. The dividers are made by @enchanthings-a!

Startled, YN woke with a gasp, her hand instinctively flying toward her lower abdomen, touching the tightly laced flight leathers, and took one steadying breath when she felt the still unfamiliar tiny bump one could easily miss. It wasn't broad knowledge that she expected a child because if so, no sane member of the squad would allow her to continue flying out with them, fighting with them. Only one person knew of her condition—the one person she couldn't hide a thing like that from, not when he was to keep mending her injuries after a particularly gruesome fight. He had felt it the second his hand had touched her shoulder, and there was nothing she could've said in order to convince him of being wrong about it.

She had known for a while.

But she had more pressing matters at hand not to think too closely about what this would mean in the foreseeable future.

Finally, YN realized what had woken her, and her eyes immediately jumped toward the commotion in the hallway, the door ajar and not fully closed. Voices echoed into the dim sitting room she had chosen a few hours ago when she had returned from her patrol on dragon back, her body aching and filled with exhaustion. Only a few hours and then you wake me again, she had told Violet and Mira, but obviously, neither of the women had respected her wish. Typical. The thought crossed her when YN pulled herself up, quietly grunting when her feet still burned, and her back still struck her with searing pain.

Sleeping on a couch wasn't the wisest of the ideas she had in the last couple of weeks.

"No, Violet," Brennan's voice suddenly cut the air in a tone one rarely witnessed the eldest Sorrengail use. "But—" Violet tried to interfere, and with quiet steps, YN rounded the coffee table, heart galloping in her ribcage. "I said No." Another voice entered the conversation the woman had a hunch was about her. "She'd want to know, Brennan. If the report is true, it's Xaden, and we're talking about YN, for heaven's sake. She'd want to know," Garrick almost hissed behind the door, and her heart rate sped up even more, her breath hitching.

Xaden…?

The Sorrengail practically growled at that, and the shadow now stretching through the crack in the door was most definitely his as he stepped in front of it, blocking the way. "Let her sleep—she needs it. Have you seen her when she came back?! She isn't in the constitution to fly back into a battle which could easily end her life if it's really Xaden. Have you thought about that for just a second? What it would do to her? How distracting it would be because all she will think about is how to save him, but not herself?"

Brennan was right; even YN could admit that. But despite how much she had grown to like him—even love him as the brother she never had—he couldn't stop her from whatever she tried to accomplish, especially not when it happened to concern the one man she loved more than anything in this world. So it was easy to grab the sword resting against the armchair and push it into the sheath strapped across her back, the quiver and bow following closely.

The steps of her boots echoed through the room, not caring if anyone would hear her because she would be gone before they'd realize she had been awake to overhear them. She knew Riorson House better than her own home, so it was easy to open the double-sided windows into the morning hours of the day barely beginning, the sky tinted a pretty hue of pink and red. Her feet found the stone edge of the windowsill, and her hands grabbed onto the sturdy vines climbing across this side of the house, and with a grace she didn't feel like having in her tired body anymore, YN swung herself into the green and climbed down, disappearing into the city.

Her mind opened further and searched for the bond to her dragon, feeling his dark presence in the back of her mind, his focus sharp and unyielding. "Are we off to another battle, Stormy One?" If the situation were different, YN would probably huff at the silly nickname the dark beast had given her even before her signet had manifested. "Yes—and I don't want to hear a single word about not being allowed to do so anymore. I'm not made of glass all of a sudden." She would never sit behind just to please others, not when the happiness of her future was hinging by an almost nonexistent thread.

YN would never leave him behind in the dirt, having to fend and fight for himself like he had done for so long. No, she would move heavens and earths in order to find the one thing that would bring him back.

The dragon huffed into her mind, displeasure evident. "I am not one of your human friends, girl. I may not feel entirely content with flying into battles while you are carrying a child, but I will protect you both. Nothing will happen to either you or the little one." His words hung heavy between them; not only a fickle promise but a vow. "I will hold you to that," her voice only a whisper, her hand gently touching the leathers across her belly when she reached the outskirts of the city where the dragons rested.

Tairn was already in front of them, Sgaeyl right next to him, and both dragons watched the woman stepping closer, determination evident on YN's face. "It is him, girl, isn't it?" Her voice flooded her mind, and YN stopped before the blue daggertail, nodding at her question. "Yes." It was as simple as that. "I do not know how you gather all this hope in your heart, and I do not need to understand it. But if one can find a cure and bring him back, it is you, storm wielder." Swallowing, YN stretched one hand out when Sgaeyl lowered her proud head and pressed the side of it against the small palm, warmth seeping into her skin at the contact of the blue scales. "I cannot lose hope. I won't. Not with so much at stake."

It wasn't just her life that could be ruined if she failed, but the life of her unborn child as well. She didn't want the tiny being growing inside her to grow up without a father, without the man YN had learned to love so deeply; it seemed impossible at the beginning. This baby had a right to know their extraordinary father—not just through stories and whispered tales behind closed doors.

The ring resting on her left finger felt heavy at that moment; the promise they had made to one another was almost like a burden on her shoulders. If Xaden couldn't carry it, she would do it for both of them until they stood in front of a priest, blessing their union, and making them one in the eyes of the gods.

"YNN—fuck!"

The shouted curse made her turn, blinking against the rising sun to find Garrick stumbling uphill, almost losing his footing in the dewy grass. "YN!" His eyes found her when he stumbled across a stone, and his massively built body was almost floored to the ground. "And that one is bonded to Chradh?" Sgaeyl growled without a flicker of humor, but YN knew—the blue daggertail meant it that way. She had it in her—somewhere. At least Tairn huffed in amusement for a moment before his protectiveness demanded its place, and he took one earth-shaking step forward, growling in warning when Garrick finally reached them.

The brunet watched both dragons with raised hands before he stared at YN, almost pleadingly. Icy coldness flooded her body, and she slowly shook her head. "No," she said definitively. "You won't make me stay." She turned, ready to climb Tairn's leg and leave Aretia behind, flying into battle just like the other riders already in the skies. The sound of his steps made her stop with her hands on the black scales, followed by the words she didn't anticipate. "I'd never dream of it, YNN. I want to come with you." Turning again, the woman watched him, one of her closest friends, trying to decipher if he truly meant it. "You want to come with me?" It sounded more surprised than she had initially planned, and he seemed relieved by her question. "Yes. I know you have Tairn, and you don't need more protection than that, but let me be by your side, watching your back. Just in case. I want to help however I can because that's…—that's what Xaden would want me to do."

Hurt flashed inside her very being at the sound of his name, at the reminder of what she had lost all those weeks ago during the attack when he had tried to protect her with everything that he was, paying the ultimate price for her safety. It was her fault. YN knew that, and everyone around her knew it, too.

Swallowing against the all-consuming pain threatening to push the tears back into her eyes, YN slowly nodded, stepping closer and letting him pull her into a tight hug. "Thank you," was all she whispered into the leather protecting his chest, feeling a kiss pressed to the crown of her head. "We will find a way."

He couldn't possibly know that, and still, it warmed her heart that she wasn't the only one clinging to hope.

The sun had almost risen to its zenith when they finally arrived at the battlefield, already littered with bodies—both human and venin—and without having to tell Garrick her plan, he followed close when Tairn dove into a fall to rip a wyvern off of a green dragon and its rider. Chradh was close behind in order to grip onto the wyvern's wing, holding it in place with Tairn, and Garrick shielded his eyes as soon as he saw YN raising both her hands, calling for her signet. The energy gathering above her charged the air around them, and when she felt the now familiar sensation of it tickling her skin, she let the lightning loose, aiming at the venin screaming on their dragon and eradicating them in a silver flash, burned to the bones. The wyvern's distressed sounds quieted when its rider died, and both dragons let it fall toward the ground, roaring triumphantly.

YN's breath had grown shallow at the power cursing through her, feeling it eating on her energy and strength, but she couldn't stop. Not until she had found Xaden among their enemies.

"We need to find him!" She shouted over the fighting noise around them, echoing off the mountains surrounding the valley. Garrick all but nodded and let his dragon fly to the side of the valley, flying wide circles over the terrain. YN did just that as well, letting Tairn choose his own part of the area, knowing he would look out for any enemies to destroy them with her while also searching for his mate's rider.

After almost an hour, the woman pressed herself flat on her dragon, trying to catch her breath. "I don't know how long I can do this," she let the black shadow carrying her know even though he had already sensed it. "I know, Stormy One. You did well." His deep, rumbling voice was comforting in her mind, warm even at the praise. "We should not encounter much more, I promise. They are fleeing like rats," he informed her after another bend around the valley, the mountainside towering right next to them, and indeed, the commotion of the fighting grew fainter with each passing moment.

At least until Tairn roared in warning and leaped into a free fall, making YN scream in surprise before she gathered her wits again and pressed herself even tighter against the black scales underneath her, holding on tight onto the pommel of hardened dragon skin, tears straining her eyes despite the flying goggles protecting them. "Chradh," was all her dragon pushed into her mind for an explanation, and immediately, worry filled her. "Garrick," she whispered into the strong winds trying to push her off of her dragon, but her body was trained into perfecting flying, holding her right where she belonged as Tairn roared anew and spat out a wall of fire, separating Garrick and his dragon as he fought off a venin and their wyvern.

With a fighting scream herself, YN let the lightning gather its strength above them before it rained down on their enemies, the impact throwing the brunet several feet away, but the venin crumbled into dust, and the wyvern died in the dirt next to them. Without waiting for Tairn to land fully, she climbed off her seat and slid off his back, the jump straining her knees when she hit the ground and almost tumbled face-first into the grass but gathered her balance in the last moment. "Garrick!" YN shouted for him as she started to run, crossing the distance through the cloud of sand, dirt, and smoke, coughing when she finally passed it with a hand covering her nose and mouth.

The glint of a sword in the sunlight was the first and only warning she would get, her body and mind moving on instinct alone—her own sword drawing as she leaped into the space between a passed-out Garrick and his attacker, and the horrible sound of clashing sharpened steel traveled across the valley when they stood head to head. It took a moment too long for YN to realize the recognition coursing through her when her eyes wandered across the opposing steel, taking in the intricate runes hammered into the surface.

She knew those runes. She had seen them numerous times when she had watched him cleaning and polishing his sword in the courtyard of Basgiath or their bedroom in Aretia. She had memorized them every time she had watched him train with one of their squad mates. She had kissed each and every one for strength and protection before he had been sent off into battle.

Her gaze jumped, traveling in dragon speed up the familiar body while her heart stopped for several long beats; the organ clenching painfully in her chest when she reached his handsome face, now lined with red veins, his once onyx eyes now tinted an angry shade of red.

She had done that to him.

Only because of her very existence did Xaden take too much and turn into their worst nightmare.

It's all my fault.

The sentence echoed through her mind, bouncing off the walls in every direction possible, making the pain and the loss almost unbearable.

Their swords still met between their bodies, pushing against one another in a silent fight, both staring into each other's eyes, unmoving. "Xaden," slipped past her lips in a desperate plea, trying to make him realize who she was, what she once had been to him not that long ago. The red in his eyes grew in its intensity at the sound of her voice, and he bared his teeth to her, growling, but he didn't use his entire strength to push her blade into moving toward her very own throat. "Xaden, please. You know who I am—I know somewhere in there is a part of you that knows me, just how I know you." It was merely a hope in the form of a silly blade of grass she clung onto now because she couldn't possibly know what still lived inside him and what had died that day. Sgaeyl wouldn't tell her if Xaden still communicated with her because this would ultimately mean that some part of him had survived.

Tears spilled over her cheeks, and her hands around the hilt of her sword started to shake at the strain in her muscles, forcing a sob out of her. "I have to believe that something remains in you, Xaden. Something I can fight for. You did this for me; you fought to keep me safe and alive, and now it's my turn to do the same. Do you understand me?" He leaned in closer for a heartbeat or two, taking her in, but not a single word left his lips. "I would never abandon our promise," YN whispered, and with one final push, she threw her sword away, somewhere to her right, way out of reach. Tairn tried to invade her mind, but all she could do was block him out.

She couldn't do this.

Her hope shriveled into a meager little sapling, prepared to turn brown and die.

Pulling off the ring Xaden had gifted her six months ago during a starry night filled with laughter and love, she held it up between them, the light blue aquamarine—his birthstone—catching the sunlight. "You gave this to me as a promise of a future together when all this is over. I promised you the same in return—a life filled with joy and happiness because that's what you deserve." He paused at that; only for a moment, but it was there, she knew it. "I won't fight you because I keep my promises. I always have."

Slowly, YN raised her other hand, pulling the bow and quiver off her back and letting it tumble to her feet; her daggers, strapped across both ribs and thighs, followed close. He watched her with an almost unnerving intensity and made her skin crawl, but it was still Xaden—somewhere deep down, it had to be him. Vulnerable as she was, she didn't expect him to raise his sword again, not when he had been almost calm, and she knew she would die—just like her hope and her baby. Their little one.

Another tear slid down her face when YN kept staring into his eyes, not letting him out of sight. He seemed to struggle against his own mind, his muscles flexing and trying to fight off whatever it was. The sword came closer and closer, the sharp blade almost nudging the skin at her neck when his movements stopped anew, his breathing hard and fast, and a droplet of sweat rolling down his temple.

"I won't fight you, Xaden," YN whispered again, never breaking their gazes, never moving an inch away from the death sentence that was his blade. "I have loved you for so long, and I will love you even after my death." Nothing in this world or beyond could take that away from her, not even Xaden himself.

One of her hands wrapped itself around the deathly steel, and YN didn't even flinch when she cut herself; the pain immediate and burning, the blood trailing down it, catching at the runes on its way to follow gravity. His eyes widened a fraction, now watching her blood, her injured hand, his chest heaving. She gripped the sword tighter, the red of her life essence spilling between her fingers, marking the moment when the sword he had sworn would always protect her, hurt her. "Look at me, Xaden." It was both a demand and a plea, and Xaden looked back at her, something like shadows curling in his red irises. "I know you're still in there, Xaden Riorson. Somewhere a part of you has survived, a part that did not succumb to the power, that could not hold on to it."

Gritting her teeth, YN pulled at the sword, feeling the steel digging deeper into her flesh, more blood seeping out of the wound, drenching her arm, and she only stopped when she felt it right against her neck, resting on the vulnerable vein pulsing right underneath her skin. She knew she couldn't cling long enough to this life to be saved when the man she loved decided to nick the skin, and she would pay the ultimate price in her pursuit of saving him.

She watched as Xaden's swirling eyes jumped to the point where they were joined, watching the blood trickle down, watching her hurt herself for him. His still handsome face contorted in confusion, in agony, in despair; the emotions so clear and almost palpable, YN could reach out and feel the pain radiating off his body.

"I know you can let go of it, Xaden. You are so strong, so incredibly brave. You overcame things no human being should even have to overcome. You are the best of all of us, you carry the burden and still live for a codex only the worthiest of men can live up to."

He was so close now that she could feel his warmth through her flight leathers, feel that ratchet power cursing through him.

"You never wanted this, you never strive for the absolute power, Xaden. This is my fault, and I would happily accept this burden if it means freeing you from it." A quiet sob forced its way out over her lips, and Xaden bent infinitesimally closer, the shadows claiming more of his eyes, fighting against the venin-red in a bitter fight for dominance. YN wanted to kneel in front of him, to beg every deity, every power in this world for guidance, for help, but instead, she continued to stare up at him, continued to bleed for him.

Perhaps she would pay the ultimate price for being too hopeful.

Shakily inhaling, her other hand softly, gently touched his wrist, feeling the warm skin, the electricity still dancing between them whenever they touched. "I need you," was all she could whisper when she had coaxed his hand from the corded hilt of his sword, his arm easy to maneuver in her hold as if his mind had to fight its battle without forcing him to withstand and fight everything he faced in reality. "We need you, Xaden."

There wouldn't be a kick for a long while, but the swell of her belly was unmistakably palpable for a hand as big as Xaden's, for fingers so long they almost entirely covered her front. Without moving or even breathing, her eyes watched him gazing down at their point of contact, skin touching skin, and his eyes flashed red, but his hand didn't move from her stomach, from where they had created something magical without knowing it.

"Please… Let go of it, my love. If not for me then for them. They deserve to know their incredible father. They deserve to grow up in a household filled with love, laughter, and strength. They deserve to know you."

Xaden's fingers that were pressed into the leather covering her body slightly flexed at those words, the red still warring against the shadows trying to reclaim their master, the veins pulsing angrily at the sheer force of power trying to eat him alive. His sword shook in her hand, and when he let go of the hilt, YN quickly abandoned her own hold on it, cupping his face in her hands, her warm blood covering his cheek. A deep growling groan escaped him as she pulled him down towards her, holding him right there, their foreheads pressed to one another.

"You are in control of yourself, Xaden—you always have been. Don't stop now when we need you the most." Whispering against his lips, YN kissed him despite everything, his hands flexing around her wrists and his lips moving in muted words, tears streaming down his face.

"Let go."

It was her last and final plea—perhaps both Zihnal and Dunne had mercy on them. Maybe it was sheer will. Despite not knowing what had changed, YN didn't question it when the mountain of a man fell to his knees and looked up at the sky, crying tears of blood and salt, an anguished battle cry escaping him. The force of power exploding around him pushed her backward, and instinctively, YN wrapped her arms protectively around her middle when she hit the hard, unyielding ground and rolled over stones and weapons before lying completely still.

Blinking against the ache and pain inside her body, she waited for something—anything.

And then—movements. Crunching stone under moving limbs and a deep sob traveling across the short distance.

“No. No, no, no, no! YN!”

She couldn't move, not daring to do so, when his oh-so-familiar voice entered her ears, and his warm body settled behind her, his warm hands grabbing her shoulders to gently roll her over. Coughing against the settling dust and squinting against the bright sky, YN looked up into his hovering face, one of his hands now cradling her neck and pulling her into his lap, sheltering her with his broad body.

"Xaden…?"

Another sob escaped him, tears of blood still streaming down his face where vein after vein slowly retreated, and the red in his irises being swallowed whole by the familiar onyx black specked with flecks of gold and amber. She still couldn't grasp it, not until his hand raised hers to his lips, kissing one blood-stained knuckle after the other.

"It's really you," YN whispered and smiled tiredly, her own tears leaking from the corner of her eyes. His nod was all but a confirmation; her hope starting to blossom into something more sturdy and permanent. "Whatever you did, it pushed the part of my soul still left behind to fight harder than before." His voice was hoarse from the lack of use, but he kept her close to his chest, ignoring the shakiness in his arms. "Thank you." It was barely a mumble, but she still heard it despite the sounds from behind them.

"Don't you dare drag me again like some kind of massive bone! YN! Hey, woah. No, no, no! Stop killing your wife!" Xaden rose with her in his arms and turned to a reawakened Garrick, staring dumbfounded at his best friend. "Don't be mad at him," YN all but whispered softly, trying herself on a smile for their friend as he shortened the distance between them and took them both in, eyes widening and mouth almost agape. "I'm not." And still, she could clearly hear the hurt in his rough voice, which would take time to disappear. She would be there, though. For everything that might come in the aftermath, whatever he needed to overcome to close this chapter.

Tairn growled when his massive body landed, and his burning eyes settled on them. "I will not allow you to commit such miscalculated stupidity again, girl. I will not tolerate it! And do not dear block me out ever again!" Too exhausted to argue with the angry black dragon, YN all but nodded and allowed Xaden and him to carry her onto her seat, wanting to escape this place as soon as possible.

She needed to bring Xaden home and far away from here—so that's what they did.

The sensation of soft sheets was the first thing he picked up on when sleep finally evaded him, and he woke with a groan. Even softer hands, one wrapped in something aching to a bandage, immediately took one of his hands between hers, and the mattress dipped slightly when her weight settled onto its edge. He knew without looking that it was YN right at his side, just where she had been when he first arrived back at Riorson House, half delusional from the exhaustion.

Home.

When he opened his eyes, Xaden groaned yet again at the brightness filtering through the windows, the curtains barely containing the light from a properly beautiful day outside these walls, and blinking, his eyes searched for her face. He found her immediately, the worry-etched lines between her soft brows deepening, but still, she tried to cover it up with her smile illuminating his entire world.

His heart ached when he thought about what she had been through—what they had been through—he barely could look into her eyes even though he knew there was not a single trace of accusation to be found. Yet, he felt guilt eating at him for putting her into this situation, the danger. Xaden once had vowed to protect her with all that he was, and all he had—and that vow had been turned to dust.

"Hi." Her soft whisper, still edged by insecurity and disbelief, pulled the Riorson back, made his mind shut up in an instant as it pinpoint-focused on her. "Hi," was his quiet return, and both squeezed their hands simultaneously, pulling strength out of the small touch. "How are you feeling? Are you thirsty?" Already trying to pull away to fill the glass waiting on his bedside table, Xaden stopped her with another squeeze of her fingers, making her look back at him. "I'm all right," he promised because, despite the exhaustion still rattling his body and his muscles feeling weak unlike ever before, he was all right. More so than that.

He finally felt like himself again. And she was the sole reason that he still was here.

Gently coaxing her bandaged hand closer to him, the man pressed a gentle kiss to the covered palm. His memories from that day were foggy at best, but he vividly remembered seeing her blood spill—it was the moment when he dared to fight harder than he had ever done so in his life to get back to her.

"I'm so sorry."

His voice grew raspy and even deeper, the distress clinging to his words. He did all that to her. To them.

"Don't you dare apologize for something you would never choose willingly, for something you couldn't control, Xaden Riorson. I won't allow it." Her words came immediately, and he sucked in a deep breath, feeling her hand gently cradling his face, the pad of her thumb caressing his cheek. He felt his eyes as they grew glassy, and blinking against it, Xaden pulled her hand off his face to press it against his steadily beating heart while his eyes traveled down her body until his gaze rested heavily on the barely there curve of her stomach.

"How are you?"

A soft laugh escaped YN at his question, making his lips twitch in growing joy. "We're okay. More than that now that you're with us." Lacing their fingers, YN let his hand cover the tiny bump hidden behind her flowy tunic, sighing deeply when Xaden's fingers flexed above it. "I think I heard Brennan shouting in the hallway last night," the Riorson mused, watching her roll her pretty eyes. "He spilled the secret, and now everyone knows of my… condition. That's what he did."

They both knew the Sorrengail only acted from a place of worry and love; YN didn't have to spell it out for him.

"I'm glad there was someone who took care of you and the little one when I couldn't," Xander murmured, making her look at him. "But I am here now. I will renew my vow to always protect you and our child, mo chroi. You two are my home, my everything." His voice broke at the last word, and she was there immediately, claiming her place at his side, allowing him to wrap her in his arms, pulling her incredibly close. Xaden felt her soft, warm lips press gentle kisses along his neck and jaw, like the touches of butterfly wings when they strove too close and her fingers buried into the short hair at the nape of his neck. "You are our everything, too, Xaden," YN whispered back, gently coaxing him to look at her where she was pressed to his body, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder. "Whatever comes, we will be a family. We will be one. I will protect you with everything that I have and everything that I am—you and our child."

Those words still amazed the Riorson, his mind still reeling every time he dared to think or speak them, not yet entirely at ease with the thought of their existence in this world filled with war, battles, and enemies. But he would protect them—he would protect them with his life.

Nothing would come between him and his family.

Never again.

Thank you so much for reading! Please consider leaving a like, a reblog, and a comment—it would mean the world to me <3

[tthoroughfare]

garden daisy (part 3) // ellie williams

*･゜ﾟ･* summary: things are sort of back to normal. ellie lends you the fuck ass gray hoodie, and you do what you will with it.

*･゜ﾟ･* pairing: modern!ellie x reader

*･゜ﾟ･* content: nsfw. masturbation and fantasizing, you're a loser

*･゜ﾟ･* length: 2.6k

this is part three of this series! find part one here

masterlist

i'm back for real!! thank you for your patience while i took a break. i don't wanna lose my momentum with writing so if anyone has any requests for blurbs feel free to let me know. i really love the way this part turned out, i hope you do too :)

for a little while, you feel comforted by your half-admission. you note that ellie, subconsciously or otherwise, draws back towards you. she starts planning more things for the two of you again, stops talking about haley so much.

while you feel a selfish relief, something still feels off. you get pangs of guilt out of nowhere, hoping she’s doing it because she wants to and not simply because she doesn’t want to upset you. she’s a selfless pacifist when it comes to your friendship, never wanting to disturb the balance. you’ve barely had three arguments the whole time you’ve known each other, each over pathetic things, each ending with her crawling back and settling herself at the side of you, quipping an ellie version of an apology.

while her pride would always get in the way of the words i’m sorry actually coming out of her mouth, you knew what she was trying to say. she’d always show, never tell.

you also feel guilty for lying to her. try to soothe yourself by saying you’re not lying, just not telling her the whole truth. is lying by omission still as bad as regular lying? you can’t decide. 

still, it feels a million times better than the anxiety clenching at your chest whenever you entertain the concept of telling her.

“no jacket?” ellie’s voice sounds as she emerges from down the hall, breaking your train of thought.

you snap out of it, glancing down at yourself. maybe not layering in early spring was a risky one; regardless, you’re too lazy to walk back to your room. “nah, last time they were blasting the hot air in there. and we’re only walking to and from the car, right?”

“your call,” she shrugs, shoving her wallet into her backpack and picking up her keys. “ready?”

“yessir.”

the drive to the nearest cinema is a short one, ellie nevertheless deliberating on which playlist to choose for the equivalent of half the journey.

“bro, just pick one,” you groan, head falling back against the seat as you watch her flick through spotify. “coulda’ fucking been there by now.”

“jesus, my bad for trying to curate the vibe.”

“you’re so stupid,” you reply, but the fond sheen in your eye and the way your mouth curves gives you away. “who says ‘curate the vibe’?”

“uh… me? thank you very much.” she catches your eye briefly as she finally hits play, putting her old ford into reverse and backing out of her spot.

“the only vibe you’re curating is that pink monstrosity dina got you for christmas.”

her nose scrunches as she lets out a chuckle, checking either side for traffic before pulling out of your building’s parking lot. “shut up.”

taking a pause, your gaze flits between your hands and ellie’s profile. you keep your tone light, teasing. “you actually used that thing?”

ellie answers without thinking. “nah, it sucks. it’s, like, a cheap ass battery powered one. i think she got it from a corner store.”

“damn. didn’t realize you were so picky about your… vibes,” you jest, noticing the way her freckled cheeks flower a light dusting of pink at the topic. despite your closeness, you never really talked about sex. “what’s wrong with battery powered?”

“nothing, just…” she trails off with a small shrug, laughing uncomfortably.

it’s hard not to continue poking at her when she gets like this. while a somewhat awkward individual, there aren’t many subjects that make ellie squirm. “is this why there’s an aux cable plugged in next to your bed?”

“stop.”

“what? i’m intrigued.” sitting back and folding your arms, you tut. “thought you were trying to play music through the walls.”

“i will turn the motherfucking car around,” she deadpans, unable to keep her act up when she takes her eyes off the road for a split-second to meet your gaze. the both of you share a laugh, ellie’s face still tinged beet.

you know you’re only joking, but you have to try and ignore how the thought of it makes you feel. the way your lower stomach twists a little at the idea of ellie making herself cum in the room next to you, skin the same pretty tone of pink as it is now, muffling her sounds so you can’t hear.

readjusting yourself in the seat subconsciously, you swat the image firmly from your mind. it’s one thing to fantasize about your best friend under the shield of nighttime and solitude — another entirely while she’s right next to you.

upon arriving, you begin to question your choice of clothing. the last few times you’d been to this particular cinema, you’d dressed for warmth only for them to apparently be attempting to cook the movie-goers. this time, once you’d gotten settled in and the trailers were rolling, a chill started to permeate. you don’t think they have the heat on at all. 

classic.

you do your damndest to convince yourself you’re not cold. not only do you not want to admit to yourself you made a mistake, you don’t want to admit it to ellie. ‘well, i did say…’ her know-it-all voice chimes through your head.

however, it gets much more difficult to pay it no mind. you shuffle and reshuffle in your seat the whole first half of the movie, tucking your arms around yourself. in your peripheral, ellie’s clearly taking notice; she turns her head each time before finally leaning in. 

“you cold?”

you’re stubborn, pausing before answering, avoiding looking at her. “no. these seats just suck. not comfortable.”

“dude, you’re cold,” she scoffs quietly. you think she’s just making to sit back again, until you realize she’s slipping her arms out of her hoodie. 

“no, no, it’s fine,” you whisper, resting the back of your hand on her upper arm to try and stop her. of course she doesn’t listen, tugging it off all the way and holding it out.

“it’s fine, i have my jacket.” when you don’t do anything, she shoves it gently into your hands with a smirk. “if you aren’t cold, don’t put it on.”

pulling a face at her, you relent to the playful challenge. ellie’s smell, the one you’ve grown to associate with home, envelops you as the fabric passes over your face. it’s still warm from her wearing it, the goosebumps prickling at your arms soothed.

satisfied, she grabs her jacket from the empty seat at the side of her and slips it on. you almost think you’re scot-free until —

“i did say ‘no jacket?’” she mumbles at you, leaning in once more. you just keep your eyes trained on the screen, flipping her off from the armrest with an amused smile.

after the movie ends, she doesn’t ask for it back. you decide to grab food after, and she doesn’t ask for it back then either. it’s only when you get home that you tell her you’re gonna take a shower, and try to hand it over.

“just give it back whenever,” she responds, looking at her feet when she continues. “kinda… suits you more, anyway.”

her eyes flicker back up at you, then across the room. you can feel your cheeks turning red, unable to help the way a smile spreads across your face. that could mean nothing, you say to yourself. tone it down.

“what are you gonna wear in the meantime?” you joke, a meager attempt to reestablish your footing after the way her comment flustered you. “never see you in anything else.”

ellie blinks slowly, corners of her mouth twitching and shrugging lightly. you’re sure she’s blushing a little, too.

there’s another pause, one that feels heavier than normal. after a few seconds of the both of you doing your best to avoid eye contact, you speak softly as you pass her to get to the bathroom. “whatever, weirdo.”

the whole encounter replays in your head while you shower, you convincing and unconvincing yourself she was flirting ten times over. there had been strange moments like that littered throughout your entire friendship with ellie.

most notably, the time you were both fifteen and she stole a bottle of whiskey from joel, the two of you passing it back and forth on the living room floor. it was childish, each sip and grimace getting your lightweight heads fuzzier, giggles increasing in volume. at one point, you were leaning back against the sofa when she inched closer to you, resting the side of her face on the upholstery.

“i gotta tell you something,” she’d stated lowly, trying to hide the slight slur in her words. you nodded, pivoting your body to face her. you’d been so close, you could smell the liquor on her breath.

“it’s, like, totally cool if you don’t wanna be friends with me after this—“ she paused, visibly thinking before interrupting herself. “—actually, no it’s not, you’d be a really shitty person.”

that had made you laugh, a burst escaping you before you could stop it. ellie had shushed you so as to not wake joel, trying not to laugh herself. “stop. i’m trying to be serious.”

“okay, be serious.”

“uh… i, uh… damn, lot of pressure now…”

you smiled and let out a groan of her name, her floundering around both irritating and adorable.

“okay, i… uh…” she’d looked down and her face had twitched before meeting your eyes again. “i like girls.”

you remember having a funny feeling in your stomach upon finding that out. you already knew you looked at girls differently, too. maybe even ellie.

still, all you could muster was an earnest smile and a quiet, “that’s okay.”

a moment had passed, ellie fidgeting slightly and swallowing. “okay.”

something hung in the air. in your state, you’d accidentally caught yourself looking at her lips too long. and you thought she’d done the same — no, you were positive. you even thought she could have been about to lean in, eyelashes fluttering, right when the ceiling light was hit and joel’s voice rang out.

“do you know what time it is? get the hell to bed,” he’d grumbled, rubbing at his forehead. you and ellie had leapt apart, and you’d felt so guilty at the proximity you’d forgotten all about the mostly-empty bottle at your feet. 

that is, until joel had rounded the sofa and spied it, grabbing it with a sigh and muttering under his breath as he made his way to the kitchen. “jesus christ, you couldn’t have picked the cheap shit.”

you sat like a scolded dog as he placed it back in the cabinet, messing awkwardly with your hands. you didn’t look at ellie once, not sure if you’d be more nervous to see her looking away, or at you. joel had turned back around and padded over towards ellie, more frustrated than angry. “you know tommy bought that for me? was supposed to be savin’ it.”

she’d pursed her lips, sheepish. “my bad.”

everyone in the room knew he wasn’t going to get an apology out of her. so, he’d simply blown air out of his mouth after a beat, turning with a hand on his hip and the other pointed towards you. “you’re lucky i’m not gon’ call your parents.”

“thank you,” you’d replied pathetically.

“what in the hell were you thinkin’?” he stated, looking between the pair of you before shaking his head, knowing there was no point attempting to debate. “you know what, i ain’t even — just get to bed. go on.”

you hadn’t said another word to ellie that night, slept facing the wall as far away as the bed allowed. sure, you felt terrible for being caught stealing alcohol, but your spinning head was honing in on the moment before.

in the morning, you woke up to raging nausea and ellie pretending she was too drunk to remember anything. you could see through her, though.

out of the shower, you sift through your drawer for something to sleep in, yet your eyes keep falling on ellie’s hoodie atop your chair. you pull out an old t-shirt you got at a concert, fingertips brushing against the sweater underneath that was relegated to nightwear when you spilled coffee down it. you don’t want to wear either of them.

“stupid,” you murmur to yourself, grabbing a pair of shorts and slipping them on then stuffing the drawer closed. the hoodie’s swiftly tugged back over your head, light flipped off and you’re in bed before you have time to scold yourself into taking it off.

as much as you try to settle, there’s too much on your mind. too much of someone. it starts off as ruminating over if you stand a chance, culminates in imagining what could happen if you do. 

how it would feel to kiss her; plush lips you try so hard not to look at working against yours. her mouth moving downwards and tongue darting out, wet and hot against the skin of your neck.

letting out a sharp breath, you turn over onto your back. you allow a hand to slide underneath the fabric of ellie’s hoodie, gently kneading at your breast, rolling your nipple between thumb and forefinger. as you trail the fingertips of your free hand over your stomach, you give a squeeze to your waist. you tell yourself you don’t know why you did that — you know. you’re pretending it’s her hands all over you.

you’re still pretending when you dip underneath the waistband of your shorts, allowing a gasp to escape as you arrive at your clit. you’re soaked just from thinking about it. beginning a steady rhythm, your brain flashes back to the conversation before, the one where you’d been messing with ellie. the consequential images littering your mind’s eye.

what if that’s what she’s doing now, too? pressure builds as you delve back into the concept you’d so intensely shut down earlier, allowing it to take hold. thinking of her fucking herself on the other side of the wall, mouth in the crook of her elbow as she grinds her puffy clit into the pads of her fingers. forgoing that to reach for her vibrator, desperately fumbling at the buttons as she presses it between her slick lips.

you know you could make her feel so much better.

the way she’d tilt her head back as you brushed over her pussy, stopping to firmly circle at her sweet spot. the pretty noises she’d make, sighs of your name punctuated by breathy moans. the way you’d suckle at her collar, easily sliding two fingers inside and savoring how blunt fingernails dig into your shoulder.

you’re right on the edge imagining it — grabbing for your throw pillow in an attempt to mask the sounds you’re incapable of holding back, you’re met with it just beyond reach. desperate, you go for the next best thing.

balling up the fabric of the hoodie, you tug it over your mouth. the familiar scent overwhelms your already on-fire senses, a layer of immersion. as much as you’d never admit it to yourself, you know that’s what tips you over; heat spiraling until it comes crashing down, waves pulsing through you.

you twitch your way through it until you’re spent, allowing one hand to drop to your side, the other resting over your sweat-sheened forehead. the collar of the hoodie keeps its position by your mouth, your breath fanning back over you.

fuck.

you’d just wash it before you gave it back.

tags: @abbysleftbicepp @dollinrehab @liztreez @vahnilla @xaaaavleg @fatbootymuncher @sqandroct14 @yasmilks @piercedome

[plaidos]

which characters from mario kart aside from toadette know what a perineum is

Mario & Luigi both do due to their lifelong proximity to trans girls. Mario learned on the go with one of his trans exes, Luigi learned through reading a zine. Princess Peach has no idea what a perineum is and if you try and explain it to her she’ll be like, “ugh why would I need to know how to please somebody with a penis, women are way more fun” despite dating/hooking up with mostly exclusively men (cis and trans alike). She would not respond well to being told everybody has one. Toad knows however.

Yoshi knows what the perineum is from being close with Birdetta, who doesn’t have a perineum (not being a mammal) but just knows from other trans girls. Bowser learned about the perineum having sex with Luigi. Funky & Donkey Kong both know it, but only by the word “taint”. Diddy Kong has no fucking clue. Koopa Troopers and Dry Bones basically all know through a propaganda campaign Bowser launched to raise awareness for the perineum and its wonders after Luigi introduced him to it intimately. Peach still has no clue despite visiting Bowser’s kingdoms dozens of times as part of their elaborate kidnapping/cuckoldry roleplay with Mario, which breaks both of their hearts.

Wario has his own snakeoil brand of taint lotions; the bottles have his face on. Waluigi knows because he’s the number one chaser in the Mushroom Kingdom and he’s low-key good at it. Daisy knows about it through Luigi, that guy read Fucking Trans Women once became the number one perineum advocate. one day he’ll realise.

Toadette knows through being a trans lesbian even though she’s not a mammal and probably doesn’t have a perineum herself. Petey Piranha has no fucking clue even after you explain it to him. King Boo knows. no further elaboration required. the Shy Guys are all eggs so it’s like 50/50 on whether they know.

Rosalina knows, being the seven foot transsexual sex goddess she is. Pauline knows for similar reasons. Wiggler knows but only after googling it when Wario called them a taint. Kamek is a transmasc with like six transfem exes and he still has no idea what it is because he's bad in bed. Lakitu, on the other hand, is a transmasc virgin who knows what a perineum is and is gonna make a trans girl really happy one day.

aaaaand none of the babies know on account of them not knowing anything cause they're babies. all of Bowser's kids know, though. from the propaganda campaign. much to their embarrassment.

BONUS ROUND: Link & Isabelle know, obviously. from all the t4t sex (although not with each other). the inklings know from explicit lyrics in the Squid Sisters' music (they're basically like the squid equivalent of ayesha erotica). the Villagers have no idea because lets be real the people playing those games dont know what a perineum is.

BONUS BONUS ROUND: Dry Bowser knows because he's just Bowser during no nut november; Peachette knows because she's Toadette but the overwhelming Peach power influences her to not give a shit about it against her actual beliefs; Tanooki Mario knows because it's just Mario in a fursuit; Cat Peach doesn't for the same reason. Metal/Gold Mario/Pink Gold Peach are just Mario & Peach using metal power-ups.